Green Bench Monthly - Vol 4, Issue 11, November 2019

VOL. 4, ISSUE 11, NOVEMBER 2019

St. Pete’s Community Magazine

Enchant Christmas Coming to the Trop pg. 7

Local Holiday Gift Giving Guide pg. 16 Also inside this issue

FREE Hit List by Market Mafia

Bayshore Health & Wellness

Being Well pg. 8

Butcher, Baker, & Donut Maker

Baybes Who Brunch pg. 18

I-75 Downtown Overpass

Should It be Replaced? pg. 26

CONTENTS

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Publishers Ashley & Tony Sica

Advertising Sales Eileen Brock

Editors Rui Farias, Marilyn Malara, Mary Jane Park, Cathy Weisberg

Contributors Angelica - Baybes Who Brunch, Andy Bragg, Tina Stewart Brakebill, Tara Britton, Vandi Carmella, Erin Cody, Rui Farias, Denielle Kennett, Brian Zucker

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Photographers Brian Brakebill, Kristina Holman, Brooke DeMartino, Kelly Nash

Cover Photo Photo courtesy of Enchant Christmas

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

4 From the Bench

18 Baybes Who Brunch

5 From the Archives

20 Raising Locals

7 Enchant Christmas

23 Roskos Cardiology

8 Bayshore Health & Wellness

24 RE/MAX Realty Unlimited

10 People of St. Pete

26 I-75 Underpass

12 Thread Appeal

28 Daystar Life Center

14 Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe

29 Downtown Developments

16 Holiday Gift Giving Guide

30 Events

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Photo courtesy of Keep Saint Petersburg Local.

From the Bench A note from the Publishers

Take out your decorations and let the eggnog flow. The Holiday season is here and this is your friendly reminder to “think local first.”

We are lucky to have so many independently owned businesses right here in St. Pete. These businesses make our city unique and are also vital to our local economy. “Independent retailers recirculate locally more than three times as much money per dollar of sales than chain competitors.”* “Buying remotely creates almost no local benefit – just a few minutes work for a delivery person.”* That is why this month we’ve got you covered with local shopping events, special offers, and gift ideas for everyone on your list (pg. 16).

Plus an extra special bonus! A FREE issue of The Hit List by Market Mafia—a local’s guide to shopping small—with a market map!

Now that you’re in the know, we encourage you to send a postcard (pg. 5), schedule that health exam you’ve been putting off (pg. 8, 23), buy a new dress or two (pg. 12), and grab a bottle for you and your friends (pg. 14). And when you just can’t Holiday anymore, take a breather and consider St. Pete’s future (pg. 26, 29).

We’ll see you around St. Pete (pg. 30).

Till next time,

Tony and Ashley Sica Publishers / Owners

hello@greenbenchmonthly.com

*Source: https://www.amiba.net/resources/multiplier-effect/

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From the Museum’s Archives: Postcards With St. Petersburg Museum of History Executive Director, Rui Farias In today’s age of texting, snapping, tweeting and everything else, the art of postcard writing and its importance to tourism is nearly lost.

Growing up in downtown St. Petersburg I remember every shop, drug store, cafeteria, bus station and newsstand selling postcards. Tourists used them to show off the beauty and sometimes oddness of Florida to northern friends and relatives, but more importantly, it was an opportunity to brag that they were spending the winter in the sunshine. And for a city built on tourism, there was no better form of advertising. Many of the early postcards were black & white photographs that were later hand colored

prior to printing. They were postcards of parks, hotels, sunsets, palm trees, pelicans, alligators and children riding alligators. The Museum of History is fortunate to hold in its archives thousands of postcards that offer a snapshot of our history. Having a swell time, wish you were here.

The St. Petersburg Museum of History sells reproductions of these classic cards that can still be mailed. To purchase, stop by the Museum shop located at 335 2nd Ave NE. Monday - Saturday from 10am - 5pm and Sunday from 12-5pm.

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Enchant Christmas Coming to the Trop this Holiday Season By Vandi Carmella Holiday lovers, rejoice! Enchant Christmas will be making its highly anticipated St. Petersburg debut inside Tropicana Field this year. Billed as “the World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze,” the event will run from November 22 through December 29.

“The Rays are thrilled to host Enchant at Tropicana Field during the holiday season,” said Rays President Brian Auld. “Tampa Bay has not seen anything like this before, and it will leave a lasting impression on those who come to experience the holiday magic.”

Filled with millions of dazzling lights and trees up to 80 feet tall, the Trop will be transformed into a world of wonder where guests of all ages are invited to join in “The Great Search” for Santa’s missing reindeer.

A 90,000 square foot light maze plus a locally curated Christmas

Market stocked with over 60 food and artisan merchant vendors will take over the outfield, while the infield will become an ice skating trail adorned with shining archways.

In addition to the lights, Santa will be available for photos in his workshop while Mrs. Claus reads stories to the kids. Live entertainment, including nightly caroling and busking-style musicians, will add to the experience, and the Rays Club and other premium areas are available for VIP events and private holiday parties.

Adult single ticket pricing starts at $19.99, and child ticket pricing starts at $14.99; children under age 3 are free. Find more information at enchantchristmas.com.

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Dr. Ryan and Shannon Baker. Photos by Kelly Nash Photography

Looking, Feeling, and Being Well: Bayshore Health & Wellness

By Tina Stewart Brakebill Bayshore Health & Wellness understands that we all want to be the best versions of ourselves, which is why it provides a range of services that include preventive health care, chronic care management, and aesthetic medicine. Committed to offering comprehensive and compassionate care, Bayshore Health & Wellness is ready to help patients navigate paths toward looking, feeling, and being well.

What is Bayshore Health & Wellness?

Bayshore Health & Wellness is NOT just another link in a chain of corporate clinics operated by a string of faceless doctors. Instead, it is a full-spectrum primary-care doctor’s office opened by solo practitioner Dr. Ryan Baker. Born and raised in the Tampa Bay area, Dr. Baker has long envisioned offering a soothing environment where strong doctor/patient relationships can grow through communication and education. Opened in September 2019, the Historic Kenwood site for Bayshore Health & Wellness feels more like a spa than a doctor’s office.

More importantly, he is able to be flexible toward his patients’ needs, to listen and to take the time necessary to understand their issues and answer their questions. This approach empowers patients to make fully informed decisions on how to manage and maintain healthy lifestyles.

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Who is Dr. Ryan Baker?

