Green Bench Monthly Vol. 8, Issue 10, October 2023

From the Bench

A note from the Publishers

Hello, Florida Fall! It’s not a change of seasons so much as it is a feeling that the humidity isn’t as suffocating as last month. We’ll take it! October is also the time of year when events pick up again. The Saturday Morning Market is back, our favorite neighborhood tours and festivals are happening, the Pier transforms into a pumpkin patch, and let us not forget the incredible new murals we’ll soon feast our eyes on downtown.

Before you dig into this issue, we want to share that City of St. Petersburg recognizes employees for outstanding service through Kudos awards. If you know a city worker who has provided excellent service and want to acknowledge a job well done, please share your experience by emailing kudos@stpete.org. Be sure to include the date of service, employee name(s) and/or department(s), description of service, and your name and contact information (optional).

Happy Halloween, St. Pete!

Till next time, Ashley & Tony

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.

All are welcome on this bench.

Fall Morning. Photo by City of St. Petersburg

Tony and Ashley Sica Publishers / Owners

The Festival of States: St. Petersburg’s Love Letter to Tourists

By Monica Kile, Historian and Tour Guide with I Love the Burg Tours

What institutions, images, or events define St. Petersburg? Today one might answer with museums, murals, and car races. For almost a century before, the answer would likely have been tourist societies, Mr. Sun, and the Festival of States.

Cooked up as a way to keep tourists in the city beyond Easter, the Festival of States was a mash-up of parties, pageants, and parades meant to entertain and create a sense of civic pride in a city with few native inhabitants. Its signature parade featured floats from nearly every state, and later, the country’s best high school marching bands. Its demise almost 10 years ago marked the end of an era in the Sunshine City.

Origins

The first Festival of States took place in 1917, but its roots extend back to 1896 when the first Washington’s Birthday Celebration was hosted with a parade by local schoolchildren. The event proved so popular that it continued until 1912, when the school board decided it was taking up too much of students’ time.

Concurrently, beginning in 1900, the Mid-Winter Fair Association hosted an annual extravaganza featuring exhibitors, music, and activities in a newly built exhibition hall. These two events would morph into St. Petersburg’s longest running city event.

The First Festival of States

The term “Festival of States” entered the St. Petersburg lexicon in 1917. This new event would be closely tied to the tourist societies that had become all the rage in St. Pete. The first was formed in 1902 to provide social activities for tourists and winter residents hailing from Illinois. Other states and regions quickly followed suit, the New England Society

Above: State of Maine float for the 1925 Festival of States Parade. Won first prize of $100. Below: State of New York float for the 1925 Festival of States Parade. Photos courtesy of the St. Petersburg Museum of History

forming in 1902, Michigan in 1907, and New York and New Jersey in 1909. By 1924, more than 12,000 members were enrolled in one of the clubs, alternately called “state societies” or “tourist societies.” Not surprisingly, in the strictly segregated city of St. Petersburg, all of those 12,000 members were white.

The first Festival of States included band concerts, a grand parade, a costume ball, a confetti battle, and the crowning of a king and queen (selected by ballot, which cost a penny per vote.) World War I precluded a follow-up, but by 1922 the festival was back, and the city and the chamber of commerce committed to making it an annual event to extend the tourist season.

Festival Features

At the beginning of the festival each year, the mayor would turn over the keys of the city to the head of the tourist societies, proclaiming that the city “belonged to the tourists!” Sports were a major focus, with audiences enjoying a mix of baseball spring training games, shuffleboard competitions, dog races, air shows, softball games, and more. Concerts and dancing were regular occurrences. In 1926, the festival concluded with the grand opening of the new Million Dollar Pier.

Beginning in the late 1930s an elaborate pageant was performed at Round Lake. A grand stage was built, gondolas floated groups of singers around the lake, lights and sound systems were rigged up, and shows with casts of 750 people were presented. In 1939 the pageant drew a crowd of 5,000 people. (contd. pg. 8)

Festival of States parade on Beach Drive in St. Petersburg. 1900 (circa). State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.

State of Pennsylvania float for 1930 Festival of States parade.

