Green Bench Monthly Vol. 9, Issue 5, May 2024

VOL. 9, ISSUE 5, MAY 2024

Green Bench Monthly

St. Pete’s Community Magazine

I Support the Girls Tampa Bay Offers Dignity to All p. 18

Boom Builder M.B. Welch

Covered All the Bases p. 6

Have Fun, Meet New People

St. Pete Dance p. 12

On the Horizon

Downtown Developments p. 20

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Downtown Developments: Tampa Bay Rays get serious about redevelopment plans & more on the horizon

Publishers

St. Pete History: "Welch Built— Means Well Built"

Ashley & Tony Sica

Editor

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Mary Jane Park

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

Photographers Kristina Holman Ryan Kern Keith Kenney Chris Ryan

Cover Photo

I Support the Girls Tampa Bay Mural by Nicole Salgar at 615 23rd St. S. Photo by Chris Ryan

Contact

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

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Soon to be Eckerd College graduate and People of St. Pete: Kelly Kress

IN THIS ISSUE 5

From the Bench

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St. Pete History: Boom Builder M.B. Welch Covered All the Bases

10 People of St. Pete: Kelly Kress 12 St. Pete Dance: Have Fun, Meet New People and Learn a New Skill 14 Big Man's Moving Co: Helpful Tips for Your Next Move 16 The Athleticus: Personalized Training With Guaranteed Results

GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM / MAY 2024

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Mark your calendars for Family Hikes at Boyd Hill, Sunshine City Scare, and More!

18 I Support the Girls Tampa Bay Offers Dignity for All 20 Downtown Developments: A hotel, bakery, and more on the horizon 21 ListenUp! Interviews with RadioStPete.com 22 Events: MAMAPALOOZA, Tacos & Tequila Festival, Sunshine City Scare, Hedwig and the Angry Inch and more!

Print_Green_Bench_Monthly_3.94wX7.66h.pdf 2 12/27/2023 3:23:01 PM

Sunken Gardens Orchid Festival. Photo by City of St. Petersburg

MARK SFORZINI - GENERAL DIRECTOR

From the Bench A note from the Publishers

2024

JUNE 7 8:00 PM JUNE 9 2:00 PM JUNE 11 7:30 PM

We like to think every issue is full of interesting stories, but this month's are some of our favorites. St. Pete native, Amy Walker, shares the legacy of her grandfather, M.B. Welch, who played an intricate role in the city’s development during the 1920s. Her detective work has helped to unearth a treasure trove of St. Pete history (p.6).

If you need a sign to start moving and beginning to achieve your fitness goals, this is it. Get your groove on at St. Pete Dance (p. 12) and meet the trainers at The Athleticus (p.16).

On the cover of this month's magazine is 'I Support the Girls' (p.18). We’ve featured this non-profit group before and want to remind you what an invaluable and much-needed service they provide to the community.

If you need some ideas for Mother's Day Tony and Ashley Sica weekend, we've got you covered (p.22). To all Publishers / Owners the moms, and those mothering, we love you— Happy Mother’s Day. Till next time, Ashley & Tony

GAE TAN O D O NI Z ET T I

THE PALLADIUM: 253 FIFTH AVE N, ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33701 EVENT SPONSORS:

Claudia McCorkle & BEAU SEASON 18 PRODUCING SPONSORS:

Charlotte & James Edmiston Jo-Ann Hammack

(727) 823-2040 STPETEOPERA.ORG SEASON 18 ARTISTIC SPONSOR:

Belinda Dumont

S C A N Q R F O R S H O W D E TA I L S

This issue is brought to you by advertisers and reader support.

If you enjoy our stories and want to support independent media, visit greenbenchmonthly.com/support. For advertising info, 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.

MAY 2024 / GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

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Boom Builder M.B. Welch Covered All the Bases

By Monica Kile, Historian and Tour Guide with I Love the Burg Tours The love story was family lore. As a girl, Amy Welch (now Walker) recalled her grandparents M.B. and Mary Welch telling the story of the day in 1927 when M.B. showed up at the San Rafel Hotel on the corner of Locust Street and 13th Avenue NE in today’s Historic Old Northeast neighborhood, which M.B. constructed. One of the workers told him, “You just missed the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen!” The woman, it turns out, was Mary Benham, sister-in-law to building owner Fred Morgan and proprietor of Aunt Mary’s Tea Room in the San Rafel Hotel. Welch made sure not to miss her again, and the two were married on July 31, 1928.

It was one of the only glimpses into her grandfather’s past that Amy received when she was young. As children are wont to do, Amy assumed that her grandfather Welch had always been the same person she knew growing up and that he had always worked as the construction supervisor at Derby Lane. She remembers occasional

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M.B. Welch and crew in front of the San Rafel, located at 360 13th Ave NE (1925) Historic photos courtesy of Amy Walker

vague mentions of a building he’d constructed here or there, but not much else. As an adult she moved to Gainesville, and didn’t give family history much thought until she returned to St. Petersburg in 2019 to care for her ailing parents. After her father’s passing in 2022, she was going through an old drawer when she stumbled upon a box full of photos and newspaper clippings. She had come upon a treasure trove of memories of her grandfather’s prolific construction career.

