Paradise News January 2024

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YACHT & TENNIS CLUB OF ST. PETE BEACH - 7 CURRENT LISTINGS

9495 Blind Pass Road Unit #PH-3, SPB

9425 Blind Pass Road #1207, SPB

9415 Blind Pass Rd. #1103, SPB

9495 Blind Pass Road #401, SPB

9415 Blind Pass Road #802, SPB

9495 Blind Pass Road #304, SPB

4BR/3BA UPDATED PENTHOUSE! Vast views of the Gulf and Intracoastal. Dual master BR each with 2 closets. $260K in updates. Offered at $1,500,000. Jane McCroary | 727.348.3888

Luxury coastal living at the Yacht & Tennis Club of SPB. Direct waterfront CORNER UNIT with WRAPAROUND BALCONY Offered at $775,000. Jane McCroary | 727.348.3888

Updated condo, panoramic 12th floor water views. Sheltered balcony for all-year enjoyment. Offered at $645,000! Jane McCroary | 727.348.3888

8th-floor direct waterfront, compelling east/west views, near daily sunsets. Attractive pricing. Seller motivated. Offered at $557,000. Jane McCroary | 727.348.3888

2/2 11th-floor gem situated directly on the Intracoastal. Stellar Gulf views to catch the fabulous sunsets. Offered at $585,000. Jane McCroary | 727.348.3888

Bright north-facing unit, views of the Intracoastal. Great entry-level pricing, luxury community, top amenities in the area. Offered at $569,000. Jane McCroary | 727.348.3888

SCAN QR CODE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YTC

Top Agent on the Beaches

9495 Blind Pass Road #307, SPB

Gorgeous updates and squeaky clean! You will love the light bright finishes inside this unit. Offered at $635,000. Jane McCroary | 727.348.3888

PENDING

Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated

2080 Dolphin Blvd. S, Gulfport

www.homesearchlocal.com

There are houses for sale and then there is “Home!” In a highly sought-after, long-established neighborhood where homes rarely come on the market (these owners have cherished this property for 41 years), this residence is truly exceptional.

TOWNSHORES OF GULFPORT

HARBOURSIDE-CORAL POINTE

CENTRAL PASADENA CHARMER

6020 SHORE BLVD S APT 312

8001 SAILBOAT KEY BLVD. S, APT 102

6251 1ST AVE. N, ST. PETERSBURG

150 2nd Ave. N Suite 100, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701

Beautiful condo in historic Gulfport situated on the 3rd floor end unit in the Windsor building. Offered at $669,000 Carolyn Gomez | 727.346.3314

Dream home! 2BR, 2BA, 9FT ceilings, den/office with top-tier renovation in 2022/2023 Offered at $750,000 Bettina Guild | 727.420.7606

Last Offered for $1,348,000 Tina Herrell | 727.521.6630

Charming 2BR, 1BA, 1 car garage with alley access, located in the Central Pasadena neighborhood. Offered at $414,900 Bettina Guild | 727.420.7606


5801 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 ~ 727-367-3636

www.flpreferred.com

Pass-A-Grille

Dolphin Cay

One of only a few key vacant lots in desirable Pass-A-Grille! Gulf views from the lot! Build 4,000 Sq.Ft. dream home! $995,000

Located in gated community with over 3,000 + Sq. Ft. 5BR with pool overlooking lake! $1,525,000

Allison and Dave Estabrooks (727) 460-4061

Maximo Moorings

Soaring cathedral ceilings in this 4BR mid century modern home! Totally updated throughout with over 2,500 Sq. Ft.! $749,900 Allison and Dave Estabrooks (727) 460-4061

Allison and Dave Estabrooks (727) 460-4061

ISLA DEL SOL

Panoramic water views abound from this Bahia Vista condo! Enjoy a 25 foot seaside balcony overlooking the world-famous Don CeSar! Designer decorated at $635,000 Allison and Dave Estabrooks (727) 460-4061

Isla Del Sol

Sunshine Skyway Area

Water views abound from this totally updated 1st floor condo! 2BR, 2BA with brand new kitchen, baths & more! $435,000

First floor 2BR condo overlooking the Isla golf course! Fully furnished at $469,900

Allison and Dave Estabrooks (727) 460-4061

Allison and Dave Estabrooks (727) 460-4061

Downtown St Petersburg

Carol Giovannoni, Chris Graus and Team (727)481-9909

LUXURY VINOY PLACE CONDOMINIUM 3BR/3BA/DEN/3,000 SQ FT renovated to perfection. Exceptional 7th floor residence with southern view overlooking waterfront, iconic Pier, parks and the vibrant city skyline. Wraparound balconies and private elevator lobby entrance. $2,750,000

PassAGrilleHomes.com

iluvRW.com

2 Bed, 1.5 Bath 600 Sq. Ft. Condo w/2 deeded Parking. Short walk to the beach and Restaurants. List Price $575,000 Diana Sames (727)776-0122.

2 Pools, Gym, Rec Rooms and Game Room, 2 Docks and BBQ Picnic areas, Green Space. Just steps away to Beach. Restaurants Near by. List Price: $450,000 Diana Sames (727)776-0122

2 BD/ 2 BA 1,370 Sq. Ft.

RE/MAX, LLC. Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

NO LAND LEASE


DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS (Partial listing of Rack & Stack locations)

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille Jungle Terrace

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CONTENTS 34 PET OBESITY

COVER STORY 17 DOC FORD’S RUM BAR & GRILLE Jungle Terrace hotspot celebrates First Anniversary!

A pet’s healthy weight is important BY DR. JONATHAN PIERCE

37 NEW YEAR, NEW YOU

BY NANETTE WISER

37 Exercise tips and trends 61 Top Shape Fitness in SPB

14 FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX

39 ARTISTS SPOTLIGHT

Revs up March 8-10 in DTSP!

20 MAHAFFEY’S SONATA

RESTAURANT OPENS Chef Ted Dorsey rocks downtown and more restaurant news

JANUARY 2024 Paradise NEWS Reaching 100,000+ in print, online, social media, web content, weekly eblasts, and more!

DEPARTMENTS Publishers Message...........6 Centre of SPB News...........7 Tidbits......................8, 10-11 Spirits................................13 Fashion - Ski/Cruise.........22

Eco + Art @Wild Space Gallery

Cooking/SuperBowl..........23

42 MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

Live Life Better.............32-33

Sarah Brightman tribute, Listening Room Festival

24 DOWNTOWN CONCIERGE 58 HOME & GARDEN

Downtown Concierge.......26 Achieve Acupuncture........35 Good Deeds.....................36 Eco...................................38

MLK events, dining, music & more

Vintage finds, garden clubs

Caron’s Art News.........40-41

28 TRAVEL ADVENTURES

59 NEW SUNDAY

Art of Ikebana...................41

Wellness vacays, sensational spas

29 NAVIGATING

CHILD CUSTODY OurChildrenHaveRights.Org BY JAKE HORNSTEIN

FRESH MARKET Tampa Bay Markets now at St. Pete High School Sundays & Madeira Beach Wednesdays

Arts & Leisure..............43-55

60 INVESTING IN

Corey Sunday Market.......55

30 HORIZONS 2024

REAL ESTATE A legal perspective

31 WRITERS IN PARADISE

62 SEVEN STEPS TO

What’s up in Treasure Island

Events..........................44-48 Sports & Rec....................53 Orchid Show.....................53 Classified Ads..............56-57

BY DANIELLE VAUGHN ESQ.

A HAPPY NEW YOU IN THE NEW YEAR

at Eckerd College Jan. 13-20 BY HOLLY HARGETT

BY DENNIS MERRITT JONES, DD

COVER Design: Janet Nummi Photo: Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille Jungle Terrace

DOWNTOWN ST. PETERSBURG ReMax Metro lobby Fergs Hollander Hotel Vinoy Hotel St. Pete Chamber St. Pete City Store Florida CraftArt The Hangar Sundial So Chic Consignment TYRONE AREA Cody’s Road House Ancient Healing GULFPORT Welcome Center Habana Café Library/City Hall Gulfport Casino Sail Market Maddy Spa Stellas Town Shores Clubhouse ISLA DEL SOL & BAYWAY ISLES Regions Bank Island Salon Isla Yacht & CC Patchingtons TIERRA VERDE Billy’s Century 21 TD Bank Mariott Phila Deli Wong Lee’s Tony & Nello’s Island Grille SOUTH PASADENA Ace Hardware Regions Bank Winn Dixie Spiro’s Restaurant PASS-A-GRILLE Paradise Grille The Seahorse Restaurant Hurley Realty Suntan Art Center Don CeSar The Wharf Paradise Sweets Keystone Motel ST. PETE BEACH Basil Leaf Resort Realty Vito & Michael’s Library/City Hall Mastry’s Brewery Nori Thai Sushi Synovus Bank Skidders Larry’s Ice Cream UPS Store TBB Chamber ReMax Preferred Gulf to Bay Bait Dolphin Landings Bellwether Engel & Volkers Coldwell Banker Realty COREY AREA DISTRICT SPB Post Office Frog Pond Beach Theatre Elizabeth’s Boutique TREASURE ISLAND Diny’s Jewelers TI Hardware TI & MB Chamber Keller Williams Realty Sea Dog Brewery Waffle House Sand Pebble Resort JOHN’S PASS VILLAGE Kilwin’s Ice Cream Spice & Tea Exchange Chamber Kiosk MADEIRA BEACH Waterfront Realty Post Office Recreation Center City Hall Library www.ParadiseNewsFL.com Copyright: Entire contents copyright © 2024 Paradise NEWS LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the contents of Paradise NEWS

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Sonata

Grand Prix/ B Gulker

facebook.com/ParadiseNews @ParadiseNewsFL @ParadiseNewsFL info@ParadiseNewsFL.com

JANUARY 2024 | ParadiseNewsFL.com

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in whole or in part by photocopying, entry into any data-retrieval system, or any other means is strictly forbidden, without written consent of the publisher. Paradise NEWS has a non-political policy. Paid political ads are accepted. Signed letters to editors welcomed. NOTE readers: Paradise NEWS does not recommend or endorse any products or services in the publication. Any misrepresentation should be reported to the local authorities. Investigate all conditions & restrictions before making your purchase, understand your

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individual agreement prior to payment. Use discretion with any business transaction, whether making a purchase or accepting payment.


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Marina is the ToBay the architects FIRSTand community builders of Marina Bay, it’s in Pinellas County EVERYTHING. to receive the Marina Bay is the FIRST FORTIFIED Gold™ BUILDER and ONLY DEVELdesignation. OPMENT in Pinellas County to receive the FORTIFIED

GOLD designation. FORTIFIED™ goes Building to FORTIFIED means beyond code, creating resilient homes that meaning FORTIFIED™ will better with-stand severe weather. Construction far FORTIFIED goes beyond exceeds most building code, meaning it exceeds codesmost andbuilding improves codes by improving the performance the performance of of buildings against natural buildings against disasters and reducing the risk of personal property natural disasters andlosses. reducing the risk of personal property losses.


PUBLISHERS MESSAGE PETER & RENEE ROOS

Happy New Year 2024, Paradise News’ 30th anniversary year. It is interesting to look back over three decades of publishing Paradise News. The cover story in the first issue celebrated the new state-of-the-art public safety command center that was opening next to the Corey Causeway bridge in St. Pete Beach. In the meantime, the city police force was merged into the Sherriff’s operation 10 years ago, saving the city millions annually, and the building was leveled to provide more parking. In the printed magazine, which can also be found at www.paradisenewsfl.com on the first of each month, Buddy Baker’s updated arts and leisure and events listings typically fill pages 43 to 55. You can see six weeks of highlights in 20 categories from art centers to yoga. Street addresses, phone numbers, web sites and shows, or special events are listed by date. Locals and visitors look to Paradise News for restaurants, entertainment, nightlife, shops, recreation, spas and services. Got a feature idea? Email our publishers at info@paradisenewsfl.com with your recommendation. Renee Roos and Sally Yoder founded the publication in 1995, after meeting as volunteers at the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum on Tenth Avenue in Pass-a-Grille (see museums on page 49). Renee is credited with naming St. Pete Beach the Sunset Capital and had a role in starting the popular Sunday Market on Corey Avenue as well. Have you made plans to be in the path of totality for the April 8 total solar eclipse? We saw the total eclipse in Nebraska in 2017 and an annular eclipse in New Mexico on Oct. 14, 2023. After April 8, 2024, there won’t be another visible in North America for 20 years. Quite a number of cities, from San Antonio, Texas, to Newfoundland, are planning eclipse events to celebrate the historic occasion. Visit www.nationaleclipse.com/maps.html for detailed state by state maps. Make plans now, as many places to stay are filling up. Mercury is in retrograde April 1-15 so plan to return somewhere you have been before, and stay there Monday night if you can, to avoid post eclipse travel challenges. We thank you for reading the Paradise News. If you do not get it in the mail and would like to, subscriptions start at $19.95 per year. You can subscribe online at www.paradisenewsfl.com. When you visit any of our advertisers, please let them know you saw them in Paradise News. Have a great year!

Paradise NEWS Volume 30 Number 1 • January 2024 PUBLISHERS Peter Roos | Marketing & Sales sales@paradisenewsfl.com Renee Roos | Creative Director info@paradisenewsfl.com ART & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Janet Nummi info@janetnummi.com EDITORIAL Nanette Wiser, Executive Editor FEATURE/NEWS WRITERS Steve Traiman | Holly Hargett CONTRIBUTING COLUMINISTS Caron Schwartz - Art News Buddy Baker - Arts & Leisure / Events Dennis Merritt Jones, DD Encouraging Words Dr. Johnathan Pierce - Pet Health Danielle L. Vaughn, Esq. Property Law/Vaughn Voyage Jake Hornstein - Family Matters CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS VisitStPeteClearwater.com Visit Florida • Janet Nummi Public Media Resource Images SUBMISSIONS - WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Paradise News welcomes submissions. 727.363.6888 • info@paradisenewsfl.com DEADLINES - Advertising • Classified • Editorial 10th of the month, one month prior to print

PRINT CIRCULATION Mailings audited by U.S. Postal Service Fall/Winter/Spring; (Monthly) Oct - May . Summer;(Bi-monthly) .J une/July & Aug/Sept

30,000+ 30,000+

DISTRIBUTION - Mailed on “Island Time” Downtown St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille Tierra Verde, Isla Del Sol, Pinellas Bayway, Harbourside, Pasadena Yacht & C.C., Gulfport (partial), Treasure Island, Yacht Club Estates, Causeway Isles,

DISTRIBUTION IN RACKS & STACKS See table of contents page for partial list of rack & . stack locations. To be a distribution site, e-mail:

info@paradisenewsfl.com

www.nationaleclipse.com/maps.html

SUBSCRI PTI ONS - https://bit.ly/subscribe-to-paradise ANNUALLY - (10 issues) $30-US (3rd class) $50-US (1st Class) $50-Canada (3rd class)

SINGLE ISSUE - Select desired month(s) Fall to Spring; Oct thru May (Monthly) Summer; June/July & Aug/Sept (Bimonthly) $5/@-USA • $7.50/@-Canada • $25/@-Europe

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Peter & Renee Roos & All the Talented PN People www.ParadiseNewsFL.com Check out Paradise NEWS online, in print, and like us on social media. Sign up on our website for the FREE weekly eblast on what to do around town.

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JANUARY 2024 | ParadiseNewsFL.com

Special Discounted Subscription Offer Order print, mailed subscriptions online.

https://bit.ly/subscribe-to-paradise

Corey Area Business Association Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce 2007 “Business of the Year Award” Recipient Preserve The Burg • Skyway Marina District St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneurial Academy Spring 2019 Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce 2008 “Small Business of the Year” Award 2013 “Woman-Owned Business of the Year” Tampa Bay Watch - Corporate Sponsor Treasure Island & Madeira Beach Chamber

PUBLISHED BY: Paradise News, LLC

P.O. Box 66385, St. Pete Beach, FL 33736

727.363.6888 • info@paradisenewsfl.com www.ParadiseNewsFL.com | Facebook


THE CENTRE-ST. PETE BEACH 7525 Blind Pass Road, St. Pete Beach 727.258.2001 | www.TheCentreSPB.com

The Centre SPB - “Where your wellness matters!”

Nourish Your New Year!

e Explor e Mor

Exploring Botanical Beverages for a Healthier You As the New Year dawns, dive into a world of botanical beverages at The Kava/Coffee Exchange at The Centre SPB. Give a new meaning to “Sober January” and reduce or swap alcohol for a healthy twist with kava’s soothing relaxation, kombucha’s gut-friendly fizz, and kratom’s herbal benefits. We home-brew using quality leaves - never instant. Kava: A Relaxing Tradition Derived from the kava root, this South Pacific elixir promotes tranquility without cognitive impairment. Kombucha: Gut-Friendly Fizz Fermented tea, rich in probiotics, aids digestion and boosts immunity.

Botanical Tea: Herbal Vitality Harness the herbal benefits of kratom for an energizing and mood-enhancing kick. Smoothies: Bursting with Nutrients Fuel your day with our nutrient-packed smoothies, bursting with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Loose Leaf Tea: A Sip of Serenity Sip on loose tea blends for a journey into tranquility. Coffee: Elevate Your Senses For coffee enthusiasts, savor the rich flavors and caffeine boost with ethically sourced beans.

Lower risk of FLU and COVID this season with nutritional immune building IVs at the IV Lounge. Experience the Power of IV Therapy

We now offer NAD+ Therapy!

In your home or at our lounge...

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Elevate your well-being with IV Therapy, a personalized infusion of essential nutrients that brings vitality directly to your cells, renewing your body and refreshing your energy.

 Cellular Repair & Energy Boost SLEEP / ANXIETY  Anti-Aging Support  Enhanced Mental Clarity PAIN MANAGEMENT  Metabolic Support  Support for Addiction Recovery SOUND BATH  Cellular Detoxification

 Myers’ Cocktail  Air Travel Rescue  Hangover Relief  Cold & Flu Rescue  IV Fluids  and many more...  Holiday Stress - Immune - Restore

MEDITATION YOGA / AERIAL MASSAGE IV LOUNGE We Bring the Lounge to You

Weekdays 11am-5pm, Fri.-Sat. 11am-7pm Ask about our holiday and event catering!

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Scan the QR code LIFESTYLE to quickly access

our booking page.

CLASSES


TIDBITS

Busch Compound Demolished In December, the former winter home of baseball and beer mogul August A. Busch Jr., which sold for just under $5.4 million in 2017 was torn down in Pass A Grill. A demolition permit had been applied for and was reviewed by the St. Pete Beach Historic Review Board earlier in 2023. The “Busch compound” had been on and off the market since 2008 when it was listed for just under $20 million. Busch built the estate in the 1950s so he could be near where his St. Louis Cardinals trained in downtown St. Petersburg, and near Tampa’s Busch Gardens theme park. The compound of three fully-furnished-waterfront homes with beer taps and a 50-foot-long yacht dock, even bore the Anheuser-Busch logo at the bottom of the pool. Visitors to the Busch estate included the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Farrah Fawcett, Frank Sinatra, and Arnold Palmer. Busch stayed in a Gulf front home he also owned a block away, and entertained guests at the estate, a whole block fronting Pass-a-Grille Way and the Intracoastal Waterway. After Busch died in 1989 at age 90, the estate was sold to Tampa beer distributor Arthur Pepin. In 1997 it was sold to John Dasilva, who had worked there as a boy. His plan to promote the estate as a corporate getaway upset 8

neighbors and involved Dasilva in a years-long battle with St. Pete Beach officials. In 2000, the city settled, clearing the way for Dasilva to obtain a resort license. The resort license has been surrendered and a single-family home is planned to be built on the site.

