Green Bench Monthly Vol. 7, Issue 5, May 2022

VOL. 7, ISSUE 5, MAY 2022

Green Bench Monthly

St. Pete’s Community Magazine Before Princess Martha:

Remembering Hotel Mason pg. 6

People of St. Pete

Kim Amos pg. 9

St. Pete Rising

Downtown Developments pg. 20

Things to do in May

Markets & More pg. 22

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Publishers Ashley & Tony Sica

Editor Mary Jane Park

Contributors Tina Stewart Brakebill Suzanne Driscoll Gabrielle Reeder Brian Zucker

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Photographers

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Brian Brakebill Kristina Holman Musaweron Photography

IN THIS ISSUE

Advertising Sales

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From the Bench

14 St. Pete Dance: Exercise and Fun for All

Sally Epply sally@greenbenchmonthly.com

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Before The Princess Martha: Remembering Hotel Mason

18 Parks of St. Pete: Walter Fuller Park

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People of St. Pete: Kim Amos

20 Downtown Developments

by St. Pete Rising

Cover Photo Mason Hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida. 1924 (circa).

State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.

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

10 Poolseye: Great Service, Consistency and Communication Keep Customers Happy

22 Events: Festivals, Markets, & More

12 Benoot Realty: Real Estate Services with a Personal Touch

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St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market, www.SaturdayMorningMarket.com. Photo by City of St. Petersburg

From the Bench

us a peek into what's on the horizon (pg. 20), plus lots of events (pg. 22) and local businesses (all the pages) for you to check out.

Till next time,

A note from the Publishers Happy Mother's Day, St. Pete! Mother's Day is extra special for us this year because Tony and I are expecting our first child. She is due July 31st.

We are so thrilled and can't wait to show her around St. Pete!

The St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market announced that it hired Lacey Ott as its new Executive Director / Market Manager. The Saturday Morning Market has been an institution for locals and visitors for nearly twenty years, under the leadership of founder and manager Gail Eggeman, who retired this year. Find info about the Market and participating vendors at saturdaymorningmarket.com.

This month we remember Hotel Mason (pg. 6), St. Pete Rising gives

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Ashley & Tony Tony and Ashley Sica Publishers / Owners

All are welcome on this bench.

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

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Before The Princess Martha: Remembering Hotel Mason

Mason Hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida. 1924 (circa).

State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.

By Tina Stewart Brakebill In 1995, the St. Petersburg City Council designated the Princess Martha as a historic landmark. Operating as a hotel for nearly 65 years, and then as a home for retirees, the stately Neoclassical red-brick building stands as a reminder of the city’s first big boom. It was one of 10 hotels constructed between 1923 and 1926. Its builders promised “features that are scarcely rivaled” that will “add immediately to the

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prestige which the city’s new great tourist hotels are bringing to St. Petersburg.” Opened with much fanfare on January 4, 1924, the Hotel Mason, as it was originally called, lived up to the promise.

“Announcing Hotel Mason” Just days before the grand opening, any question a potential guest or curious local might have had about the prestigious new property was answered in a special “Hotel Mason Section” of the Sunday St. Petersburg Times. Stories offered details about everything from the hotel’s builders, architects, and design teams to its unmarred construction safety record, “master key” safety system, and the career path of the highly sought-after manager who had started as a bellhop.

Advertisers filled the pages to claim their status as providers of hotel furnishings, linens, draperies, and carpets. Others announced available services on the hotel grounds, including a flower shop and five-chair barber shop. An artist’s rendering of the lobby’s chandelier served as the pictorial lead to the 15-page advertorial section.

According to the Times, the light fixture was a perfect symbol for another “venture of service and fortune — the Mason Hotel.” Like the chandelier’s inspiration, the 15th-century Oró del Sol, the Hotel Mason “sails into St. Petersburg laden like a galleon from the Indies with wealth and riches.”

Reeves, M. W. Bird’s eye view of the Princess Martha hotel - Saint Petersburg, Florida. 1925 (circa). State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.