Maynard B. “M.B.” Welch was one of the busiest contractors in St. Petersburg during the 1920s real estate boom. He built many landmarks that remain standing today. If you live in a large, historic apartment building in the Historic Old Northeast in St. Petersburg, chances are good that you live in an M.B. Welch building. Lucky for us, M.B. was good at photographing his buildings, although not always great about

Mary and M.B. Welch in front of San Rafel apartments.

Above: Amy stands at the corner of “Welch’s Mediterranean Row”, holding a photo of her grandfather, M.B. Welch, during construction. The row of homes extends from the corner of First Street to Bay Street, on the south side of 19th Avenue NE. Photo by Chris Ryan Left: Mediterranean Row (1925).

identifying their locations in the photos. Amy had stumbled upon an archival gold mine. It turned her into an amateur detective who pored over photographs with a magnifying glass and spent many Saturdays driving around St. Petersburg trying to identify buildings she found in the photos, many of which were approaching 100 years old. (The list of Welch’s buildings at the end of the story is the result of Amy’s hard work.)

Welch’s Mediterranean Row

Around the same time that Amy moved back to St. Petersburg, interest in Welch was stirring on 19th Avenue NE, where a group of homeowners sought to protect their unique collection of homes from the threat of demolition. From the corner of First Street to Bay Street, on the south side of 19th Avenue NE, lies an uninterrupted stretch of distinct one-story Mediterranean Revival style homes, all built by M.B. Welch. Neighbors knew that to lose just one of this perfect row of houses would destroy the character of the street. The result was the designation of a local historic district named for the man who built the homes. By calling it Welch’s Mediterranean Row, they revived a name that was nearly lost to history.

Sandy Syvertsen has lived in St. Petersburg since 1995 and moved to 19th Avenue NE in 2006. When asked what drew him to the street he said, “Everyone that has bought along the block has always put money and love into it to keep the houses restored. It is one of the few blocks in the Old Northeast that has these Mediterranean-style

homes. You don’t realize until you live in the house, even though they’re small, and even though they seem close together, when you’re inside it really has a lot of space. Especially the outside space.”

In a neighborhood known for its mix of architectural styles, from Mediterranean Revival to Craftsman Bungalow to Tudor, Welch’s Mediterranean Row is unusual in its adherence to a single style. It looks like a street in Hollywood or Santa Fe. Welch didn’t build only in the Mediterranean Revival style; he also built to the tastes of his clients, and he was good at it. You’ve probably driven or walked past an M.B. Welch building that has stood the test of time, and stood it well.

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Amy Walker in front of the San Rafel. Photo by Chris Ryan

The San Rafel (no Rafael)

Perhaps the most shining example is the San Rafel Hotel and Apartments at 13th Avenue NE and Locust Street. (Yes, it’s San Rafel, not Rafael.) When first built, it was advertised as the height of hotel/ apartment living, with seven large units and 26 smaller “2 room and a bath” units, each boasting white enamel electric kitchens. But it was what was located on the first floor that might impress residents of St. Pete in 2024. Today, the first floor has additional apartments, each with a cozy patio, but when it was constructed, the first floor of the San Rafel was a mix of retail that today’s Old Northeast residents can only dream of. There was a drugstore, a grocer, a meat market, a book and novelty shop, a beauty parlor, and – of course – the tea room where M.B. Welch met the most beautiful woman in town.

Welch’s apartment buildings dot the neighborhood. The Retsel, just down the street from the San Rafel, was originally built in a similar Mediterranean Revival style. Today, with the removal of some tile and a clever paint scheme, it has an Art Moderne look. The bones are still the sturdy ones Welch built.

One of the most interesting adaptations of a M.B. Welch building is the historic church at 801 28th Ave. N in the Crescent Heights neighborhood. In 2021, the church was renovated and became a stunning 3,500-square-foot single-family home.

The Retsel located at 310 13th Ave NE. Photo by Chris Ryan

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The Bust Hits Hard

Like many others in his line of work, Welch came upon hard times with the real estate bust in 1926. “He was down to his last $500,” Amy recalls. “He gave $300 to my grandmother and took one of his construction supervisors to Gadsden, Alabama, where they helped build the BFGoodrich tire plant. That’s where my dad, M.B. Welch Jr., was born.”

The siren song of St. Pete called Welch back. He returned in 1934 and resumed building. When the war started, he built homes in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for workers at the top-secret town created for the Manhattan Project.