Downtown in December, Blue Innovations Group (BIG) marine technology company debuted its flagship R30 electric recreational boat combining advanced technologies and timeless styling. Founder/CEO John Vo says the first electric boat made in St. Petersburg “will provide the ultimate boating experience for customers with uncompromised safety, performance, style, and value while being environmentally friendly.” The R30 is a 30-foot electric cabin cruiser boat with a 221 kWh battery pack, 800 hp dual motor powertrain, integrated UI, and solar charging capability. The R30’s stern ocean terrace combined with the vessel’s silent and pollution-free propulsion system is a gamechanger.

JANUARY 2024 | ParadiseNewsFL.com

Kudos Six extraordinary women have been named honorees of Girl Scouts of West Central Florida’s annual Women of Distinction: Marilyn Alvarez, Alison Barlow, retired Gen. Ann Dunwoody, and Bemetra Simmons will be honored as Women of Distinction, along with Diana Walker as this year’s Woman of Promise. Renée Vaughn will be inducted into the Women of Distinction Hall of Fame. This year’s luncheon will take place on International Women’s Day, March 8, at Armature Works. Learn more about these remarkable women and the event at gswcf.org/wod.

An Extraordinary Gentleman Raymond James veteran Tom James retire from the board of directors in 2024. The legendary Raymond James executive served as CEO for four decades and as chairman emeritus since 2017, when he stepped aside for new leadership. He’ll retire Feb. 22, having served for 48 years as a director – including 40 as

CEO. He will, however, keep an office at its headquarters “and continue in several advisory roles both business and charitable, working parttime at the firm,” according to a statement. “At age 81, it is time for me to reduce my time with firm responsibilities and spend more time with my wife, Mary, outside of business,” James said in a statement. “We have an excellent board and management team, and I am proud of their accomplishments,” he added. James is the founder of The James Museum of Western Art and Wildlife, a downtown St. Pete world-class museum.

The Julia Jewel Another luxe condo is going up on 100 Fourth Ave. N with 19 residences, ranging from 1,905 to 3,132 square feet, priced from $1.6 million with only two per floor. Each residence is a testament to meticulous design, featuring premium interior finishes, expansive terraces, and awe-inspiring city views. The “Sky Lofts” offer a living experience unlike any other, with 20-foot floor-to-ceiling windows spanning over two stories and a private elevator entry. The pièce de résistance is the penthouse unit on the entire 18th floor, providing a 360-degree panorama of the city’s splendor.


Breathe Easy. We’re Here.

We know emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. With three ER locations right here in St. Petersburg, you can expect expert care 24/7. No matter which location you choose, you’ll find a place where chaos meets calm and uncertainty finds answers. Giving you more reasons to choose well. BayfrontHealth.com/ER St. Petersburg | Pinellas Park | West St. Petersburg


TIDBITS

Over The Moon Steve Eisele is the new president and chief revenue officer of Lonestar Data Holding. The Mexican American astronaut’s life inspired a movie and the former vice president at Virgin Orbit will help lead the St. Peterburgbased company located in the Innovation District’s Maritime and Defense Technology Hub as they plan to build the first network of data centers on the Moon. Lonestar Data Holdings Inc. (Lonestar) is a leader in pioneering premium lunar and CIS lunar data solutions.

I Spy A New Y In December, the new Speer YMCA (495 62nd Ave. NE) opened, sharing the campus with Mangrove Middle School. The Y features a variety of personal fitness areas, the latest cardio and strength-training equipment, cable and functional training equipment, power racks with platforms and new plate-loaded options. There’s an outdoor wellness terrace fully equipped with turf, training rack and rig, flip tires and more plus 10

three group exercise studios to accommodate the latest LES MILLS™ programming, Zumba®, yoga, Pilates and a dedicated cycling studio featuring the Life Fitness IC7. The main-floor studio hosts dance classes and seniorspecific programs. There’s also a Kid Zone, Aquatic Center, Tech equipped room for eSports gaming with 10 individual computers, as well as a television for group instruction and game leagues.

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater Wins 4 Adrian Awards! Congrats on accolades for Gulf to Bay Destination Magazine Silver Adrian; BarbieCore PR Consumer Campaign - Silver Adrian; Like a Local Influencer Campaign - Bronze Adrian; The Ultimate Cheat Meals of St. Pete - Bronze Adrian. Each year, the HSMAI (Hospitality Sales Marketing Association International) Adrian Awards recognize hospitality brands and agencies for creativity and innovation in advertising, digital, public relations/communications, and integrated campaigns. Winners are selected from a field of nearly 1,200 entries. “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

JANUARY 2024 | ParadiseNewsFL.com

service-first spirit that are helping make the world a better place through community service efforts.

International Visitors Visit St. Pete/Clearwater President/ CEO Brian Lowack was joined by Pinellas County Commission Chair and TDC Chair Janet C. Long, Clearwater Mayor Brian Aungst, VSPC Director of Leisure Travel Rosemarie Payne, and the Rooster PR team for the 2023 World Travel Market in London last month to meet with travel and tour operators to showcase why a vacation in Paradise is…paradise! Recent stats indicate numbers are up for overseas travelers returning to the destination, with 2023’s number of travelers from the UK, Ireland, and Scandinavian market to the Tampa-St. Pete-Clearwater area doubling the 2022 figure.

Good Deeds The Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach and Winter the Dolphin’s Beach Club were the proud recipients of the 2023 Spirit to Serve Award at the McKibbon One Leadership Conference. This award recognizes hotels with

Jewel Of The Isle Congrats to Diny’s Jewelers of Florida and the beautiful Beverly Gianna Diny who celebrated 40 years in December with the Treasure Island Madeira Beach Chamber at her store. On hand were publishers Peter and Renee Roos! For all your special occasions, especially Valentine’s Day, from gems to diamonds, necklaces and rings, Diny’s helps make memories.

Community News Treasure Island City Manager Amy Davis will be the new assistant to Pinellas County Administrator Barry Burton. Four St. Pete Beach City Commisioners submitted resignations effective 12/31/23 due to intrusive new Florida State reporting requirements. Treasure Island voted to repair the Kingfish Park pier and seawall at the eastern tip of Treasure Island side of John’s


Pass in November. Local small businesses CR World and Alloria Blow Dry Bar were awarded $20,000 and $10,000 respectively, at AMPLIFY Clearwater’s Tourism Innovation Business Incubator’s first ‘Pitch Night’ in Dec.

Play Ball ESPN has released the full schedule for the 2024 Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational Presented by EvoShield, which returns to the Eddie C. Moore Complex in Clearwater for the fifth time this February. The four-day invitational will play host to 16 of the top teams in the country, with a total of 40 softball games across ESPN platforms providing incredible international coverage of our destination and bringing a premiere amateur sporting event to our community.

of expenses associated with deductibles and co-payments. Membership covers 50% of medically necessary trips denied by insurance. The estimated average cost of a single ambulance transport is $943. Annual membership fees for the Sunstar FirstCare Ambulance Membership plan are $86 for a Single Membership and $129 for a Family Membership. Uninsured members receive a 20% discount on medically necessary ambulance transportation. www.pinellas.gov/firstcare Good Deeds The 12th Annual Robbies Pancake Breakfast was a huge success with 400+ friends and neighbors enjoying flapjacks, hosted by Middle Grounds Grill and Gulf Beaches Rotary. Pictured below is the Admiral Farragut Interact Rotary Club who helped bus tables and assist guests. Lake Seminole Rotary Club collected thousands of dollars worth of Christmas toys for our children in foster care. All profits from the breakfast go back into the community to the needy children and families. New year is the glittering light to the future.

The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce presented Director of Marketing & Communications Lisa Emory, and Chief Philanthropy Officer Phillip Deal of PARC Center for Disabilities, with a check for $5,000. The donation was thanks to the public’s participation in the 2023 Taste of the Beaches event. The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce is extremely grateful to the community for rallying around this cause and supporting our wonderful local non-profits like PARC. TPA News Air ambulance service Jet ICU broke ground on a new $10.5 million headquarters at Tampa International Airport in December, to be completed by end of 2024. The 32,500-square-foot complex at 5321 Airport Service Road will include a state-of-the-art communications center, a two-story atrium complementing the office space, and a 17,500-squarefoot hangar to accommodate 10 air ambulance aircraft. The project will serve as a central hub for Jet ICU’s medical evacuation operations, helping the company better

serve the Tampa Bay community and transport patients globally. The company has transported over 10,000 patients worldwide during more than 20 years in operation.

Protect St. Pete Beach The Dec. 5th Commission Meeting ended with no decision on whether or not the conditional use permit would be granted approval. After eight hours of hearing testimony and asking questions of the Sirata developers, the Commission voted to continue the hearing on Jan. 10th at 4pm. The agenda should begin with public comment followed by more discussion, which could lead to a vote. Trade Winds’ conditional use permit to expand completed the technical review process at the 12/18 Planning Board, and for now, the City Commission meets 1/23 to determine if TW’s request meets all review criteria and should be approved.

Admiral Farragut Interact Rotary Club / Robbies Pancake Breakfast

Emergency Prep Residents can save money on ambulance service by enrolling in the Sunstar FirstCare Ambulance membership program. Membership covers 100% ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2024

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The Ultimate Seaside Paradise

We invite you to lose yourself in an ultimate seaside paradise at The Saint Hotel, a boutique haven in St. Pete Beach. Experience laid-back vibes, barefoot ambience, and artistic touches that speak to the senses. 7201 Sunset Way St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 727.360.0120 thesainthotel.com Travelers’ Choice

2022 Best of the Best

Waterfront Dining brunch

lunch

dinner

happy hour

82 Degrees provides nature imbued interiors and fresh Southern coastal cuisine to launch you into the decadence of an unhurried coastal vacation. Whether you are dining in for brunch, lunch or a leisurely dinner, 82 Degrees provides a space to enjoy craft cocktails, fine wine, and locally distilled beer with alfresco dining options and live music. With locally sourced ingredients, signature drinks and an unparalleled atmosphere, 82 Degrees is a favorite amongst locals. 7203 Sunset Way St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 727.292.0282 Eatat82.com MON-FRI: 12PM-4PM Happy Hour & Lunch 5PM-10PM Dinner SAT-SUN: 10AM-3PM Brunch 5PM-10PM Dinner


SPIRITS By Nanette Wiser

Did you toast the New Year with a local craft beer? You’re not alone. Happy 10-year anniversary to 3 Daughters Brewing. St. Pete Beach’s Mastry’s says “let the Barrel Aged Beer season begin with Mastry’s Brewing Co. Starless Night, Russian Imperial Stout. This one, aged in St. Augustine Bourbon Barrels, is now on tap. Coming in at a solid 13.4% abv.” At Sea Dog Brewing Co. in Treasure Island, Sunfish and American Pale Ale pair perfectly with their bodacious burger. Cage Brewing serves up live music, Kraken Joe’s pizza delivery and my fave, American Static IPA. If I Brewed The World’s small batch brews are refreshing, especially the Ruck Over Red Ale. Kozuba & Sons recently moved to Pinellas Park from downtown St. Pete’s Grand Central District (opened in 2014). Moving from Poland to Florida, the family continues to win awards for their distilled beverages. New to the shelves is lemon and orange flavored vodka, plum flavored whiskey, Amaro and pomegranate liqueurs with dozens of stellar sips in their retail store open Mon.-Fri. 10am-6pm and around town. Visit them at 8950 66th Ct. N, Pinellas Park. www.kozubadistillery.com Enophiles rejoice. Thrillist loves CellarMaster Wine Bar and Bottle Shop on First Ave. N downtown and so do we. While there are dozens of wine bars (Hawthorne Bottle Shop, Try Wine, Bacchus, The Study, Must Wine Loft, Book + Bottle, Sauvignon Wine Locker) and new ones on the way such as Grand Central’s Spritz, The Cellar is the spot to buy unique wines. Their philosophy, proudly displayed online, says they are a “Primo fine wine Dive Bar and Retail Shop. Equal parts experienced wine professionals and ratchet-ass hillbillies. We’re not here to get rich, we’re here to get DRUNK.” You can book a table for 6+ and they purvey under-$25 wines, craft beers and sell many sustainably sourced wines from all over the world. “Whether it’s organic, biodynamic, natural, lo-fi, eco-friendly, or all the above, what matters most is that it’s delicious. If it happens to be all those things AND it’s inexpensive, even better! Regenerative farming, conscientious winemaking, unmitigated flavors. Real Wine. It’s all we do,” they boast.

Beachy eats Indulge your taste buds in one of our thre e restaurants just steps away from St. Pete Beach!

5300 GULF BLVD • ST. PETE BEACH, FL T:+1 727-363-5100 • Sirata.com •

Siratastpete

ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2024

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Firestone Grand Prix celebrates 20 years! D Masemore

Tickets are available online at gpstpete.com with pricing starting at $135 for reserved 3-Day Grandstand seats and $70 for 3-Day General Admission. Additionally, junior pricing is available for fans ages 12 and under. Pit and Firestone Paddock Passes can also be purchased. Single-day tickets will be released for sale in early 2024.

Celebrating 20 years in 2024, race to book tickets now for the 2024 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding, the iconic race March 8-10 along St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront. This landmark annual race weekend headlined by the NTT INDYCAR SERIES has become a staple in the St. Petersburg community as some of the most talented and accomplished drivers in the world compete on the city’s streets each year. The breakthrough inaugural Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, won by the late Dan Wheldon, was first promoted by Green Savoree Racing Promotions in 2005.

For more information, visit gpstpete.com, ‘like” its Facebook page at @GPSTPETE or follow the event on Twitter @GPSTPETE and Instagram @GPSTPETE using #FirestoneGP. https://bit.ly/gpstpete-2024

B Gulker

The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding is annually one of the marquee weekends on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES calendar, and the 2024 race will serve as the series’ season-opener for the 14th time. In total, 13 drivers have taken the checkered flag on the streets of St. Petersburg including defending winner Marcus Ericsson and multi-time winners Helio Castroneves (2006, 2007, 2012), Will Power (2010, 2014), Sebastien Bourdais (2017, 2018) and Josef Newgarden (2019, 2020).

The 2024 weekend schedule, highlighted by the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ season-opening race, will have a full complement of racing series on track. Open-wheel development series INDY NXT by Firestone, USF Pro 2000 Presented by Continental Tire and USF2000 Presented by Continental Tire will battle on the 1.8-mile, 14-turn street course. New in 2024, exciting sports car action from IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge joins the weekend schedule. Further weekend activities and entertainment elements will be announced at a later date.

BE HERE. MARCH 8-10

GET TICKETS | GPSTPETE.COM 14

JANUARY 2024 | ParadiseNewsFL.com

TERS S T. P E IX O F N D P R C H A M P IO N A R G ONE D IN G F IR E S T P F U N 2 0 2 3 E N T E D BY RS O N P R E S U S E R IC S MARC

BURG


ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2024

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Come & Enjoy the Original

Yucatan Shrimp! Mention Paradise News Magazine to

receive a

FREE MOJITO WITH A PURCHASE OF AN ENTREE! Offer ends April 30, 2024

VISIT US TODAY!

Jungle Terrace St. Pete www.DocFords.com S A N I B E L I S L A N D • F T. M Y E R S B E A C H • S T. P E T E P I E R • J U N G L E T E R R A C E S T. P E T E 16

JANUARY 2024 | ParadiseNewsFL.com


Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille

A tropical waterfront oasis, brimming with extraordinary dishes and drinks. Located in Jungle Terrace on Long Bayou between Madeira Beach and Tyrone, you can come by car or by boat (seven docks). Celebrating its first anniversary, Doc Ford’s is a popular destination for visitors and locals, with live music, two alfresco and one indoor bars, a private party room and nautical island décor. Doc Ford’s iconic menu is spectacular, with many dishes served at both restaurants as well as the Sanibel and Ft. Myers locations. Their first restaurant on St. Pete Pier was named by Tripadvisor as the No. 1 restaurant in the country (2023 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Restaurants for Everyday Eats), and the Jungle Terrace Doc Ford’s menu’s rave reviews also reflect that praise.

Named for beloved Florida author Randy Wayne White’s star character (Marion “Doc” Ford) in his award-winning quirky whodunnit novels, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is known for its Floribbean fare, seafood, curated wine and craft beers, full bar and exotic rum list, flights and cocktails (mojitos, rum runners, Old Havana or Barbados punch and Pier Pressure made with Cruzan black cherry rum, raspberry liqueur, ginger beer and splash of pineapple juice).

Start with Doc’s Beach Bread with cheddar, Monterey Jack, bleu cheese crumbles and diced tomatoes topped with your choice of chorizo or bacon or the jumbo lump Captiva Crab Cakes. Other delicious starters include spicy Buffalo shrimp, steamed mussels, Caribbean jerk chicken tostados, seared tuna, and Bayama Cuban black bean dip. The conch and Doc Ford’s famous clam chowders soothe the savage beast and the hearty sandwiches come with your choice of fries, house slaw, black beans and rice or fresh fruit.

Best of show are the grouper sandwich, pulled pork, Maine lobster roll and the Cuban or seafood tacos. Dinkin’s Bay Shellfish Bar features Yucatan baked oysters, shrimp ceviche, oysters on the half shell, peel and eat shrimp and shrimp Bay Boil. Paired with a tropical, steak or Sanibel spinach salads it’s an awesome meal for two. The Yucatan Shrimp is the signature dish, the macadamia nut grouper comes with a toasted coconut rum sauce and the Anchiote Redfish Bowl, all sensationally seasoned and prepared. Seafood lovers enjoy the Asian-inspired mahi mahi, island-style shrimp and grits, banana leaf grouper, cedar plank salmon and seafood paella, and there’s a dry rubbed ribeye and Danish baby back ribs for the carnivore crowd. Save room for the extraordinary Key Lime pie. Located at 8790 Bay Pines Road, the waterfront restaurant is open daily from 11am-10pm. There are gluten-free and children’s menus. The gift shop features Doc Ford novels, t-shirts, hats and more. Make reservations on Open Table. Carry out available. Book your next party here.

MENU

www.docfords.com | 727-290-9578 Open 11am-10pm ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2024

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TREASURE ISLAND Amazing 3 BR 2 BA waterfront oasis on the Isle of Capri! • Impeccably renovated, no expense spared • Open-split floor plan • Stunning Sekas custom pool • Scenic waterfront views • Elegant white shaker kitchen, a chef’s dream • Spacious great room overlooks the water and pool • Bathrooms have undergone meticulous remodeling • Updated windows • Trane HVAC system • Dock, lift, and more! • Walking distance to the beach Schedule an appointment to view this property soon, as it is sure to be in high demand! 12450 6TH ST. E, TREASURE ISLAND, FL 33706 HTTPS://BIT.LY/12450-TI $1,799,999 You can list, advertise and sell any property with us for as low as 4%! Call James Today 727.612.9988

LAKEWOOD RANCH Freshly remodeled 5 BR 3 BA Executive Home in Lakewood Ranch, “America’s favorite place to call home.” • Almost 3,000 freshly renovated square feet • Huge living room & master suite • Only home for sale in Gleneagles Village • Great schools nearby • Balcony overlooks screened pool and spa • Great room w/gas fireplace overlooks pool • Adjacent open chef’s kitchen • Brand new state-of-the-art appliances 7724 US OPEN LOOP, GLENNEAGLES, LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL 34202 | $1,399,999 You can list, advertise and sell any property with us for as low as 4%! Call James Today 727.612.9988

7600 131ST ST., SEMINOLE, FL 33776 • JGBRYLINKE@GMAILCOM


MADEIRA BEACH Walk to the beach from this magnificent 4 BR 3.5 BA 3-story home, remodeled to perfection!

13007 BOCA CIEGA AVENUE, MADEIRA BEACH, FL 33708 | $2,499,900 You can list, advertise and sell any property with us for as low as 4%! Call James Today 727.612.9988

Photos by Brannon Glover

• Chef’s kitchen is a culinary haven • Exclusive granite countertops • State-of-the-art appliances • Elegant accordion sliders • Expansive balcony with pool and spa below • Updated dock with 20K boatlift • Two-bedroom guest suite • Third floor to discover the master suite with top-tier finishes • An ideal office or nursery • Oversized garage • Additional man cave area adjoining one of the garages • Strategically situated near the renowned Johns Pass Village Call today, as it won’t be on the market for long!