The atmosphere may feel spa-like, but patients can be secure in the knowledge that Dr. Baker has a diverse and extensive background in primary care. He has practiced medicine in a hospital setting and urgent-care clinics and provided rehabilitative care. He is a board-certified family medicine physician and a member of the

American Academy of Family Physicians and the Florida Academy of Family Physicians. He graduated magna cum laude from Florida State University before earning his medical doctorate there. Later, he completed an internship in general surgery at the University of IllinoisChicago/Metropolitan Group Hospitals, followed by a family-medicine residency at Florida Hospital in Orlando. Dr. Baker practiced inpatient medicine at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, then moved to the outpatient world, initially focusing on urgent-care medicine before bringing his vision to fruition with the opening of Bayshore Health & Wellness.

How Can Bayshore Health & Wellness Help Me? Bayshore Health & Wellness offers a full spectrum of primary care for patients ages 12 and older. Dr. Baker provides preventative health-care staples like annual physicals, well women’s exams, and flu shots. He can also help with ongoing issues such as weight management, bioidentical hormone replacement, and chronic pain.

Because he understands that looking good can be a vital component of feeling well, he also offers aesthetic medical treatments. Dr. Baker’s extensive medical background coupled with his philosophy on health care translate into a holistic approach in which he focuses on overall wellness rather than on a single complaint or aching body part. He’ll listen, explain, and empower you to make fully informed decisions about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Where is Bayshore Heath & Wellness Situated at 2299 9th Ave. N in St. Petersburg, Bayshore Health & Wellness is welcoming new patients and accepts various insurance plans. Please call (727) 897-5100, or visit bayshorehealthmd.com for more information or to schedule an appointment.

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PEOPLE OF ST. PETE:

Sean Kupper

By Tina Stewart Brakebill St. Pete is celebrated for its fabulous weather, beautiful vistas, world-class food scene, and thriving cultural atmosphere but its people make the city special. In appreciation, each month Green Bench Monthly shines a light on one of the many who make St. Pete unique.

This month, our attention is focused on Sean Kupper, who defies easy description. He is an entrepreneur, CrossFit devotee, bartender, snow-boarder, travel enthusiast, surfer, book lover, and licensed airplane pilot. The common denominator for these varied pursuits is his commitment to fully experience life. The day we met he was reading a book that explores a psychological state known as “flow,” during which a person experiences deep enjoyment, creativity, and a total involvement with life. As Kupper approaches his late 30s, achieving this combination of “contentment and restlessness” drives him to expand his experiences while striving to improve every day.

“The best things about me come from my grandmother” Raised in the western suburbs of Philadelphia by his mother and grandmother, Kupper credits the two strong women with inspiring his love for learning and enduring drive for self-improvement. Recently celebrating her 90th birthday, his grandmother continues to serve as a strong role model. As he put it, “the best things about me come from my grandmother.” When Kupper found himself back home and feeling a bit

Photo by Brian Brakebill

directionless after a two-year stint at an all-male boarding school and two years at Montana State University, his grandmother provided the push he needed. Understanding her grandson’s need for direction and his desire to expand his horizons, she paid for his first flying lessons for his 28th birthday. He was immediately hooked.

The Freedom of Flying is Not Free Soon after, his enthusiasm brought him to the sunny skies of Florida to continue his training. Eighteen months later, he graduated with his small-aircraft commercial license. A friend’s recommendation led him to the Tampa Bay area in the hope of finding a job in flying. Unfortunately, the 2008 economic crash had severely limited the demand for pilots, and qualifying flight hours and continued education are expensive. As a result, he didn’t give up flying but he did start bartending so he could eat AND pay for flight time. Since then he has been a successful and soughtafter bartender (and sometime general manager), recently moving from a long-time gig at The Burg Bar & Grill to Rococo Steak. Nearly 10 years after earning his license, he’s still not eliminating the possibility of a flying career, but he’s also exploring other opportunities.

What’s Next?

Kupper enjoys his job at Rococo. Another thing he loves about St. Petersburg is that he’s surrounded by “ambitious, inspired people.”

He’s always embraced that vibe and is taking it in a new direction by launching his own small business: Nice Beard Man. Inspired by people’s positive reaction to his impressive facial hair, Nice Beard Man offers Kupper’s own blend of essential oils as well as beard balms and sandalwood grooming products. You can find him (and his impressive beard) at a number of local pop-up markets, including the Hideaway Holiday Market on Dec. 8. For updates, follow him on Instagram @ nicebeardman1.

Exploring this opportunity is just one of the many things that drives Kupper. As he explained, he’s constantly “holding a mirror up” to his life as he endeavors to improve himself and be a positive contributor to his community. After getting to know him, I’m confident that he’ll succeed!

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Thread Appeal is located at 2452 Central Ave. Mention Green Bench Monthly and you’ll get 15% off your entire order. Photos by Kelly Nash Photography

Thread Appeal: Where Classic Meets Contemporary

by Tina Stewart Brakebill Tampa Bay native Melissa Lang has loved fashion since she was a little girl, but owning her own boutique seemed like an unlikely dream. Instead, she went to USF, graduated, and entered the corporate world. Her successful career did not, however, erase the impact of her childhood dream, and in 2016 she decided to take a leap of faith. As Melissa describes it, this decision to choose “faith over fear” is where the road leading to the opening of Thread Appeal began.

Loving Our Local Success Stories!

Like many modern success stories, Thread Appeal made its first appearance online. In July of 2016, Melissa launched her Thread Appeal website so she could help women curate and purchase great looks online. Her success (as well as customers’ urgings) prompted an expansion from web-only sales to taking her expertise and product lines to the IRL, in-real-life, world via St. Pete’s great local markets, beginning with Shopapalooza in November of 2016.

As buzz about Thread Appeal spread, happy customers clamored in support of a brick and mortar store. In October 2018, Melissa was finally able to make their wishes, and her own long-held dream a reality when Thread Appeal opened in the Grand Central District on Central Avenue. Since then she has become a valued member of the local retail family, as a Grand Central District Association board member and a proud member of both Keep Saint Petersburg Local and LocalShops1.