“Quiet luxury prevails” As the Times noted, “whatever money could do to add to the attractiveness of the Mason has been done.” Inside the Neoclassical façade, three periods were combined to great effect, and at an estimated cost of more than $1.5 million, “an air of quiet luxury prevails.” Visitors and guests entered an Italian Renaissance “lobby warm with Spanish colorings, and tiling, and rich in luxury.” Guests could ascend the grand staircase to enjoy the view from the colonial-style mezzanine lounge as they admired the bas relief frescoes and the wide, arched windows hung with heavy gold and black curtains. The dining room served world-class food surrounded by the high ceilings and massive columns of the Neoclassical Adams Period. As an added luxury, guests could access the elevator to their rooms through a private passage, allowing them to avoid the public lobby and the lounge. Inch-thick plush velvet carpet blanketed the floors of the hallways as well as the 250 guest rooms, which featured “enduring all-steel furniture…with a finish that is hardly distinguishable from wood” and comfortable beds covered in “snowy white” bedspreads embossed with the Mason Hotel logo which, as the Times noted, invited guests to “stop and rest.” Each room included a private bath, then uncommon. The hotel’s advertisements boasted: “250 Rooms-250 Baths.” Clearly, no expense had been spared.

Quiet Vacuums, Warm Baths, and Ice Cold Water!

As the numerous advertisements and stories asserted, each element of the hotel’s infrastructure was the best of its time. The electrical system was “the biggest … ever done in St. Petersburg” and “one of the finest.” The much-vaunted “odorless incinerator” meant “no garbage

wagons or piggery trucks” would be necessary to haul away waste.

The excess heat generated fueled the hotel’s steam heat and hot water for guests wanting a warm soak in their private bath. Conversely, the hotel also boasted “one of the best refrigeration systems in the South.”

Buried in the basement, this multifaceted operation supplied block ice for the hotel’s “ideally appointed” kitchen and its numerous ice boxes as well as cubed ice for the dining tables. The cooling system also chilled the circulating ice water available from several outlets on each guest floor. Pumped through insulated pipes and supplied by the hotel’s private “soft water system,” this feature eliminated the potentially annoying wait for a bellboy to deliver a cool drink. Also contributing to the comfort of a guest’s hotel stay was the vacuum system. With the suction pump and waste receptacles in the basement and five hose outlets on every floor, cleaning the furnishings and fixtures using the 56-foot attached hoses was “practically noiseless” and “dustless.” Like the architecture and décor, the behind-the-scenes workings were meant to enhance the feeling of “quiet luxury.”

“Formerly known as the Mason”: The Princess Martha Everything seemed to be in place to ensure the success of the city’s “new great tourist hotel.” Unfortunately, despite “a very successful winter season,” the financial strain proved to be too much. The Gulf Hotel Company assumed its debts, and in June 1924, the Times announced that the hotel, “formerly known as the Mason” would reopen as the Princess Martha. Over the next five decades, the PM, as it was fondly called in its prime, served as one the city’s finest hotels.

The solitary “M” still featured on its façade serves as a reminder of its prestigious and hopeful beginnings as the Hotel Mason.

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People of St. Pete: Kim Amos

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.

Our focus this month is on Kim Amos. As the legislative aide for St. Petersburg City Council District 2, she has been helping to assist and serve the residents since February 2021. This position, however, is just her most recent contribution. Amos has worked for the city for more than two decades and has spent her entire working career contributing to the welfare of her hometown.

Hometown Love Born and raised in St. Pete, Amos attended St. Petersburg High School, St. Petersburg Junior College, and the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. “if St. Pete wasn’t in the name,’ she said. “I wasn’t interested.” After spending a few years working in the Pinellas County elementary education system, she became a full-time member of the city’s Parks & Recreation department. This decision was not without precedent. Amos grew up as part of St. Pete’s Gladden Park “family.” She took part in the many programs offered at the park, first as a participant, then as a volunteer, and next as a part-time employee during her college

Photo by Brian Brakebill

years. Joining the team full-time was an easy choice: “I love the city of St. Pete and parks and rec,” she said. Fast forward two decades: She began to imagine other ways in which she could contribute to the community.

Looking for New Challenges The opportunity to become a legislative aide offered new challenges.