Welch’s Ramblers

To only talk about M.B. Welch’s work in construction is to miss his other contributions to the city. In a way, his interests epitomized the city itself. In the 1920s and ‘30s, when Major League Baseball visited only for the spring, Welch sponsored and managed the Rambling Welchmen, one of the best semi-professional baseball teams in the state’s robust system of amateur leagues. He also brought his love of basketball from his Indiana roots and built the city’s first outdoor basketball court in the Mirror Lake Recreation (Shuffleboard) Complex. (The courts have since been demolished for parking.)

And when Welch decided to close his contracting business, he went to work as superintendent of construction at the iconic Derby Lane from 1965 to 1978. It was as if M.B. Welch was woven into the fabric of the city.

Welch passed away in 1989. His name, once forgotten, has reemerged. Amy Welch Walker continues her journey to fully understand the mark her grandfather left in the city. If you live in a 1920s house and you see someone out front comparing it to an old black-and-white photo, there’s a good chance it’s Amy, looking for Grandpa Welch’s footprints.

Visit greenbenchmonthly.com for a comprehensive list of buildings, and the year they were built, by M.B. Welch.

MAY 2024 / GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

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People of St. Pete: Kelly Kress

By Lynn Waddell

St. Pete is celebrated for its fabulous weather, beautiful vistas, worldclass food scene, and thriving cultural atmosphere but the people of St. Pete truly make this city something special. In appreciation, each month Green Bench shines a light on one of the many people that make St. Pete unique.

Photos by Keith Kenney

Paddling the mangrove tunnels of Weedon Island with Kelly Kress is a little like traveling with a mashup of Eugenie Clark, Rachel Carson, and Ruth Gates. Every piece of sea life – flora and fauna – is an almost magical curiosity that she can cheerfully explain or share some insight about.

Not surprisingly, Kress was drawn to formally study marine life.

In May, she graduates with bachelor’s degrees in marine science and animal studies from Eckerd College.

Kress had kayaked only a few times when she applied for the job of kayak guide with Ecomersion about a year ago. After sharing all she knew and loved about mangroves (a lot) with her now manager, she landed the job. “She told me, ‘You can’t teach passion, but you can teach someone how to paddle a boat.” Kress recalls.

Now Kress shares stories about the ubiquitous Florida trees and the tiny crabs that live among their gnarled stilt roots with other paddlers several days a week at Weedon Island and Boca Ciega Bay.

Beach Upbringing

Kress grew up in Freehold, N.J., a town of about 35,000 that’s roughly 20 miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean. She remembers always being interested in animals and sea life, in particular. She was the 5-year-old running up to fishermen on the shore begging to see their catch, the child picking up horseshoe crabs on the beach and showing them to friends, the kid with her arms shoulder deep in the touch tank at the local aquarium.

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Her parents helped foster her and her sister’s love for the outdoors.

“My mom was always the type who would take us to parks all the time,” Kress says. “She would take us to the beach almost every day in the summer.”

Her father owned and operated the town paint store and got involved with her softball team; she played for 12 years.

Choosing Sunshine

As much as she loved animals, Kress briefly considered majoring in accounting because she worried marine science wasn’t a realistic career choice. After visiting several universities in New England, she wondered whether she even wanted to go to college.

A good friend encouraged her not to give up her dream, and she decided to visit Eckerd, which has a top-notch marine science program.

“I immediately was stoked to see people walking around barefoot, ’70s-style buildings, and professors walking around in cargo shorts,” Kress says. “The professors are very hands-on and interactive. That is great; it is totally my vibe.”

Walking the Talk

Since studying at Eckerd, Kress has worked with animals as a volunteer and an intern. She dove and tagged about 100 turtles in the Rainbow River as part of Eckerd’s long-running turtle population study. “You basically swim upstream and catch turtles all day,” she says. “It’s not everybody’s cup of tea, but I think it was great.”

She interned at the Florida Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center at Apollo Beach. She worked with Apollo, an African grey parrot in St. Petersburg, doing cognition-research studies modeled after Dr. Irene Pepperberg’s work with Alex the Parrot.

New Horizons

Kress’ immediate post-graduation plan is to hike the Appalachian Trail for a few months with her boyfriend and her pit bull terrier rescue dog. Long-term, she would love to land a ranger job in Florida, but economics will dictate.

“I will land wherever the job takes me,” Kress says. “I love all the wildlife here, Weedon Island especially. Then there’s Boyd Hill (Nature Preserve), where you can get wildlife in a city setting. There is a lot of interesting research that you can get into about wildlife in urban areas that I really appreciate in St. Pete.”

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St. Pete Dance teacher, Denise Stultz, and owner/teacher, Michael Raisch.

Photos by Chris Ryan

St. Pete Dance: Have Fun, Meet New People and Learn a New Skill

By Suzanne Driscoll

St. Pete Dance students, Elizabeth Jensen and Adam Eiler

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Dance lessons can get you out of the house, improve your selfconfidence, reduce stress and give you the chance to just have fun. Why not give it a try at St. Pete Dance?