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Thread Appeal owner Melissa Lang

Knowing “Her Girl” Melissa’s biggest goal when she launched Thread Appeal was to have a platform where she could help people create a wardrobe that is versatile, durable, and gorgeous. She wanted to be able to offer quality pieces that could be mixed, matched, and styled so that the woman onthe-go always feels she’s at her best. Melissa has succeeded because she knows her customers. As the boutique’s buyer and owner, Melissa is always on the look-out for those special pieces she knows “her girl” will love. So, whether your day involves a transition from office to happy hour, a kid’s playdate to your own date, or the workday to the weekend,

Thread Appeal carries versatile wardrobe staples so you can go from workday to the weekend without breaking a sweat.

Thread Appeal has the looks for you!

As a lifetime local, Melissa also knows how to style a Florida woman, and luckily she’s not tied to corporate decisions on inventory.

Department store chains bring out the bulk when the seasons change, but Thread Appeal understands changing seasons in Florida means layers and changing color pallets NOT massive wool sweaters.

Classic Meets Contemporary “Knowing” her customers means that Melissa is very selective when curating her offerings. If she can’t imagine herself or someone she knows wearing it, then even if it’s a fantastic piece it’s not a good fit for Thread Appeal. She’s looking for longevity in versatile pieces that are fresh without being too trendy. To achieve this perfect mix of “classic meets contemporary,” she offers an interesting blend of high-quality small-house designer brands from the United States, the United Kingdom, and France at great prices. Thread Appeal also has handcrafted jewelry, shoes, along with unique bags and accessories to complement your look. Plus, Melissa never stocks more than six pieces of any one item so you can be the best version of you, not a copy of everyone else.

Find, Follow, & Shop Stop by Thread Appeal’s Grand Central District location at 2452 Central Ave and create that perfect wardrobe for you! The store is open 11am to 6pm Wednesday through Saturday and noon to 5pm on Sunday. And good news for football fans: if you stop in on Saturday or Sunday, you’ll find some comfy chairs, adult beverages, and a TV tuned to the games to help pass the time as your partner shops!

Follow Thread Appeal on Instagram and Facebook or visit them online at www.thread-appeal.com to be the first to know about new arrivals and special events. You can also shop online or by phone at 727623-9962. Order and then pick up your new look at the store or have it shipped for free. Plus, if you mention you read about Thread Appeal in the Green Bench Monthly, you’ll get 15% off your entire order.

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Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe owners, Tegan Foster and Amanda King.

Photos by Brooke DeMartino.

Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe: Your Hip Neighborhood Bar

By Erin Cody Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe is the epitome of St. Pete cool. Located in the city’s Grand Central District, this local hotspot offers atmosphere without pretension, and quality that won’t break the bank. Owners Amanda King and Tegan Foster bring passion, experience, and style to their fantastic bar and shop.

Passion + Community “Wine runs in Tegan’s veins,” smiles Amanda. The two joined the wine and craft beer scenes more than 15 years before they decided to create the business of their dreams. “We love this industry; the product, the quality, the variety, and most importantly, the people,”

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states Tegan. “We wanted to build a brand that celebrated our passions and garnered respect in the community. Each day we wake up and get to continue living the dream.”

Tegan grew up on Hawthorne Blvd. in Portland, Oregon. “We saw a little bit of Portland in St. Petersburg, especially Central Ave,” says Tegan. “It has a lot of similarities to Hawthorne -- thriving because of passionate and inspiring small businesses, and keeping the local vibe of the city going.”

Anyone who has visited HBS will have noticed the hip, eclectic style, reminiscent of Portland. Even before they found their venue, the two were hitting up local shops to find items that would create the perfect atmosphere. “We love music, travel and animals,” states Amanda. “You know who we are by walking around the shop. Guns N’ Roses, sloths, Biggie Smalls, and the Queen of England are just a few of our favorite things you can find decorating the walls of HBS!”

A Neighborhood Darling A destination for beer, wine, and deli offerings, Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe is the modern answer to the neighborhood bar and wine n’ beer shop. They are truly a neighborhood darling. “We have been fortunate to have repeat customers since the day we opened, and continue to build on that base,” Amanda beams. “A great day at Hawthorne is seeing a new face and making them feel as if they have been coming for years. We’ve got that Cheers! vibe in a Central Perk setting.”

HBS has a beautifully curated selection of products, so how do you choose? “We love questions about beer and wine, and want to find each person who comes in the perfect drink!” says Tegan. “It all starts with an easy conversation, it does not have to be technical or boujie. It’s a casual dialogue where we get to know our customers and what they like. You can ask a question of any staff member, and know they have the education and experience to guide you.”

Luckily, the scrumptious offerings don’t end with beer and wine.

Their award-winning sandwiches are simply to die for. “We began by listing out our favorite ingredients, be it a fig jam, house-made blueberry mayo, smoked trout, or pimento cheese, and ventured out from there! We hosted quite a few tasting round tables with our friends with one goal in mind: make a sandwich unique to HBS that uses quality, local ingredients, and keeps our customers coming back for more,” states Amanda.

Celebrate the Season Hawthorne is excited to drink a toast to the changing of the seasons with their customers. Upcoming events include Red Wine Mafia, a celebration of all things Red Wine, on November 23rd.

“Pinot Bombs, red wine flights, complimentary red wine tasting, and a pop-up market to boot!” says Amanda excitedly. “Holidays bring out the lush in us! We pop bottles of bubbly every day to celebrate.

Our favorite part is pairing holiday dishes with must-haves of the season, such as a Gewurtztrimer or sparkling Shiraz with turkey and cranberry sauce, and Saison with stuffing,” adds Tegan.

Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe is a true gem, and the love and enthusiasm behind it makes visiting feel all the more special. The social establishment gladly plays host to meetings, parties, dates, or happy hour drinks after a long day at the office. Tegan, Amanda, and the HBS team are always happy to help you find the perfect tipple for everything from a picnic to a holiday soiree. Stop in this season for a tasting, a drink and a sandwich, or a few bottles to serve at your Thanksgiving dinner. Swing by 2927 Central Ave to see Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe for yourself, and don’t forget to follow them on Facebook!

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Holiday Gift Giving Guide curated by

FOR HER

FOR HIM

B.A.E. Beauty Bar The ‘Burg’s new blow bar also offers braids and makeup.

Treat your leading ladies to some pampering this season, or schedule yourself for services before your holiday parties. 1800 4th Street N. baebeautybar.com

Escape the break room and treat your favorite co-worker to something local. Snag them a bag of caffeinated goodness or get them a gift card!