SIESTA KEY - SARASOTA Near Siesta Key’s Point of Rocks, your new 3 BR, 3 BA home and vacation rental, winter retreat and a cash cow are just minutes from St. Armand Circle and the mainland. • Pristine, ensuite ground-floor-efficiency • Chef’s kitchen • Cozy fireplace • Wrap-around balcony • Two lavish master suites • Oversized two-car garage • Steps from Point of Rocks beach • Close to shops, restaurants, clubs, and bars Seize this opportunity and call now!

ASKING $1,400,000 You can list, advertise and sell any property with us for as low as 4%! Call James Today 727.612.9988

7600 131ST ST., SEMINOLE, FL 33776 • JGBRYLINKE@GMAILCOM


DINING The Sonata/ Trish O’Leary

DINNER & A SHOW I’m over the moon about The Sonata Restaurant & Lounge @ The Mahaffey Theatre in downtown St. Pete. Helmed by accoladed chef Ted Dorsey, this is his 11th new restaurant after 13 years in Tampa and St. Pete with kudos for his stints at The Mill and Hotel Zamora. The Cordon Bleu-trained chef and fabulous waterfront view at The Mahaffey upstairs looks over Luke Jerram’s gorgeous sculpture from the upstairs restaurant.

$5.00 FREE off Glass FEB 14

WITH THE PURCHASE OF $25.00

of Champagne

WITH THE PURCHASE OF 2 ENTRÉE

The Imagine Museum will be installing glass birds flying in front of the room from the atrium, creating perhaps one of the most iconic new restaurants in Tampa Bay. Bill Edwards is the visionary who created this transcendent experience. “An ode to the cultural richness and culinary diversity of the Gulf Coast, with a touch of southern influence. The restaurant was born from the belief that fine dining should be a symphony of flavors, a visual feast, and a theatrical performance, all in one.”

St. Pete Beach (727) 317-4971 4393 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706

Tyrone Mall

(727) 302-0777

2424 Tyrone Blvd north. St. Petersburg, FL 33710

Exp: March 31/2024

Offer may not be combined with any other promotions

Valid 1 coupon per check or table

www.grandhaciendarestaurant.com

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JANUARY 2024 | ParadiseNewsFL.com

Brunch starts with watermelon bruschetta or panko crusted pickled deviled eggs with avocado cream, blue crab cocktail claws or biscuits and gravy. The brunch sammies rock, especially the Carolina BBQ short rib grilled cheeses (smoked gouda, provolone, mozzarella, cheddar) or Kimmelweck beef with lemon herb chevre. Best of show brunch entrees are the lobster benny or lobster and chorizo omelet and strawberry shortcake French toast.


By Nanette Wiser

The Sonata is open Tues.-Sun. 4-10pm (11pm Fri.-Sat.) and introduced brunch New Year’s weekend 10am-4pm that will continue Saturday and Sunday. The New Year’s Eve party featured two seatings, with Anthony Castellano playing jazz upstairs and after 9, the second seating included dancing and drinks downstairs. More events are planned, and whether you’re coming for a concert or heading to The Dali, this fine dining restaurant and full cocktail menu is the perfect date night. Reservations on

Open Table are recommended. www.sonatarestaurant.com FOOD FESTS For 42 years, the historic John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk in Madeira Beach becomes a venue for a large celebration of fresh gulf seafood, the John’s Pass Seafood Festival. The three-day outdoor event features hundreds of local vendors offering a plethora of seafood, an art and crafts show, live music and various family-friendly activities. On 3/16-3/17, Paddy Fest returns to DTSP, a corned beef and Irish beer but family-friendly event from noon-9pm in Williams Park. RESTO ROUND-UP Café Soleil opens in St. Pete Beach near Taverna. Aloha to Redington’s Broke & Board. Looking for good eats and entertainment? In Gulfport, North End Taphouse & Kitchen serves up great food, craft beers and live music as does downtown St. Pete’s Bayboro Brewing and The Ale & The Witch. Aldi’s has opened in Tyrone Square, and if you love cheese and chocolate, it’s a fun excursion after meeting friends at Bonefish (best martinis) or Grand Hacienda (best margaritas). DaSesto’s is open for lunch Thurs.-Fri. and serves authentic regional

DaSesto Chef Sesto Ramadori

Salads star on both the brunch and dinner menu, particularly the roasted exotic mushroom and sundried tomato, blue crab and burrata or Gasparilla (greens, tomatoes, red onion, cukes, day boat fish, shrimp, blue crab, egg, feta and chipotle aioli). At dinner, the lobster bisque is the perfect starter or the Key West pink ajillo or shrimp cocktail. The yellowfin tuna poke with mango avocado is spectacular as are the oysters grilled or Bienville. Seafood stars include the seared diver scallops and crab stuffed lobster tail and meat lovers will swoon at the Australian wagyu tenderloin and Tomahawk ribeye for two. Sides are spectacular, especially the spinach goat cheese polenta and purple potato puree with a side of braised swiss chard or creamed spinach.

Italian cuisine and fine wine with a side of live music Fri.-Sat. nights. Make your Valentine Day’s reservations now and ask them about catering your next party. We love The Helm St. Pete Beach for their seafood, she crab soup, craft cocktails, brunch and now in season, the best stone crab in town! Their seasonal menus and attractive presentation wow all. Don the Beachcomber will open at Madeira Beach Cambria’ s ground floor mid-January.

n o i s s a p a a love FOR DELICIOUS FOOD

FOR PEOPLE

a recipe

FOR A FABULOUS RESTAURANT

Dinner 4-9pm Tu-Th; 4-10pm Fri-Sat Outdoor Dining | Take Out | Catering 7201 66th St. N | 727-209-2695 | dasesto.com ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2024

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FASHION

By Lady Sadie

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JANUARY 2024 | ParadiseNewsFL.com

Tommy Bahama

In 2024, let’s embrace yoga pants, body-hugging tank tops, and functional-yet-fashionable sports in earthy monochromatic palettes, black and white, and retro cuts. While we love the rainbow, neutrals stand the test of time, so invest in pops of color and a unitard that works with blazer and heels for work, or sneakers on the weekends. Just in time for the summer Paris Olympics are fashion trends like the luxury jumpsuit and track star style, plus winter whites and florals. Also, trending are more athleisure pieces made from eco-friendly materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester, and even innovative fabrics made from ocean plastic. Leggings are still in, but worn in new ways, paired with sporty crop tops and athletic jackets for a stylish, active look. On the fashion-forward

Pippa Pelure

We were browsing Fish Hippie and Natural Comfort on Corey Ave. for an inspired outfit for working out in the new year. Fashion as motivation was our goal, and our shabby band tees and cotton shorts were going out with 2023’s misplaced desires and faded resolutions. New year, new you! And style to match our #1 resolution to walk, swim, bike or take a fitness class.

front, leggings are layered under shorts or miniskirts for a bold, urban appeal. For ski bunnies, yellow takes the spotlight as the color trend injecting warmth and energy into the wintry landscape. Whether it’s a vibrant jacket, cheerful gloves, or a sunny beanie, this hue makes a bold

statement against the white backdrop. Timeless and elegant, plaid and tartan patterns add a touch of sophistication to slope attire. For those looking for chic cruise or resort wear, 2024 showcases chain belts, slung low at the waist, either against bare skin or over dresses, skirts, or pants at Blumarine, Versace, Chanel, Dsquared2, Diesel, Rosie Assoulin, Gucci, St. Agni and even MM6 Maison MargielaCruisewear. Authenticity is the clarion cry for 2024 fashionistas, and it’s all about individuality, as people look to get more creative with how they dress, finding their signature scent and defining their core aesthetic. If you are one of those, then don’t miss this cool January event. Join us at The Radix Collection Fashion Show 1/21 @2-4pm. On the runway, designs by local artists Derek Donnelly, Kris Meenan, and Saumitra. NOVA 535, 535 Dr. M.L.K. Jr. St. N, St. Petersburg. RADIX COLLECTION is a print on demand fashion line that features the work of local St. Pete artists who receive 50% of the profit. www.radixcollection.com


COOKING CORNER By Nanette Wiser

Ted Peters

On 2/11, Super Bowl LVIII will be played at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium, a first-time host city. It’s not too early to plan your party at home or one of the local sports bars featuring drink and food specials, giveaways, and guest appearances! Sea Dog Brewing Co. usually has a big-ticket raffle and lots of hoopla. On the beaches, Caddy’s, Crabby’s, Guilty Sea Sports Pub, The Wharf, Toasted Monkey and Slyce are popular with the locals. Check out downtown’s The Galley, Engine No. 9, Thirsty First, Old Northeast Tavern and Five Bucks Drinkery or Seminole’s Miller’s Ale House and Doc Ford’s in Jungle Prada. What to serve at your home party? A crockpot of chili or sweet and sour meatballs prepared in advance so you can enjoy the game, and chafing dishes with cocktail franks, pulled pork for sliders and black beans and rice will keep fans roaring for more. You can order ahead and pick up from Pipo’s or Bayou Market & Catering to make it easy. Slyce pizza, Mexican fare from Grand Hacienda, Asian fare from Nori Thai or Basil Thai add international flair to the party. Create baskets of pre-bagged tasty treats such as M&Ms in your team’s colors or Sunshine City Popcorn’s gourmet sweet/salty delights, especially Sunshine City Smoke. Sweeten the deal with a buffet of mini dessert shots, cupcakes, and jello shooters. Seafood and grilled shrimp skewers are always popular when entertaining a crowd. For the best smoked fish dips, order and pick up from Ted Peters, Nachman’s Seafood Market or Key West Seafood. You can get some expert tips and tricks from RumFish Grill’s Chef Jon Hilton on how to whip up seared scallops or ceviche on the restaurant’s new Get Hooked how-to video series. www.umfishgrill.com/get-hooked-with-chef-hilton EASY CHILI 1 lb. lean ground beef 15 oz. tomato sauce 15 oz. can kidney beans, drained 15 oz. can can chili beans, not drained 2 tablespoons chili powder, or to taste salt and ground black pepper to taste Directions Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5-7 minutes. Stir in kidney beans, chili beans, and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil and stir in chili powder. Reduce heat to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with chopped onions and grated cheddar cheese. Keep warm in a crock pot.

The Wharf Restaurant & Sports Bar Check out the refreshed dining room, new menu (with all your old favorites) and catch all your sports teams here! Happy hour Mon.-Fri. 3:30-6pm. Weekend oyster bar and live entertainment. Tuesday Fish Fry, Patty Melt, Roast Beef Dip Wednesday Tacos, Beans and Rice Thursday Shrimp Po’ Boy Friday Soft-shell Crab Basket, Fried Fish Basket Saturday Grouper Nuggets Sunday Ceviche or Quesadilla (chicken, shrimp) MENU

2001 Pass-A-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach https://bit.ly/thewharfpag 727-367-9469

ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2024

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DOWNTOWN CONCIERGE Painting Paradise and the talk with historian lecture series. From Jan. 4-7, the museum and Palladium present Gaspar! The Musical, a swashbuckling, new musical comedy that captures the spirit of wild fun and merriment in Tampa Bay’s annual Gasparilla celebration. Music by Constantine Grame and book and lyrics by William Leavengood, Gaspar! is a fast-paced, bawdy tale of “trading places” that finds the legendary pirate, Jose Gaspar, magically transported through time to modern-day Tampa Bay. In contrast, his identical counterpart, Joe Wright, a Florida politician running for governor, finds himself captaining the pirate ship, Floriblanca, in 1724. www.HistoryStpete.org

GOOD BURGER AWARDS The Good Burgers for 2023 jingle mingled in December. Kudos to Burger winners – New Biz on the Block: IceBurg Cold Plunge; Wellness Warriors (new): Mindful Movement; Community Conscious (Grassroots): Pet Pal Animal Shelter; Community Conscious (Large): Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties; Arts & Culture: Fairgrounds St. Pete; Sustainability Stewards (new): Tampa Bay Watch; Makers & Creators: 3 Daughters Brewing; Eats & Treats: Kahwa Coffee. The Sunshine Award Sunshine Award ($50,000) went to St. Anthony’s Hospital/BayCare and the Most Valuable Burger was awarded to Sandy Bean, founder and CEO of St. Pete Girl Boss.

FUN Tickled Pink, Sal Valentinetti (1/18), and Almost ABBA (1/27) at The Palladium

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JANUARY 2024 | ParadiseNewsFL.com

are just some of the many music and comedy shows that make a perfect date night…and Valentine’s Day gift. The Tickled Pink Comedy Tour, produced by Tickled Pink Entertainment, is a new local production company kicking off their first comedy tour in their hometown and a portion of the proceeds from their March 2nd show, with John Heffron and Maryellen Hooper, will benefit myhopechest.org and breast reconstruction surgery for breast cancer survivors. Jannus Live features Greensky Bluegrass 1/13, Shane Smith & The Saints 1/21 and Bowling for Soup 1/28. Before or after the show, grab a bite at T’s and Tacos next door at 1st Ave. N.

GASPAR! At the St. Petersburg Museum of History, don’t miss The American Soldier: Conflicts, Shipwrecks and The Homefront, The Florida Highwaymen:

MLK BIG DREAM WEEKEND Advantage Village Academy (AVA) began and hosted St. Petersburg’s first Inaugural MLK, Jr. Family Fun Day and in 2017 the city asked AVA to reinvent the MLK, Jr. Family Fun Day and MLK, Jr. Parade. St. Pete’s MLK DREAM BIG CELEBRATION was born. From 1/11-1/15, many family friendly events help honor Martin Luther King’s birthday 1/15 including a spelling bee and scavenger hunt, MLK Big Dream Banquet, band showcase and the parade and family fun day on Monday. www.mlkdreambig.com/events


By Nanette Wiser Concrete Jungle

2024 resolution...

Enjoy New Brews + Old Friends Mastry’s Brewing Co. and The Kitchen are open daily at noon for dine in, or take out. Enjoy taco Tuesday, wing Wednesday, live music Fri.-Sat., open mic Wed. and trivia Thurs. Day or night, it’s sip sip hooray at Mastry’s! MASTRY’S

DINE & DRINK Thirsty First is moving to the former home of Acropolis Greek Taverna on Central Ave., with two floors and outdoor seating. Concrete Jungle two-level cocktail lounge is in the old Iberian Rooster location and serving Mexican regional “vibrant flavor fusion” dishes and drinks (The Jungle Boogie) from Tulum and Yucatan Peninsula. Coming in 2024 is Cheeky’s, a raw bar and seafood grill with classic fried chicken to the Grand Central District. Think New England oyster bar marries Southern chicken shack. Cheeky’s beverages are sure to be a hit, a mix of fun frozen and classic cocktails, local ice-cold beers, a tight list of approachable natural wines by the glass and bottle and refreshing spirit-free beverages. The restaurant is the brainchild of Tampa local Nate Siegel, co-founder behind Tampa’s award-winning Willa’s and Willa’s Provisions. Sadly, Brick Farms in-store brick and mortar shopping is no more. You can still buy online for in-person pick-up at The Hub or direct home delivery.

Mastry’s Brewing Co. & The Kitchen 7701 Blind Pass Rd., St. Pete Beach 727-202-8045 www.mastrysbrewingco.com

THE KITCHEN

INDOOR & OUTDOOR DINING DINE IN CARRY OUT DELIVERY OPEN DAILY 11AM WEDNESDAY - MONDAY Dine in with us at 6340 GULF BLVD ST PETE BEACH, FL

Brock Street Farms

ST PETE BEACH

or call:

(727) 353-3181

1 HOUR FREE PARKING BEHIND SLYCE, OR TAKE FREEBEE

Sunday Brunch 11-3 Happy Hour Weekdays 11-6 Weekday Lunch Specials 11-3 Wine Wednesday: 20% Off Bottles Music Bingo, Live Music, LOTS of Sports TVs ALSO SERVING MADEIRA & INDIAN ROCKS BEACHES

SLYCEPIZZA.COM ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2024

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Your Tierra Verde Real Estate Experts FOR SALE

$882,000

120 1ST STREET E Unit #109 Updated 2-BR/2.5BA + loft, townhouse. Water views. Private BOAT SLIP, 10K boat lift. Two balconies. Gourmet kitchen. New appliances. Versatile loft space. 2/car tandem garage. Gated community. Clubhouse. Blanka Prusova-White 727-480-6126

FOR SALE

$625,000

138 1st St E #106, THE VILLAGE AT TIERRA VERDE 2BR/2BA gated condo. Prime location and water view. Amenities include: 3 heated/cooled pools, tennis courts, gym, saunas, clubhouse, and onsite manager. Judy Bader 727-698-3831, Jacqi Dockery 727-424-3700

REDUCED

$2,090,000

734 PINELLAS BAYWAY S 3BR/3.5BA. 3200 SF waterfront, multi-level townhome. Water views. Gated. BOAT SLIP. 16K boat lift. Deep, open water, Gulf & Intracoastal. Fireplace. Contemporary kitchen. Master suite with private balcony. Tandem garages. Blanka Prusova-White 727-480-6126

FOR SALE

$1,500,000

FOR SALE

9510 36TH AVENUE E, PALMETTO 5-acre horse ranch. 4.99 acres. Paved driveway. Pond. 3,946 sq. ft., 2-story, 5BR/3BA/3Car garage. Eat-in kitchen, family room, fireplace. Elevated deck. 1BR/1BA log cabin. 20-stall, full size barn. Fenced training area. Randall Ierna 727-647-0813

FOR SALE

$762,000

3988 BELLE VISTA DRIVE E, ST. PETE BEACH 3BR/2.5BA beach sanctuary. Gourmet kitchen. Open-concept, outdoor water views. High wood-planked ceilings. Heated pool, jacuzzi and waterfall feature. Large updated boat dock. Deep water. 2 garages. Blanka Prusova-White 727-480-6126

REDUCED

219 2nd St. W 3BR/2BA pool home. 2-car garage. Block. Open floor plan. Pool view from French doors. Updated kitchen. Abundant windows. Natural light. Split floor. Master suite with walk-in closet. Screened-in pool. Fenced backyard. Near marina and beaches. Blanka Prusova-White 727-480-6126

FOR SALE

$2,199,000

$859,000

185 98th Ave. N Riviera Bay. Lovely maintained 3BR/2BA pool home. Open layout. New roof, HVAC, water heater, sewer, plumbing, irrigation system, pool pump and fencing. Huge fenced-in yard. Near Weedon Island Preserve. Paula Trout 727-452-3468 , Laura Dague 813-440-9652

FOR SALE

522 PINELLAS BAYWAY S #108 Tierra Verde Grand Canal. Spectacular water views. Spacious, renovated, 2BR/2BA condo. Stunning new kitchen. Electric storm shutters. Boat Slip. 13,000 lb. lift. Detached covered parking. Storage. New dock in 2024. Heated pool. Bob Gaskins 727-492-5237

$539,900

$459,000

5729 PUERTA DEL SOL BLVD. #277 2BR/2BA furnished, waterfront condo. Seaside unit. Open plan, private lanai. Hurricane shutters. Assigned parking. Large bedrooms. Stunning water views. Resort style living. Tropical setting. Walk or bike beaches! Cindy Haskins 727-373-8288

List with the GOLD. We have a proven track record of success to get your property SOLD. 173 1ST ST. W, TIERRA VERDE – $2,600,000 2038 CAROLINE AVE NE ST PETERSBURG – $2,785,000 11555 GULF BLVD # 110 TREASURE ISLAND – $877,500 676 DE SOTO DR. S, TIERRA VERDE – $1,030,000 4750 DOLPHIN CAY LN. S #2 – ST. PETERSBURG – $650,000