As a legislative aide, Amos works directly with the City Council to serve the residents of St. Petersburg and help guide the city forward. Her responsibilities include scheduling and preparing research for meetings the council member may have, tracking events within the city and the district, and assisting residents with any issues they have or opinions they may wish to express. Every day, she gets a chance to do something that may help. For example, Amos is the staff liaison for the legislative affairs Intergovernmental relations (LAIR) committee. That body is tasked with tracking anything that may have an impact on St. Pete, from state-level legislation to appropriation requests.

“I’m lucky to be here.”

It’s not just the job that has Kim feeling lucky. She has witnessed a lot of changes in her hometown and thinks the city’s essential vibe still holds true. Recently engaged, she and her fiancé Asher share a 692-square-foot home near the Historic Old Northeast with the “light of their lives,” two miniature Australian Shepherds and two Maltese Poodles. Two people and four dogs are a tight fit in the tiny house, and they take full advantage of the area’s parks and waterways. Could she imagine living anywhere else? “I never say never,” Amos said, “but I can’t see myself leaving. I’m lucky to be here.”

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Poolseye team From left to right: Co-Owner’s Jessica & Derek; Pool Maintenance Technicians: Cole, Miguel, & David. Photo courtesy of Poolseye

Poolseye: Great Service, Consistency & Communication Keep Customers Happy

By Suzanne Driscoll

Poolseye emails a detailed description of all services performed, along with chemical readings, water levels and a photo of the clean pool. Photo by Musaweron Photography

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There are many pool maintenance companies to choose from, but Poolseye owners Derek and Jessica Kuda are betting you will find their services to be superior to any other. With a variety of maintenance tasks and repairs offered – plus great communication – they guarantee you will have a pool that looks great and is safe for swimming.

Derek Kuda began his career doing pool construction and later took a job in corporate America. He grew tired of working more than 80 hours a week for someone else and dealing with red tape. In August 2020, he left his thriving career and started Poolseye.

“I did a lot of research beforehand, studying the pain points that pool owners experience,” he recalls. “I also found mentors to learn best practices and how to avoid pitfalls.”

Some pool-maintenance companies can clean your pool but are prohibited from doing repairs or equipment installations since they don’t have the proper licensing. Poolseye is a state-licensed swimming pool contractor, enabling the team to perform pool equipment repairs and installations in addition to weekly maintenance.

“With Poolseye you get one-stop shopping,” Jessica Kuda says.

Some pool owners prefer to do the maintenance themselves, but Derek Kuda frequently finds water chemistry problems, dirty and neglected filters, and unemptied skimmer baskets. “A clogged skimmer basket can prevent water from getting to the pump to be filtered,” he says, “and that could starve the pump of water, causing a potentially costly repair to the homeowner.”

New customers receive $10 off per month for the first six months of service when you mention Green Bench Monthly. Photo by Musaweron Photography

Communication is Key Have you ever wondered whether your pool maintenance person actually showed up on a particular day and what services were provided? Poolseye takes out the guesswork by emailing a detailed description of all services performed, along with chemical readings, water levels and a photo of the clean pool. “We invested in special software so our customers know exactly what services were performed and when it is safe to swim,” Derek Kuda says. “The weekly emailed service reports really offer peace of mind and give the homeowner a constant pulse of their pool.”

Workers come to your home on the same day each week.

There are no set contracts, and you can cancel the service at any time you want.

Safety is Job No. 1 “We have two small children and know the importance of maintaining a pool to keep everyone safe,” Jessica Kuda says. “We also do extensive background checks on all our employees so you feel 100 percent comfortable having them on your property. We take a lot of pride in whom we hire, and we treat them like family.”

“Our first priority is to serve our existing weekly maintenance clients,” Jessica reports, “but as our schedule allows, we’ll sometimes take on one time cleanings and other tasks we’re contacted about.”

Word of Mouth Yields New Business Poolseye continues to grow thanks to word-of-mouth recommendations from customers. It has an active presence on the I Love St. Pete Facebook group and helps support other small businesses with a community focus. “We all share the same values of taking good care of our neighbors,” Jessica Kuda says.

Currently, if you mention you saw the Poolseye ad in Green Bench Monthly, new customers can receive $10 off per month for the first six months of service.

“We believe in using technology to give pool owners a better experience, combined with good, old-fashioned customer service,” Derek Kuda says.

