Green Bench Monthly Vol. 6, Issue 8, August 2021

VOL. 6, ISSUE 8, AUGUST 2021

Green Bench Monthly* St. Pete’s Community Magazine

Museum Exhibits To Look Forward To pg. 10

Evolution of an Historic Landmark

The Palladium pg. 6

Charlie’s Champs

Brings Fun to Kids pg.16

Events

VOTE St. Pete pg. 22

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Publishers Ashley & Tony Sica

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Editor Mary Jane Park

Contributors Angelica, Baybes Who Brunch Tina Stewart Brakebill Erin Cody Suzanne Driscoll Brian Zucker

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Photographers Brian Brakebill Kristina Holman

IN THIS ISSUE

Cover Photo

Andy Warhol, Cowboys and Indians: Annie Oakley, 1986 Screenprint on Lenox museum board Edition 55/250 36 × 36 inches, Collection Booth Western Art Museum © 2021 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. / Licensed by Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Courtesy of The James Museum.

From the Bench

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An Evolution of an Historic Landmark: The Palladium

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

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People of St. Pete: Mace Walker

16 Charlie’s Champs Brings Fun to Kids with Disabilities 18 Parks of St. Pete: Hitting the Links 20 Downtown Developments

10 Museum Exhibits To Look Forward To 22 Events: St. Pete Primary Elections, VOTE!

14 Pro Star Recording: Bringing Songs to Life

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City workers clean up red tide at Crisp Park. Photos by City of St. Petersburg

From the Bench

lawns were not always green. We need to get back to that. If you’d like to learn more about Floridafriendly landscaping, visit the UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County website at sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellas.

If you do one thing this month, VOTE. The St. Pete Primary elections will be held on August 24th.

Visit votepinellas.com to find your local precinct.

A note from the Publishers First and foremost, a HUGE thank you to every city worker and volunteer who has helped clean up the “debris” left by red tide. For those of you who are new to Florida, yes, red tide is naturally occurring.

The first scientifically documented red-tide episode happened in the late 1800s. However, we humans do a lot to exacerbate it. The city says our current wave of red tide can’t be directly sourced to the Piney Point discharge, but it seems absurd to say it didn’t play a huge part in this early bloom (typically, we expect to see blooms starting in August).

While we can all rage about the lack of accountability, we should also look in the mirror. Runoff from your everyday fertilizer is a massive contributor to red tide. We need to normalize crunchy, dry brown grass. I can tell you from firsthand experience that it doesn’t look great.

Our lawn is part weeds, part grass — in the winter, it’s naturally green.

In the summer, like right now, it’s not. Maybe one day, if we get sick of it, we’ll convert to xeriscape. Recently I heard someone older than myself mention that back in the ‘50s and ‘60s — pre-fertilization —

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Tony and Ashley Sica Publishers / Owners

Till next time,

hello@greenbenchmonthly.com

*All are welcome on this bench.

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

To read more about our story and the history of the green benches visit greenbenchmonthly.com/about.

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Christian Science Church, St. Petersburg, Florida. 1925 (circa). State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.

An Evolution of an Historic Landmark: The Palladium

By Tina Stewart Brakebill In February of 1999, a sold-out crowd attended the Palladium Theater’s soft opening featuring the Florida Orchestra performing its Kids-Time Classics concert. Less than a week later, the Ballet Society performed on the Palladium’s new “sprung” stage, designed with rubber padding to cushion dancers’ leaps. Soon after, a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the official birth of the 903-seat, not-for-profit Palladium Theater. For the community leaders behind the effort, the moment represented the culmination of a decade-long dream to offer the community a low-cost venue for local arts groups. This dream continues to thrive with the help of St. Petersburg College, which purchased the property in 2007. In 2012, the building that continues to house the Palladium was designated as a St. Petersburg historic landmark. It was a proud moment for the Palladium, but the path began long before theater backers dreamed of affordable seats for lovers of the arts.

Sunshine City Church Crowds: “too great for existing church structures” In early 1925, the St. Petersburg Times noted that 50,000 of the estimated 100,000 people living in St. Pete during the winter season regularly attended church, surpassing national church membership

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averages by nearly 10 percent. According to the article, these crowds of worshipers were simply “too great for existing church structures.”