722 2nd St N | 2157 1st Ave S blackcrowcoffeeco.com

Ideal Wrap Atlas Body + Home The men’s boutique promises everything to take you from the beach to Beach Drive. You can also shop a curated collection of home furnishings, accessories and vintage finds. 919 Central Ave atlasbodyandhome.com

Skip the plastic! Share ecofriendly habits with work friends and give the gift of reusable, organic beeswax food wraps! Meet the maker every week at the St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market from 9am - 2pm. idealwrap.com

lifestyle store for the everyday man. 1029 Central Ave shopmatteroffact.com

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Thank your host with something from the premier Tampa Bay florist in downtown St. Pete. Find same day free delivery options!

3000 Central Ave absolutelybeautiful.us

Don’t arrive empty handed!

Over 300 bottles of beer and 75 bottles of wine. Read their story on pg. 14 2927 Central Ave hbsforlife.com

Gray Space Live your Friday feeling! This men’s boutique boasts threads Spring Green Handbags and accessories for him that Shop handmade handbags compliment an active and incorporating upcycled casual lifestyle. materials. Cut, sewn and 1114 Central Ave created right here in St. Pete! grayspacefl.com Meet the maker every week at MENTION GBM FOR 25% OFF the St. Pete Saturday Morning ONE REGULARLY PRICED ITEM Market from 9am - 2pm. etsy.com/shop/ Matter of Fact SpringGreenHandbags Shop gifts for him at the

Absolutely Beautiful Flowers

Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe

MENTION GBM FOR 15% OFF ONE REGULARLY PRICED ITEM

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FOR THE HOST

Black Crow Coffee Co.

Thread Appeal From contemporary to casual.

Read all about the women’s boutique on pg. 12 2452 Central Ave thread-appeal.com

FOR THE COLLEAGUE

Wild Roots Cheer up a loved one’s work space with something green; shop everything from houseplants to air plants, succulents to tropicals. Find plants and treasures for the wild at heart in this curated nursery. 1949 1st Ave S wildrootsstpete.com

Bohemian Reves This local maker creates plantbased skin care products and hand-poured botanical candles. Their new shop features gifts, plants and treasures from the area as well as from the owner’s travels.

1620 Central Ave bohemianreves.com

FOR EVERYTHING ELSE Holiday Shopping Events For the hard to shop for, the last minute white elephant needs, and everything in between—hit the markeplace at holiday happenings all over the Sunshine City listed below to meet local business owners and shop one of a kind finds!

10th Annual Shopapalooza Festival Saturday, November 30, 2019 at 10am - 5pm Sunday, December 1, 2019 at 10am - 5pm at Vinoy Park

Holiday Makers Market

Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 11am - 3pm at The West Events

Indie Flea St. Pete Holiday Street Fair Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 12pm - 4pm at Green Bench Brewing Co.

Hideaway Holiday Market

Sunday, December 8, 2019 at 11am - 5pm at Hideaway Cafe

Holiday Market at Hotel Zamora

Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at 6pm - 9pm at The Hotel Zamora

Holizaar 2019

Saturday, December 21, 2019 at 11am - 5pm at The Studio@620

Holiday Handmade Indie Flea

Saturday, December 21, 2019 at 11am - 3pm at Bandit Coffee Co. Market Mafia is a resource connecting residents and visitors throughout Greater Tampa Bay with local handcraft markets. Find local happenings and #HitTheMarket, visit www.MarketMafia.com.

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Embrew Tea

Slate; Prosciutto Sandwich

Baybes Who Brunch: The Butcher, the Baker, the Vegan Donut Maker Photos and Story by Angelica, Baybes Who Brunch

Perfect Weather Forever; Kakigōri

Katie’s Fine Cookies; Horchata White Chocolate

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Enter fall vibes hanging on the coattails of the last remnants of summer rainstorms. While some animals are prepping for hibernation (well maybe not in Florida, but alas), our open-air markets, like Indie Flea, are getting back into the groove after their summer hiatus. Before this girl enters her winter cocoon, I am on a mission to track all my favorite vendors down for the yummiest of hurrahs. It’s almost crazy to think about how big the Indie Flea has gotten in the last few years. I can remember visiting when there were only a handful of vendors at their Morean pop-ups. Now, with so many choices, it can be hard to food plan, but your girl’s got you covered with some faves!

A newcomer to the circuit, Slate, is bringing all the charcuterie vibes. I went with the Prosciutto Sandwich served with gorgonzola, strawberry balsamic jam, and arugula on a baguette with a side of marinated olives. The presentation is beautiful and looks more like it’s rolling out of a bistro instead of a tent. If a board is more your style, they generally have a sampler of finely curated meat and cheeses as well.

I always like to follow my lunch with all the dessert, and let’s be honest, even though it’s fall, this is still Florida. So beat the heat of the afternoon with some Kakigōri, or Japanese shaved ice from Perfect Weather Forever. This vendor is a little harder to find, but is known for their pop-ups (besides the market I’ve also tracked them to Bandit Coffee, as well as Wild Roots). With an ever-changing flavor menu, you never know what you’ll find, which is part of the fun. Past options have included Blueberry Basil and PB&J. It’s wonderfully light and not too sweet!

Next up, because one dessert is just never enough, y’all have to find my girl from Katie’s Fine Cookies. Besides the market, you can find her circles of deliciousness around town at spots like Baba, Bodega, and Black Crow. Some of my favorite flavors have been the horchata white

Vegan Sunshine Donuts; Key Lime Donut

chocolate and apricot thumbprints. I’m definitely tracking her down though, because the matcha ube shortbreads are calling my name!

I can never leave a market without goodies to bring home, so my last stops will make for the perfect next-day breakfast. Taste test a myriad of options over at Embrew Tea, but nab a coveted bag of the Creamy Honey Oolong. You can thank me later! These lightly sweetened tea bags make for the perfect morning cup or three. I can’t wait to try their new seasonal flavor getting ready to drop soon!

Tea alone does not make for breakfast, so you can’t leave without a little something from Vegan Sunshine Donuts. Also found in spots like Black Crow and Neighborhood Joe, they always roll out way more options at the market! Decisions, decisions. I dare you to get just one. I love everything from their key lime to the lavender. *Note the market has multiple locations. All vendors and item options are not available at every market. The best way to stay up to date on when, who, and what is available is via the vendors’ instagrams: @indieflea, @slate.stpete, @perfectweatherforever, @katiesfinecookies, @embrewtea, and @vegan_sunshine_donuts.