Photo courtesy of the St. Petersburg Museum of History

(contd. from pg. 7)

The festival went on hiatus during World War II and then celebrated its Silver Jubilee in 1946, with activities that included the “world’s largest open-air card party” with some 5,000 people playing bridge, rummy, and chess. That same year, 43 high school bands from around the state took part in competitive events and marched in the parade.

Change is Coming

By the 1950s, the tourist societies were losing members as shopping centers and the beaches presented other forms of entertainment. In 1957, the chamber of commerce determined that it could no longer manage the workload of the festival. In response, a group of business leaders formed the Suncoasters of St. Petersburg, an organization dedicated exclusively to producing the Festival of States.

It wasn’t the only change that the festival saw in the 1950s. In 1954, after years of restricting black citizens’ participation in festival activities, the newly formed Ambassadors Club entered a float in the parade. Comprising the city’s most prominent African-American men, the mission of the Ambassadors Club was to improve conditions in the African-American community of St. Petersburg. The entry of the float, featuring pageant contestants from the black community, was a leap forward for the segregated city that had allowed a Ku Klux Klan float in the 1920s.

Here Come the Bands!

As state society floats dwindled, they were replaced by an increasing number of high school marching bands from around the country. In an era when downtown was becoming a ghost town, the Festival of States brought it to life every spring with as many as 20 marching bands parading through city streets.

The Suncoasters continuously added new features to keep the Festival fresh. Lasting legacies like the Mainsail Art Festival, Rib Fest, and the Second Time Arounders Band all got their start as part of the Festival of States.

Mr. Sun and the Sun Goddesses

The tradition of crowning a Festival King and Queen evolved in the 1950s to the crowning of Mr. Sun and a Sun Goddess. Modern sensibilities bristle at the notion of recognizing an older white man for his civic contributions and a young white woman for her charm and poise, but the practice continued for decades. The first African-American member of the Suncoasters, Emanuel Stewart, was admitted in the 1970s and later became the first Mr. Sun in 1986. Not until the 1990s could a woman join the Suncoasters. The first Ms. Sun, Mary Wyatt Alan, was chosen in 1996.

The End of an Era

Many factors contributed to the end of the Festival of States. Dwindling funding from the city and local corporations, limited budgets for traveling bands, the increasing cost of elaborate parade floats, and the changing tastes of the public led to the death of one of St. Petersburg’s longest traditions in 2014. The Suncoasters disbanded in 2018.

What began 1896 with a parade to honor the first president grew into an event that defined a city for generations. What might a reimagined Festival of States look like today? Perhaps we’ll find out some day.

Emmanuel Stewart, the 1987-88 Mr. Sun enjoys the moment of being selected for his outstanding civic and community service with the newly named Sungoddess Gina Fridella. Emmanuel was the first African American chosen as Mr. Sun, and also was the first African American Suncoaster.

Photo courtesy of St. Petersburg Museum of History

Festival of States parade onlookers - Saint Petersburg, Florida. 1950 (circa). State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.

McLendon, Tom. St. Pete High School Marching Band in the Festival of States parade on Bayshore Dr. in Saint Petersburg. 1973. State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory.

People of St. Pete: Tracey Jones

By Lynn Waddell

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.

Painter Tracey Jones comes from a family of “makers.” An artist, an inventor, and a scientist are in her DNA. Her great-great-grandmother Ida Ellen Ruth Jones was a noted Pennsylvania folk artist. Her father was a chemist who worked in research and development for nonstick coatings.

When her father came home from a Saturday market and tossed Jack Hamm’s seminal book, “How to Draw Animals,” on her bed and said, “Draw me something,” she did just that.

“Little did he know that would catch fire,” she said. “I absolutely adored that book. I drew almost everything in it.”

More Mural Inspiration

Jones was about 7 years old at the time. Today, more than 30 years later, she’s preparing to paint her second mural in the SHINE St Pete Mural Festival beginning Oct. 13. Over seven days, she will paint her bold, vibrant imagery on all four sides of the ticket booth on the north side of Williams Park in downtown St. Petersburg.

As part of the 2022 SHINE Mural Festival Unity project, she painted the large mural “Always Forward Together” on the exterior of Brookwood Florida at 901 7th Ave. S with the help of the community.