As a result of the overflowing pews, numerous congregations joined the Sunshine City’s building boom, including First United Methodist, First Christian, Westminster Presbyterian, Temple Grace, and First Church of Christ, Scientist. A preview of the new church planned for the First Church of Christ, Scientist, estimated costs for the upcoming construction at $200,000. The paper noted that the new church was to have the capacity for 1,200 worshippers in its main auditorium and balcony, but its plans didn’t stop there. It would also have three organs, a spacious lobby, check room, Sunday School rooms, and offices. An artist’s rendering showcased the structure’s “beautiful edifice.”

The Romanesque Revival Rage Designed in the Romanesque Revival Style by architect Henry Lovewell Cheney, the church was inspired by Brunelleschi’s Foundling Hospital in Florence, Italy. Typical features of this style are evident throughout the church, including the terra cotta roof, limestone pillars topped with Corinthian capitals, and vaulted portico ceiling. A Chicago native, Cheney would go on to design several high-profile structures,

Palladium Theater.

Photo by City of St. Petersburg

including the Court of Peace for the 1939 World’s Fair, the original Washington National Airport building, and the historic Miami Beach Post Office. The tiles present throughout the building were the work of an already renowned artisan, Ernest Batchelder. By the time the church was finished, Batchelder’s distinctive work could be found in buildings and homes across the nation.

Built By the Best Turning the beautiful design into reality was the work of another well-established name: the George A. Fuller Construction Company.

Fuller had revolutionized the building industry in the late 19th century with his use of Bessemer steel beams. The substructures made skyscrapers possible and helped spur the upward growth of cities. His company constructed some of the most famous structures in America, including the Flatiron Building (originally known as the Fuller Building), the Rookery Building, the Lincoln Memorial, the New York Times Building, and the Plaza Hotel. Locally, his company was responsible for the Rolyat Hotel, the Jungle Country Club, and the Florida Theater.

With an experienced builder like Fuller Construction at the helm, the church went up quickly, and over budget at $250,000. By the fall of 1926, the Times compared it favorably to “any newer church buildings in the south.” It noted that the city’s expansion meant that giant oaks once considered “the finest in Pinellas County” had been thinned to a quarter of their former glory to allow for the rush of new construction, including the new First Church of Christ, Scientist building.

In the Oak Grove Despite the loss of the oak grove, the 1926 article celebrated the new church as another positive sign of the city’s rapid expansion. “Situated in the center of what was once the most beautiful oak grove in the city, and still surrounded by many beautiful trees, the new First Church of Christ Scientists [at] Fifth avenue and Third street north, presents one of the most imposing fronts among St. Petersburg’s churches,” the story read. For 73 years, the building served its congregation until dwindling attendance led the First Church of Christ, Scientist, to sell it to a group of hopeful art lovers. That fortuitous sale may have saved it for prosperity. Ninety years after the newspaper sang its praises, the historic landmark still presents one of the “most imposing fronts” among the city’s buildings.

Sources available on request.

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WARNING FATIGUE AND RESTRICTED BLOOD FLOW PROCEED WITH CAUTION Chest pressure, a squeezing sensation or chest pain.

These feelings may be angina, a symptom of heart disease.

Your heart comes with a warning system called angina, which happens when part of the heart doesn’t get enough blood and oxygen. Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD), a type of heart disease that occurs when arteries that carry blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked. Although angina often feels like a pinching sensation in the chest, it can also be accompanied by sluggishness, fatigue and chest tightness. If you experience any of these symptoms, the heart experts at BayCare’s St. Anthony’s Hospital can quickly get to the cause and treat it with a procedure that’s right for you. Diagnosing and treating CAD is just one area of our expertise. We use state-of-the-art technology to treat rhythm disorders like AFib and heart attacks and you can recover from heart issues with our cardiac rehabilitation services. Along with many other treatment options and advanced heart care services, our multidisciplinary team is here when you and your heart need us. And we have enhanced safety measures to help keep you protected, so you can feel secure getting the care you need. Don’t ignore your heart’s warning system.

Learn more and get a cardiology referral: StAnthonysHeart.org

21-1601308-0721

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People of St. Pete: Mace Walker

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 who make St. Pete unique.

This month we’re placing the spotlight on local filmmaker Mace Walker. Only 20 years old, Walker firmly roots her vision for the future in her present-day accomplishments. The historic Tampa Theatre recently held a private screening of her feature-length film, Triggered. She hopes the movie will earn a spot at one of the more prestigious independent film festivals, but she’s also hard at work on pre-production for her next project. She has been imagining worlds since she was a child.