If you can’t wait until December to see what I’m eating, then check more content out on Instagram or Facebook @baybeswhobrunch or contact me at baybeswhobrunch@gmail.com. In the meantime, if you need me you can find me standing on a barstool or holding my food up to a pretty wall with a camera in my hand around the Bay and beyond!

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Rendering of the new Pier’s family park and kids play area. Renderings courtesy of St. Pete PierTM

Raising Locals: A New Pier for Everyone (but Especially for Kids)

By Vandi Carmella and Denielle Kennett The brand new St. Pete Pier is nearing completion in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg and is set to open in Spring 2020. Promoted as “A New Pier for Everyone,” Sunshine City Kids challenged that title with some important questions to City of St. Petersburg staff about (you guessed it) the family-friendliness of the Pier.

While there are many exciting features of this revamped development, we focused on the ones parents have been dying to know most about. Here’s some of what to expect for families looking forward to visiting the Pier next spring, from shade to safety and everything in between.

Overview The St. Pete Pier, a replacement for the Inverted Pyramid Pier demolished in 2015, will be an updated and multifaceted space for public use. Features including a fishing deck, restaurants, marketplace, and so much more ensure that this place will be THE new spot for residents and visitors alike to meet and play for years to come.

Family Park + Kid’s Play Area Situated between the Spa Beach Pavilion and the Pier Plaza and Tilted Lawn, the biggest source of excitement for families tends to center around the Family Park and Kids Play Area. The focal point here will be a marine-themed playground, accessible to children of all abilities and designed by Earthscape Play, an award-winning playground design and build company.

The playground will be nestled in an area with plenty of large trees; designers took special care to plan around and preserve much of the existing landscape. Beyond those, additional shade trees are

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being installed, and there will be a net gain of 500 trees on the new Pier grounds.

In the Family Park, there will be two recreation areas: a junior play area for children ages 2 to 5 and a senior play area — complete with a giant kraken, seaweed tower, and shipwreck — for kids up to age 12. They will join together to create a single play zone for all to enjoy and will be just a short distance from the splash pad and interactive water fountain.

Discovery Center + Wet Classroom Another engaging aspect of the Pier is sure to be the Discovery Center and Wet Classroom. Operated by Tampa Bay Watch, the Discovery Center will offer a wide array of science programs to expand public involvement in scientific discovery. It will include an Exhibit Hall to demonstrate the economic and ecological value of the Tampa Bay estuary to visitors, plus a classroom to expand educational outreach programs to Tampa Bay area schools.

The centerpiece of the Exhibit Hall is an aquarium that showcases many of the species found in our local waters and includes touch tanks, interactive displays, video presentations, and docent-led tours.

In addition to the Discovery Center, Tampa Bay Watch will also offer eco-tours aboard a new U.S. Coast Guard-certified vessel that will be used for school field trips and eco-adventures open to the public.

Sustainability The St. Pete Pier was designed with a strict focus on sustainable measures and environmental protection. These initiatives include the use of eco-trams and electric vehicle charging stations, solar PV

Rendering above: The education center; below: Plaza and pavillion area with splash pad.

panel covered market structures and parking canopies, and LED lighting. Furthermore, new breakwaters will enhance the restoration of Spa Beach and mitigate erosion, and the coastal thicket will be fertilizer-free.

Safety While specific fencing requirements will be identified once the sitework is completed, a fence separating the Kids Play Area from a planned retention pond is in the works. Concerning water safety, Spa Beach will be periodically tested with public notifications and posted signage as is done at North Shore Beach. The City also received a grant from the American Academy of Dermatology for a shade structure at Spa Beach Park.

Cost There will be no cost to access the Pier. Rides on the tram are also free, but there will be standard parking fees if you choose to drive. Goods and services will be available for purchase at the Pier Marketplace from a variety of local vendors in addition to the restaurants, cafes, and bar offering food and drinks at various prices.

Get excited, St. Petersburg — the St. Pete Pier is a real gamechanger. Find out more at www.newstpetepier.com.

Vandi and Denielle are the moms behind Sunshine City Kids, an online resource for all things kid-friendly in St. Petersburg. Follow the Sunshine City Kids at www.sunshinecitykids.com.

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ST. Anthony, ST. anthony, please come around. help us find the only BayCare hospital in town.

St. Anthony’s Hospital is the only BayCare hospital in St. Petersburg and is part of a community-owned health system.

Over the years, we’ve heard from many patients that when they felt ill, they asked a family member or friend to please take them to St. Anthony’s Hospital, even when it’s more convenient to go to a closer hospital.

Maybe it’s because we’re a state-of-the-art hospital known for offering a wide range of exceptional care. Maybe it’s because we have a spacious emergency department with 32 all-private rooms. Maybe it’s because we’re the only BayCare hospital in St. Pete.

Whatever the reason, we’re truly honored to be any patient’s first choice. Humanity At Work™.

OUR NETWORK: BayCare Behavioral Health • BayCare HomeCare • BayCare Laboratories • BayCare Medical Group BayCare Outpatient Imaging • BayCare Surgery Centers • BayCare Urgent Care OUR HOSPITALS: Bartow Regional Medical Center • BayCare Alliant Hospital • Mease Countryside Hospital • Mease Dunedin Hospital Morton Plant Hospital • Morton Plant North Bay Hospital • St. Anthony’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Hospital-North • St. Joseph’s Hospital-South • South Florida Baptist Hospital Winter Haven Hospital • Winter Haven Women’s Hospital BAYCARE.ORG 19-757974-0419

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I am able to get answers quickly, explaining the results to the patients before they go home. This way, they know what is going on and what their treatment plan will be.”

Instead of worrying about co-pays and fighting with insurance companies, Roskos Cardiology offers an annual membership. This includes exams, some testing, and as many visits as necessary for a comprehensive care plan. Is this the way of the future?

The Heart of Medicine Dr. Melinda Roskos, MD, PhD. Photos by Kimberly Romano.

Roskos Cardiology, A Concierge Practice

by Erin Cody Dr. Melinda Roskos is out to change the way we think about Cardiology. Walking up to her lovely home, tastefully decorated for Halloween, I found myself relieved not to be heading into a stodgy office.

Dr. Roskos’ “concierge practice” precludes the need for a traditional office. If you haven’t heard of this kind of practice before, you would not be alone. After learning a bit about it, I truly believe it will revolutionize the practice of medicine.

Concierge Care Dr. Roskos exudes poise, confidence and charisma, much like Audrey Hepburn in a lab coat. “My concierge practice puts the patient first,” Dr. Roskos tells me as her rescue pup, Maya, curls up at our feet.