Get to know the Poolseye team on Instagram and Facebook.

Find out what weekly maintenance entails with pricing at poolseye. com, call (727) 291-2187 or write to service@poolseye.com

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From left: Catherine Benoot, Matthieu Benoot, and Geert Benoot. Photo by Musaweron Photography

Benoot Realty: Real Estate Services with a Personal Touch

By Suzanne Driscoll “Every client becomes our friend,” promises Catherine Benoot of Benoot Realty in St. Petersburg. Now in its fourth generation of a family business, it offers personalized services that go well beyond buying and selling.

Geert Benoot describes the family tradition of selling real estate as “in the blood.” His father and his wife Catherine’s father and grandfather, were all in the business, and today the couple are joined by their son Matthieu. Born and raised in Belgium, the Benoots 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. They love to take advantage of St. Pete’s walkability with so many restaurants, stores, museums, and of course, Belgian beer!

Staying Small and Attentive “We have no interest in becoming a large firm with hundreds

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of agents,” Matthieu Benoot reports. “We are very picky about the real estate agents we hire, and all must align with our core company values. And as a small family business, we don’t have to climb up five levels in order to make a decision.”

The Benoots have extensive knowledge of the local markets and speak seven languages: English, Afrikaans, Dutch, Flemish, French, German, and Spanish.

Advice for Current Buyers For first-time and high-end buyers in the current market, Geert Benoot advises having patience and working with a broker who “knows what they are doing. Choose someone with the expertise and experience who is familiar with all the current listings, and they will help find the property that is right for you.” The Benoots encourage clients to take the time they need.

“Our work is not work for us,” Geert Benoot says. “It’s our lifestyle.

It defines us, and we bring to it a lot of passion and knowledge.”

The Benoot family wishes you a Happy Mother’s Day! Above: Catherine Benoot, with her sons Matthieu and Clement. Photo courtesy of the Benoot Family Family owned and operated. Matthieu and Geert handle day-to-day operations.

Photo by Musaweron Photography

Providing a Personal Touch “We get a lot of repeat clients and referrals,” Matthieu Benoot says, “as well as people who stop in while strolling by on Beach Drive. And our office feels more like a home than a typical real estate business. My mother’s artwork is displayed all over the office, and we treat you like part of the family.”

Clients are invited to sit down and have a coffee, a drink or even a meal together while discussing their needs and wants for a new home.

The Benoots can also refer you to local vendors such as insurance companies and repair people if their work stands out within the profession. “We have no financial links with them, and if something is not right we tell them,” Matthieu Benoot says. “You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with.”

The family is active in the art community and are members of the Dali Guild. Benoot Realty is also a big supporter of CASA domestic violence services and its new partnership with the Purple Dot Yoga project for those who have experienced trauma. They also contribute to the Pet Pal animal shelter and buy Thanksgiving turkeys for those in need.

The Benoots are proud that the Belgian consul chose their office to hold passport-renewal services in April for the many Belgians living in the Tampa Bay area. “She chose the best!”

Catherine Benoot says.

To receive an in-depth, complimentary, no-obligation consultation, call Benoot Realty at (727) 944-4000, send email to info@benootrealty.com, or stop by the office at 70 Beach Drive NE to view Catherine Benoot’s artwork.

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St. Pete Dance is located at 3138 3rd Ave N. Photos by Kristina Holman

St. Pete Dance: Exercise and Fun for All

By Suzanne Driscoll St. Pete is fortunate to have a champion ballroom dancer and coach who loves to share his love of dance with everyone from the novice to the experienced. Michael Raisch, also a certified ballroomdance competition adjudicator, started St. Pete Dance in 2017 after spending more than 30 years traveling throughout the world.

The benefits to dancing are almost too numerous to mention.

First of all, it can get you up off the couch for exercise and weight loss.

You can meet new people with similar interests, reduce stress, and learn new dance moves to engage your brain and build confidence.

It’s also perfect for a fun date night. Whether you want to learn to foxtrot, swing, salsa, bachata or tango, St. Pete Dance offers lessons on these and many more.