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TRAVEL ADVENTURES

By Nanette Wiser

ECO-TOURISM Since 1976, The Museum of Discovery & Science in Fort Lauderdale has been educating children in Florida about the environment, including a new early childhood gallery for children ages 6 and under featuring iconic Florida environments (ocean, Everglades, citrus groves). There’s also a virtual monthly “Save our Seas Foundation Distinguished Speaker Series.” The museum also teamed up with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, the Community Foundation of Broward County, Flamingo Gardens, and Birch State Park to create a three-part exhibit. It will consist of three separate installations at the Museum of Discovery & Science, Flamingo Gardens, and Birch State Park to tell the story of the Florida Wildlife Corridor and help to show the importance of connectivity for wildlife. www.mods.org

Sandestin Hotel’s Spa Lilliana

WELLNESS SOJOURNS If your resolution is to embrace a healthy lifestyle or achieve more mind/spirit/body balance, consider jump starting that fresh start with a customizable wellness vacay. Here are some spots for helping you live your best life. In Tampa Bay, book a day at Clearwater Beach’s Opal Sands, Wyndham Grand’s Pallavi Spa, Innisbrook Resort, Don CeSar, Safety Harbor Resort and The Edition. In Miami, the Pritikin Longevity Center has been the gold standard for a healthier lifestyle through fitness, nutrition, expert medical advice and wellness coaching. Located on 650 acres of lush landscaping with four championship golf courses and a four-star resort, the Center staff helps develop individualized plans to help each guest achieve their personal goals. https://bit.ly/3Rrjhvg Another SoFla option is the fabulous Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, where a salt float therapy pod soothes the spirit. https://bit.ly/3R7f92g

The Golden Door Canyon Ranch

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JANUARY 2024 | ParadiseNewsFL.com

Another Florida favorite is the Sandestin Hotel’s Spa Lilliana. Enjoy the immersive Head to Toe Body Facial and Wellness Ritual to reduce stress, environmental pollution and imbalanced sleep patterns that includes dry brushing for lymphatic and skin purification, a moisturizing mineral cocoon featuring algae, white tea, copper, and zinc peptides to deeply replenish the body’s skin; then a warm nutrient rich seaweed infusion massaged into the scalp with a dose of acai and passion fruit oils. Next is a refreshing probiotic Vitamin C facial exfoliation, custom treatment mask and nourishing moisture veil and a Vagus Nerve Oil gentle neck massage strokes to activate the Vagus nerve response and promote a meditative state followed with warm body compresses and a luscious veil of exquisite Undaria Algae Oil. Wing your way to the West Coast for some R&R. You can fly non-stop to San Diego from TPA on Alaska, and three of the best world-class spas are just an hour away from the airport: The Golden Door, north of San Diego; Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, just over the border; and The Chopra Center Spa at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, where the spa menu consists of about a dozen massages, all based in Ayurvedic tradition. The original Canyon Ranch in Tuscson has the best karma, immersing you in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Sonoran Desert. You can also take a wellness vacay at Canyon Ranch in Lenox/Berkshires, Las Vegas and in 2024, Austin. Experience joy inside and out with behavioral therapy, wellness coaching, and spiritual guidance. https://bit.ly/417Q3ok


FAMILY MATTERS: Navigating Child Custody Is No Easy Matter By Jake Hornstein, Our Children Have Rights.org (OCHR) Establishing child custody can be one of the most challenging and emotional experiences a parent may face. Here are three steps to follow when you are negotiating a child custody agreement. Don’t speak poorly about the co-parent directly to the child or while they are present. Children are curious and listen to adult conversations. When a child hears one parent speaking poorly about the other, they may feel pressured to take sides. As children grow older, they look at the behaviors of their parents. If they perceive a parent tried to undermine their relationship with the other, they’ll likely hold it against them, especially into adulthood. Courts DO NOT like this. Judges are aware of the impact that this has. Avoid making this mistake and you can avoid an unfavorable outcome in court. Continue communicating with the co-parent instead of ignoring them. It’s in the best interest of the child’s development to see their parents communicating, and that communication is for their well-being. Not communicating with the co-parent can be extremely detrimental to aspects of a child’s life. Not communicating can affect important aspects including medical care, education, and personal/social growth. The court will take a negative view against a parent if it becomes clear that the parent is intentionally choosing NOT to communicate with the co-parent. If the court sees that a shared co-parenting relationship won’t work due to intentional noncommunication, the other parent may become the primary caregiver, and may even be given sole responsibility for major decisions that shape a child’s life. Do not deny access to the child. Unless it’s essential for a parent to protect a child from the other parent, denying access to the child is one of the worst things a parent can do. Courts expect parents to demonstrate they are willing to be a constructive co-parent, and even promote a relationship between the child and the co-parent. Withholding a child from the other parent without a justifiable reason could lead to losing primary care of the child. It’s best to display a willingness that encourages a child’s relationship with the co-parent. Our Children Have Rights can help you navigate child custody preparations and other issues during divorce.

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OCHR is a Pinellas-based nonprofit that helps parents more seamlessly navigate their child custody and co-parenting journeys, at no cost to the family. We were recently recognized with the AMPLIFY Clearwater “Community Spirit Award.” If you, or someone you know, needs our assistance, we’re here for you. We’re on a mission… A mission to protect the rights of children to have access to both responsible parents by providing education, resources, and support services for successful co-parenting. Why? Because Our Children Have Rights. Contact Jake at JakeHornstein@OurChildrenHaveRights.com or visit www.OCHR.org for information or to make a donation.

To learn more, email Jake at JakeHornstein@ OurChildrenHaveRights.org or visit OCHR.org. To donate, visit www.ourchildrenhaverights.org/donate. Support of our mission is vital, and we kindly ask our community to consider a small financial contribution to our program. As our organization grows, we will provide more services to parents with a minor child, but we can only accomplish that with the generous support of donors like you. ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2024

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HORIZONS 2024 TREASURE ISLAND Visit St. Pete/Clearwater

The city of Treasure Island will undertake two major projects in the future, including restoration of the city’s master pump station (2025) and building a new public safety building (2027). The new City Hall will open in 2024, housing the City Commission chambers, City Hall departments, public works administration and display historical photos and artifacts. There will be rentable spaces for recreation classes, events, and kitchen facilities. The city bought the building in 2020, and the project took longer than expected but is nearing completion. Sunset Vista Park

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JANUARY 2024 | ParadiseNewsFL.com

Sloppy Joe’s

Downtown Treasure Island is getting more parking as the retail/restaurant center on the south side of the clock tower on 107th Ave. has been demolished and the businesses there moving across the street or to other neighborhoods. The Pearl moved to Gulfport more than a year ago and ReMax Metro is at the entrance to the Pasadena Yacht & Country Club; the barbershop is now on the north side of the clock tower. The owner of Vine and Grind has purchased the privately owned and operated post office and bookstore on the north side of the clocktower from Rich Libero. Site spokesperson Gail Byrne says southside property will become a parking lot for the near future, until conditions are more favorable for redevelopment. Learn more at www.mytreasureisland.org.

Treasure Island’s main attraction is shelling and sunning on the wide beaches and it’s a popular destination for kite-flyers with an annual kite festival 1/13-1/14. You can rent paddle boards, kayaks and shaded cabanas and kids enjoy the giant inflatable water slides just west of the beach parking lot at 104th Ave. In November, the Annual Sanding Ovations Master’s Cup features master sand sculptors from around the world. This community is eco-friendly and a little hippie-dippie, with a Sunday drum circle and an ordinance banning smoking or vaping in the beaches or city parks. Recreation is big here including golf at the city’s Treasure Bay Golf & Tennis, tennis at Rosselli Park, home to the John Morroni Memorial Dog Park on Isle of Capri and boating from local ramps nestled in the fingers. There are dozens of fitness classes around town. https://bit.ly/41fEpYI

Drink and dine at Sloppy Joe’s in The Bilmar Beach Resort, Crabby’s on the Pass, Tiki Woo Woo in the Thunderbird, Ricky T’s, Caddy’s on Sunset Beach, Sea Dog Brewing Co., VIP Lounge, or the Taco Bus. For casual fine dining and wines, check out Middle Grounds Grill or BRGR Kitchen + Bar in the chic Treasure Island Beach Resort. Shop for beach essentials and souvenirs at Sun Coast Surf Shop, Florida Shell Shop and Surf Style. For iconic gifts and special occasions, visit Diny’s Jewelers near the clock tower.

History The early settlers of Treasure Island, after the Great Gale of 1848 and the Civil War, were mostly fisherman, hunters and the occasional pirate or smuggler. In 1908 Treasure Island welcomed its first landowner, Tom Pierce, who bought the island for $1.25 an acre. Other early landowners were Whitey Harrell, who was quick to realize the possibilities Treasure Island had to offer and in 1915 built Treasure Island’s first hotel, The Coney Island, on the east side of Surf Avenue (now Gulf Boulevard) near 100th Avenue. Whitey’s Coney Island Hotel unwittingly played a role in naming Treasure Island. In 1918, a fellow named Bill McAdoo wanted to generate interest in land he owned on St. Pete Beach. McAdoo, along with friend Ed Brantley and two guests from the Coney Island, “discovered” buried treasure on the beach (treasure McAdoo and Brantley had buried the night before). Subsequent publicity resulted from the two guests spreading the word about their discovery and people began calling the area around the hotel “out at that Treasure Island.” The direct link from St. Petersburg to Treasure Island came in 1939 with the Treasure Island Causeway, which brought unprecedented development after World War II. The four towns of Treasure Island, Boca Ciega, Sunshine Beach and Sunset Beach incorporated as The City of Treasure Island on May 3, 1955. Source: The Treasure Island Story by Bonnie L. Williams


BOOK NOOK

The 20th annual Writers in Paradise gives aspiring writers a chance to hone their skills in a week-long workshop-based conference working with other writers and successful authors Jan.13-20 at Eckerd College. The conference is private, but the evening readings are free and open to the public at Miller Auditorium. A half-hour before the readings, you can enjoy wine and book browsing and after the readings conclude, you’ll be able to meet the authors and have your books signed. Guest parking is available on campus. For more information, visit www.writersinparadise.com or call 727-241-2802. P.S. A big shout out to our spectacular Paradise News copy editor and events guru Buddy Baker, who has a hard-to-earn space at this year’s Writers in Paradise to develop his writing project for publication. Congratulations, Buddy! 1/13 @8 p.m Keynote speaker Suleika Jaouad, bestselling author of “Between Two Kingdoms,” is creator of the Isolation Journals, a global project formed during the COVID-19 pandemic to foster creativity in isolation. 1/14@7pm Ana Menéndez, a prolific author, associate FIU professor and awardwinning journalist, has published five fiction books. Stewart O’Nan has penned 18 novels, including his most recent novel “Ocean State.” Teaming up with Stephen King, he co-authored “Faithful,” a nonfiction narrative about the 2004 Boston Red Sox and collaborated on the short story, “A Face in the Crowd.” Luis Alberto Urrea, a distinguished writer and Guggenheim Fellow, has authored 18 acclaimed books, receiving numerous awards for his poetry, fiction, and essays.

By Holly Hargett

Currently a distinguished professor of creative writing at the University of Illinois-Chicago, his latest novel is titled “Good Night, Irene.” 1/15@7pm Madeleine Blais, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, has taught writing at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and served as the director of the Williston Writer’s Workshop Series for 19 years. Currently, she contributes to The National Book Review, and her upcoming biography of tennis player Alice Marble, “Queen of the Court,” has received acclaim in a starred pre-publication review from Publisher’s Weekly. Andre Dubus III, a New York Times bestselling author, was a National Book Award finalist. His novel, House of Sand and Fog, was adapted into an Academy Award-nominated film. With numerous accolades, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and the National Magazine Award for Fiction, Dubus is also a Professor of English at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Helen Pruitt Wallace, a St. Petersburg native and Professor Emeritus of Creative Writing at Eckerd College, served as the city’s Poet Laureate from 2016 to 2022. Known for her award-winning poetry collection “Shimming the Glass House” and her role in founding Poetry at the Dalí, she has also been honored with the Florida Book Award and has contributions in various literary publications. 1/16@7pm Bestselling author Ann Hood has garnered awards such as two Pushcart Prizes and multiple Best American Writing Awards. In addition to her memoirs, Hood has recently published “Fly Girl,” a memoir about her time as a TWA flight attendant, and a young adult novel, “Clementine.” Jennifer Maritza McCauley, a writer and assistant professor at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, has earned acclaim for

her works and is set to release her second poetry collection, “Kinds of Grace,” in 2024. 1/18@7pm Laura Lippman, a celebrated New York Times best-selling novelist with 23 novels, major crime fiction literary prizes. Her 2019 novel, “Lady in the Lake,” is in production at AppleTV. Gloria Muñoz, an advocate for multilingual literacy, earned recognition for her poetry book “DANZIRLY” and is St. Petersburg’s poet laureate. St. Pete resident Sterling Watson is an acclaimed author of nine novels, including his newest “Night Letter.” He is the co-founder of the Writers in Paradise Conference and a teacher in the Solstice MFA Program at Lasell University. 1/19@7pm Denise Duhamel, a distinguished poet and FIU professor earned a finalist spot for “Blowout” from the National Book Critics Circle Award. Beyond poetry. Michael Koryta, a New York Timesbestselling author with 18 novels and winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. Conference director Les Standiford, author of 25 books, has received acclaim for non-fiction works like “Last Train to Paradise” and novels (John Deal mystery series). He is the Founding Director of the Creative Writing Program at Florida International University and is the Peter Meinke Chair in Creative Writing at Eckerd. 1/20@8pm Jonathan Escoffery, author of the acclaimed debut story collection “If I Survive You.” His forthcoming novel, “Play Stone Kill Bird,” and his story collection will be published internationally. Escoffery has also taught creative writing and founded the Boston Writers of Color Group. ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2024

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LIVE LIFE BETTER a noon-1:30pm beginner waltz class, followed by waltz and dancing. ($15/admission; $25/couple). Paramount Ballroom offers Argentinian Tango Sat.-Sun. and Fitness Powered by Dance Mondays.

School of Rock

STEP IT UP Kick off the new year on the dance floor for fun exercise and mingling. Dance is more than fun; it’s therapeutic. One of the benefits of dancing is an increased sense of vitality – an awakening and renewal of one’s life energy. Studies have shown that dance interventions by trained professionals can decrease depression, improve mood, and strengthen positive feelings and intimacy with your dance partner. Show off your moves at Ruby Elixir’s, Good Night John Boy, Floridian Social Club, The Ale & The Witch, Jimmy B’s and others. Better yet, lindyhop on the ballroom dancing craze by taking a class at Fred Astaire Dance Studio, Suncoast Ballroom, Paramount Ballroom in Dolphin Village, Hip Expression or Corinne Rungo’s Dance Studio in Clearwater. Once the territory of the elite, social dances like the waltz, tango, foxtrot, cha cha, salsa, swing, and jitterbug are back in vogue. At Gulfport Casino Ballroom, you can learn salsa or take ballroom dance lessons with Carol Barker on Tuesdays noon-3pm with

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NURTURE YOUR BRAIN Research indicates that lifelong learners thrive mentally, whether it’s a new hobby, musical instrument, language, sport or better yet, a class. In Paradise, there are many places for active minds to roam. You can sign up for a provocative class at OLLI and ASPEC or enjoy lectures at the Museum of Fine Arts, the James Museum, The Dali, Studio@620, St. Petersburg Museum of History, Tombolo Books or enjoy virtual live opera and international films at Eckerd College. You can take acting classes (American Stage, Eugenie Bondurant’s class at Green Light Cinema), art classes at the Morean or Creative Clay and give in to your guitar fantasy at The School for Rock in downtown St. Pete. The School of Rock’s Adult Program is for 18+ students of all levels, and includes one weekly private lesson and a weekly group rehearsal. Every student is placed in a band of fellow adults and then assigned specific songs as a way of learning key music concepts and skills. Adult students then take the stage to perform at a live show.

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By Nanette Wiser

DRY OUT, SLIM DOWN In Dry January, we relinquish alcohol and find a substitute drink (wine glass with water that’s infused with fruit or flavored sparkling water) followed by giving up an unhealthy food high in fat or sugar after for Lent. After February’s Fat Tuesday traditional king cake, jambalaya, or a crawfish boil, will you say no to chocolate, pasta or pie combined with your new exercise regime? Pick one, or three.

MINDFUL MOVEMENT Join The Body Electric Yoga Company every first Wednesday evening for a FREE yoga class at St. Pete Pier. This class is offered free by The Body Electric Yoga Company and The Body Electric Athletic Company, your St. Pete home for mindful movement. Donations will be accepted and proceeds will benefit a different local group each month. Your instructor will announce before class starts whose work you can support if you choose. Bring water & yoga mat. Check our The Centre of St. Pete Beach for Karla Hollan’s yoga classes, including aerial yoga. Or take a yoga on the beach class in Indian Rocks, Madeira Beach or St. Pete Beach.

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PET HEALTH We are past the holidays. We enjoyed the company of our friends and loved ones (some we only see once a year), likely traveled, and indulged in some spectacular food. We are likely looking at our own waistlines and thinking we need to shed a few pounds. What about your pet? A healthy weight is very important not only for us but also for our canine and feline companions. They share some of the same risks to their health as we do when we are overweight. Here are some of the most common: Diabetes The inability to utilize or even produce insulin which is key in the metabolism and regulation of sugar in the blood. Genetic risk factors as well as obesity and diet play a large role in its development. Arthritis Joint damage and inflammation is increased significantly when a pet is overweight. Just a 10% increase in body weight can increase the risk by five times or more. Ligament Disease Being overweight not only increases the stress on the joints but also stress on the soft tissues that hold them

By Dr. Johnathan Pierce

together. Cranial cruciate tears (ACL tear in human medicine) are much more likely to occur in overweight patients. These tears will accelerate the rate of arthritis development due to the abnormal looseness and movement in the joint. IVDD (intervertebral disk disease) Certain breeds are predisposed to issues with their backs which can lead to severe pain, paresis and possibly even paralysis. This is one of the most common issues that we diagnose in breeds such as dachshunds, beagles, corgis and French bulldogs.

Your veterinarian can help you with dietary decisions for your pet. Remember that “natural,” “organic,” “holistic” and other such labels on food tell you that there are restrictions on some things but can still make your pet overweight if fed improperly. Your veterinarian will help you with accurate determination of your pet’s body condition and extrapolating a good target weight. Here are some guidelines. www.aaha.org/globalassets/02-guidelines/ weight-management/weightmgmt_ bodyconditionscoring.pdf Island Life Animal Hospital Dr. Danielle Gallo & Dr. Johnathan Pierce 5901 Sun Blvd., Suite 107 Saint Petersburg, FL 33715 727-289-3776 • islandlifeanimalhospital.vet

Cardiac Disease Although our pets do have heart attacks due to coronary vessel blockage like we can, obesity can lead to hypertension and an increased risk of heart disease such as heart enlargement and valve deficiencies. There are many other diseases that are influenced by an increased body condition ranging from overweight to obese. White fat has also been linked to increased inflammation in the body which in turn has its own detrimental effect. Helping our pets achieve and maintain a good body condition and healthy weight will help them live a longer, happier, and healthier life.

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Pain comes in many shapes and sizes. One of the most debilitating being the burning and tingling that comes with peripheral neuropathy. A disease that comes with years of shooting, stabbing pain that gradually ends in numbness, balance problems and on occasion amputations. A disease that was once classified as irreparable. John G. of Treasure Island was facing such a fate. “I stopped golfing. I wasn’t taking walks on the beach with my wife. I was living on gabapentin and antidepressants. Everywhere I went, my doctor, the specialists, the pain institute, told me there was nothing else they could do. How are you supposed to live your life knowing that every day brings pain and suffering?” Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves, commonly caused by a lack of blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet. This causes the nerves to begin to degenerate due to lack of nutrient flow. Most peripheral neuropathy sufferers experience a heightened sensitivity to touch making it almost impossible for those diagnosed to even wear shoes, much less enjoy life. “It was like walking on sharp rocks. I barely left my recliner,” shared John. His experience is not uncommon for those diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy. That is until he found Dr. Rebecca Gibbons and her team at Achieve Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine of St. Petersburg. Dr. Gibbons and her staff have pioneered a medical solution to treat neuropathy by eliminating or greatly reducing its symptoms. Helping to give people their lives back.