Backstories At age 4, Walker was already producing stories by drawing illustrations for the tales she would dictate to her grandmother to write. All her stuffed animals and toys had elaborate backstories, including her favorite misunderstood rubber vampire, Ka Kayla, who was simply looking for love. Influenced by Tim Burton and Disney’s Pixar films, Walker originally thought she might turn her artistic talent to animation. Ultimately, she didn’t like the limitations of that kind of storytelling. Always drawn to the darker side of characters and their motivations, she understood not all story arcs have happy endings.

And she wanted to be in control of her own creative vision.

Photo by Brian Brakebill

Sunscreen Film Camp As an anxious, self-isolating teenager with a head full of stories, Walker struggled to find her place. She knew she wanted to make movies but wasn’t sure how. She applied for and received a full scholarship to the Studio@620’s Sunscreen Film Camp. The three-week, immersive film-making experience, which she describes as the “best thing that ever happened” to her, introduced her to film-making basics and to the local film-making community. By the conclusion of camp, she had found her place and made her first short film, inspired by the challenges faced by her autistic sister. Reflecting on the shortcomings of the five-minute piece, she cringes a bit now, but she also understands that learning and growing are essential to life and art. Sunscreen Film Camp taught her how to make films, and she credits her sister with inspiring her to open up to life’s possibilities.

Triggered One of those opportunities was the idea that she could make a fulllength film. Influenced by the struggle of navigating high school under the constant critical eyes of peers, one’s inner voice, and seemingly oblivious authority figures, Walker sought to depict the complicated “true” story behind a fictional school shooting. She started the project when she was 17, writing, producing, editing and directing the picture.

Shot mostly in guerrilla style, Triggered is a “controversial experimental drama,” Walker says, that is meant to “evoke emotions and trigger a response.”

Having sent the film for festival consideration, Walker and her crew will spend September shooting a not-yet-titled thriller at a North Carolina dairy farm. For updates about Triggered and Walker’s upcoming projects, visit www.maceditseverything.com.

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The James Museum is located at 150 Central Ave. Photo courtesy of The James Museum

Museum Exhibits to look forward to

By Erin Cody As normal life is falling back into place, we can finally welcome cultural activities back into the fold. Our wonderful local museums have weathered the storm of the past year-and-a-half, and we need to show them our support! Luckily, there are some fantastic exhibitions coming up. Let’s check ‘em out!

Masters of modern art Pop art fans rejoice - Warhol is coming to the James! From 10/2/211/9/22, The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art will be showing Warhol’s West, showcasing Andy Warhol’s work featuring the American West. This fascination with and use of Western imagery is explored through his contemporary lens, and includes the likes of Annie Oakley, Geronimo, Teddy Roosevelt and Sitting Bull. Visit thejamesmuseum. org for more information.

Through 2022, you can treat yourself to It’s Not Always Black and White at the Imagine Museum. The exhibit of contemporary glass work features a diverse array of detailed and evocative pieces that fall in the spectrum between black and white. The museum invites you to experience what is “hiding amongst the gray.”

St. Pete’s famous Dali Museum invites you to explore the work of

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CHOI KEERYONG. Daam Dah 8, 2019 on display at the Imagine Museum through 2022

game changing artist Lee Miller in their upcoming exhibit, The Woman Who Broke Boundaries: Photographer Lee Miller. Running now through 1/02/22, the showing digs into Miller’s captivating personal life, from 1907-1977, and her insightful photojournalism and portraiture. More information may be found at thedali.org.

Salvador Dali and Gala, c1930 by Lee Miller. © Lee Miller Archives. on display at the Dali museum through 01/02/22

James Van Der Zee, American, 1886–1983, Kate and Rachel Van Der Zee, Lenox, Massachusetts (detail), 1909 (printed 1974), Gelatin silver print, Gift of the Stuart Society in honor of Alan Du Bois, MFA Assistant Director, 1966–1984 on display at the Museum of Fine Arts Margins to Mainstays exhbit through 9/26/21

Closing soon

Run, don’t walk, to catch Margins to Mainstays at the Museum of Fine Arts before it closes on 9/26/21! The photography collection spotlights artists who have not received the recognition they deserve, either due to their gender, race, or sexuality. With a particular focus on women and artists of color, the exhibit brings into frame nearly a century-worth of these incredible photographers’ take on the world and how it has changed. To learn more, visit mfastpete.org.