“I take the time to really get to know my patients. My first visit usually takes 2-2.5 hours. This gives me the opportunity to obtain a thorough medical history and perform an executive-level physical examination. It also gives my patients time to relax. They are able to recall more details to give a better history; they can ask as many questions as they’d like.”

Gone are the days of sitting in a spartan waiting room for a visit that will last a maximum of fifteen minutes. This practice consists of house calls and flexible scheduling. “I typically see patients early morning, after work, or on weekends. My patients can contact me by phone, email, or text, and I am the one answering these calls,” states Dr. Roskos.

Her personalized care extends far beyond her appointments with patients. “I also help patients schedule tests and outside appointments.

Often, I accompany them to their appointments. I find that this not only alleviates my patients’ fears, but also makes for very efficient medicine.

“I believe concierge medical practices are here to stay,” says Dr. Roskos. “For those who have experienced this type of medicine, either as a patient or a doctor, it is so different, so much better than the traditional system. It is hard to imagine going back. It’s great for the patients, as they receive high quality, personalized health care. It’s also great for the doctors, making medicine rewarding again. At the heart of medicine is the patient-doctor relationship. If both are happy with the arrangement, I do not see how concierge medicine cannot take off.”

Dr. Roskos is incredibly bright, friendly, and absolutely loves what she does. She excitedly tells me what thrills her about the practice of cardiology and all of the new scientific research. The importance of a doctor keeping abreast of the latest medical discoveries cannot be overstated and her enthusiasm for it rivals what many reserve for football or celebrity gossip. Late last year, for example, studies were published stating that baby aspirin, previously the first line of defense against heart issues, is no longer recommended for all patients. The long-held belief that red meat is bad for health is now being challenged. “Everything in moderation,” states Roskos.

Doctor’s Orders “Nearly 80% of heart disease is preventable,” Roskos states emphatically. “There are things that most of us could be doing right now to improve our heart health. It could be not smoking, exercising more, eating a healthier diet, or controlling our blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. In fact, a healthy lifestyle not only protects your heart, but it also protects against cancer, depression, and cognitive impairment (early stages of dementia). I believe doctors should be educating and motivating their patients to make these healthy choices.”

Double board certified in both Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Dr. Roskos provides primary care as well as specialized cardiac care. She works diligently to help her patients navigate the healthcare system, ensuring that they feel seen and heard. Patients find it simple and convenient to attend to their health care needs.

No matter your health, age or gender, Roskos Cardiology is prepared to offer you personalized care, be it for treatment or prevention. Make confusion and frustration with your health a thing of the past with Dr. Roskos’ concierge care. For more information, email melinda.roskos@ roskoscardiology.com or call 727-685-1850 to speak with the doctor herself.

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RE/MAX Realty Unlimited Broker / Owners, Jenny Roche and Nancy Hadam. Photos by Kristina Holman

RE/MAX Realty Unlimited: “not just good, but the best”

By Tina Stewart Brakebill

Local

RE/MAX Realty Unlimited in St. Petersburg is on a mission to be “not just good, but the best.” Broker/Owners Nancy Hadam and Jenny Roche know that to be “the best” they must go “above and beyond” to ensure that they and their affiliated agents exceed expectations. So whether you’re a real estate agent looking for a reputable broker, a homeowner looking to sell, or a buyer looking for a new home, contact RE/MAX Realty Unlimited. They want to be your real estate team.

RE/MAX Realty Unlimited has been serving St. Pete’s real estate needs from their Crescent Lake office since 2012 but their combined Tampa Bay realty experience extends back nearly 25 years. They know how to buy and sell homes. In addition to their realty knowledge, Hadam and Roche also live in St. Pete; they are familiar with the diverse and unique neighborhoods that make the Sunshine City so special. Agents joining RE/ MAX Realty Unlimited benefit from their affiliation with a team that has extensive local connections and a real understanding of the community.

Clients are the ultimate beneficiaries of this expertise. RE/MAX Realty Unlimited’s concierge service ensures that every part of the process goes smoothly; everyone ends up happy - buyers, sellers, and agents.

Global Local connections are irreplaceable but RE/MAX Realty Unlimited and their team of agents also benefit from being members of the global RE/ MAX family. The worldwide reach of RE/MAX means that RE/MAX Realty Unlimited agents profit from the name recognition that goes with being number one in brand awareness and global home sales. Simply put, as RE/ MAX notes, all of their franchisees have “brand power.” Plus, as a locallyowned franchise of this worldwide company, RE/MAX Realty Unlimited agents have access to an array of corporate assistance resources including technology, training, networking, and marketing tools. This support is invaluable as RE/MAX Realty Unlimited agents devote themselves to going “above and beyond” to help their clients achieve their dreams.

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Stop by RE/MAX Realty Unlimited’s newly renovated office on 4th Street.

“Small But Mighty” RE/MAX Realty Unlimited has combined the strengths of their local connections with RE/MAX’s worldwide reputation and recognition to produce a boutique-style full-service real estate firm with a global brand.

For agents that love the area and love what they do, RE/MAX Realty Unlimited offers the best of both worlds. They may not be as large as some of the other area realty firms, but they offer exceptional support and guidance for all their agents and clients. They may be small but they are mighty! RE/MAX Realty Unlimited agents also get to share their success with the local community by donating a portion of profits from each closing to benefit the local Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital as part of the National Children’s Miracle Network. RE/MAX Realty Unlimited also has become a welcome part of their Crescent Lake neighborhood by renovating an old house for their St. Pete office. Locals recognize local love when they see it! Conveniently located on 4th Street North, the RE/MAX Realty Unlimited office gives agents a perfect spot to hang their licenses, meet with clients, and schedule closings.

Waiting For Your Call RE/MAX Realty Unlimited team loves what they do and they are “never too busy for your referrals.” Your confidence, trust, and loyalty inspire them to continue to deliver top-notch professional service. Because they are driven to be the best, they’re ready to talk with “like minded agents” looking to grow their business without becoming just “another agent” lost in an expanding sea of realtors. If you’re ready to buy or sell your home OR want to help local buyers and sellers navigate the complicated real estate process, contact RE/MAX Realty Unlimited at 727-308-3330 or visit them at their newly renovated office at 2012 4th St. N.

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Alex Nicolas, President of Campbell Park Neighborhood Association, “It’s a big deal that it’s hard to walk to Central Avenue” Photos by Brooke DeMartino.