Acupuncture is incredible at restoring blood flow and stimulating damaged nerves, preventing them from dying off,” explains Dr. Gibbons. “We take our treatments a step further by integrating ATP Resonance BioTherapy™ which targets specific nerves in the body using micro current. ATP therapy is like watering a plant. This treatment will stimulate the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerves and provide them with the proper nutrients to heal and repair. Three months later John is thrilled with his progress, “I can walk barefoot on the beach again.” Success stories like John’s are not atypical for the staff at Achieve Acupuncture. “We have an 80% success rate in treating neuropathy,” states Dr. Gibbons. The number of treatments needed to allow the nerves to fully recover will vary from person to person and can only be determined after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation. While John’s peripheral neuropathy is considered idiopathic, meaning the cause is “unknown,” Dr. Gibbons’ treatments can also help people whose neuropathy is caused by diabetes or chemotherapy. “We have seen tremendous success in treating neuropathy of all types through very personalized treatments, specifically tailored to treat each individual case.” The team at Achieve Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine specialize in treating those who suffer from chronic pain, complicated neurological conditions, infertility, and autoimmune diseases. Call to schedule your consultation to see how we can help, 727-272-3587.

ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2024

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GOOD DEEDS

Fast & Gentle

By Holly Hargett

Mobile Phlebotomist Angeline Luz Rivera CERTIFIED PHLEBOTOMY - PRP TECH & INSTRUCTOR

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JANUARY 2024 | ParadiseNewsFL.com

Connecting the community has been a long-standing goal of the Pinellas Community Foundation (PCF). Since 1969, they’ve brought together individuals, families, and businesses to support hundreds of Pinellas County non-profits with their financial resources, although finances have not been the main goal of the organization. “Big donations are fantastic, and they can make things happen at a larger scope in the community. But for us, what matters is that people want to do something. That they feel connected,” says Duggan Cooley, CEO of the organization. PCF has an annual staff of 10 and 50 volunteers. Since their inception, they’ve given more than 400 charities $86 million in donor-funded grants. That money has gone to help health and social services, education, cultural initiatives, scholarship programs, and emergency relief funds. Their annual budget is a mix of grants and donations and varies in the millions. For 2023, the budget was $9.5 million distributed to 250 organizations. One new highlight from last year includes two-year grant funding so that businesses don’t have to reapply every year. One focus for 2024 will include working with the small business community. PCF can help simplify investments for small businesses and they have a slew of resources to help business owners who want to grow their philanthropy efforts or provide them advice about how and where to make investments. Some donors want their money used for a short-term project and others want to make a longer-term perpetual gift. Cooley wants people to know that PCF works with all kinds of groups that want to make a difference. They receive gifts from a few dollars to millions of dollars. Cooley says, “There is a place for everyone.” Cooley has been working in the non-profit sector for over 20 years and says, “I will never underestimate the power of our community’s generosity. People step up. And again, it’s not about generosity by size. It’s about taking action and that they care. Over the years, that’s one thing that I have come to understand is that our community is incredibly generous and to never underestimate that.” To donate or volunteer, visit www.pinellascf.org or call 727-531-0058.


HEALTH & WELLNESS

By Nanette Wiser

For many of us, getting back to the gym or a sport is part of our new year resolutions. In 2024, what’s trending is fitness regimes that not only improve physical strength but also consider emotional and mental health. Yoga, Pilates, and mindful movement practices, for example, blend physical fitness with stress reduction and emotional balance, aligning with holistic principles. Paradise NEWS turned to Bayfront Health for some healthy exercise tips. They suggest approaching your exercise goals with a plan, ramping up to more intense exercise and giving yourself recovery time to improve your strength, speed, and agility. All exercise creates tiny tears in your muscles, and your body sends reinforcements to those areas. That is how we build strength. Recovery time is vital because it allows your body to rebuild and cement your work into muscle memory. Take a Recovery Day Recovery doesn’t mean doing nothing. A recovery day means light physical activity. Ideally, you choose something fun that provides a mental break from your routine. Choose a light exercise that is not overly taxing. Do not work the same muscles that you recently exhausted.

Pushing the same muscles to exhaustion every day leads to overuse injuries. Do an activity that is different from your normal workout. Your rest day could include an easy run, a Pilates class, paddle boarding, walking, or bicycling with your family. Get Enough Sleep Not getting enough sleep means missing out on workout gains. Aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep most nights. When you wake up, you should feel refreshed and ready to go. During the day, you shouldn’t feel like you need a nap. If tiredness persists, talk to your doctor. You might have sleep apnea or another sleep disturbance. Eat A Balanced Diet Focus on protein, then healthy carbs for fiber and vitamins such as sweet potatoes, squash, bananas,

blueberries, and other fruits and vegetables. Be sure to stay hydrated and replace water and electrolytes after every workout. Pace Your Workout Switch up your workout periodically to avoid risking injury and don’t push yourself to work out intensely, building up to your workout goal with a few weeks of lighter activity. Walking every day is good for the mind/ body balance. If you push your body too hard doing the same exercises and work repeatedly without recovery days, your body will let you know. Nagging aches and pains show up. If you want to know more about the latest on health, wellness, nutrition, and fitness news, check out Bayfront Health’s informative content portal online as well as their magazine Choose Health. www.bayfronthealth.com/content-hub

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ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

ECO By Nanette Wiser

Working Food

SEEDS OF CHANGE Melissa DeSa is the seed program director of Working Food, an organization cultivating and facilitating the growth of local food systems through “collaboration, economic opportunity, education and seed stewardship.” Working Food uses three main areas of programming: seed, youth and kitchen. The staff collects seeds and creates a seed bank for agricultural use and education, including a youth education program in their garden where kids learn pollination, ecology, and environmental protection. Their local kitchen is host to small businesses who rent space in the walk-in fridge and use kitchen equipment. www.workingfood.org TOOTHY TROUBLES Indian Shores banned shark fishing on their beaches and hopes that other governmental bodies in Pinellas County enact ordinances of their own. Data from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shows dead shark sightings are more common in the county’s more populated cities. But it’s Pinellas’ smaller beach towns that are leading the charge for complete bans on land-based shark fishing. Redington is also calling for similar measures. GROW ZONES The 2012 USDA Plant Hardiness zone map finally has been updated. The 2023 new map shows nearly half the country warmed into a different climate zone and this is the standard by which gardeners and growers determine which perennial plants are most likely to thrive at a location. The map is based on the average annual extreme minimum winter temperature, displayed as 10-degree-F zones and 5-degree-F half zones. According to the 2023 map, most of Florida went up half a climate zone. Check your zone by zip here: www.planthardiness.ars.usda.gov DROUGHT DISH Conserve water now by following local watering restrictions and only water when needed and allowed. By skipping an irrigation cycle when it rains or has rained, you can save between 1,500 and 2,500 gallons of water. A broken sprinkler can waste 25,000 gallons of water in six months, so be sure to check all. Fix household leaks: the average family can save 180 gallons per week, or 9,400 gallons of water per year, by fixing household leaks as well as leaky flappers. And when you’re brushing your teeth, turn off the tap; you can save 8 gallons of water a day. You can earn rebates for being water smart www.tampabaywaterwise.org. 38

JANUARY 2024 | ParadiseNewsFL.com


ARTISTS SPOTLIGHT

By Nanette Wiser

Nature inspires art, and the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation hopes it will inspire conservation and environmental awareness. For more than a decade, the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation has been showcasing the beauty of wild Florida through various mediums such as photography, film, and community murals with the goal to increase awareness about the Corridor. The success of these initiatives has spurred a statewide movement advocating for its protection. Wild Space Gallery

Now, they have a permanent showcase in downtown St. Petersburg. The ribbon cutting on 12/13 showcased FWCF’s new home base located at The Factory St. Pete, featuring the new Wild Space Gallery. This gallery serves as a space to exhibit the works of environmentalists who share the compelling narrative that inspires the ongoing efforts for the protection of the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Open to the public, it’s especially fun during 2nd Saturday ArtWalk 5-9pm monthly. Follow their events on Facebook and www.floridawildlifecorridor.org. Every second Saturday of the month the Central Arts District, Grand Central District, Warehouse Arts District, Uptown Arts District, and downtown Waterfront District come together as one arts destination with many venues opening their doors to the community.

Circle of Water Whale Wall

Currently on exhibit through 1/13 at Wild Space Gallery in The Factory St. Pete is the inspiring Circle of Water by Mickett-Stackhouse Studios. Mickett and Stackhouse extend the climate change conversation through the mediums of paintings, drawings, and video to emphasize the interactions between Florida’s inland waters and the Earth’s oceans. The artists present how all water is connected and the roles that humans play in the health of our world. Circle of Water includes video from participants of the NEA project Cool Pinellas (currently on exhibit at Creative Pinellas) and the WEDU PBS digital series High Water Marks. The exhibition is curated by Noel Smith.

Wild Space Gallery

But there’s more to explore, thanks to Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation’s film. For the first time, teen trekkers embarked on a Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition. The Spring to Shore Expedition covered 50 miles on a four-day filmed trek starting on paddleboards from Rainbow Springs State Park ending with an ocean debris cleanup by boat in Homosassa Bay. The trek crossed an important yet unprotected bottleneck linking the Nature Coast to the Ocala National Forest and the eastern trunk of the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Trekkers waded through the land to water connection vital to Florida’s wildlife, wildlands, and humans alike. They were joined by original trekkers, Mallory, Carlton, and Joe for the final segments of the journey. Previous expedition films have received national attention and multiple film awards. With the recent passage of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act into law, the vision of a connected, protected, and restored statewide Corridor is more possible than ever before. www.floridawildlifecorridor.org/2021-spring-to-shore

High Water Marks ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2024

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ART NEWS

Trés BAZZAR One of the wildest shows in the world is coming to town! Cirque du Soleil BAZZAR turns The Trop into a big top tent 2/22-3/24. https://cirk.me/3TlIvMQ

Yay La’ford! Ski manufacturer legend Rossignol launched a charitable ski initiative in partnership with the Share Winter Foundation and St. Pete artist Ya La’ford. La’ford helped Bronx high school student Andre Thomas tweak his award-winning design for a limited-edition ski. https://bit.ly/share-ski

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Kiss My Glass Glass artist David Thai’s new series, Portals, is on display at Duncan McClellan Gallery through 2/4. Meanwhile, McClellan’s glass sculptures are on display in the gardens of the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Garden in Punta Gorda through 4/18. https://bit.ly/peacerivergardens Learn the art of leaded glass at the Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement. Classes are taught by master craftsman Carlos Velasco on Tuesdays 10am-1pm. https://bit.ly/maacm-glass

Art & Soul You are warmly invited to the Soul Revival Art Festival & Fundraiser (SRAFF), a vibrant two-day event celebrating art, healing, and community spirit on 1/13 from 11am-3pm, benefiting the Sickle Cell Disease Association. https://bit.ly/soul-art-fest

JANUARY 2024 | ParadiseNewsFL.com

New Blood Long-time “caretaker of the arts” Bob Devin Jones is retiring from Studio@620 and Erica Sutherlin is tapped to take over as the artistic executive director mid-2024. https://bit.ly/s tudio-620 Suntan Art Center welcomes new Director Cindy Rodella-Purdy. Rodella-Purdy, who’s been with Suntan since 2021, is an artist with an extensive background in design, programming, and project management. https://bit.ly/suntan-art Artists Wanted Valentwe’en is back for its 10th year with a melancholy, Edgar Allen Poe-esque theme called “Tale-Tell Heart.” To apply, email brandybstark13@gmail.com by 1/20. Opening reception during St. Pete’s Second Saturday Art Walk 2/10, 5-9pm. Creative Pinellas and the city of South Pasadena need more creatives for the ongoing mural project on Pasadena Ave. Locations are Kimberly Nails, South Pasadena Shopping Center, and Pasadena Bar and Grill. Apply by 1/24. https://bit.ly/pasadena-mural Creative Pinellas is also partnering with the city of Largo to create the Largo Central Park Crosswalk Mural Project to beautify the crosswalk in Largo Central Park while supporting pedestrian and vehicle safety. Deadline 1/18. https://bit.ly/largo-murals

Sculpture Award Matthew Mazzotta’s “HOME,” the giant sculpture of Phoebe the Flamingo at Tampa International Airport, made My Modern Met’s top 10 art installations of 2023.

Kudos Kelley! See Historic Kenwood artist D YaeL Kelley’s solo exhibition, “The Poetry of Paint” at Woodfield Fine Art Gallery. Opening reception 1/12 @5-9pm, show runs through 3/2. https://bit.ly/woodfield-art


By Caron Schwartz

Robert Rauschenberg at USF Graphicstudio. 1/19-3/2. https://bit.ly/offset-usf

Avast Ye Hearties The 13th Annual Gasparilla Music Festival has a new home at Julian B. Lane Park. Three days, 50 bands, five stages, 2/16-18. https://bit.ly/gasp-music

Asolo Sarasota Enjoy a unique Culture Coast performance when four local creatives present their original 10-minute-max acts during MicroWIP, the Asolo Theater’s work-in-progress micro-show. 1/26 7:30pm. https://bit.ly/microwip

Shalom Sashay The 51st Annual Art Festival Beth-El returns 1/27-29. Don’t miss 170+ national and international award-winning artists. https://bit.ly/art-fest-beth-el

A Friend of the Deuces is a friend of mine St. Petersburg’s historic 22nd Street Corridor is infused with the spirit of creativity, great food, and fun. Become a Friend and support the continued growth of this welcoming community. https://bit.ly/friend-the-deuces

Rauschenberg Retrospective The USF Contemporary Art Museum (USFCAM), part of the Institute for Research in Art in the USF College of The Arts, presents OFFSET:

Meet the MUSEs St. Pete Arts Alliance 2024 MUSE honorees: Beth Morean, Patron of the Arts; The Dali Museum, Art & Technology; La Lucha, Performing Arts; Stacia Schrader, Arts Ambassador; Tombolo Books, Literary Arts Award Honoree; Vitale Brothers, Visual Arts. Award ceremony 1/26. https://bit.ly/st-pete-arts

Serious Sounds The Palladium Chamber Series continues its 2023-2024 season with the Chamber Players performing Schumann and Brahms 1/17, Vaughan Williams Piano Quintet performing Beethoven and Prokofiev 2/7, and more through May. https://bit.ly/palladium-events St. Pete Opera presents an evening of opera scenes from Puccini’s La Bohème, Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet, and Samuel Barber’s A Hand of Bridge. 2/8 & 10. https://bit.ly/spo-scenes

“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.” –Aristotle ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2024

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MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

COASTAL CREATIVE Yuk it up 1/12 with Shannon Ford’s “Probably A Podcast” live. She isn’t here to inspire you or help you better yourself in any way… but she can guarantee you’ll laugh … either with her or at her. She covers everything from her year-long stint as a reality TV “villain” to pop culture to what happens when you have everything in your life going great and then the bottom drops out and you gotta figure it the f*ck out. Buckle up and come along for the ride! On 2/10, come see NYC’s Shafi Hossain’s hilarious stand-up performance. He is currently the host of the podcast “Culture Clash Comedy Podcast” – a podcast about the history of things through the West and East perspectives. www.coastalcreativetv.com

THE LISTENING ROOM FESTIVAL If you love music, you will adore the 13th Annual Listening Room Festival. The main showcase is at the Palladium Theater. The music is acoustic-driven genres varying from folk, to blues, country and soul. Multiple house concerts with professional touring artists are scheduled during the festival. Listening Room Festival is one of the most unique festivals in the world. Each spring, four contest-winning artists are invited to play a tour of “house concerts” around the Tampa Bay area. For five nights, music fans from Ocala to Ft. Myers offer up their living rooms or backyards for live concerts performed by acoustic singer-songwriters. Attendees include friends, neighbors, as well as fan-members of Listening Room Network. The biggest event is the March 1 Showcase at the Palladium Theater in downtown St. Petersburg, where you can see all the featured acts in one night on the big stage. www.ListeningRoomFestival.com 42

JANUARY 2024 | ParadiseNewsFL.com

By Nanette Wiser

MUSICAL MAGIC A Tribute to Sarah Brightman makes its debut at The Palladium 2/21 and is the perfect Valentine Day’s gift! Presented by classical crossover soprano and producer Elona Krasavtseva, the showcase highlights Broadway songs, classics, pop and rock songs from world-renowned English soprano and actress Sarah Brightman. Experience Brightman’s repertoire through a new lens of musical magic brought to life by Krasavtseva. She offers a rare combination of breathtaking vocal performances, a children’s choir, and musicians directed by Global Music Awards winner Alex Nakhimovsky. Experience Don’t Cry for Me Argentina, Memories, Dust in the Wind, Whiter Shade of Pale, Scarborough Fair, Stranger in Paradise, Phantom of the Opera, Time to Say Goodbye, Schubert’s ‘Ave Maria,’ and Webber’s Pie Jesu. This last piece will be performed with the Lumina Youth Choir of Tampa led by artistic director Deah McReynolds. https://bit.ly/3NiEox8

BLUES ME AWAY Also at The Palladium 1/14, catch Roy Book Binder & Rev. Billy C. Wirtz each perform a set in the Side Door for a special Palladium Double Bill evening of blues and stories. Who can say they were friends with the Rev. Gary Davis, Pink Anderson, and Robert Lockwood? And toured with Arthur Big Boy Crudup, Hot Tuna, JJ Cale & Bonnie Raitt? Roy can. He has the stories, the licks, and the mystery of timeless music in his fingers. He’s been featured on a PBS special and interviewed by Terry Gross on “Fresh Air.” Billy C. Wirtz is a radio host, gifted pianist and American musicologist who defies easy classification. The brand is Music, Humor and History, and he promises to deliver generous helpings of all the above at the Stomp. He has been featured as a special guest on the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise for the last 20 years and hosts the popular “Rhythm Revival” on WMNF Fridays from 3-6pm. Catch Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti 1/18 crooning the best of Dean, Frank, Tony and others. www.mypalladium.org/event-listing


Arts & Leisure Buddy Baker | Events, Arts & Leisure Coordinator IN THIS ISSUE: ART CENTERS/CLASSES ART – GALLERIES ARTS – PERFORMING MUSEUMS MUSIC OPERA FILM ECO GARDENS FERRIES LIBRARIES MARKETS SPIRITUAL ZOOS/AQUARIUMS CLUBS – SERVICE/SOCIAL CLUBS – ATHLETIC HEALTH THRIFT SHOPS VOLUNTEERING YOGA Listings are online at paradisenewsfl.com. Events are subject to change. Please visit website or call to confirm.

ART CENTERS/CLASSES Beach Art Center 1515 Bay Palm Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach 727-596-4331 beachartcenter.org 1/8-2/9 – Gallery Show Charlie Parker Pottery 2724 Sixth Ave. S, St. Pete 727-321-2071 charlieparkerpottery.com Heart of Pinellas Decorative Artists Pinellas Park Art Center, Roe’s Deli, 5851 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park. Local chapter of National Society of Decorative Painters 727-244-4321 hpdafl.com Morean Arts Center 719 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-822-7872 moreanartscenter.org Contemporary art gallery. Art classes year-round. 1/13-3/28 – PCCA Alumni Exhibition

Morean Center for Clay 420 22nd St. S, St. Pete 727-821-7162 ext 2311 moreanartscenter.org Largest pottery in the Southeast Morean Glass Studio 714 First Ave. N, St. Pete 727-822-7872 moreanartscenter.org Daily demonstrations every hour noon to 4pm. Classes available. Pinellas Arts Village 5663 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park • Studios @ 5663 Fourth Saturday block party and indoor market. facebook.com/Pav727/ Pinellas Park Art Society Park Station Building 5851 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park Members’ work shown at Pinellas Park Library and Pinellas Park City Hall 727-360-4406 pinellasparkartsociety.org Suntan Art Center at Don Vista Arts Center 3300 Gulf Blvd., suntanart.org Classes, Art Mart every weekend The Hive 559 49th St. S, St Pete 727-290-6515 thehivestpete.com Classes, open studio, pottery, jewelry sales Treasure Island Art Guild treasureislandartguild.org Painting workshops weekly Veterans Art Center 6798 Crosswinds Dr. N, St. Pete 813-504-3092 vactb.org Opportunities for military and veterans to develop and showcase arts. Zen Glass Studio & Gallery 600 27th St. S, St. Pete 727-323-3141 zenglass.com Classes and workshops.