Owner Michael Raisch is a champion ballroom dancer and coach, as well as a certified ballroom dance competition adjudicator. After spending over 30 years traveling throughout the world, he started St. Pete Dance in 2017 to share his love of dance with everyone from the novice to the experienced.

There are numerous reasons why people of all ages sign up for dance lessons. Some are looking for a new hobby, while others are getting ready for a wedding or to go on a cruise. Or perhaps you and your spouse have been busy raising kids and are looking for a fun activity you can do together.

Several St. Pete dance clients have commented that they are tired of sitting on the sidelines watching people dancing and having such a great time.

St. Pete Dance is located at 3138 Third Ave. N. For a limited time, St. Pete Dance is offering GBM readers two half-hour private lessons for $29!

The benefits of dancing are almost too numerous to mention. In addition to getting you up off the couch, it’s a great way to get some exercise and even lose a little weight. You can meet new people who have similar interests, reduce your stress, and learn new dance moves to engage your brain and build your confidence. Whether you want to learn to foxtrot, swing, salsa, bachata or tango, St. Pete Dance offers lessons on these dances and many more.

Be sure to take advantage of a special offer for Green Bench Monthly readers: Raisch is offering two, half-hour private lessons for $29, a savings of $20 off his usual introductory lessons.

Gotta Dance!

St. Pete Dance also sponsors nights out on the town where groups 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 where Raisch will conduct a fun group lesson. If you bring a friend, you can earn free lessons.

Instructor Denise Stultz is a valued member of the team and is the undefeated Southeastern Theatrical Champion in ballroom dancing.

She is amazing with new dancers, and won many teacher awards when she owned some of the most successful studios in the country.

Clients frequently ask where they can go to practice their new dancing skills. Raisch recommends the Floridian Social Club, the Gulfport Casino, and El Cante at the Ponce De Leon Hotel for Latin dancing; Dirty Laundry, The Factory St. Pete, Lost & Found, and Good Night John Boy for disco; and the Coliseum for daytime tea dances and other events.

Lisa Pach reports that “I’ve taken lessons with Michael for over two years, and I absolutely love it! I’ve always wanted to be able to go out and dance – whether it’s salsa, swing, cha cha or the waltz. The studio and studio members are fun and welcoming. Michael makes learning to dance so easy. Also, guys, it’s okay if you don’t have a partner. Michael has a female instructor. She’s excellent too! Learning to dance gave me more confidence and helped my posture also. It’s also such a fun way to relieve stress. Taking lessons at St. Pete Dance was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!”

“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 more details, visit StPeteDance.com. You can reach Michael Raisch by phone at (727) 280-6962 or via email at stpetedance@gmail. com. The studio is at 3138 Third Ave. N in Georgie’s Alibi Plaza.

MAY 2024 / GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

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Big Man's Moving Company owners, Josh and Brooke Anderson. Photo courtesy of Big Man's Moving Company

Helpful Tips for Your Next Move

By Suzanne Driscoll

Anyone who has ever moved will agree with socio-psychologists who say it is the third most stressful event in one’s life, with the death of a loved one as number one and a divorce at number two. But if you choose the right moving company, it will greatly help to make the process as smooth as possible.

Big Man’s Moving Company was founded by Josh and Brooke Anderson in 2017, after they had a terrible moving experience of their own. The movers were hours late, half their furniture was scratched and the final bill was double the original estimate. Seeing a need for honest and reliable movers in the area, they used their wedding gifts to partially fund their first moving truck. Since that time they’ve performed over 10,000 successful local and out-of-state moves for residential as well as commercial clients.

Tips for Packing

While Big Man’s Moving will do all the packing in just one day for you, most people opt to do their own. Brooke’s best advice is to “start immediately, at least one month ahead, and then do one or two boxes a day. Many customers think they can wait right before moving day to get this completed, and it takes longer than they anticipated. Then they are scrambling at the last minute, which results in unnecessary stress.”

For packing materials and moving boxes, your best bet is to order them on Amazon and have them delivered to your doorstep. Then you won’t have to worry if they will fit in your car. Or you can buy supplies from U-Haul where you can return unused items. “Buy more packing supplies than you think you will need,” advises Josh.

He also says not to rely on used boxes, such as from a grocery or liquor store. ”They can be compromised, causing fragile items to break, and random boxes of all sizes don't stack as nicely in the truck, so the truck can't hold as many boxes.”

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Josh also recommends skipping the $25 wardrobe boxes as they don’t hold much and take up a lot of room in the truck. “Instead, leave your clothes on hangars and gently fold them into regular medium size boxes. And you can always put important breakables in your car so you don't have to spend time packing them. For other belongings, use ample packing paper and bubble wrap to pack the box to the brim so the box won't collapse when it is stacked. I also recommend double-ply or dish pack boxes for fragile items because thicker boxes have better integrity.”