The message suits Jones, who is big on collaboration and unifying artists across Tampa Bay. “We really try to create a bond between artists in St. Pete and Tampa,” she said. “Everyone helps one another.” (As if to

punctuate that, two other mural artists show up to lend a hand at her Green Bench Monthly photo shoot.) She has done a series of paintings in collaboration with abstract Tampa artist Fabstraq, who is also featured in this year’s SHINE Festival.

Relocating to the Sunshine State

A native of Coatesville, Pa., a small town just outside Philadelphia, Jones and her young family moved to Florida in 2015 after a particularly snowy winter. They had originally planned to move to Atlanta, but a trip through Florida sold them on Tampa where she now lives and also works as a graphic designer.

Jones started showing her vibrant paintings and multimedia art at galleries throughout the region in 2018. Her art often reflects her African American heritage, indigenous peoples, and her earlier life abroad. She lived in Singapore for three years during middle school.

Defining her work

A couple of years ago, she had a show in Englewood, and three people separately told her that her work was “too ethnic” for the area. “What do you do with that?” she recalls asking herself. “I could either go home and paint what they wanted me to paint, or I could go home and figure out a way to keep painting what I’m painting and keep going.”

Tracey Jones. Photos by Keith Kenney

She chose the latter. “I wanted to start educating with my pieces instead of painting things that people just find visually appealing,” she said.

She created a series that colorfully depicts female mythological figures of the Yoruba people of Nigeria and other West African countries. “I wanted to bring light to a lot of the cultures that we aren’t necessarily learning about in schools,” she said. In one piece, the dark-skinned Yemaya, mother of all waters, is supported by the tentacle of an octopus as she launches from a giant blue wave.

For her SHINE 2023 mural, she plans to incorporate the image of John Donaldson, St. Petersburg’s first Black resident. Donaldson settled in lower Pinellas County in 1868 before St. Petersburg was incorporated. Jones learned about Donaldson from an African American history tour in St. Petersburg and watching related YouTtube videos.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity that SHINE has given me,” Jones said. “I hope that people will come out and join in.”

Head in the Clouds #3 (revisited) Acrylic/Mixed Media 36x36. (via instagram @theartistjones)

Left to right: artists Fabstraq and Zulupainter join Tracey to lend a hand during the GBM shoot.

Rise and SHINE for St. Pete’s Annual Mural Art Festival

By Emily Harris

Every October in St. Pete, you can feel the creative juices flowing as artists gather from far and wide and right around the corner to contribute to the SHINE Mural Festival. This annual event is a colorful celebration of each artist’s personal style, story, and voice by allowing them full creative expression to transform these public spaces into their creative visions, reflecting our city’s vibrant spirit.

SHINE Year Nine

Back in action for its ninth year, SHINE 2023 is welcoming 14 new murals by astute talent from local, national, and international mural artists. These contributors highlight St. Pete’s commitment to worldclass creative excellence and are a huge part of what gives our city its sought-after uniqueness. You’ll find boldly colorful and playful works from Nevada-based artist Hannah Eddy, as well as dynamic, thoughtful, abstract pieces by Canadian muralist Bryan Beyung, and visionary universal-consciousness art at the hands of St. Pete’s own Chris Dyer. With each mural being as unique as its creator, whether you are touched by powerful illustrations of the human condition or appreciate the bubbly brightness of cartoon-style characters, there is something to enjoy and find inspiration from.

Time to SHINE

SHINE has also proudly gained its first two-year title sponsor, REFLECTION. This partnership started from a group of Pinellas County locals who have seen firsthand the growth and impact of the art community and will come to fruition with a three-story mural on the Mirror Lake luxury condo building to commemorate the festival’s 2024 10th-year anniversary.

“It’s a big deal to have this external support, as it’s aligned with keeping St. Pete local and creative in the midst of growth,” said Jenee Priebe, director of the SHINE Mural Festival.

“We’ve been able to do something really special with SHINE. The impact that the art community has had on this city has transformed St. Pete into a place where people want to live and has introduced a whole new culture to the area. With over ten nationally recognized museums, dozens of galleries, and a very active artistic presence, we’ve been able to curate a truly passionate community that has all but changed St. Pete’s identity.”