“The hardest part of dancing is taking that first step through

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the front door,” Raisch says. “Once you are here, you will see how fun and easy it is to learn to dance. We start off by showing you what to do step-by-step with some private lessons. Then you can join group dance classes and practice your moves at our dance parties. It’s a skill you will have the rest of your life, and singles as well as couples are more than welcome.”

Gotta Dance!

People decide to take dance lessons for a variety of reasons. Many are getting ready for the first dance at their wedding reception. Others want to make changes in their lives or prepare for special events. They end up staying because of how much fun dancing is and all of the many benefits they are receiving.

For a limited time, Green Bench Monthly Readers receive two half-hour private lessons for $29! Call (727) 280-6962.

“It’s like learning a new language,” Raisch said. “Do you want to learn some basic phrases to get by, or do you want to become fluent?”

St. Pete Dance sponsors nights out on the town where groups from his classes get together for dancing. There are showcases and dance parties in the studio so friends and family can admire all that you have learned. The studio is also available to rent for birthday parties and other events in which Raisch will conduct a fun group lesson.

Clients frequently ask where they can go to practice their new skills. Michael recommends the Floridian Social Club, the Gulfport Casino, Che at Ceviche for Latin dancing, the Acropolis, and the Coliseum for daytime tea dances and other events.

As one happy customer reports, “Michael is a gifted teacher! He meets you where you are with your abilities and breaks it down for you with great patience. I had so much fun! I recommend his classes to everyone, regardless of experience.”

“We can teach anyone to be a social dancer,” Raisch says, “even if you think you have two left feet and no rhythm. No matter which dance or for whatever reason, we feel positive that you will not only have fun, but also improve your dancing skills quickly and easily.”

For information, visit StPeteDance.com. Reach Raisch by phone at (727) 280-6962 or via email at stpetedance@gmail.com. The studio address is 3138 3rd Ave N. For Green Bench Monthly readers, Raisch is offering two half-hour private lessons for $29, a savings of $10 off his usual introductory lessons.

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Walter Fuller Park is located at 7891 26th Ave N. Photo by Brian Brakebill

Parks of St. Pete: Walter Fuller Park

By Tina Stewart Brakebill St. Pete is home to more than 150 parks, offering a wide variety of possible activities. There are more than 100 picnic areas, 80 playgrounds, 44 miles of fitness trails, 30 basketball courts, 21 boat ramps, 11 softball fields, six dog parks, five beaches, three skate parks, two disc-golf courses, and one jai-alai court. We also have 76 tennis courts. 33 football/soccer fields, 31 baseball fields, nine volleyball courts, four historic sites, three nature preserves, and one splash pad. And, still, there’s more! Simply put, choose an activity (or choose to just relax) and there’s a city park that fits your needs.

Anhinga sunbathing near the lake at Walter Fuller Park.

Photo by City of St. Petersburg

No Exaggeration: This Park Has Everything But a Beach Walter Fuller Park, at 7891 26th Ave. N, has numerous offerings, including abundant parking and restrooms. With a beautiful lake and a full-service pool, it has gorgeous water views and ample opportunities for swimming and sunbathing. Its recreation center, dog park, recreation trails, sport complex, and numerous shelters provide myriad spaces for moving, learning, or lounging. Add in some art and a bit of St. Pete history.

A Bit of St. Pete History Walter Fuller Park is named for two men: H. Walter Fuller and his son Walter P. Fuller. The senior Fuller moved here in 1907, bought thousands of acres of undeveloped real estate and extended Central Avenue and the trolley car line to Boca Ciega Bay. His son followed in his father’s developer footsteps. At various times, he owned more than 3,200 acres in St. Petersburg. He developed the Jungle area, including the Jungle Prada restaurant and hotel, and the infamous Gangplank nightclub. Eventually, much of that land would be lost during one of St. Pete’s numerous busts. Today, Walter Fuller Park sits amidst those once wild Jungle acres.

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Walter Fuller Park pool. Photo by City of St. Petersburg

Recreation Center & Sports Complex The recreation center, situated on the east side of the 133-acre park, offers classes, elementary and teen programs and leagues, indoor basketball, volleyball and pickleball courts, and community rental rooms. It’s also home of the Green Thumb Festival, an annual Arbor Day event that features environmental and horticultural exhibits, plant vendors, a diagnostic clinic, recycling rally, free mulch, tree and plant sales and auction, tool sharpening booth, entertainment, children’s programs, and more. If outdoor sports are your thing, Walter Fuller Park has pickleball and tennis courts, four football/soccer fields (with lights at two of them), and five baseball fields.