Through 12/26/21, Her Response is a collection of the museum’s pieces of art created by women. The creative works of differing mediums go beyond what any words can say, creating a unique and deeply moving testimony and highlighting the female point of view. For more information, visit flholocaustmuseum.org.

The remainder of 2021 is looking bright and beautiful. Soak in all the wonder while supporting these local institutions. Don’t forget to spread the word!

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“I WAS TIRED OF LIVING WITH MY FIBROMYALGIA PAIN” Fibromyalgia has been difficult to treat and even more difficult to understand, UNTIL NOW! Dr. Mann provides patients with much needed relief from Fibro symptoms!

If you’re suffering from Fibromyalgia you understand this sentiment all too well. Local resident Laura K. found herself at a turning point when she noticed her diagnosis had started to take a toll on her marriage.

“I was angry all the time because of all the things I couldn’t do anymore because of my Fibromyalgia. That anger cycled through to depression and affected everyone around me, my husband more than anyone. It made our lives miserable.”

Fibromyalgia affects the entire body. To make things complicated it affects everyone’s body a little differently. To make things even more complicated, those effects can change on a daily basis. Sometimes you’re plagued with widespread muscle pain and fatigue, and other days it’s a headache and heightened sensitivity to touch.

“I could barely stand to have the light weight of bedsheets touching me, much less a hug from my husband.” explains Laura.

This is what it’s like to suffer from Fibromyalgia. Symptoms make everyday life incredibly difficult. Mundane, daily tasks are nearly impossible. It’s characterized by widespread pain in muscles and soft tissues rather than inflammation of the joints, muscles, and tissues.

Too often, these symptoms are only made worse because most practitioners find it difficult to understand and even more troublesome to treat.

Then your primary care doctors suggest dietary changes, pain liniments, and prescription medications to the point where your life is no longer ruled by Fibromyalgia. It’s now ruled by a difficult routine and pill regimen that are supposed to aid in avoiding flare ups.

Laura put it this way, “My life was no longer my own.”

Eventually Laura did her own research and discovered that acupuncture can improve the quality of life in Fibro patients.

Determined to find the best in the business, she discovered St. Petersburg Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine led by Dr. Matthew Mann.

Dr. Mann has been successfully treating difficult to manage, chronic pain cases for almost a decade.

He uses the time tested science of acupuncture and integrates it with modern medical advancements that encourage healing and recovery. Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that is commonly used to reduce various forms of pain.

Acupuncture works by reducing inflammation, stimulating the release of endorphins, and offers much needed, effective symptom relief for Fibromyalgia.

Dr. Mann also skillfully layers noninvasive therapies like ATP Resonance BioTherapy™ and other regenerative therapies for amplified, long-lasting results.

“I feel like a new person. My husband comes with me to my appointments. He spends most of it thanking Dr. Mann for giving him back the woman he married. And for the first time since we moved here, one of my neighbors told me I looked good! It’s a miracle Dr. Mann treated my Fibro, I don’t know how else to explain it.”

If you’re looking for a doctor and a practice who not only understands your diagnosis but also has a proven solution for chronic pain, look no further than St. Pete AIM.

Laura describes the St. Pete AIM clinic almost as enthusiastically as she does Dr. Mann’s treatments.“I love it here!”

Additional information about Dr. Mann and his various treatments can be found by visiting www.stpAIM.com. Dr. Mann is now accepting new patients but only for a limited time. In an effort to protect his patients, both current and future, he has made the difficult decision to limit the number of patients seen in his clinic. Only 10 new fibromyalgia patients will be accepted before Aug 20th, so call (727) 235-0435 now to schedule a consultation.

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Musician Mike Panko on guitar with Pro Star Recording co-owner Jody Gray at the sound board. As the chief engineer and producer, Gray works closely with musicians to help shape their songs into finished recordings. Photos by Brian Brakebill

Pro Star Recording: Bringing Songs to Life

by Tina Stewart Brakebill Nearly two decades ago, Jeannette Goldman and Jody Gray came together to foster a big idea: provide a local space where independent artists can transform their musical imaginings into high-quality recordings. That concept became Pro Star Recording Studio, and 20 years later they are still committed to helping independent musicians.