“As the festival has grown throughout the years, we are happy to say that we have been able to stick to the model that was initially created, and have protected our mission of illuminating the power of art in public spaces by revitalizing local areas, carving out representation and diversity, and sparking meaningful dialogue.”

Rhys Meatyard, St. Petersburg

Sarah Sheppard, St. Petersburg

Chris Dyer, St. Petersburg

Michael Vasquez, St. Petersburg

SHINE 2023 is welcoming 14 new murals by astute talent from local, national, and international mural artist.

Photos courtesy of St. Pete Arts Alliance

Mark Your Calendars

The SHINE Mural Festival begins on Friday, Oct. 13, with a kickoff event at Overspray, and ends with a closing ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 21, at SPACE gallery, both in the Warehouse Arts District. This year, the festival overlaps with the monthly Second Saturday Art Walk, which will activate local galleries around downtown in honor of SHINE, highlighting muralism and past SHINE artists.

SHINE On

Check out the SHINE website for printable guidebooks and maps, details on this year’s artists, what to expect, portfolio submission forms for future SHINE festivals, and how to donate to support the local St. Pete art community. Stay up to date by following @shineonstpete on Facebook and Instagram, and enjoy your colorful adventure alongside some of the fine modern art talent!

Fabstraq, Tampa

Bunny Reiss, California

HOXXOH, Miami

Andrea Wan, Canada

Hannah Eddy, Nevada

Bryan Beyung, Canada

Dave Bonsai, London

Max Sansing, Chicago

Loretta Lizzio, Austrailia

Modern Optics: Be You – Funky, Casual and Colorful

By Suzanne Driscoll

You can always purchase a plain brown or black eyeglass frame at any optician or optometrist office. But if you really want to stand out from the crowd, be sure to check out the great selection of eyewear at Modern Optics. Founded by St. Pete native optician Chuck Eubanks in 2003, this independent optical boutique serves clients from all over the world with beautiful frames and sunglasses, expert prescription lens choices, frame adjustments and eyeglass repairs.

“Many of our eyeglass frames are custom-made in the USA, so if you see a pair you like but want it in a different color, we can give you 400 choices,” Eubanks says proudly. “Or perhaps you fall in love with a particular style but it lands on your cheeks. We will design and manufacture it so everything fits you perfectly.” Today about 80% of Modern Optics customers purchase a custom-made pair of eyeglasses. There is also a wide selection of sunglasses, including those from Dillon Optics that offer lenses in black, silver, blue, and gold and frame styles in metal, nylon, and wood. “People drive from all over to buy Dillon sunglasses here, as the nearest other place to get them is in Miami,” Eubanks reports.

Still not sure of the style you want for your eyeglasses? For $10, you can purchase a sample to see if you like the color, shape, and size.

Kids want to look fashionable, too, and there is a full line of eyewear made just for them. And with many years of experience, Eubanks makes sure every pair fits just right.

Easily Convert Your Prescription Glasses to Sunglasses

With the snap of a magnet, you can convert your favorite glasses to sunglasses with custom-made clips by Chemistrie. There are 20 lens covers to choose from in a variety of colors in mirror, gradient and solid

Chuck Eubanks, owner of Modern Optics located at 2433 Central Ave. Photos by Chris Ryan

to give you 100% UV protection with perfect clarity. It’s a convenient, comfortable alternative to expensive prescription sunglasses.

Insurance Now Accepted

Modern Optics accepts many vision insurance plans and will run the numbers for you to determine what your share will be. (See a complete list of plans on their website.) Several Medicare Advantage plans will reimburse you for new eyeglasses, and Eubanks will set up a payment plan for you if you don’t have insurance coverage.

Two companies were so impressed with the beautiful midcentury modern vibe of the shop that they requested to use the space to film national commercials.

“There are very few independent eyewear boutiques left as many optometrist and optician businesses are being bought up by large chains,” Eubanks says. “We search the world for unique eyeglasses that can’t be found anywhere else in the area. People come from all over to take advantage of our one-of-a-kind offerings.”

As one happy customer reports, “If you are looking for frames that are unique, stylish and fun, this is the place for you! Happened to be walking by this store while on vacation and ended up buying three pairs of glasses. Owner is fabulous to work with – very patient, professional and helpful. Definitely worth the drive if you are in the area. Highly recommend!”