Green Thumb Festival at Walter Fuller Park. Photo by City of St. Petersburg

Take a Walk. Enjoy the View The park is encompassed by a nearly 2-mile-long sidewalk. One of the park’s best features, however, is the shorter paved nature trail surrounding the beautiful Jungle Lake. With lots of mature trees along the way, it offers lovely (and often shaded) views of the lake, landscaped grounds, and numerous sculptures. Three shelters facing the lake along the trail provide shady seats for even better views of the abundant birds and turtles enjoying the park both in and out of the water. This trail also provides easy access to three shaded picnic shelters, two playgrounds, the dog park, and restrooms.

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

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2DCafe is now open at 2105 Central Ave

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.

Concept design for USF’s environmental research center located at 830 1st St S

A new environmental research center is coming soon to 830 First Street South in the Innovation District. The University of South Florida’s Center of Excellence in Environmental & Oceanographic Sciences will serve as a hub for pressing issues such as climate change, sea level rise, and environmental disasters. While the project is included in the approved budget by the State Legislature, it must still get final sign off from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

2DCafe is now open at 2105 Central Avenue in the Grand Central District. As you cross the threshold of this mindbending cafe, you’ll leave behind the 3D world and step into a two dimensional black and white illustration. The menu has a European emphasis featuring items like fresh pastries, avocado toast, empanadas, spanakopita, salads, paninis, and more. The cafe also serves a full menu of espresso-based drinks using coffee beans from Dancing Goats.

TeBella Tea Company is located at 1445 Central Ave

TeBella Tea Company is now open at 1445 Central Avenue in the EDGE District. The tea bar and specialty retail shop sells and serves an impressive selection of over 100 teas within each of the popular tea varieties, such as white, green, black, oolong, pu-erh, rooibos, mate, and herbal. Specialty beverages include options like the Salted Caramel Latte, a combination of caramel black tea, sea salt, caramel sauce, sugar, and a milky froth on top.

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The Residences at Orange Station, located at 1300 1st Avenue North, will feature a courtyard with plunge pool, outdoor seating, and a fire table.

Sales have launched for The Residences at Orange Station in the EDGE District. The 16-story 61-unit condo project also includes a 42-unit workforce apartment building, 50,000 square feet of Class A office space, 14,000 square feet of ground-level retail, and a 600-space parking garage with 400 of those spaces open to the public. Pricing begins in the $700,000’s with floor plans ranging from one-bedroom to three-bedroom between 1,210 and 2,542 square feet.

Roots to Crown features an 1,800 square foot open-air hangar will serve as a general gathering location to chat and grab a drink while you’re waiting for an event to start

Roots to Crown is coming soon to 1741 1st Avenue North in downtown St. Pete. This new healing event space is bringing a different way to unwind to St. Pete – through ecstatic dance.

The goal of ecstatic dance is to connect with the music through movement, and how you do that is up to you. Roots to Crown will also offer embodiment workshops and classes, kirtan (call and response chanting), song circles, and much more.

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.

Cafe Clementine, Fresh Citrus Morning Buns

Cafe Clementine is now open inside the Museum of Fine Arts, at 255 Beach Drive in downtown St. Pete. From the acclaimed Le Clementine Bakeshop, Café Clementine is an artisanal bakery and casual eatery serving a variety of fresh handcrafted pastries, all-day brunch items, salads, and soups.

The Spring menu will feature a Salted Honey Croissant, Citrus Morning Bun, and a Spring Zucchini Galette, which is served on a butter pie crust with ricotta, mozzarella, tender herbs, and candied lemon. Best of all, you don’t need to buy a ticket to the museum to enjoy Café Clementine.

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MAY 2022

EVENTS Preserve the ‘Burg Presents Movies in the Park When: Thursdays in May starting at 6:30pm Where: North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Dr. NE. Cost: Free Admission, Donations appreciated Live music starts at 6:30pm, movie on the big screen starts at dusk. Visit website for movie schedule. preservetheburg.org

First Saturday Market at Brick Street Farms When: Saturday, May 7th from 10am - 3pm Where: Brick Street Farms, 2233 3rd Ave S Cost: Free admission A monthly open-air market at Brick Street Farms, located in the heart of the Warehouse District in Downtown St. Pete.