Intro As co-founders and co-owners of the studio, Goldman and Gray bring a wide range of experience to the endeavor. Goldman is a songwriter and music teacher and the former owner of the Music Corner, a local store that offered lessons and equipment. Gray is a longtime recording and live

engineer and accomplished musician. Together, they can provide artists the support they need to move a project from an idea to completion.

Verse I The pair launched the studio with independent artists in mind, but played a bit with its business model over the years. Goldman and Gray began to offer more services, from hosting events to recording medical guides. As time passed, they realized they had strayed from their original purpose: fostering the talents of independent solo artists as they transformed an idea for a song into high-quality recordings of songs as “they imagined” they could be.

Chorus Pro Star Recording has committed to providing independent musicians the support they need to produce the music they envision.

Bridge This return to their origins came at a time when independent musicians have emerged as the future of the music industry. Diego Farias, insider and co-founder and CEO of Amuse Music Distribution, recently spoke about the ongoing shift in the way musicians make and share their music, especially the impact of social media. “This growing crop of independent musicians signals seismic changes to come in the music industry,” he said. “With less of an adherence to labels, there will be new key players and new ways of doing business. Think fewer managers and more short-term contracts. There’s something happening

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Pro Star Recording co-founders Jeannette Goldman and Jody Gray

Pro Star also can connect artists with other experienced studio musicians if a bigger sound is desired that’s going to impact the industry profoundly.” What hasn’t changed is the need for songs, and Pro Star Recording can help.

Verse II Pro Star Recordings has the technical and business know-how to help artists rise to the next level. As the chief engineer and producer, Gray works closely with musicians to help shape their songs into finished recordings. As a multi-instrumentalist he also can provide backup, but Pro Star also can connect artists with other experienced studio musicians if a bigger sound is desired. Goldman also is on hand to offer song-writing skills as well as advice on the professional aspects of managing a career in music, from website development to the importance of selling one’s own material. Pro Star also has a sound booth complete with karaoke accompaniment if needed so that artists can record high-quality demos or sellable tracks. It is also available to non-professionals, who can record a special gift for a loved one. Pro Star also can help clients create highquality videos for websites and social media.

Chorus Pro Star Recording has committed to providing independent musicians the support they need to produce the music they envision.

Coda For information about services and pricing, call (727) 526-0446 or visit www.prostarrecording.com

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Charlie’s Champs “Spooky Cycle”. Photo courtesy of Charlie’s Champs

Charlie’s Champs Brings Fun to Kids with Disabilities

By Suzanne Driscoll When tragedy strikes, one can wallow in self-pity or decide to help make the world a better place. After their first child, Charlie, died in the womb from severe birth defects in 2016, Allie and John Benson decided they would honor her memory by helping kids with disabilities. As a full-time neurodevelopmental pediatric physical therapist, Allie works with children who can’t participate in Little League Baseball, soccer, the martial arts, etc. She and John saw a great need in the Tampa Bay area for these youngsters to have a chance to join inclusive recreational activities.

Founded in 2018 as a non-profit organization, Charlie’s Champs is dedicated to providing disabled children opportunities to play with other kids in team sports and numerous outdoor activities. Adaptive equipment specific to each disability is offered to enable kids to play and be a part of organized sporting events. As funding allows, the organization also donates adaptive bicycles.

“I remember one boy who received a special bike from us during the Christmas holidays,” Allie says. “My husband, who runs a construction business, dressed up like Santa Claus, and he could see the boy hiding behind a glass door. When he saw the bike he ran out

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and hopped right on it and said, ‘Santa, you came out from the mall in a truck to see me!’ He went from being completely shy to riding the bike all over the neighborhood.”

There are no age limits to participate in any of Charlie’s Champs activities. “Our oldest participant is 34, and we recently had kids under 2 held by their parents on an adaptive sailing trip,” Allie says. “Kids come from all over Pinellas County, and we’ve donated bikes to children in Hillsborough County, Manatee County, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.”

Charlie’s Closet Another component of Charlie’s Champs is a free equipment exchange based in the Tampa Bay area. Called Charlie’s Closet, this community assists families in donating and receiving gently used equipment and medical and feeding supplies. While having the opportunity to receive items, families also are able to donate equipment.

To donate or receive equipment, you can visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/charlieschampsfl.