Ace Handyman Services: Treating Your Home Like It’s Their Own

By Suzanne Driscoll

How do you find a handyman service you can trust to come into your home to make necessary repairs at a reasonable price? Let Ace Handyman Services do all the vetting for you, just as you have always trusted Ace Hardware stores to provide great advice and high-quality products.

“Even the simplest jobs require professional management from beginning to end,” says Jonathan Porcelli, who has owned the business with his wife, Gisela, since 2021. “You have to organize, schedule, purchase the materials and assign the right craftsperson for the project. We offer premium customer service with easy online scheduling, and we always follow up to make sure you are pleased with the work performed.” Services range from kitchen and bathroom repairs and upgrades

to painting, storm repairs, TV installation, carpentry, fence and door repair, and drywall projects. You can pay by the hour or check off your entire to-do list by bundling a number of projects into a half-day or full-day package.

The Right Craftspeople = Great Results

Porcelli would like to tell you about two of his lead craftspeople:

“Erik Bailey is a ‘jack of all trades’ and master of everything,” Porcelli reports. “He does detailed, meticulous, high-quality work and has a broad range of skills. With over 15 years of experience in home maintenance and repair, he can run a large job on his own and manage a team of other workers. He has lived and worked in Alaska

Erik Bailey, Ace Handyman Craftsperson Photos by Chris Ryan

and Colorado, inspiring many hobbies such as woodworking, metal detecting, fishing, gold prospecting and gardening.

“Sarah Connell is our Wonder Woman,” Porcelli says. “She is the mother of two and a military veteran and can handle any home project, big or small. She joined us after working at Lowe’s for a number of years and much prefers to be out in the field. We always have a high demand for Sarah from our repeat customers.”

As one recent customer wrote, “We had a ceiling in our garage that needed some attention. Ace Handyman St. Pete South arrived timely for our appointment and bid the job with an explanation of what they would do. Erik arrived for the work order and put in two long days to get the job done. He was efficient, hardworking, and did an excellent job. Then Sarah came in the next visit to blend the old and new textures and also did an excellent job. We are very happy with the work and quality.”

“Both Erik and Sarah are very talented and care about their profession as a point of pride and necessity,” Porcelli says.

Great Craftspeople Are Always Needed

As the business continues to expand, Ace Handyman is looking for additional craftspeople. “We have a partnership with Pinellas Technical College where we host apprentices every semester,” Porcelli reports. “We make sure our employees are fairly compensated, and we reimburse them for gas and their phone. There is paid time off, and we offer a nice work-life balance. Our craftspeople have a lot of autonomy and are able to focus on using their skills without having to deal with all the administrative work that goes along with running a business.”

With the holidays quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to contact Ace Handyman Services to get those repairs and improvements done before company arrives. “We will treat your home like it’s our own,” Porcelli promises.

To book a craftsperson or for more information, please visit acehandymanservices.com/offices/st-pete-south/ or call (727) 3902732.

Sarah Connell, Ace Handyman Craftsperson.

BungalowFest 2023 Celebrates a Quarter Century

The 25th annual home tour known as BungalowFest draws hundreds of visitors to the brick-lined streets of Kenwood each year. The 2023 version, sponsored by the Historic Kenwood Neighborhood Association, explores architectural diversity and showcases 10 homes,

highlighting urban rebirth and the phenomenon of living large in small spaces. A highlight will be a special look inside a former grocery that has been converted into a four-unit complex. Tour houses range in style from Craftsman bungalows to ranch, midcentury, and modern. BungalowFest also will offer guided tours of historic St. Petersburg High School's $44 million renovations, giving an exclusive look into the history of the nation's first milliondollar high school. Numerous public art installations will be seen throughout the area. The neighborhood encompasses 375 acres adjacent to downtown St. Petersburg, between Central and Ninth avenues N and 19th and 34th streets. The eclectic, art-filled district is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

If you go:

The Historic Kenwood Neighborhood Association’s 25th annual home tour runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4. Check-in and registration begin at St. Petersburg High School, 2501 Fifth Ave. N. Stroll or use the free continuous trolleys, which will transport guests throughout the area. Tickets are $25 and available in advance at www.historickenwood.org. Tickets purchased the day of the event will be $30 and available at the school. Additionally, a silent auction will feature items offered by local businesses, with final bids accepted until 3 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Historic Kenwood Neighborhood Association

Photo by City of St. Petersburg

A Haunting Good Time – The 20th Annual Euclid St. Paul’s Haunted Hike

By Emily Harris

Get your spook on this year at the 20th annual Haunted Hike in Euclid St. Paul’s, St. Petersburg’s most paranormal historic neighborhood! This engaging experience is an all-night affair that features food vendors, musical performances, theatrical skits, and the famous mile-long Haunted Hike tour, starting at the ominous intersection of 13th Street N and 13th Avenue N.