Chihuly Collection 720 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-822-7872 ext 5102 moreanartscenter.org

ART GALLERIES Art at 400 Studios 400 23rd St. S, St. Pete art-at-400.com By appointment, Art Walk

Clyde Butcher Galleries clydebutcher.com/galleries Venice Gallery & Studio 237 Warfield Ave. S, Venice Big Cypress Gallery 52388 Tamiami Trail, Ochopee

Art Fusion Galleries 106 Central Ave., St. Pete artfusiongalleries.com ARTicles/Leslie Curran Gallery 1234 Dr. MLK Jr St. N, St. Pete 727-898-6061 articlesstpete.com Artists of Elements 4746 22nd Ave. S, St. Petersburg 727-420-7438 artistsofelements.com ArtLofts (second floor) Florida CraftArt Gallery 10 Fifth St. N, St. Pete 727-504-8788 theartlofts.com Open ArtWalk or by appointment ARTpool Gallery 2030 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-324-3878 artpoolrules.com Open Wed.-Sun., noon-5pm ArtsXchange 515 22nd St. S, St. Pete Open Fri.-Sat., 11am-5pm warehouseartsdistrict.org Atelier de SoSi 2380 Sixth Ave. S, St. Pete 727-370-4192 atelierdesosi.com Brenda McMahon Gallery 2901 Beach Blvd. S #104 Gulfport 518-692-7742 brendamcmahongallery.com Bula Barua 2534 Terminal Drive S, St. Pete 727-900-1063 bulagallery.com Blown glass on canvas Chasen Galleries 1830 S Osprey Ave., Sarasota 941-260-5787 chasengalleries.com/sarasota

Cobb Gallery Eckerd College, Library Circle, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete eckerd.edu/visualarts/program Collectors Exchange Gallery 1234 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N, St. Pete articlestpete.com Open Sat. 11am-5pm Craftsman House 2955 Central Ave., St. Pete craftsmanhousegallery.com Gallery-Café-Pottery Studio Creative Clay Cultural Arts Center 1846 First Ave. S, St. Pete 727-825-0515 creativeclay.org Creative Pinellas 12211 Walsingham Rd., Largo 727-460-5477 Gallery noon-5pm Wed-Sun creativepinellas.org Crossroads Gallery St. Petersburg College, 2464 Drew St., Clearwater spcollege.edu/friends-partners/ community-resources Custom House Décor 2901 Beach Blvd., Gulfport 727-317-5936 customhousedecor.com D Gallerie 1234 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N, Unit C, St. Pete d-gallerie.com DRV Fine Art Studios & Gallery 5401 Gulfport Blvd. S, Gulfport drvgallery.com

ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2024

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EVENTS

ARTS & LEISURE Duncan McClellan Gallery 2342 Emerson Ave. S, St. Pete 813-760-6600 dmglass.com Dunedin Fine Art Center 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin 727-298-3322 dfac.org

Scan QR code for event listings online to go with you or click link this https://bit.ly/january-2024. Sign up to receive upcoming event e-news online at www.ParadiseNewsFL.com Like us on facebook.com/ParadiseNews

RECURRING EVENTS

First Fridays • 10am-2pm, Creative Clay Outdoor Art Market, 1846 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg • 5-9pm, First Friday Art Walk, Downtown Gulfport • 6-9pm, Concert in front of Studio Movie Grill, Seminole City Center, 11201 Park Blvd. N, Seminole Last Friday • 6-9pm, live music at the John’s Pass Bell Tower, John’s Pass Boardwalk and Shopping Village, 12902 Village Blvd., Madeira Beach 1st Saturday • 8am Beach Cleanup, Archibald Park, 15100 Gulf Blvd. Mad. Beach. 2nd Saturday • 8:30am, Beach Cleanup. Municipal Pavilion, 11260 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, 11185 Gulf Blvd.• The Market Marie,10am-3pm, Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater • 5-9pm, St. Pete Artwalk. Artists and gallery owners from 40 studios and galleries in five arts districts show off their latest works. Take the trolley, drive or park and walk. stpeteartsalliance.org/artwalk 3rd Saturday • 10am-2pm, Crossroads Market, Crossroads Christian Church, 1645 Seminole Blvd., Largo • 10am-5pm, Creative Pinellas at Pinewood, 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo • 5-9pm, Indie Faire, Beach Blvd., Gulfport. Outdoor, socially distanced event in Gulfport features local art, handmade crafts, jewelry, and pottery to locally sourced botanicals. 4th Saturday • Pinellas Arts Walk 4-8pm, Pinellas Arts Village Walk, 5600-5800 Park Blvd. (north side), Pinellas Park. Pinellas Park Art Society, Donnelly COVE, Complete Sweet Shoppe, Pompei Factory, Studios @5663, Painting with a Twist, Bottles Pub, and Swartz Gallery.

ONGOING

Through 1/13 – The Circle of Water Free, Wild Space Gallery, The Factory St. Pete, Bldg. 8, 2606 Fairfield Ave. S, St. Pete. The exhibit, inside the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, features work by Carol Mickett and Robert Stackhouse that focuses on warming of our oceans to include the waters in the interior of Florida.

UPCOMING

1/4-7 – Gaspar The Musical $25-$55, 7pm, The Palladium, St. Pete. In this tale created by St. Pete residents Constantine Grame and Bill Leavengood, legendary pirate Jose Gaspar is magically transported through time to modern day Tampa Bay, while his identical counterpart, Joe Wright, a Florida politician running for governor, finds himself captaining the pirate ship, Floriblanca, in 1723. mypalladium.org

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JANUARY 2024 | ParadiseNewsFL.com

Ekeko Gallery 290 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr St. N, St. Pete 727-685-5577 facebook.com/Ekeko-Gallery

Mirella Cimato Art Gallery 2145 First Ave. S, St. Pete (inside St. Petersburg Opera) 727-543-9190 facebook.com/MirellaCimatoGallery Nielsen Center for Visual Arts Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete 800-454-9009 eckerd.edu/visualarts/program

Factory St. Pete 2622 Fairfield Ave. S, St. Pete thefactorystpete.com

Red Cloud Indian Arts 214 Beach Dr. NE, St. Pete 727-821-5824 redcloudindianarts.com Representing authentic Native American arts

Fairgrounds St. Pete 800 28th St. S, St. Pete Works by more than 60 local and international artists fairgrounds.art

Soft Water Gallery 515 22nd St. S, St. Pete 727-327-3473 softwatergallery.com Through 1/6/24 – Water Relics

Five Deuces Gallerie 2101 Third Ave. S, St. Pete Open by appointment & Art Walk Facebook.com/five22222

SPACE 855 28th St. S, St. Pete Warehouse Arts District facebook.com/spacestpete

Florida CraftArt Gallery 501 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-821-7391 floridacraftart.org Sat. Mural Walk

Stirling Art Studios & Gallery 730 Broadway (second floor) Studio 12, Dunedin 800-325-2050 facebook.com/StirlingArtDunedin

Florida Wildlife Gallery The Factory St. Pete, Bldg. 8 2606 Fairfield Ave. S, St. Pete Through 1/13 – Mickett/ Stackhouse Studio: The Circle of Water 2/10-3/29 – Archbold Biological Station: The Art of Scientific Visualization Gulf Coast Artists Alliance St. Pete ArtWorks, 2604 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-738-8010 gcaa-fl.org Heiress 2622 Fairfield Ave S, Bldg. 7, Studio A, St. Pete heiressgallery.com Luis Sottil Studios 400 Beach Drive NE, Suite 150, St. Pete 727-220-1567 facebook.com/luissottilstpete

Syd Entel Galleries 247 Main St., Safety Harbor 727-725-1808 sydentelgalleries.com The Domingo Studio 2620 Beach Blvd. S, Gulfport 727-821-2315 facebook.com/The-Domingo-Studio The Werk 2210 First Ave. S., St. Pete 727-289-8685 thewerk.gallery Through 1/26 – Solo show of John Gascot Uniquely Original Art Studio 915 24th St. S, St. Pete 727-239-3696 https://tinyurl.com/mrx4c253 Original Afrocentric art, open by appointment and during Art Walk Vince Anthony Fine Art Gallery 10611 Bay Pines Blvd. #5, St. Pete 727-401-2886 fineartamerica.com/art/ vince+anthony


Woodfield Fine Art Gallery 2323 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-254-6981 woodfieldfineart.com Through 1/6 – Brilliantly Nuanced: The Art of John & Margaret Bayals

Catherine Hickman Theater 5501 27th Ave. S, Gulfport 727-893-1070 mygulfport.us 1/26 – Dixon’s Violin 2/10 – Blues Night

ARTS PERFORMING

Central Park Performing Arts Center 105 Central Park Dr., Largo 727-587-6793 largoarts.com 1/11 – The Connie Han Trio 1/12 – Tinsley Ellis & Marcia Ball 1/18 – The Dark Desert Eagles 1/19 – Robert Dubac 1/20 – The Stinky Cheese Man 1/21 – Late Nite Catechism 1/25 – Orlando Transit Authority: A Chicago Tribute 1/27 – The Frog Prince 1/27 – Drivin’ & Cryin’ 1/28 – Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken 2/1 – Minute By Minute 2/7 – Garth Tribute Live! 2/8 – Girls Night: The Musical 2/10 – West Florida Dance Company 2/14 – Fleetwood Mach 2/15 – Heartland Rock: A Mellencamp Seger Tribute

Amalie Arena 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa 813-301-2500 amaliearena.com 1/5-7 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey The Greatest Show on Earth 1/24 – Playboi Carti 1/29 – WWE Monday Night RAW 2/2 & 4 – Drake 2/5 – Pantera American Stage Raymond James Theatre 163 Third St. N, St. Pete 727-823-7529 americanstage.org 1/31-2/25 – The Chinese Lady Asolo Repertory Theatre 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 800-361-8388 asolorep.org Masks requested inside building Through 1/4 – Crazy for You 1/17-2/24 – Inherit the Wind 2/7-3-29 – Born with Teeth Bilheimer Capitol Theatre 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater 727-791-7400 rutheckerdhall.com 1/6 – Edwin McCain (trio) 1/11 – Paul Thorn Band 1/12 – The Eagles: Greatest Hits 1/13 – Jesse Cook 1/18 – Judy Collins 1/19 – Pat McGann 1/20 – Life & Music of George Michael 1/21 – Mr. Big 1/23 – Marc Broussard 1/26 – Puddles Pity Party 1/27 – Al Di Meola 1/28 – WWE Undertaker 1Deadman Show 2/1 – Lucinda Williams 2/2 – Sasha Velour 2/3 – Mickey Guyton 2/4 – Dar Williams 2/6 – Tabitha Brown 2/7 – Gaelic Storm 2/8 – The Man in Black: A Tribute to Johnny Cash 2/9 – Piff the Magic Dragon 2/10 – The Simon & Garfunkel Story Bininger Theater Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete 727-867-1166 eckerd.edu/theatre

Early Bird Dinner Theater 13355 49th St. N, Clearwater 727-466-5998 earlybirddinnertheater.com/site 1/6-2/18 – One Slight Hitch by Lewis Black Eckerd College International Film Series Free, 7pm, Miller Auditorium, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete 727-867-1166 eckerd.edu/international-cinema Eight O’Clock Theatre 105 Central Park Dr., Largo 727-587-6793 eightoclocktheatre.com Floridian Social 687 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-322-4600 thefloridiansocial.com 1/12-13 – Sunshine Comedy Fest 1/24 – Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band Francis Wilson Playhouse 302 Seminole St., Clearwater 727-446-1360 franciswilsonplayhouse.org 1/11-21 – Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? 1/27 – Broadway by the Year: Celebrating 1964 2/15-3/3 – Something Rotten

The Perfect Date Night!

LIVE AT THE PALLADIUM Relive Your Favorite Songs Jan. 18, 7:30pm SAL ”The Voice” VALENTINETTI America’s Got Talent Jan. 25, 7:30pm TICKET TO THE MOON ELO Tribute Feb. 22, 7:30pm TROUBADOURS James Taylor & Carol King Tribute Feb. 23, 8:00pm DAYBREAK Barry Manilow Tribute

BUY TICKETS https://bit.ly/palladium-tickets Reserved seating. Groups 10+ discount. PRESENTED BY

ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2024

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EVENTS 1/6 – Youth America Grand Prix Gala $35, 8pm, Straz Center, Tampa. “Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow” features the top winners of the YAGP international student ballet competition and guest stars from the world’s leading dance companies. Proceeds go directly toward scholarships for gifted young dance students who wish to pursue a professional career in dance – and to help YAGP’s efforts to help displaced Ukrainian dance students. 1/6-7 – St. Pete Beach Corey Avenue Craft Festival Free, 10am-5pm. Contemporary crafts from more than 100 of the nation’s most talented craft artisans. A variety of jewelry, pottery, ceramics, photography, painting, clothing and much more. A Green Market with plants, orchids, exotic flora, handmade soaps, gourmet spices and freshly popped kettle corn. 1/7 – Gulf Coast Collectorfest $10/under 12 free, 9am-4pm, Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center. 4951, 78th Ave. N, Pinellas Park. More than 50 tables of vintage and modern toys, Hot Wheels, retro-gaming, comics, artwork and more pop culture goodness. Free parking. 1/13-14 – St. Pete Bacon & BBQ Festival $15 general admission, Noon-9pm, Vinoy Park, St. Pete. Over 100 bacon and BBQ dishes from more than 30 food vendors, craft beer and cocktails, live music, games and prizes. Info and tickets: stpetebaconandbbq.com 1/14 – D’Angelo Young Artist Competition Free, 4pm, Teco Theater, Straz Center, Tampa. This public performance will present the finalists in the D’Angelo Young Artist Vocal Competition. The audience will vote for their favorite artist performing two arias. Awards will be presented. Seating is limited. 1/18-21 – St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show $22/age 15 and under free, Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin, downtown St. Pete. A 40,000-square-foot tent will showcase marine gear, seminars on boating & fishing and fan favorites like kids fishing clinics. Proceeds support the Boaters Helping Boaters Hurricane Relief Fund & Tampa Bay Watch. Get tickets at https://bit.ly/3T75JGB 1/19-21 – John’s Pass Seafood Festival Free admission, Noon-6pm, For the last 42 years, the historic John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk in Madeira Beach Florida becomes a venue for a large celebration of fresh gulf seafood, the John’s Pass Seafood Festival. The three-day outdoor event features hundreds of local vendors offering a plethora of seafood, an art and crafts show, live music and various family-friendly activities.

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ARTS & LEISURE freeFall Theatre Company 6099 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-498-5205 freefalltheatre.com 1/19-21 – From Birmingham to Broadway: Tarra Conner Jones as Nell Carter. 1/27 – Pirates & Angels Variety Show 2/9-3/10 – Kurt Vonnegut’s God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater Gulfport Casino 5500 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport 813-840-3715 mygulfport.us/recreation/casino Weekly dancing/instruction 1/20 – Gulfport Rocks The 70s Gulfport Community Players Back Door Theater 1619 49th St. S, Gulfport gulfportcommunityplayers.org 1/11-21 – Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks Jannus Live 200 First Ave. N, St. Pete 727-565-0550 jannuslive.com 1/5 – Forever Ozzy w/ Shoot To Thrill 1/6 – The Taylor Party 1/12 – Mustard Plug & Voodoo Glow Skulls 1/13 – Greensky Bluegrass 1/14 – Zakk Sabbath w/The Native Howl 1/20 – Badfish “A Tribute to Sublime” 1/21 – Shane Smith & The Saints 1/28 – Bowling For Soup w/ Lit 2/1 – Highly Suspect w/ Dead Poets Society 2/2 – Matisyahu 2/3 – San Holo 2/4 – The Movement 2/11 – Beartooth 2/13 – Destin Conrad 2/14 – G. Love & Special Sauce LAB Theater Project 812 E. Henderson Ave., Tampa 813-586-4272 labtheaterproject.com Produces only works from emerging playwrights. M.A.D. Theatre of Tampa (Music Acting Dance Theatre of Tampa) @ The Straz Center, 1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 813-229-7827 madtheatre.com 1/26-2/10 – The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Manatee Performing Arts Center 502 Third Ave. W, Bradenton 941-748-5875 manateeperformingartscenter.com 1/5 – Jimmy Buffett Tribute w/ The Aquaholics 1/6 – When Music Speaks 1/11-14 – Theatre Odyssey 10-Minute Play Festival 1/11-21– Crimes of the Heart 1/18-28 –Oklahoma! 2/10 – A Neil Diamond Tribute 2/15-17 – Temps, Tops, Supremes & Gladys: A Motown Revue MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre Florida State Fairgrounds 4802 US Hwy. 301 N, Tampa 813-740-2446 midflorida.com/amphitheatre National Theatre Live Eckerd College, Miller Auditorium 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete Performances in HD campusce.net/eckerd/course/ course.aspx?catid=159 New Tampa Performing Arts Center 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa 813-829-2760 newtampaartscenter.org 1/13 – Kids Film Series: Frozen 1/21 – New Tampa Unplugged: Stewart Tussing Band 1/25 – The Inventive Princess of Floralee 2/2-11 – New Tampa Players presents Dreamgirls 2/10 – Kids Film Series: How to Train Your Dragon 2/15 – Alexis Cole & the USF Jazz Ensemble Patel Conservatory 1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa, Dance / Theater / Music / Adult Classes 813-222-1002 patelconservatory.org 1/30 – Faculty Recital: Crown Jewels Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center 4951 78th Ave. N, Pinellas Park 727-369-5746 pinellas-park.com/161/PerformingArts-Center.com Happy New Year!