Items Often Forgotten

Brooke reports that people often forget their patio furniture, garage items, attic items, and gun safes. “Legally, movers can't move firearms, so these should be removed from safes prior to the move.”

Big Man’s Moving has won the Tampa Bay Times People’s Choice Award for the past four years. As just one of over 500 5-star reviews, Amanda Cooley reports that “I couldn't be more impressed with Big Man's Moving Company! This is the second time I’ve moved with them, and both moves were excellent. From start to finish, they were professional, efficient, and downright pleasant to work with.

The day of, our movers tackled our 7-hour, 3-stop move with ease, including navigating a tricky turning staircase without a hitch. They left no trace behind – not a single scratch or scuff that I could find, which to me was an absolute miracle. Their attention to detail and care for our belongings was second to none. The price was absolutely great and it was so nice to work with this family-owned local business instead of a middleman company. I highly recommend Big Man's Moving Company to anyone in need of a smooth and stress-free moving experience.”

For a free quote contact Big Man’s Moving Company at 727-7723458 or visit BigMansMoving.com.

MAY 2024 / GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

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The Athleticus: Personalized Training With Guaranteed Results

By Suzanne Driscoll

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Left: Athleticus founder, Olya Schaefer. Athleticus is located on the Gulfport/St.Pete line at 917 49th St S. Photos by Chris Ryan

If you are tired of crowded fitness clubs and working with personal trainers who aren’t helping you reach your specific goals, be sure to check out the great personal training services available at the Athleticus.

The Athleticus was founded in 2023 by Olya Schaefer, who moved to the area in 2014 when her husband retired from the military. Schaefer came to fitness as a client. As a busy professional working in tech startups, she tried different gyms and types of exercise over the years but never found a perfect fit. She decided to create one.

“This is not the kind of place where you drop in whenever you have the chance and hope the equipment you want to use is available,” she says. “We only have four members working out at any given time and limit the number of memberships to 42. To get started, you will meet with not one but two of our expert trainers to clearly define what you want to accomplish. We use the InBody570 Body Composition Analyzer to get an accurate picture of your muscle mass and body fat, followed by a movement assessment using weights. We call this our 360-degree assessment.”

A detailed plan will be created with specific goals, milestones, and monthly remeasurements to make sure you are on track. The plan will be tailored to your needs, whether it’s building strength, injury rehabilitation, achieving weight loss, or just embracing lifestyle changes for your overall health. Nutrition counseling is available at no extra charge, and there are no long-term commitments. The two coaches with whom each client works frequently review and revise the training plan, milestones, and metrics.

“As long as you are consistently training to meet your goals and keeping your appointments, we feel confident in your goals being achieved,” Schaefer says. “We even offer a guarantee!”

Olya and her team of highly educated and experienced personal trainers are ready to help you achieve yourfitness goals!

Experienced, Educated Trainers

Schaefer has recruited a team of highly educated and experienced personal trainers. The coaches have a variety of sports science and exercise-related degrees, extensive experience in chiropractic, injury rehab, and physical therapy as well as sport-specific experience and certifications in multiple disciplines. Since they work as a team, the coaches offer each client a total experience, knowledge, and availability. “We provide a very tailored and personal experience by creating an environment that’s supportive, motivational, and ruthlessly focused on our members’ progress,” Schaefer says.

Couples’ Training for Fun and Motivation

Want even more motivation and accountability? The Athleticus couples’ training program could be perfect for you. Whether you are romantic partners, siblings, coworkers or friends, you can push each other to achieve your fitness goals while also fostering a deeper connection and sense of teamwork. Training together with an expert coach will provide you with safety, guidance and a personalized workout plan to get both of you to your respective goals.

“We’re here to craft a personalized training plan tailored to your needs, ensuring a safe, enjoyable path to fitness,” Schaefer promises.

“Plus, we’re committed to empowering you with the skills to maintain lifelong results.”

Many Medicare Advantage plans will reimburse you for fitness training, and The Athleticus now accepts HSA/FSA for their personal training services.

According to one of many happy clients, “What makes the Athleticus such an impressive personal training gym is the quality of the trainers. There are plenty of larger, more equipment-focused gyms out there, but you go to a personal training gym for training, and The Athleticus has fantastic trainers: heavy on the research, on goal setting, and on personality. Great crew, great outcomes, and a completely unique approach to health.”

The Athleticus is at 917 49th St S on the Gulfport/St. Pete line with the entrance in back. To schedule a ‘No Sweat Intro’, please call (727) 265-2496, email team@theathleticus.com or visit theathleticus. com/join-us/

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I Support the Girls Tampa Bay volunteers left to right: Rosie Gavin, Hana Halilovic, Anna Hewett, David Blount, Nancy Blount (Executive Director), Mary Diez, and Lisette Guzman. Mural by Nicole Salgar (Miami, FL for SHINE 2021) at 615 23rd St. S. Photo by Chris Ryan

I Support the Girls - Tampa Bay

By Candy Porter

I was 12 years old in 1959. I remember that year of excitement well: My first bra, my first period. Ah, womanhood achieved!