Should I-175 be Replaced with a Surface Boulevard? By Andy Bragg Should Interstate 175 — the elevated mile-long spur highway from Interstate 275 along the border of the Tropicana Field site to Fifth Avenue S — be replaced with a ground-level thoroughfare?

It’s a hot question as development scenarios for the Tropicana site, with or without a new stadium, are researched pending a decision on how long the Tampa Bay Rays will remain there. I-175 is a major, convenient entry to the southern part of downtown St. Petersburg. It is also a barrier limiting access from largely African-American neighborhoods to the Tropicana site and the booming Edge District.

The City of St. Petersburg and HKS Architects published a conceptual master plan for the 85-acre site last year featuring input from stakeholders.

The city’s website describes the proposed mixed-use redevelopment as “a

once-in-a-generation” opportunity for economic development and an enhanced community.

Alterations to I-175 have been partially outside the scope of the plan, although it included a slide that depicted a transformation of the spur with several crossing points from the south.

Alan DeLisle, city development administrator, emphasizes that the I-175 impact is being fully considered in efforts that include a including an upcoming mobility study to be conducted by Forward Pinellas with the city and the Florida Department of Transportation. “Mayor Kriseman has requested multiple studies to determine proper policies to benefit the community.” DeLisle said. “A goal is to gear up quickly with private-sector partners once key decisions are made.”

Broad support for replacement Watson Haynes, 67, was raised (“at third base,” he said) in the Gas Plant district, which was razed in the late 1980s to become the Tropicana Field site. Ten years earlier, Haynes saw the district cut off from neighborhoods to the south by the construction of I-175. “A lot of people and businesses gave up a lot when I-175 was built through the black community,” said Haynes, who is president and chief executive officer of the PInellas County Urban League. “Replacing it would be a good way to make corrections for the past.”

Urban planner Jeff Speck, author of Walkable City Rules, adds, “I175 is exactly the type of spur highway that can be, and has been, removed from cities with little impact on traffic and incredibly powerful impact on place-making and real estate value. Through highways are a heavier lift, but a dinky spur like I-175 is a no-brainer. The key is to replace it with a surface boulevard that is exceptionally well-designed and walkable.”

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City Council member Gina Driscoll, represents District 6, which includes I-175. She fully supports its removal provided studies determine that traffic can be managed. “That barrier has separated south St. Pete from downtown for a long time,” she said. “It would put us on a path toward a more walkable, bikeable neighborhood feeling. The advantages appear to far outweigh the challenges. The Tropicana Field site could become an area where everyone comes together.”

Alex Nicolas is president of the Campbell Park Neighborhood Association. That 33-acre park and surrounding neighborhood are immediately south of Tropicana Field, separated by I-175. “I went door to door, and my neighbors were very emotional that the city may finally do the right thing,” he said. “It’s a big deal that it’s hard to walk to Central Avenue and downtown. Jobs promised when the Trop was built never came through.”

Karl Nurse, Driscoll’s predecessor as District 6 City Council member, also wants I-175 to go: “I’ve been an advocate for its replacement for eight to 10 years,” he said. “It has walled off neighborhoods to the south from the rippling effect of downtown economic development for many years.”

Caveats The complexity of evaluating alterations to I-175 is immense.

Federal, state, county and city transportation departments all have a role. Studies need to be completed and costs estimated. The multiyear timeline could also be affected by the timing of the Rays’ decision. Their current contract runs through 2027.

St. Petersburg Transportation and Parking Management Director Evan Mory notes that various options must be evaluated, and solutions may evolve. For example, if determined that the spur highway should stay, he says, it could be redesigned to be essentially buried or capped so it is no longer a barrier. New space could be gained over the top of the existing roadway, as other cities have accomplished. While the Rays decision will be important, and he emphasizes waiting for more data, Mory predicts analysis will show that the presence of a stadium does not in itself require the existing spur vs. a less dominating roadway configuration.

Another Question What if perhaps hundreds of millions of dollars are invested in the Tropicana site and the barrier remains?

Nicolas said “redeveloping the Trop site and keeping I-175 in place would be very painful to the residents, as this highway serves as a form of ‘infrastructure segregation.’ ” Haynes, Nurse and Nicolas all noted a widespread belief that the barrier between downtown and African-American neighborhoods was created purposefully in the 1970s.

The supporters of I-175 replacement are cautiously optimistic that it will happen – eventually.

“If government wants to take action,” Haynes said, “it can find a way to make it happen sooner.”

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Resource Center’s Farm-to-Food Bank Program Puts Dent in City’s Food Desert By Katherine Snow Smith Clients will receive fresh produce and lessons on cooking and growing their own food.

Daystar Life Center’s bright new facility is in the heart of the community it serves, which is also a food desert. Many residents must take two busses, a costly cab or ride share to buy fresh produce.

But the design of the new 11,000-square-foot bright yellow building and a new program started by Place Architecture will go a long way to bringing healthier habits and food to more than 200 clients a day.

A garden with raised wooden beds provides 650 square feet of growing space that will not only supply some of the fresh produce offered to Daystar clients, but also teach them how to grow their own food.

“The goal is that they will volunteer in the garden or take a class and learn how to grow tomatoes on their own front stoop or back yard,” said Tim Clemmons, executive director of Place Architecture, the firm that designed the building and donated time and materials to construct the garden.

Much of the new facility is designed to promote healthy eating. An instructional kitchen has plenty of space for showing clients easy ways to fix vegetables that come right out of the garden a few feet away. Though it is large enough to seat 40 people, Clemmons wanted to keep the appliances and footprint of the cooking area simple, so people could picture themselves preparing the foods the same way in their own kitchens.

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“This wonderful garden is working to build the culture of health in our community through innovative educational opportunities and improved access to healthy foods,” said Kim Lehto, coordinator of the city’s Healthy St. Pete initiative.

Place Architecture designed the childcare room to overlook the garden, allowing kids to get an early start seeing colorful vegetables grow and even watch their parents helping in the process.

Daystar’s “choice” food bank is designed to look like a grocery store.

Clients can go through and pick out their own foods, instead of accepting pre-packaged bags like Daystar offered when it was in its previous facility that was about a fourth the size of the new one.

Place Architecture designed the facility to be welcoming and bright with high ceilings and walls of windows. There is a front door porch for easy access for those arriving by foot or from the nearby bus stop as well as a back porch for clients coming by car or bike.