Spooktacular

On Saturday, Oct. 14, this highly anticipated family-friendly event brings in folks from around the block and even cities away to join in on the fun. “People have been reaching out earlier and earlier every year, and even with increasing our ticket availability, they have been selling out every time slot!” said Johnmark White of the Euclid St. Paul’s Neighborhood Association (ESPNA).

The hike itself is an hour-long guided tour through the neighborhood’s brick-laid streets that ventures out in incremental time slots every 15 minutes starting at 6:15 p.m. This year’s theme is “Aliens and AI,” and your evening is sure to be out of this world! Throughout the night you’ll see performances from the talented zombie horde Thrill St. Pete, local “pre-deceased” band Vic’s Coffin Drops, amazing professional “Star Wars” costumes from charity group 501st, as well as pop-up skits from more than 50 other volunteer hobbyists.

Likewise, if you’re simply strolling the sidewalk, be sure to check out the ghostly bake sale, live face painters, mystical fortune teller, original on-site printed T-shirts, and sustainably made Halloweenthemed jewelry from St. Pete’s own REJuled. As Lindsay Carter from the ESPNA said best, “Euclid St. Paul’s is St. Pete’s little-known gem of a neighborhood, and we are proud to share it with the community.”

Join Euclid St. Paul's Neighborhood Association for the annual Haunted Hike featuring musical performances, and theatrical skits.

Photos courtesy of Euclid St. Paul's Neighborhood Association

Doing Scary Good

The Haunted Hike is an impactful opportunity for the Euclid St. Paul’s community as a whole, as accepting event sponsors such as Jenny Roche with ReMax Realty has helped them raise the bar and draw in more attendees. The ESPANA thus has more money in order to give back to local charities as well as continue funding other neighborhood ventures for the remainder of the year. Helen Memoli, ESPNA president said: “We stay involved with local charities and provide fun experiences in order to help these organizations raise funds and gain more exposure within the community.

“The Haunted Hike has evolved over the years into more than a block party and has served as an opportunity to fund events that go back to the community throughout the year, such as the Back to School Bash where we donated over 200 much-needed school supplies to Woodlawn Elementary; a $500 donation to Kind Mouse food charity; a $150 donation including toys to the Christmas Toy Shop; raising $1,250 with a corporate match to send 20 local kids to American Stage Theatre summer camp in dedication to the passing of Violet Supak; and having the means to host a Family Movie Night that raised $500 for Tampa Bay Watch.”

How to Get Involved

It takes a village to put on this production every year, and the ESPNA would love to bring in further community involvement to support the cause. The largest need is for in-person volunteers to assist with the bake sale, participate as actors or hike guides, and help with the setting up as well as the take-down. Local high schoolers can earn community-service hours when they come out to volunteer their time! The neighborhood is always looking for additional involvement and encourages membership to help sustain everything that Euclid St. Paul’s provides to its families and the surrounding community.

To volunteer for the Haunted Hike, please send an email to Hike@ ESPNA.org. To purchase Haunted Hike tickets and get details on how to become involved and join the neighborhood association, head over to ESPNA.org.

ESPNA events, like the Haunted Hike, help support local non-profits like The Kind Mouse, a local organization that helps feed hungry kids.

To purchase Haunted Hike tickets visit espna.org

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.