For me, puberty proved to be an exciting transition. That is not the case for countless young girls who don’t have access to bras or femininehygiene products because they or their families cannot afford them.

These pre-teens and teens are not the only in-need female population “going without” due to financial constraints. Included are unhoused women, women recently released from prison, female migrant field workers, and women who are victims of assault. The need is great.

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In the Beginning

To counter that need, enter I Support the Girls – Tampa Bay (ISTG TB), a nonprofit thriving through the passionate and robust efforts of its affiliate director, Nancy Blount. She originated I Support the Girls – Tampa Bay approximately five years ago, thanks to a suggestion from her husband. Blount is the rock on which ISTG-TB was founded. The organization is driven by kindness and compassion and strives to offer dignity to all. “Women should not have to choose between buying tampons or buying food,” Blount says. Unfortunately, this at-risk female population is forced to make choices like that every day. Purchasing their children’s school uniforms always supersedes replacing their own personal undergarments.”

Making Positive Inroads

Since its inception in 2019, ISTG-TB has distributed over 450,000 menstrual hygiene products, 29,000 bras, and 17,000 pairs of underwear. Amazingly, Blount and other volunteers work with 230

Left: Volunteers drop off donations to Second Heart Homes, Inc. Photos courtesy of ISTG-TB

Right: ISTG delivers 100 bags filled with products for survivors to The SAVE (Sexual Assault Victims Exam) team at Suncoast Center, Inc.

local service agencies and organizations. Group homes, domesticviolence shelters, schools, sexual-assault survivor agencies, disaster situations, and the Plant City migrant population: Name the need and ISTG-TB is here to help.

I Support the Girls – Tampa Bay is one of 50 affiliates nationwide.

“It’s important to note that we collect local donations and then distribute them locally,” says Blount, who wears many ISTG-TB hats. She drives donation requests, oversees all inventory, organizes distribution efforts, and acts as volunteer coordinator. In sum, Nancy Blount is the head, heart, hands, and soul of I Support the Girls – Tampa Bay.

by making runs to drop off or pick up donated items. (If you have a teenager who needs volunteer hours, just contact Nancy Blount.)

How to Help – Part 1

ISTG-TB is always seeking corporations and schools to host donation drives. This type of mass-collection site is critical to the success of the ISTG-TB mission, which is simply to provide bras, new underwear and hygiene products to various and diverse at-risk female populations. Even small businesses can participate by becoming donation dropoff sites.

Individual volunteers assist ISTG-TB by taking home donated bras and sorting them by size, or by assembling the much-appreciated self-care period packs. Volunteers are needed to help at the numerous bra-fitting events held at schools or shelters. Volunteers also can help

How to Help – Part 2

Monetary donations can be made safely and securely by scanning the “Donate” QR code below. In addition, ISTG-TB needs donated items such as feminine-hygiene products of all kinds, gently used or new traditional or sports bras, and new underwear. Donations of makeup bags, cosmetics, travel-size toiletries, body lotion, lip balm, and hair accessories are greatly appreciated; these items go into the period packs as surprise goodies for the women. If undecided as to what to donate, just consult the I Support the Girls – Tampa Bay wish list on Amazon via its designated QR code below, or visit the organization’s Facebook page.

If you or your business would like more information on hosting a donation drive, offering a donation dropoff site, or volunteering for ISTG-TB, please contact Nancy Blount at istg.tampabay@gmail.com or call (727) 510-2263.

MAY 2024 / GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

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Pin on Café is moving to 2458 Central Ave in the Grand Central District

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.

Pin On Café, known for its delicious twists on traditional Thai and Japanese dishes, is moving to 2458 Central Avenue in the Grand Central District. The restaurant will be renamed Pin on Grand to reflect the location change. Pin on Grand will continue to serve fan favorites such as crispy duck ramen, pad thai, Panang curry, and chicken katsu, along with fresh sushi, sashimi, and more. Pin on Cafe will serve customers in the EDGE District until Pin on Grand opens in August.

The 1888 Hotel, a 15-key boutique hotel, will open soon at 220 5th Avenue North in downtown St. Pete. The new owners successfully saved the 100-year-old building from the wrecking ball and renovated it into a modern and luxurious hotel in the heart of the city. In its heyday, the property, which was built in 1923, was known as The Hillcrest Hotel. The 1888 Hotel is set to open in late April or early May.

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Samurai Cat is now open at 407 Central Ave

Samurai Cat, a Japanese cafe and bakery, is now open at 407 Central Avenue in downtown St. Pete. Samurai Cat is the newest foodie concept from Majestic Restaurant Group, the hospitality group behind ZukkuSan in Wesley Chapel, Ato in Lakeland and Wesley Chapel, and Zukku Sushi in Tampa’s Armature Works. Formerly home to Beans and Barlour, the new spot offers everything from sandwiches served on Japanese milk bread, bubble waffles, boba tea, and ice cream.