Fundraisers help Charlie’s Champs Co-founders, Allie & John Benson provide bikes to kids like Malachi Photo courtesy of Charlie’s Champs

Funding Small fundraisers are held throughout the year, and grants provide other financing. There are also raffles, auctions, and restaurants that will donate a percent of their sales on a particular day. “People will also sponsor a Facebook fundraiser in honor of their birthday, and we are so grateful to receive these donations,” Allie reports.

The Bensons look forward to holding more activities such as baseball, soccer and bowling, since kids who are already immunecompromised have had limited contact during the pandemic.

Today the couple have two more daughters, and Charlie’s legacy will live on in the smiling faces of the many children participating in Charlie’s Champs activities. “Charlie will always remain in our hearts,” Allie says, “and now other children can experience the joy of comfortably participating in team sports and camaraderie as their families can come together supporting each other as they raise children with disabilities.”

Allie & John Benson with their daughters, Sloan (2 years-old) and Sutton (3 months-old) Photo by Brian Brakebill

To make a donation or to learn more about the many activities sponsored by Charlie’s Champs, please visit www.CharliesChampsFL. com or www.facebook.com/charlieschampsfl.

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Parks of St. Pete: Hitting the Links

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.

Finding the Right Course If you’re looking to play golf, you’ve come to the right place! Florida offers more courses than any other state in the nation. Which one is today’s perfect match? Look no further than St. Petersburg’s three municipal courses. Maintained by the city and open to the public, they offer something for every level of play and everybody’s schedule. From the challenges of the 18-hole championship course at Mangrove Bay to the quicker pace of Twin Brooks’ nine-hole, Par-3 course and the family-friendly atmosphere at Cypress Links, the courses offer yearround opportunities to learn, play, and practice.

Photos by Brian Brakebill

Mangrove Bay & Cypress Links One location and two courses offer good options. If you’re looking for a championship-level course, then Mangrove Bay’s 18 holes of Par72 golf are for you. Sustainable USGA-modified Platinum Paspalum greens stay beautiful throughout the year while also allowing golf balls to sit up in the fairways for better shots. With all the amenities you’d expect from a championship course, Mangrove Bay is among Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play.” Golf for Women lists it among its “Top 100 Most Women Friendly Golf Courses.” A recent review posted on golfpass.com by a frequent golfer says it all:. “Everything about the course is great. Greens roll true and not a bad one on the course.

Fairways 5 star. … Best Muni ever!!” If you’re looking for something less challenging, then Cypress Links (located at the entrance to Mangrove Bay) is a great option. With shorter holes (from 105 to 187 yards), this nine-hole, Par-3 course can offer lower rates and shorter playing times, making it ideal for family outings, beginners, and experienced players with limited time.

Twin Brooks Sometimes you can’t spare five hours to play 18 holes, but you still want the opportunity to play a challenging course or improve your game. Rent a cart or walk as you enjoy playing the beautiful treefilled nine-hole, Par-3 course. It’s the perfect place if you’d like to get in a quicker round in the morning or early evening. It also offers an 18-station driving range, three practice holes, and two putting greens.

Looking for a regular game with like-minded players or a place for your future golf star to fine-tune their game? Twin Brooks has leagues and junior programs and offers a pro shop, snack bar, and PGA instruction for groups and individuals.

To Play For more information about locations, rates, hours, and online booking visit www.golfstpete.com For information about any other of St. Pete’s many parks visit www.stpeteparksrec.org or call (727) 893-7441.

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Taverna Costale is coming soon to 200 Central Ave

Orange Station at the EDGE is coming soon to 1301 1st Ave N

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.

Taverna Costale is coming soon to 200 Central Avenue in downtown St. Pete. Owned and operated by celebrity chef Fabio Viviani, Taverna Costale will be a coastal Italian restaurant and bar with an emphasis on local seafood. It’ll also feature made-from-scratch pasta, pizza, and high-end cuts of prime and dry-aged steaks. In addition to great Italian fare, Viviani promises a fantastic cocktail program and an impressive selection of Italian wine. Taverna Costale is set to open this winter at 200 Central Avenue in downtown St. Pete.

Orange Station at the EDGE is coming soon to 1301 1st Avenue North in the EDGE District. At the site of the former St. Pete Police HQ, Orange Station has been reconfigured from its original proposal to include more residential and less office space. The main building will now be 16 stories compared to the initial proposal’s 9 stories. Also, a future development pad will be set aside for a future office building or hotel. Demolition of the former police station will occur late this year and construction is expected to begin on Orange Station in the first quarter of 2022. Completion of the project is expected by the beginning of 2024.