Raymond James Stadium 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa 813-350-6500 raymondjamesstadium.com 2/10-11 – Monster Jam Riverwalk Tampa thetampariverwalk.com Second Sundays – 11am-3pm: Market + Art Walk, Armature Works Ruth Eckerd Hall 1111 N McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater 727-791-7400 rutheckerdhall.com 1/7 – Elvis Birthday Bash 1/7 – TFO: Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 4 1/10 – TFO: From the Beginning 1/11 – Elvis Costello & The Imposters 1/13 –Jay Leno 1/14 – Mutts Gone Nuts 1/14 – TFO: Sci-Fi Spectacular 1/20 – Kansas 1/27 – Yacht Rock Revue 2/1 – Michael Bolton 2/4 – Always Olivia: Tribute to Olivia Newton-John 2/7 – TFO: Center Stage 2/8 – Tower of Power 2/9 – Bored Teachers Safety Harbor Art & Music Center 706 Second St. N, Safety Harbor 727-725-4018 safetyharborart andmusiccenter.com 1/19 – The Last Revel 1/19 – Dixon’s Violin 1/20 – Marty O’Reilly 1/25 – Jason Ricci 1/26 – Danielle Nicole Band 2/1 – John Moreland 2/4 – Moors and McCumber 2/7 – Michael Paris Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino 5223 Orient Rd., Tampa 813-627-6649 seminolehardrocktampa.com 1/10 – Matt Fraser 1/14 – John Summit 1/16-17 – Tesla 2/4 – Sevendust & Static-X 2/6-7 – Aaron Lewis 2/8 – Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons 2/14 – Boyz II Men Skipper’s Smokehouse 910 Skipper Rd., Tampa 813-971-0668 skipperssmokehouse.com 1/5 – Grateful Dead Night 1/6 – Impulse

1/11 – WMNF presents Chuck Prophet 1/12 – Eric Lindell 1/13 – Sean Chamber w/Savoy Brown Rhythm Section 1/20 – Southern Culture on the Skids 1/27 – Road to Rock Boat 2/2 – Grateful Dead Night 2/10 – Kent Burnside Sparkman Wharf 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa • Burger Fi • Jotoro • LightHaus • Noblerice • Splitsville • Shortwave Coffee * Whatever Pops sparkmanwharf.com St. Petersburg City Theatre 4025 31st St. S, 727-866-1973 spcitytheatre.org 1/25-26 – Play reading of Aristophanes’ Lysistrata 1/27 – Chekhov Masterclass Scene Presentation Stageworks Theater 1120 E Kennedy Blvd., West Bldg., #151, Tampa 813-374-2416 stageworkstheatre.org 2/9-25 – I Am My Own Wife Straz Center for the Performing Arts 1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 813-229-7827 strazcenter.org 1/6 – Youth America Grand Prix Gala 1/9-14 – Company (Broadway Series) 1/11-21 – Alabama Story 1/13 – The Stompdown 1/14 – D’Angelo Young Artist Vocal Competition 1/17-2/11 – Twelfth Night 1/19 – TFO: Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 1/20 – Pavlo In Concert 1/20 – Batman 1989: In Concert 1/21 – Rock Me Amadeus – Live 1/23 – Dance Theater of Harlem 1/25 – Neil Degrasse Tyson 1/25 – Voices of the Community Town Hall 1/26-2/10 – The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee 1/28 – TFO: Gershwin Celebration 2/2 & 4 – Don Giovanni 2/3 – BIPOC Play-Reading Series 2/7-18 – Moulin Rouge! The Musical 2/10 – Absolute Queen Tribute 2/11 – Tampa Bay Symphony 2/15 – Your Vetchat

LIVE AT THE PALLADIUM

Almost ABBA (Tribute) January 27 @7:30pm Enjoy the magic and nostalgia of ABBA in a costumed, choreographed, audience interactive experience. With special guests The Shee Gees – Tribute to the Bee Gees and disco! BUY TICKETS

Get tickets while they last! www.mypalladium.org/events/ almost-abba-w-special-guests-the-shee-gees/

TM

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ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2024

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EVENTS 1/20 – Third Annual Gulfport Rocks the 70s $25-$30, 7-11pm, Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S. Dust off those bell-bottoms and unleash your inner disco diva for a night of funky beats courtesy of a live DJ, dazzling disco balls, and psychedelic vibes! Benefits Gulfport Lions Club charities. Tickets: at the door or http://tinyurl.com/bddn465r 1/20 – Children’s Gasparilla Parade Free, 4-6:15pm. This family-friendly parade takes place along Bayshore Boulevard from Bay-to-Bay Boulevard, moving north to Edison Avenue. It traditionally hosts more than 100 entry units, including krewes, marching bands, dance groups, school performance teams, and community organizations. Part of the larger Children’s Gasparilla event that begins at noon. Reserved seating available. 1/20-21 – Curves and Angles: Annual Japanese Floral Exhibition Free, 10am-5pm Sat/10am-4pm Sun, Treasure Island Community Center. Ikebana International Chapter #65 will hold this elaborate exhibition of Japanese floral design with more than 50 flower arrangements created by members. Expect to see flowers arranged in many kinds of containers, using both natural elements and surprising sculptural components. 1/28 – Classic Black $20-$75, 5pm, The Palladium, St. Pete. This annual event, presented by the Woodson African American Museum of Florida in partnership with St. Petersburg Opera Company and The Palladium, showcases some of the area’s most talented Black classical performers. Tickets: mypalladium.org/events/classic-black-2 2/3 – St. Olaf Choir Concert $40 adults and seniors/$10 students, 7pm, First Presbyterian Church, 701 Beach Drive NE, St. Pete, Composed of 75 mixed voices, the choir is hailed as one of the nation’s premier a cappella ensembles, renowned for its artistry and beauty of sound. Tickets: Church website fpsctpete.com (click on music ministry) or at the door. 2/9-3/29 – Born with Teeth $29-$95, times vary by date, Asolo Rep, Sarasota. Get an inside peek at the tumultuous relationship of two of history’s greatest playwrights, William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe, each harboring momentous secrets. Be among the first in the nation to watch this award- winning new play that offers an alternate perspective on the history we think we know. An Alley Theatre World Premiere production. Tickets: http://tinyurl.com/mux6c7ft 2/10-11 – Gulfport Fine Arts Festival Free admission, 10am-5pm, Veteran’s Park, 5350 31st Ave. S, Gulfport. This waterfront arts festival hosts a select group of juried artists in all genres of media from across the country. 2/16-18 – Gasparilla Music Festival $60 (two-days) and up, Julian B. Lane Park,1000 N. Boulevard, Tampa. The two-day event will feature 50 bands performing on five stages at its new venue. Family-friendly performers at the Kids Fest 1-3pm on the 18th. Tickets: www.gmftickets.com “Every year you make a resolution to change yourself. This year, make a resolution to be yourself.”

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ARTS & LEISURE Riverwalk Stage (free performances) 1/12 – Arts Legacy Remix: Sixth Annual MLK Jr. Commemoration Studio Grand Central 2260 First Ave. S, St. Pete 727-202-7019 /theoffcentral.com 2/1-11 – Whiskey and Soda Sunshine City Comedy Club 5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach 727-435-0327 sunshinecitycomedyclub.com Tampa Theatre 711 N Franklin St. Tampa tampatheatre.org 813-274-8286 One of America’s most elaborate movie palaces 1/7 – Sing-Along Frozen (film) 1/12 – Mark Normand: Ya Don’t Say Tour 1/30 – Spotlight Tampa Bay 2/1 – Cowboy Bebop Live! 2/2 – Demetri Martin 2/3 – TFO: Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances & Mores 2/9 – Vir Das Tarpon Springs Cultural Center 101 S Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs 727-942-5605 tarponarts.org Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center 324 Pine St., Tarpon Springs 727-942-5605 tarponarts.org 1/28 – The Glenn Miller Orchestra 2/3 – The Brit Pack British Invasion Band The Mahaffey Theater 400 First St. S, St. Pete 727-300-2000 themahaffey.com 1/5 – Cinderella 1/6 – TFO: Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 4 1/11 – TFO: From the Beginning 1/13 – TFO: Sci-Fi Spectacular 1/19 – The Rocket Man Show 1/20 – TFO: Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 1/27 – TFO: Gershwin Celebration 2/3 – Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular 2/6 – Michael Feinstein 2/8 – TFO: Center Stage 2/9 – Mike Birbiglia 2/10 – TFO: From Broadway with Love 2/14 – Gladys Knight

The Palladium 253 Fifth Ave. N, St. Pete 727-822-3590 mypalladium.org 1/4-7 – Gaspar The Musical 1/10 – Steve Luongo Project 1/12 – Nellie McKay 1/13 – Alex Harris 1/14 – Roy Book Binder & Rev. Billy C. Wirtz 1/17 – Palladium Chamber Series 1/18 – Sal Valentinetti 1/19 – An Evening with Bonnie Prince Billy 1/20 – John Lamb’s 90th Birthday Celebration 1/25 – Ticket to the Moon: ELO tribute 1/26 – Willy Porter 1/27 – Almost ABBA 1/28 – Classic Black 2/2 – Nicole Henry: The Songs of Whitney Houston 2/7 – Palladium Chamber Series 2/10 – The Fleetwood Mac Experience 2/13 – Tampa Bay Symphony – Music of The Heart 2/15 – The Mersey Beatles The Sound Coachman Park 301 Drew St., Clearwater 727-791-7400 rutheckerdhall.com 1/5 – Styx w/.38 Special 2/10 – Willie Nelson & Family The Studio@620 620 First Ave. S, St. Pete 727-895-6620 thestudioat620.org Masks requested while in building 1/5 – Stand Up Comedy Night 1/6 – The Rod Alnord Quartet 1/23 – The Jazz Beat Blues Poetry Ensemble 1/30 – Little Satchmo USF Yuengling Center 12499 USF Bull Run Drive, Tampa 813-974-3111 yuenglingcenter.com 1/13 – Winter Jam 2024 1/14 – The MLK Bash 2/3 – Katt Williams Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-953-3368 vanwezel.org 1/6 – Sarasota Orchestra presents Friends and Inspirations 1/10 – The Cher Show 1/13 – Mutts Gone Nuts 1/14 – Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo


1/15 – Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra 1/16 – Congresswoman Liz Cheney 1/17 – The Four Phantoms 1/18 – Robert Dubac 1/19 – Sarasota Orchestra presents Broadway Showstoppers 1/21 – Improv Under Hypnosis w/ Colin Mochrie & Asad Mecci 1/24 – Yacht Rock Revue 1/25 – The Guess Who 1/26 – Sarasota Orchestra presents Titans 1/30-2/4 – Hadestown 2/5 – Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch 2/6 – The Simon & Garfunkel Story 2/8 – Kenny Wayne Shepherd 2/9 – Sarasota Orchestra presents Smoke & Fire 2/13 – Gipsy Kings 2/14 – David Foster & Katharine McPhee 2/15 – Sarasota Orchestra presents Celebrate 75 West Coast Players 21905 US 19 N, Clearwater 727-437-2363 wcplayers.com 1/19-2/4 – First Date (musical) Zubrick Magic Theatre 1211 First Ave N, Suite 101, St. Pete. Thur.-Sat. 7pm; Sun. 2pm 866-ZUBRICK (866-982-7425) zubrickmagic.com

MUSEUMS Florida Holocaust Museum 55 Fifth St. S, St. Pete 727-820-0100 flholocaustmuseum.org 1/25 – “Traces” Film Screening Florida Museum of Photographic Arts 1630 E 7th Ave., Ybor City, Tampa 813-221-2222 fmopa.org Through 1/14 – Members’ Show Through 3/17 – Carlton Ward Jr.: Path of the Panther Glazer Children’s Museum 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa 813-443-3851 glazermuseum.org Created specifically for children 10 and under. Great Explorations Children’s Museum 1925 Fourth St. N, St. Pete 727-821-8992 greatex.org

First Sun. of month open special hours for special needs families. Families with a SNAP, EBT, or WIC card get in free every Tues. Limited hours.

CONNECT

WITH THE ARTS

Gulf Beaches Historical Museum 115 10th Ave., St. Pete Beach 727-552-1610 gulfbeachesmuseum.com

Explore the many ways to get to know Pinellas County art and artists during your trip to the Arts Coast! From gallery interactions to digital explorations, you can experience the arts through Creative Pinellas.

Gulfport History Museum 5301 28th Ave. S, Gulfport 727-201-8687 gulfporthistoricalsociety.org 1/20 – The Original Gulfport Walking Tour Henry Plant Museum 401 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa 813-254-1891 plantmuseum.com Live classical music performances every third Thur. Most Sundays – Upstairs/ Downstairs at the Tampa Bay Hotel

EXPLORE YOUR BACKYARD. Try Arts Navigator to find the arts and experiences you’ll love most.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: SANDRASONIK PERFORMER HUYEN HUYNH AT ARTS ANNUAL 2023

NATURE PIX EXHIBITION Opening in February 2024 The Gallery at Creative Pinellas Open Wed - Sun | 10am-5pm FREE ADMISSION

Heritage Museum 100 Beekman Lane, Tarpon Springs 727-942-5605 tarponarts.org History and culture of the Greek community

12211 Walsingham Rd., Largo, FL 33778 CreativePinellas.org | 727-582-3600

Imagine Museum 1901 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-300-1700 imaginemuseum.com Contemporary American Studio Glass. Thur. $5 after 5pm John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art 5401 Bay Shore Road., Sarasota 941-359-5700 ringling.org Mon. – Free admission all day Thurs. – Art After 5 Through 1/5 – Shinique Smith: Parade Through 1/7 – Guercino’s Friar with a Gold Earring Through 1/7 – As long as there is sun, as long as there is light. Through 1/21 – 500 Years of Italian Drawings Through 1/26 – Skyway: A Contemporary Collaboration Through 3/3 – Working Conditions Through 6/2 – Michele Oka Doner: The True Story of Eve Through 6/23 – Mountains of the Mind: Scholar’s Rocks from China & Beyond “I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.” –David Bowie

Michael Francis, Music Director

Making Waves in Tampa Bay RAYMOND JAMES POPS

RAYMOND JAMES POPS

HOUGH FAMILY FOUNDATION MASTERWORKS

Jan 27 & 28

Sci-Fi Spectacular Gershwin Celebration Jan 13 & 14 Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 Jan 19 & 20

Support your Florida Orchestra today FloridaOrchestra.org/donate

COMING SOON

Center Stage From Broadway with Love Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto

FloridaOrchestra.org | 727.892.3337 ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2024

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ARTS & LEISURE +"/6"3:

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Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art 600 E Klosterman Road., Tarpon Springs 727-712-5762 leeparattner.org 1/20-4/28 – Beauty in Excess: The Pattern and Decoration Movement 1/20-4/28 – Kim Kirchman: An Allegory of Spring 1/20-4/28 – : Benny Andrews: Everything That Rises Must Converge Museum of the American Arts And Crafts Movement 355 Fourth St. N, St. Pete 727-440-4859 museumaacm.org. Sun. Film Series – 12:30/2pm Daily Arts and Crafts-inspired films

• FULL Service Salon • Manicures and Pedicures • Facials, Peels, Microdermabrasion • Top of the Line Lash Extensions • Instant Anti-Aging Treatments • Non-surgical Lifts & Body Contours • Air Brush Make-up • Services for entire Bridal Parties

Museum of Fine Arts 255 Beach Dr. NE, St. Pete 727-894-4368 mfastpete.org Thur. $10 after 5pm Through 1/7 – Explore the Vaults Through 3/17 – Time Flies, Hours Flee Through 4/14 The Nature of Art

727-388-2008 MaddySpa.com

5332 Gulfport Blvd. S, Gulfport Facebook @lovemaddyspa Instagram @maddyspalove

Palm Harbor Museum 2043 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor 727-724-3054 palmharbormuseum.com Thur.-Sat. 10am-2pm Safford House Museum 23 Parkin Court, Tarpon Springs 727-942-5805 tarponarts.org Restored 1883 Victorian home St. Petersburg Museum of History 335 Second Ave. NE 727-894-1052 spmoh.com Happy Hour with the Historian Sarasota Art Museum 1001 S Tamiami Trail, 941-309-4300 sarasotaartmuseum.org Through 2/11 – Juana Valdes Through 2/11 – Selections from the Basch Glass Collection Through 3/17 – Judy Pfaff Tampa Bay Automobile Museum 3301 Gateway Centre, Pinellas Park. 727-579-8226 tbauto.org

Tampa Bay History Center 801 Old Water St., Tampa 813-226-0097 tampabayhistorycenter.org Walking tours of Tampa neighborhoods Through 7/14 – Decade of Change Through 7/14 – Sharps & Marks in Paradise: Selling Florida in the 1920s Tampa Museum of Art 120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa 813-259-1720 tampamuseum.org Thur. 4-8pm: pay-as-you-will admission Through 1/7 – Frontiers of Impressionism Through 2/18 – Pepe Mar: Myth and Magic Through 3/17 – A Passion for Haitian Art: The Albrecht and Heller Collection Through 4/21– Garry Winograd: Women are Beautiful Through 6/23 – Reframing Haitian Art Through 9/1 – The Last Picture Show: Paintings by Rod Penner Tarpon Springs Railroad Depot Historical Museum Free. 160 E Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs 727-943-4624 tarponspringsarea historicalsociety.org The Dalí Museum One Dali Blvd., St. Pete 727-823-3767 thedali.org Thur. and Fri. reduced admission after 5pm Advanced-purchase timed tickets recommended Through 1/7 – Leonora Carrington: Writer, Painter, Visionary Through 4/28 – Dali & the Impressionists: Monet, Degas, Renoir & More The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art 150 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-892-4200 thejamesmuseum.org Tues. $10 all day Through 1/28 – From Far East to West: The Chinese American Frontier

“The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.”

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USF Contemporary Art Museum Institute for Research in Art 3821 USF Holly Drive, Tampa 813-974-3503 ira.usf.edu USF Graphicstudio 3702 Spectrum Blvd., Ste 100, Tampa 813-974-3503, free admission graphicstudio.usf.edu/GS/ gs_about.html Woodson African American Museum of Florida 2240 Ninth Ave. S, St. Pete 727-323-1104 woodsonmuseum.org One City Chorus – Mon. 7pm

MUSIC Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association Jazz Jam, Mon., 7-9pm, Hangar Restaurant, 540 First St. SE, St. Pete, aldowningjazz.com New Horizons Band of Gulfport Gulfport Senior Center 5501 27th Ave. S, Gulfport 727-345-0285 newhorizonsbandgulfport.org Novice, intermediate musicians School of Rock St. Petersburg 2401 Central Ave., 727-871-7625 schoolofrock.com Guitar, drum, singing, keyboard/piano lessons South Pasadena Community Band 727-515-5407 southpasadenaband.com All-volunteer band 2/15 – Free concert, South Pasadena City Hall, 7:30pm St. Petersburg College Gibbs Campus Music Center 6605 Fifth Ave. N, 727-341-4360 spcollege.edu/events Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Society Cove Cay Golf Club 2612 Cove Cay Drive, Clearwater sdjs2022.org Tampa Bay Symphony Performances in various locations 727-827-8087 tampabaysymphony.org 2/11 – “Music of the Heart” (Straz Center) 2/13 – “Music of the Heart” (Palladium)

TomKats Jazz Orchestra The Blue Parrot Mon. 7-9:30pm 85 Corey Circle, St. Pete Beach tomkatsjazzorchestra.com

OPERA Metropolitan Opera: HD Live Miller Auditorium, Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete Live high-definition broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera 727-864-7600 campusce.net/eckerd/course/ course.aspx?catid=156 Opera Tampa at Straz Center, 1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 813-229-7827 strazcenter.org 1/14 – D’Angelo Young Artist Vocal Competition 2/2 & 4 – Don Giovanni Sarasota Opera House 61 N Pineapple Ave., 941-328-1300 sarasotaopera.org 1/6 – Celebration Concert 1/14 – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration 2/3 – The Opera Gala: A Masked Ball 2/11 – Manatee Opera Guild presents Stars of Tomorrow St. Pete Opera 2145 First Ave. S, 727-823-2040 stpeteopera.org Various performance locations St. Petersburg Opera Guild stpeteoperaguild.org 2/3 – SPOG High School Vocal Competition The Pinellas Opera League Thur.: Opera at the Dali pinellasoperaleague.com

ECO Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Pete 727-893-7326 stpeteparksrec.org/ boydhillpreserve Closed Mon. Brooker Creek Preserve 3940 Keystone Rd., Tarpon Springs 727-453-6800 brookercreekpreserve.org Tram Tours Sat. ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2024

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ARTS & LEISURE Fort De Soto Park 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde 727-552-1862 pinellascounty.org/park Campgrounds, ferry services to Egmont and Shell Keys. Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center 700 Second Ave. NE, at The St. Pete Pier 727-291-4103 tbwdiscoverycenter.org Daily boat tours of Tampa Bay ecosystem Weedon Island Preserve 1800 Weedon Dr. NE, St. Pete 727-453-6500 weedonislandpreserve.org Guided hikes, birding, and photography tours. Classes and webinars.