Tampa Bay Rays have made it official. Last month, the team announced an agreement has finally been reached between the Rays, The City of St. Petersburg, and Pinellas County to move forward with a new state-of-the-art ballpark and a transformational development on the 86-acre Historic Gas Plant District site where the team’s current stadium sits. The new $1.3 billion stadium will have a capacity of 30,000 fans (35,000 for special events). The Rays have committed to pay $700 million and any cost overruns for the $1.3 billion ballpark and Pinellas County and the City of St. Petersburg will combine to contribute approximately $600 million in equal amounts. The Rays will continue to play in the existing ballpark on the site until the end of the 2027 season and are expected to be in the new stadium by Opening Day 2028.

This winter, the St. Pete Pier will become Tampa Bay’s newest waterfront outdoor music venue. Throughout November, December, and January, the Rise Up St. Pete Concert Series will host at least 12 concerts at Spa Beach Park featuring national headliners like Ludacris, Lauv, Chelsea Cutler, G-Eazy, QUINN XCII, and more. Tickets are on sale now at RiseUpStPete.com.

A staple of the downtown dining scene since 1999, The Oyster Bar has left the Jannus Block and will relocate to 2245 Central Avenue, a 3,200-square-foot space formerly home to Zoie’s, in the Grand Central District. The Oyster Bar is known for its seafood menu featuring a wide selection of raw and cooked oysters, as well as buffalo shrimp, calamari, and smoked fish spread. The restaurant hopes to open at its new location in October.

Rendering of the new $1.3 billion Rays Stadium

Rise Up St. Pete Concert Series coming to Spa Beach Park at the Pier

The Oyster Bar is relocating to 2245 Central Avenue

Qargo Coffee is coming soon to 924 Central Avenue in the EDGE District of downtown St. Pete. The new coffee shop, which also has cafes in Colorado and California, will use Italy-based Lavazza coffee beans for their espresso-based beverages, drip coffee, and cold brew coffee. Qargo Coffee will also offer a variety of baked goods from Italy and breakfast items, such as bagels and croissant sandwiches. The company is aiming to have Qargo Coffee’s St. Pete location open in time for the 2023 holiday season.

SaltLight Art is coming soon to 1916 Central Avenue, at the eastern end of the Grand Central District. The shop will carry a huge selection of products, such as bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings, and artwork, created by artist and designer Mary Long, who co-owns SaltLight Art with her husband. The boutique will also offer clothing, bags, shoes, and gifts. SaltLight Art hopes to open by the end of October.

Vogue Society is now open at 212 2nd Street North, next to the newly opened Dirty Shirley restaurant and bar and across the street from the Sundial retail, dining, and entertainment complex. The shop's style is “trendy and everyday … with a touch of Bohemian”. Some of the brands they carry include Natural Life, Judy Blue, and Dolce Vita, and the product lineup includes tops, bottoms, dresses, rompers, jumpsuits, dresses, shoes, jewelry, and accessories, as well as a selection of candles.

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.

Qargo Coffee is coming soon to 924 Central Ave

SaltLight Art is coming soon to 1916 Central Ave

Vogue Society is now open at 212 2nd St N

OCTOBER 2023

EVENTS

Saturday Morning Market

When: Saturdays 9am - 1pm

Where: Al Lang Stadium Parking Lot, 230 1st St SE (through May)

Cost: Free Admission

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

St. Pete Pier Pumpkin Patch & Festival

When: Oct 7 - Oct 15

Where: St. Pete Pier, 600 2nd Ave NE

Cost: FREE Admission

Experience the magic of fall at the St Pete Pier Pumpkin Patch! Wander amidst a sprawling field of vibrant, plump pumpkins, ready for picking and purchase. Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect pumpkin or simply eager to soak in the festive ambiance, the pier patch is open to everyone at no admission fee. Don’t forget to bring your camera— between the golden haystacks, rustic truck, and scenic pumpkin displays, there’s a picture-perfect moment waiting at every corner. stpetefallfest.com

Laughing Glass

When: Tuesday, Oct 10 5 - 8pm

Where: Imagine Museum,

1901 Central Ave

Cost: $10

Hosted by the charismatic Dan Bakst, this stand-up comedy night will feature two hilarious comedians: Jarrett Moore and Scott 'King' Hooker. Enjoy an evening of side-splitting comedy, vibrant atmosphere, and visual wonders that will leave you in stitches. Best suited for mature audiences. imaginemuseum.com