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450 8th Ave SE could soon become Maritime and Defense Tech Hub

St. Petersburg Maritime and Defense Technology Hub could be coming soon to 450 8th Avenue Southeast in the Innovation District. The

Valkyrie Doughnuts is now open at 2444 Central Ave

St. Petersburg Innovation District has proposed to lease the 30,000 square foot city-owned building for a project that would bring together industry, government, and academia under one roof to provide a collaborative environment for marine and life sciences, defense, and technology companies. City Council is expected to vote on a proposed term sheet of the lease agreement in a future meeting.

Valkyrie Doughnuts opened recently at 2444 Central Avenue in the Grand Central District. From the owner of Valhalla Bakery, Valkyrie Doughnuts has an entire kitchen dedicated to doughnut production and pumps out up to one thousand doughnuts per day. Popular flavors include Choco-Lit, Double Choco-Lit, Blueberry French Toast, Strawberry Sprankle, Churro, and Dunkaroo.

Must Wine Loft is expanding at 442 2nd Street North in downtown St Pete. MUST is a European-inspired wine and cheese shop that’ll soon be a place to shop for groceries, grab a coffee, and get some work done too. The expansion will contain market-style niceties like a cheese bar, vermouth tasting, and a Chef ’s Table featuring a varied food menu. The current space will remain open throughout the expansion, which will begin in the fall after officially taking over the neighboring lease in October.

La Segunda Bakery is coming soon to 2436 4th St N

The famous La Segunda Bakery is coming soon to 2436 4th Street North in St. Pete. The century old Ybor City bakery is the largest producer of Cuban bread in the world, pumping out a staggering 18,000 loaves every day. The menu in St. Pete will serve the same fresh-pressed Cubans, guava and cheese turnovers, and Italian cookies as the Ybor and South Tampa locations.

St. Pete Rising is an urban development blog covering future retail, restaurants, and real estate in Downtown St. Petersburg, FL. Stay up-todate, visit StPeteRising.com.

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EVENTS Get Fit St. Pete: Yoga in the Park

Come OUT Pride Night at Tropicana

When: Every first Saturday from 9am - 10am Where: Crescent Lake Park, 1320 5th St N Cost: Free Admission All levels welcome. This workout is presented by the trainers at The Body Electric Yoga Company.

Healthystpetefl.com

When: Friday, August 20th at 4:30pm Where: Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Drive Cost: $109 per ticket Bullpen Box Seats at Field Level include a food buffet, two drink tickets, and a Rays commemorative gift. Ticket is 100% donation to Come OUT St Pete, a non-profit. Tickets must be reserved in advance. bit.ly/come-out-sp

Williams Park Summer Market When: (every) Saturday from 9am-1pm through Sept. 11th Where: Williams Park, 301 1st Ave North Cost: Free Admission Shop a variety of local farms, food trucks, plants, artisan foods, and crafts. saturdaymorningmarket.com

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Holistic Dapper Expo When: Saturday, August 21st from 1pm - 5pm Where: St. Pete Coliseum, 535 4th Ave N Cost: $5 per ticket

GREENBENCHMONTHLY.COM / AUGUST 2021

Yoga in the Park with Body Electric. Photo by City of St. Petersburg

With close to 60 exhibitors, Crescent Lake instructors, and breakout Monthly Clean Up rooms, you’ll experience all When: Saturday, August 28th that the Tampa Bay Area has to from 8am - 11am offer in the Holistic industry. dappereventsandmarketing.com Where: Crescent Lake, 1320 5th Street North Cost: N/A Volunteer Return of At least 30 volunteers are needed. the Laughs!

To participate, please contact When: Saturday, August 21st SOUL directly. at 7pm info@soullinc.com Where: American Stage Theatre, 163 3rd St N Great St. Pete Cost: $25 per ticket Celebrating everything that Cupcake Contest makes us giddy with excitement, When: Saturday, August 28th chortle with glee, and guffaw with from noon - 3pm joy. americanstage.org/improv Where: Morean Center for Clay, 420 22nd St S VOTE: St. Pete Cost: $10-$25 per ticket Timed Admission tickets can be Primary Election pre-purchased via Eventbrite.

When: Tuesday, August 24th bit.ly/great-cupcake from 7am - 7pm Where: To find your nearest precinct, visit votepinellas.com

To submit event info visit greenbenchmonthly.com

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

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