Juno and the Peacock is coming soon to 400 Beach Drive in downtown St. Pete. The new 8,200-square-foot restaurant is set to take the place of 400 Beach, a longtime staple of Beach Drive in downtown St. Pete, following a comprehensive makeover to the space. Juno and the Peacock, which draws its name from one of Aesop's fables, will feature American dishes, like dry-aged steaks, along with modern coastal cuisine, such as a seafood tower, seared grouper, and crab cakes. A new cocktail lounge, Pluma, which will draw influence from South and Central America, will be located inside the new restaurant.

The Tampa Bay Rays are taking the initial steps towards building a new baseball stadium and redeveloping the Historic Gas Plant District.

Even before a new development agreement is signed, the team has begun soliciting firms to build two new parking garages on the site that will be utilized during construction. The Rays will spearhead the development of the parking garages and the new ballpark, which will serve as the anchor for nearly 8 million square feet of new mixed-use development.

Under the current timeline, the new stadium is expected to open in time for the 2028 baseball season.

Valhalla Bakery, named after the Viking Heaven, has relocated from its previous spot at 2458 Central Avenue into the neighboring Valkyrie Doughnuts at 2444 Central Avenue. Valhalla Bakery's top sellers are the Pistachio Rose Bar and Death Bar, made with a brownie base, whipped peanut butter filling, and topped with caramelized Oreos, chocolate chips, and ganache. A rotating menu of doughnuts includes banana crème brûlée, chocolate French toast, and other colorful baked goods.

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.

Kerry Kriseman, author of 'Accidental First Lady On the Front Lines (and Behind the Scenes) of Local Politics'. Photo courtesy of RadioStPete.com

ListenUp!

By Nanette Wiser, RadioStPete.com / 96.7FM Exclusively for Green Bench Monthly readers, RadioStPete.com Sunshine 96.7 FM shares local radio shows. Sign up for the free newsletters on RadioStPete.com to be the first to know what our music hosts are spinning and sports guys are dishing. Tune in every week for 'Let's Go Guide' that curates the best Tampa Bay arts, entertainment, dining and events.

Listen to the Interviews at bit.ly/greenbenchmay

SUNSHINE SISTERS Producer/reporter Karen Carmichael interviews women making a difference. Last month's guests included The Deuces Executive Director Latorra Bowles; Joy Rose, founder and president of Mommapalooza; and Wendy Wesley of St. Pete Eats. Carmichael also produces and hosts RISING STARS in the SUNSHINE CITY, interviewing Council of Neighborhood Association President, Aron Bryce, and others.

AUTHORS & WRITERS In April, RadioStPete.com joined the city in celebrating writers and poets. RadioStPete.com aired interviews with: Kerry Kriseman author of 'Accidental First Lady On the Front Lines (and Behind the Scenes) of Local Politics', a charming memoir about her public service life as the wife of St. Pete’s former mayor. After working in local non-profits (Creative Clay, Southeastern Guide Dogs), she is now teaching and coaching memoir writing; Paul Wilborn – The Executive Director of The Palladium – sings, writes, and acts in his spare time. With two books out, Florida Hustle and Cigar City, he’s at work on a third. This spring, Cigar City will be republished on its 5th anniversary with many scheduled appearances starting at Bookends in Ybor City; L.L. Kirchner, author and storytelling coach, debuts 'Florida Girls', a Novel out May 28. “It's the story of how a team of touring swimsuit models take over the Tampa mafia, and it's set largely in St. Pete,” says Kirchner; Romance and mystery author, Tara Lush's new book 'Gator Queen' is a romp in the swamp by the journalist who is a RWA Rita finalist, an Amtrak writing fellow, and the winner of the George C. Polk award for environmental journalism.

Listen to 6,000+ podcasts at radiostpete.com/podcast-archives including Car Free Conversations, Sunken Gardens, Roger Curlin’s News from The Edge District, Brian Hartz on pickleball/tennis, Women of Song, Florida Folk Show (live from The Craftsman House most Saturday mornings) and more. Have an idea/event for RadioStPete. com? Email wiser86@gmail.com.

MAY 2024 / GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

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HARVEYSSTPETE

MAY 2024

EVENTS MAMAPALOOZA Family Festival

When: Saturday, May 4 Where: The Factory, 2606 Fairfield Ave S 10am - 4pm Cost: Free Join us for a day of celebration and empowerment! Hosted at The Factory by The Museum of Motherhood and Fairgrounds St. Pete, this event honors and uplifts mothers and caregivers in our community through a dynamic mix of music, art, and camaraderie. mommuseum.org

Family Night Hikes

When: Saturday, May 4 at 7:30pm Where: Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S

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Cost: $5 Bring the family and join our park rangers for the night hike on the trails of Boyd Hill Nature Preserve.