SHINE 2023 – Year 9

When: Oct 13 - 22

Where: Various Locations

Cost: Free 14 new murals plus a series of Bright Spot community mural projects will be added to the art districts and surrounding neighborhoods of St. Petersburg’s downtown. Visitors are welcome to watch the artists as they create their murals and visit during the final weekend to see the completed works of art! stpeteartsalliance.org

When: Saturday, Oct 14 5-9pm (second Saturdays)

Where: various locations throughout Downtown

Cost: FREE

Drive, Park, Walk and get ARTsy! From the Waterfront District of St. Pete to the Warehouse Arts District, over 40 galleries/studios will be open from 5-9pm with many venues hosting the opening night of their latest exhibit. ArtWalk takes place every Second Saturday of the month. These venues are happily waiting for your exploration, conversation, purchases and inspiration! stpeteartsalliance.org

Euclid St. Paul’s Haunted Hike

When: Oct 14, tours run from 6:15-8:30pm

Where: Euclid St. Paul’s, 13th Ave N and 13th St N

Cost: Adults $8, Children $5, 2 and under free

Second

Saturday ArtWalk in St. Pete

A 1-mile, 1-hour, guided walking tour of spooky one-act skits created to tingle your senses. espna.org/haunted-hike

(events contd. pg. 30)

St. Pete Pier Pumpkin Patch. Photo by City of St. Petersburg

Cocktails on the Courts

When: Saturday, Oct 14 7pm - 10pm

Where: St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club, 559 Mirror Lake Dr

Cost: Tickets are $100; or two for $175

A vintage Florida party featuring live music, dancing under the stars, unlimited Florida cuisine & cocktails and of course, shuffleboard! All proceeds benefit the Museum of History and its mission of preserving the history of St. Pete! spmoh.org

Movies In the Park

When: Thursday, Oct 19 showing E.T., Oct. 26 The Addams Family 5:30 - 9pm

Where: North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Dr NE

Cost: $10 Donation

The evening starts with live music followed by the movie on the big screen at dusk. Come early to get your favorite spot and grab some

food from the ‘Burg’s best food vendors. Beer and wine will be available, proceeds benefit Preserve the Burg and Jump for Kids. preservetheburg.org

American Stage Presents The Day You Begin

When: Oct 21 & 22 at 11am

Where: American Stage, 163 3rd St N

Cost: Adults $13; Children $10

It’s not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet…but somehow you do it. And that new place opens itself up to make some space for you. Based on Jacqueline Woodson’s most popular picture book, a #1 New York Times bestseller illustrated by Rafael López. Adapted by Woodson with music and lyrics by Toshi Reagon, The Day You Begin is a poignant and heartening musical about finding the courage to make new friends, hear new stories, and see your own magic in the world. americanstage.org

Reach St. Pete: 6th Annual Fall Fest Fundraiser

When: Saturday, Oct. 21 noon - 5pm

Where: 3 Daughters Brewing, 222 22nd St S

Cost: Adults $25 (Includes pumpkin, paint, apron, and an alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverage of your choice) Children

$15 (Includes pumpkin, paint, apron, face paint, bounce houses, & a drink)

Join Reach St. Pete for their annual Fall Fest Fundraiser to help continue to prevent and alleviate homelessness, low-income, and at-risk situations in Pinellas County. Proceeds from this event will support Reach’s Pop-Up Pantry initiative to bridge the physical, financial, and educational gap in food and nutrition. Reachstpete.org

Safe Paws Rescue Pups and Pumpkins Fundraiser

When: Sunday, Oct. 22 1-4pm

Where: Pinellas Ale Works, 1962 1st Ave S

Cost: Donations

Have a PAWTASTIC time while supporting Safe Paws Rescue -- a volunteer-run dog rescue. Their goal is to raise funds to rescue and help as many pups as they can within our community. Help includes spay/ neuter procedures, medications, food, preventatives, and much more! Help Safe Paws help pups. facebook. com/SafePawsAnimalRescue/

Halloween on Central

When: Sunday, Oct. 29 noon - 5pm

Where: Central Ave from Dr. MLK Jr. St. to 31st St.

Cost: Free Admission

Featuring strolling performers & entertainment, costumes, music, food trucks, haunted houses, & more! Halloweenoncentral.com

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

Halloween on Central. Photo by City of St. Petersburg