Vendors include food, plants, and other locally made goods.

This is a family-friendly event. brickstreetfarms.com 22

St. Pete Spring Market When: Saturday, May 7th from 3pm - 8pm Where: Warehouse Arts District, 515 22nd St S Cost: Free for all ages, FREE parking and bike valet A unique bike- and pedestrian-friendly Pop-up Market Experience along the Pinellas Trail! Shop for art, handmade goods, jewelry, body/self-care, plants, home decor, clothing & accessories, vintage, kids items, and more.

Eat & drink local at 22 South Food Hall, food trucks, and Bayboro Brewing. Music with DJs and live performances.

Plus yoga on the trail. warehouseartsdistrictstpete.org

SUP Yoga Class & Paddleboard Adventure When: Sunday, May 8th & Sunday, June 12th from 9:30am - 11:30am Where: Sweetwater Kayaks, 235 15th Ave SE Cost: $50 Enjoy the ocean ambience

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while experiencing a Hybrid Paddleboard Yoga Fitness Class on a SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard). Prepay required. For more information, updates, and weather cancellations, please contact Kerry@ OceanFitnessYoga.com or (424) 223-7680.

Where: Woodfield Fine Art Gallery, 2323 Central Ave Cost: Free Admission A Retrospective Exhibit of the works of the late Keith Stillwagon (1944-2021).

Closing Reception Saturday, June 4th from 5 to 9 in the evening.

WoodfieldFineArt.com

Pickleball 101

St. Pete Taco & Tequila Festival

When: 2nd Tuesdays (May 10th) from 6-7pm Where: Coquina Key Park, 3595 Locust St SE Cost: Free Try out this paddleball sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. Healthystpetefl.com

Family Day at the James Museum When: Saturday, May 14th from 10:30am - 12:30pm Where: The James Museum, 150 Central Ave Cost: Ages 3-10 with adults Included with admission; free for members. Includes an interactive, kid-friendly tour, storytime in the galleries, and an artmaking workshop. Space is limited; registration is required. thejamesmuseum.org

“Enchanted Spaces” Opening Reception When: Friday, May 13th from 5pm - 9pm

When: Saturday, May 14th from noon - 8pm Where: Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Dr NE Cost: GA $39; kids 10 & under are Free Tons of Tacos & Mexican Dishes from 25+ Food Vendors. Margaritas, Bloody Maria’s & Other Cocktails, Great Craft & Domestic Beers.

Live Music, Games & Tons of Fun! www.stpetetacos.com

UV Light Immersive Adventure at Fairgrounds St. Pete When: on display through May 30th Where: Fairgrounds St. Pete, 800 28th St. S Cost: FL Residents $30; Children 4-12 $27 Set out on a hunt with a UV flashlight to uncover otherwise invisible clues to activate a brand new artwork installation. Fun for kids and adults alike! Fairgrounds.art

Creative Clay, Spring for the Arts. Photo by City of St. Petersburg

Drag Bingo Benefitting Come Out St Pete When: Tuesday, May 17th from 7pm - 9pm Where: Punky’s Bar & Grill, 3063 Central Ave Come Out St. Pete advocates for community awareness and acceptance of all sexual orientations and gender identities and encourages a sense of community through a series of events and activities that promote equality for all. Call 727-201-4712 for reservations

Spring for the Arts When: Friday, May 20th from 6pm - 9pm Where: Nova 535, 535 Dr M.L.K. Jr St N Cost: $125 Celebrate Equality Through Art. Help Creative Clay fundraise to continue

supporting amazing artists with disabilities. There will be art on display, live music, gourmet food, and prize drawings. creativeclay.org

Creative Pinellas’ 2022 Emerging Artist Exhibition When: on display through June 19th Where: The Gallery at Creative Pinellas, 12211 Walsingham Road Cost: Free This sixth annual exhibition features original work by ten artists awarded grants from Creative Pinellas creativepinellas.org

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

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