All ages welcome with a registered adult. Pre registration is required.

Please select the correct number of participants or seats needed at the time of enrollment. events.stpeteparksrec.org

Common Elements at ARTicles

When: Opening Reception Friday, May 10 5pm - 8pm; show continues through June 30 Where: ARTicles/Leslie Curran Gallery, 1234 Dr M.L.K. Jr St. N. Cost: Free Admission An exhibition showcasing the

GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM / MAY 2024

works of artists Heidi Martin Kuster and special guest Machelle Knochenhauer. In this exhibition, Heidi Martin Kuster’s abstract paintings reference the rolling waves and shifting sand dunes on Hatteras Island, and the spring snows and blossoms of the Sonoran Desert. She uses collage and varied mark making as she zooms in to create intricate compositions that explore the common elements of nature and life on our ever-changing planet. articlesstpete.com

and adults are welcome to join in on the fun, too! mfastpete.org

Mother’s Day Market at 3 Daughters

When: Saturday, May 11 noon - 6pm Where: 3 Daughters Brewing, 222 22nd St S, Cost: Free Admission Come shop at the annual Mother’s Day Market, full of local vendors selling artwork, jewelry, candles, plants, cooking supplies, sauces, clothing and so much more! With St Pete Tacos and over 50 vendors, you are bound to Tequila Festival find the perfect gift.

When: Friday, May 10 4pm - 10pm 3dbrewing.com and Saturday, May 11 noon - 8pm Where: Vinoy Park, The Clay Co-op 701 Bayshore Dr NE Presents: As We Cost: GA $7 presale; $10 day of Waterfront festival with over See It Ceramic 30 taco vendors, many great Exhibition margaritas and other cocktail When: Saturday, May 11 options, live bands, live mural artists, cold beer, games, prizes and 5pm - 9pm Where: The Clay Co-op, so much fun! stpetetacos.com 2724 6th Ave S Cost: Free Admission Painting in the Exploring the impact of a Park at MFA polarized world. Join us as we delve into the profound effects When: Saturday, May 11 of societal disconnection on 10am - 2pm the human psyche, revealing a Where: Museum of Fine Arts, poignant narrative of stagnation 255 Beach Dr NE and yearning for change.

Cost: Free claycoopstpete.com Bring your little artists downtown for a day of hands-on fun at the Museum of Fine Arts! This event Sunshine City will include 10 art and activity Scare 2024 stations for kids to create their When: Saturday, May 12 noon own masterpieces inspired by the 8pm; Sunday, May 13 10am - 5pm MFA Collection. Activities are for toddlers, tweens, and in-betweens, Where: Coliseum, 535 4th Ave N

Cost: $20 & up; Kids 9 and under Free; Moms Free on Sunday Sunshine City Scare beckons horror enthusiasts to a transcendent experience, with 3 major celebrations: Five Nights at Freddy’s, Resident Evil and The Walking Dead. sunshinecityscare. floridacomiccons.com

Inaugural CONA CommUNITY Conference & Listening Session

genderqueer anti-heroine seemingly hellbent on destruction.

This darkly humorous self-love story, powered by a live band, epic rock music and hard-hitting lyrics, explores gender identity, acceptance and the freedom to be whoever you want to be. This multi-Tony award winning show will leave you begging for more.

Ages 18 & Up. americanstage.org

Martinis & Magic Party

When: Tuesday, May 14 6:30pm 8pm, doors open at 6pm Where: Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, 2333 34th St S Cost: Free A collaborative event co-hosted by CONA (Council of Neighborhood Associations) and Justice Over Everything. Participants will have the opportunity to share their perspectives, experiences, and ideas for positive change. Through open dialogue and active listening, we aim to foster understanding, empathy, and collaboration across diverse neighborhoods and backgrounds. facebook.com/CONA.StPete

When: Friday, May 31 7pm - 11pm Where: The James Museum, 150 Central Ave Cost: $125 The event will feature an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, buffet dinner, dessert, and a live magic show.

Browse dozens of silent auction items and bid on one-of-a-kind art pieces created by Parc’s Inspired Artists. parc-fl.org

Sunday Market St. Pete

When: Every Sunday 10am-2pm (through the end of May) Where: St. Pete High School, 2501 5th Ave N Cost: Free Over 75 vendors, including Hedwig and the local growers, artists, makers, Angry Inch culinary artisans and community When: May 15 - June 16 partners. The market offers free see website for showtimes parking onsite, is family-friendly, Where: American Stage, 163 3rd St pet-friendly, free to attend and N; and Jannus Live 200 1st Ave N open to all in the community.

STE 206 tampabaymarkets.com Cost: $28 & up Welcome to a euphoric night For more events, or to on a rock ‘n’ roll rollercoaster submit event info, visit with our transgender icon and greenbenchmonthly.com/events protagonist Hedwig – a hedonistic

MAY 2024 / GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM

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