Along with the food bank, Daystar also provides clothing, a computer lab, ID cards, bus passes, gas vouchers, hygiene products and other basic necessities.

For more information about Daystar Life Services or to make a donation, visit daystarlife.com.

Photo by Bronson Cheeks

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.

The Royal, a 13-unit townhome community, is coming soon to 545 4th Avenue South in Downtown St Pete. These homes are being developed

by Salt Palm Development, who just finished construction on The Sabal, another DTSP townhome project. Residences at The Royal will range between 1,800 and 3,100 square feet with prices staring in the $500’s and up to $1.2 million. The project is expected to be completed in Spring 2021.

Greenstock is coming soon to 449 Central Avenue in Downtown St Pete (formerly Kalamazoo Olive Company). Customers are welcome to select one of the seven chef-inspired salads, or choose from an extensive list of over 50 ingredient options including lettuces, proteins, grains, cheeses, fruits and veggies. For those that are really “on-the-go,” they’ll roll it up in a wrap for you. Salads start at $9.

A new 126-unit 7-story apartment community, temporarily dubbed 770 Apartments, has been proposed for the corner of 4th Avenue North and 8th Street in Downtown St Pete. The development will be 81 feet in height with 126-units in a U-shaped building, which will surround a third floor interior courtyard with a private pool and resident terrace. This is the latest proposal in a recent boom of downtown apartment developments in Downtown St Pete. Over 800 apartment units are currently under construction with many more on the way.

In October, City Council approved an ordinance that would allow scooters in St. Pete for a one year pilot program. Although scooters could hit the streets by late winter, there will be quite a few stipulations: • Scooters will be banned from sidewalks and along the waterfront trail

• Scooters can be ridden within a bike lane, if there is one, on roads with speed limits of 30 miles per hour and under • Speeds capped at 15 miles per hour • The scooters must be parked within designated corrals across the city Chick’nCone, a restaurant offering a fork-free twist on chicken and waffles, is coming soon to 425 Central Avenue (formerly Lonni’s Sandwiches Downtown) in Downtown St Pete. Instead of the traditional waffle, Chick’nCone takes waffle cones and fills them with chicken nuggets for a very Instagrammable on-the-go meal. The nuggets can be tossed in one of six sauces for $8. Chick’nCone is hoping to be open by the end of 2019.

Lonni’s Sandwiches will be moving next door to 429 Central Avenue (formerly Hair on Central). Swing by for lunch and order the Sunny Bird today! Cream cheese, turkey, sunflower seeds, sprouts and homemade honey french dressing served on wild rice bread.

The SHINE St. Petersburg Mural Festival, which took place October 18-26th, is an annual event that invites muralists from all over the world to transform St Petersburg into a 24/7 open-air art gallery. This year’s muralists hailed from Germany, England, Jamaica, Australia, Mexico, and St. Pete, of course. Go to www.ShineMuralFest.com to download a map of all 21 murals.

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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Photos by City of St. Petersburg.

EVENTS 22nd Annual CraftArt Festival When: Saturday, November 23rd from 10am - 5pm and Sunday, November 24th from 10am - 4pm Where: Central Ave and 5th St Cost: Free and open to the public Florida CraftArt is a nonprofit organization representing the contemporary fine craft artists of Florida. This annual CraftArt Festival is a two-day contemporary craft festival, featuring the best fine craft artists in the country. floridacraftart.org

Santa Parade & Tree Lighting When: Saturday, November 30th Starting at 6pm Where: North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Dr NE Cost: Admission is Free and open to the public Parade Route: Albert Whitted

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Park, 480 Bayshore Dr SE, and runs along Bayshore Dr to 5th Ave NE. Following the Santa Parade, Mayor Rick Kriseman lights up the downtown waterfront in North Straub Park for St. Petersburg’s annual Tree Lighting. Stay after the Parade & Tree Lighting to enjoy a night in the park with activities, concessions and more! Bring a blanket or lawn chair; seating not provided. stpeteparksrec.org/ holidayevents.

HONNA Annual Candlelight Tour of Homes When: Sunday, December 8th from 3pm -8pm Where: On the day of the event, visitors register at Westminster Palms, 939 Beach Drive NE Cost: Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of the tour Hosted by the Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association. Take a car or hop onto one three complimentary bright red trollies to go from house to house. Enjoy new home

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renovations along with festive decorations, bell ringers and holiday music. Proceeds benefit neighborhood community improvement projects, with a portion going to the Christmas Toy Shop Project, Inc. To purchase tickets, visit www.honna.org.

Crescent Lake’s Movie In the Park When: Saturday, December 14th 5 pm (movies start at dusk) Where: Historic Huggins-Stengel

Field, 1320 5th St N Cost: Free Admission Watch Kung Fu Panda Holiday followed by The Grinch (2018) on our historic baseball field under the stars! Sponsored by Crescent Lake Neighborhood Association and co-sponsored by TASCO and the City of St. Petersburg.

Bring a blanket and/or low chairs.

Concessions will be sold by the City of St. Petersburg’s TASCO Program to benefit their teen programs. For more info visit clnastpete.org.

St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show When: December 5th - 8th from 10am - 7pm daily Where: Albert Whitted Park, 480 Bayshore Dr SE Cost: Tickets $16; Military personnel get free admission with ID; Kids 15 and under are Free!

Show-goers will find hundreds of power boats and sailboats including family cruisers, runabouts, fishing boats, magnificent sailing yachts, personal watercraft and much more. www.stpeteboatshow.com

Fee-Waived Cat Adoptions at Friends of Strays for Remainder of 2019 When: Through December 31st Where: Friends of Strays Animal Shelter, 2911 47th Ave N Cost: Fee-Waived The goal for this adoption special is to find as many animals as

possible a home for the holidays.

Normal adoption fees for adult cats range from $25-$50. If you cannot adopt, consider getting involved by volunteering, fostering, or donating as well as ensuring that all owned pets are spayed or neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations. To view Friends of Strays’ adoptable animals visit friendsofstrays.org/adopt.

Lawn Bowlers Wanted When: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday’s from 9am - 11:30am Where: 556 4th Ave S Cost: Free Lessons St. Petersburg Lawn Bowling Club will open their new bowling season in November until May 1st and need new bowlers to experience Lawn Bowling. Have fun, exercise, and meet some really great people. Free lessons are available at 9am along with equipment. stpetersburglawnbowling.org

To submit or view more events, greenbenchmonthly.com/events.

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

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