GARDENS Florida West Coast Orchid Society Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 10891 102nd Ave. N, Seminole 727-420-7230 fwcos.org 1/27 – Annual Show and Sale 2/10 – Plant Sale Garden Club of St. Petersburg 500 Sunset Dr. S, 727-381-8920 gardenclubstpetersburg.org Ikebana International 500 Sunset Drive, St. Pete (Garden Club building) ikebanastpetersburg.com 1/20-21 – Annual Exhibition Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 1534 Mound St., Sarasota 941-366-5731 selby.org Through 8/31 – Clyde Butcher: Nature Through The Lens 1/6-21 – Rainforest Masks of Costa Rica 2/11-6/30 – Yayoi Kusuma: A Letter to Georgia O’Keeffe Pinewood Cultural Park 12520 Ulmerton Road, and 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo Heritage Village pinellascounty.org/heritage Creative Pinellas – creativepinellas.org Florida Botanical Gardens – Free 100-acre park flbg.org

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Third Saturday – Gardens open 7am-5pm; Creative Pinellas open noon-5pm; Heritage Village open 10am-4pm Sunken Gardens 1825 Fourth St. N, St. Pete Adult and child classes sunkengardens.org

FERRIES Crossbay Ferry Connecting Downtown Tampa to Downtown St. Pete Wed.-Sun. through May 727-273-5932 thecrossbayferry.com Egmont Key Ferry Fort De Soto Boat Ramp 727-398-6577 hubbardsmarina.com Shell Key Ferry Fort De Soto Boat Ramp 727-398-6577 hubbardsmarina.com See website for overnight camping

LIBRARIES Gulf Beaches Public Library 200 Municipal Drive, Madeira Beach 727-391-2828 gulfbeacheslibrary.org Gulfport Public Library 5501 28th Ave. S, Gulfport 727-893-1074 mygulfport.us/gpl St. Pete Beach Public Library 365 73rd Ave., St. Pete Beach 727-363-9238 Mon/Wed 10-8 Tues/Thurs/Fri 10-6 Sat 10-2; Sun closed See spblibrary.com for daily events Closed 1/1 and 1/15 President Barack Obama Main Library 3745 Ninth Ave. N, St. Pete 727-893-7724 splibraries.org Closed for renovation

JANUARY 2024 | ParadiseNewsFL.com

SPIRITUAL Sacred Lands 1700 Park St. N, St. Pete 727-347-0354 sacredlandspreservation.org Drum circle first Fri.; Sun. tours, meditations, special events Soothe Our Souls (S.O.S.) 4737 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach 727-360-7411 sootheoursouls.org Provides complimentary sailing for seriously health-challenged people and their support groups Spiritual Conditioning Program 153 107th Ave., Treasure Island Pat Jano at 727-324-9222 Small group Bible study

ZOOS/AQUARIUMS Clearwater Marine Aquarium 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater 727-441-1790 www. cmaquarium.org Rescue, rehab and release Home of Winter and Hope, stars of Dolphin Tale I & II

Pass-A-Grille Shuffleboard January through March Tues./Thurs./Sat., 10am–noon Pass-A-Grille Park, Ninth & 10th Ave. Member $20/yr., open to public. Preserve The ‘Burg 727-824-7802 preservetheburg.org Rotary Club of Gulf Beaches Tues., Noon. VFW, 12901 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach facebook.com/RotaryGulfBeaches/ Second Saturday Singers Second Sat. 9am–noon, Oct-April Pasadena Community Church, 227 70th St. S, St. Pete bobd@pccumc.org St. Petersburg Audubon Society 727-753-9731 stpeteaudubon.org St. Petersburg Chess Club 540 Fourth Ave. N, St. Pete Open every Fri. for members 6-11pm; Sun. 2-4pm group lessons and friendly games. chessclubjoy.webs.com

Florida Aquarium 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa 813-273-4000 flaquarium.org

St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club 559 Mirror Lake Drive N, St. Pete Fri., 7-10pm, Free. stpeteshuffle.com

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota 941-388-4441 mote.org

Suncoast Bonsai Society Seminole Recreation Center 9100 113th St. Third Sat. 10am suncoastbonsaisociety.org

Seaside Seabird Sanctuary 18328 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores 727-391-6211 seasideseabirdsanctuary.org Free. Donations accepted. Tours.

Suncoast Quilting Circle Works to preserve and promote the art of quilt making. suncoastquiltingcircle.org

ZooTampa at Lowry Park 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa 813-935-8552 zootampa.org

CLUBS-SERVICE/SOCIAL Gulfport Lions Club Second and fourth Tues. 6:30pm Gulfport Lions Clubhouse 4630 Tifton Dr. S, Gulfport 727-709-6694 facebook.com/Gulfport-Lions-Club

Swiss Club St. Petersburg Welcomes new members. Please inquire via website: SwissClubStPetersburg.com Tampa Bay Surface Guild Good Samaritan Church 6085 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park. Second Mon., 6:30-8:30pm Coloring, patterning, structuring and transformation of fabric, fiber, and other materials surfacedesignguild.com


SPORTS & REC

FREE PICKUP & DELIVERY

By Nanette Wiser South Creek Foxhounds / Janet Nummi

Foxhunting in the Tampa Bay Area Most people do not realize there is a fox hunting club in the Tampa Bay area. With their kennels located in Dade City, South Creek Foxhounds has members who reside in Pasco, Hillsborough and Manatee counties. Mounted on their horses, members and guests follow Professional Huntsman Sarah Sears and her hounds across the countryside searching for coyotes to chase. Coyotes are extremely fast and the chase is on! Generally, horses and hounds run out of energy (or property) and the quick and clever coyote escapes leaving hounds, horses and humans in the dust. South Creek Foxhounds has been in existence since 1965. Guests are welcome to join a hunt by paying a “capping fee.” Learn more about South Creek Foxhounds by visiting their website at www.SouthCreekFoxhounds.com or by contacting one of the Joint Masters, Vicki Reeves at vicki@tbaylaw.com. WWE UNIVERSE Get your WWE® tickets now for UNDERTAKER 1 deadMAN SHOW 1/28 at the Bilheimer Capitol Theatre in Clearwater. A limited number of VIP tickets, which includes premier seating and a meet-and-greet with The Undertaker, will also be available. UNDERTAKER 1 deadMAN SHOW will feature WWE Legend The Undertaker in an intimate setting, sharing never-before-heard stories from his Hall of Fame career and taking questions from the WWE Universe in attendance. www.rutheckerdhall.com The 1/27 37th Royal Rumble at Tropicana Field will be headlined by the 30-man and 30-woman Royal Rumble matches, with the winners of both receiving a championship match opportunity at WrestleMania 40. Tickets for Royal Rumble www.royalrumble.com; Monday Night Raw via Ticketmaster. ESPN EVENTS The 2024 Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational Presented by EvoShield heads back to the Eddie C. Moore Complex in Clearwater for the fifth time this February. The four-day invitational will play host to 16 teams, with a total of 40 softball games across ESPN platforms. The 16-team field for the 2024 Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational Presented by EvoShield features 13 teams which qualified for the NCAA Softball Championship, including five squads that advanced to the NCAA Women’s College World Series: Florida State – the 2023 WCWS runner-up, Oklahoma State, Stanford, Tennessee, and Washington. www.clearwaterinvitational.com

Cushions, bedding, pillows, rugs & much more! • Dry Cleaning • Wash-Dry-Fold Call 727-471-0573 • Alterations or sign up online at • Shoe & Handbag Repair • Patio/Boat Cushion Cleaning SacinosCleaners.com

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Florida West Coast Orchid Society Annual Show and Sale January 27-28 | 10am-4pm Seminole Recreation Center, 9100 113th St., Seminole “The Art of Orchids”

for beginners and collectors Thousands of orchids for sale and on display plus amazing raffle drawings! Admission $5; children under 15 free. www.FWCOS.org ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2024

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ARTS & LEISURE The Contemporaries Support group of Members of Museum of Fine Arts. Monthly lectures, gatherings and field trips supporting contemporary artists of Tampa Bay. mfastpete.org Treasure Island Historical Society Treasure Island Community Center Garden Room, 154 106th Ave. Sept.-April, Second Mon., 5pm facebook.com/ treasureislandFLhistoricalsociety Treasure Islettes Treasure Island Community Center, 154 106th Ave. Bingo Thursdays 6:30pm treasureislettes.weebly.com Supports charity and college scholarships. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary 1500 Pass-A-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach Safe Boating Program, Tues. 7pm Warren Webster Building, wow.uscgaux.info/content. php?unit=070-07-08 Tampa Bay Women In Tourism Third Fri. various venues. tampabaywomenintourism.com

CLUBS – ATHLETIC Clearwater/St. Petersburg Ski Club Mike’s Pizza & Deli Station, 13560 49th St., Clearwater. Second Tues. 6:30pm, Sept.-May. 727-743-3108 snowshark.org Pinellas County’s only ski club. Mad Dogs Triathlon Club Wed. night swims through summer, 6pm, Hurley Park Shelter, Pass-AGrille Beach. stpetemaddogs.org Tampa Bay Beach Bums Gulfport 727-437-2867 https://tinyurl.com/5n8s8f2k St. Pete Road Runners Walkers, joggers, non-competitive & competitive runners. facebook. com/StPeteRoadRunners

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HEALTH Jazzercise Exercise Classes Treasure Island City Hall, Mon. & Wed. 5:30pm 727-687-6695 https://tinyurl.com/43caxjwr Wednesday Walkers Second and fourth Wed. 9am, varying locations. 727-893-1244. Sponsored by Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave. S, Gulfport

THRIFT SHOPS Anona Thrift Shoppe 12025 Indian Rocks Road, Largo Mon., Wed.-Sat. 10am-3pm handsofhealinginc.org/thrift-shoppe Attic Shoppe 316 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach facebook.com/albansministry CASA Thrift Shop 1011 First Ave. N, St. Pete casa-stpete.org Creative Thrift Art Store (at Creative Clay) 1846 First Ave. S, St. Pete creativeclay.org/creative-thrift HEP Thrift Store 1212 N Betty Lane, Clearwater Facebook.com/hepthriftstore Pass-A-Grille Beach Community Church Thrift Shop 107 16th Ave. & Pass-A-Grille Way, Tues., Thurs., Sat. 9am-noon pagchurch.org St. Vincent’s Thrift Store 180 34th St. N, St. Pete https://tinyurl.com/yc4kjb2u Church by the Sea Thrift Store 495 137th Ave. Circle, Madeira Beach Tues., Thurs., Sat. 10am-2pm churchbythesea.com/thrift-store

VOLUNTEERING AARP Various volunteer opportunities aarp.org/giving-back

JANUARY 2024 | ParadiseNewsFL.com

Daystar Life Center 1055 28th St. S., St. Pete Needs volunteers 727-825-0442 facebook.com/DaystarLifeCenter

Sunken Gardens 1825 Fourth St. N, St. Pete 727-560-7317 Mon. & Wed. 10:30am

Empath Health Suncoast Hospice Training provided empathhealth.org

Sunset Yoga at The St. Pete Pier First Wed. 7-8pm. Free https://tinyurl.com/3m2wbmc6

Friends of Strays 2911 47th Ave. N, St. Pete Nonprofit, no-kill shelter friendsofstrays.com/home Hope Villages of America, Inc. 727-587-7747 rcspinellas.org/ Volunteer/

The Centre of St. Pete Beach 7525 Blind Pass Road, 727-258-2001 thecentreSPB.com/calendar1 Yoga at The Dali Dali Museum, third Sun., 9-10am https://tinyurl.com/bd6e88mz

Marine Exploration Center Needs volunteers 727-209-7115 mecstpete.org

MARKETS

Meals on Wheels 13945 Evergreen Ave., Clearwater Needs volunteer drivers. 727-573-9444 neighborly.org

Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market 9am-3pm, Oct. through April 9am-2pm, May through Sept. Beach Blvd. below 28th Ave. S, Second Tues. Clothing Swap: Russian Club, 2920 Beach Blvd. S visitgulfportflorida.com

State of Florida Guardian ad Litem Program Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of FL, 14250 49th St. N, Suite 4000, Clearwater. guardianadlitem.org St. Petersburg Arts Alliance 100 Second Ave. N, Suite 150 727-754-6404 stpeteartsalliance.org St. Petersburg Free Clinic 863 Third Ave. N stpetersburgfreeclinic.org Tampa Bay Watch 3000 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde tampabaywatch.org

YOGA Beach Yoga Pinellas Beachyogapinellas.com Salty Souls Yoga saltysoulsyoga.com Silver Sneakers Yoga Community Center, St. Pete Beach Fri. 11:15am spbrec.com South Pasadena Gentle Yoga Thursdays, 9:30-10:30am South Pasadena City Hall barbmoeller1@gmail.com

TUESDAYS

WEDNESDAYS Madeira Beach Market Nov.-May 10am-3pm 15000 Madeira Way FRIDAYS Sunset Market First and third Fri. nights, 5-10pm, parking lot of Imagine Museum, 1901 Central Ave., St. Pete. Creative Clay Outdoor Art Market First Fridays, 10am-2pm 1846 First Ave. S, St. Pete Treasure Island Friday Market Dec.-April, 9am-2pm Community Center Park islandneighborschamber.org FRIDAY AND SATURDAY Dunedin Downtown Market 9am-1pm, Pioneer Park, 420 Main St., Fri. market Nov.-May until 2pm; Sat. market year-round.


ARTS & LEISURE SATURDAYS

SUNDAYS

Crossroads Market Third Saturdays, 10am-2pm, Crossroads Christian Church 1645 Seminole Blvd., Largo

Corey Avenue Sunday Market 10am-2pm/June-Oct. 9am-1pm Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach coreyave.com

St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market Oct.-May, 9am-2pm Al Lang Stadium parking lot, 230 First St. SE June-Sept. 9am-1pm, Williams Park, 350 Second Ave. N saturdaymorningmarket.com

Indian Shores Sunday Market Nov.-April, 9am-1pm Indian Shores Town Hall, 19305 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores facebook.com/ IndianShoresSundayMarket/

The Market Marie Second Saturdays, 10am-3pm Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater Mezzo Market One Saturday a month Oct.-May, Baum Avenue between Intermezzo Coffee & Green Bench Brewing, St. Pete intermezzo.co/mezzo-market

St. Pete Sunday Market Third Sun. of the month, Noon-6pm Arts Xchange 515 22nd St. S, St. Pete Sunday Market St. Pete Weekly, 10am-5pm, St. Petersburg High School, 2501 Fifth Ave. N

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CLASSIFIED ACCOUNTING / BOOKKEEPING & TAX SERVICES David J. Strickler, CPA, PA, djscpa1@aol.com 727.906.9600 ACUPUNCTURE Ancient Healing Acupuncture & Herbs Authentic oriental healing arts are still the foremost healing methods in China. 6600 31st. Terrace N., St. Pete. 727.384.4826 Achieve Acupunture & Integrative Medicine, Treatments specializing in chronic conditions, including Peripheral Neuropathy. ACHIEVEACUIM.com 727.272.3587 BOAT CLUB Limited Membership Boat Club with Premium Boats. All day usage for a fraction of the cost of ownership. SovereignBoatClub.com Tierra Verde – 727.200.3474 BLINDS & SHUTTERS Do Your Shutters need some TLC? Hurricane Shutters Sold, Installed, Cleaned, Maintained & Repaired. The Shutterman 727.810.4606 Shopping for Window Treatment? Call for a free in-home consult. See ad for 30% off next purchase. Call Budget Blinds 727.821.0976 and/or Service First Installers Call The Shutter Guy with 25 years experience with BLINDS, SHADES and PLANTATION SHUTTERS. Call 813.641.4002 and mention Paradise News for a discount. theshutterguystpete.com CAREGIVER/ COMPANION In-home aid, dementia/companion care, meals, laundry, groceries, pets, appointments. St. Petersburg / S. Pinellas. References available. Maritza Palmucci 813.230.9392 Companionship, errands, transportation to appointments, light cooking, cleaning, and laundry, medication reminders. Call Gail 260.242.0246, email gail@compassionatecompanioncare forseniors.com, compassionate companioncareforseniors.com CARPETS & RUGS Professional Rug Cleaning & Invisible Repairs – Free pick-up and delivery. Also, the largest selection of imported Handmade works of art you can walk on. Oriental Rug Bazaar 727.726.8787 CLOSET DESIGN & INSTALLATION Get organized. Maximize the space you have in closets, pantries, laundry rooms & more. newclosettoday.com Call for a free consult 727.641.6448 COMPUTERS & VIRUS REMOVAL Pinellas Family Computer Service PC & Mac Technician for your home or business. Stephen Johnson A+ sjohnson@pfcs.biz 727.803.0219 DENTAL SERVICES Advanced Dental Technology, Implants, Reconstructive, Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry, 617 75th Ave., St. Pete Beach 40 Years Experience – Free 2nd opinions CenturyDental.org 727.367.3313 Pier Dental, 8351 Blind Pass Rd., SPB Family-owned General and Cosmetic Dentistry with Personalized Care. Florida native Dr. Brittany Pierpont. Pierdental.net 727.363.6169

DRY CLEANERS & LAUNDRY Home Pick-up & Delivery-Dry Clean, Wash-Dry-Fold, Alterations, Patio Cushion Cleaning, Shoe & Handbag Repair, Pick-up 2x weekly Sacino’s Cleaners sacinoscleaners.com 727.471.0573 Laundry Wash - Dry - Fold Service Laundromat 7815 Blind Pass Rd., SPB, call Laura 727.458.1412 ELECTRICAL SERVICES Your contact for all things electrical. Solar hookup, generators, wiring and rewiring homes and businesses. Call for FAST Service 727.275.1615 GENERAL CONTRACTOR KITCHEN & BATH REMODELERS Quality Construction with a woman’s touch. vanselowdesign.com Master Certified Kitchen & Bath Remodeler, Green Certified Professional 727.391.2959 Schedule a FREE Consultation TODAY HEALTH & FITNESS Ancient Healing Acupuncture & Herbs Seasonal Allergies, Hip & Back Pain April Wang 727.384.4826 Certified Chinese MD, (Tyrone Area) 6600 31st Terrace, St. Pete Worried About Your Memory? Alzheimer’s Association – Offers FREE & Confidential Memory Screenings, CALL to schedule 727.893.5657 HAULING - DELIVERY HB Hauling Demo, junk removal, dump trailer rental & more. 727.793.5816 Hot Momma’s Hauling does pick-ups and delivery, including shell, sand, and pavers. Trailer rentals, junk removed, clean outs. Call Ashlie 727.678.3156 LetMommahelpyou.com HEALTH & NUTRITION Gulfport Nutrition - 5012 Gulfport Blvd. S., Cardio Drumming Classes. Call Marlene for Info 305.619.9734 HEARING CARE Pasadena Hearing Care Anne S. Carter, Ph.D. 727.329.8852 Don’t let Hearing Loss impact your life. HELP WANTED Sacino’s Formalwear is hiring quality tailors, sales associates & management trainees. Join our expert team today! Resume to rons@sacino.com. HOUSEKEEPING & CLEANING Dependable European Lady15+yrs exp., High Quality, Reasonable Rates, References. 727.564.1473 Reasonable cleaning. Homes, windows, offices. Experienced and insured. Pinellas county. 727.259.3558 Laddy’s Cleaning Service - on the beaches over a decade 727.430-8826 Laundry Wash Dry Fold Service Laundromat - 7815 Blind Pass Rd., St. Pete Beach. Some pickup/delivery available. Call Laura 727.458.1412 Cleaning Is Our Passion - Maids, Maintenance & More. Steadfast, Reliable, Best of Beaches service for 25+ years. L/B/I 727.363.1074 Home & Office Cleaning Experienced,Efficient European Cleaning LadyFree Estimates, Great local references 10+ years Irina 727.481.1364


CLASSIFIED INSURANCE Bentley DeNight Insurance Services can save $$$ on Flood Insurance and can quote Homeowners, Auto & Business Insurances 727.344.4500 IV THERAPY IV Lounge@ The Centre SPB See AD Page 7. Ask about getting your infusion where you are, or at 7525 Blind Pass Rd., 727.258.2001 thecenterspb.com JEWELERS Diny’s Jewelers - Custom Designs, restoration & repair; appraisals & more! 130 107th Ave., Treasure Island (N of Clock Tower) DinysFlorida.com 727.513.3469 LOCKSMITH SERVICES COVID SAFE Lock Repair Service during daytime hours, weekdays. Vet owned. Tommy Locksmith 727.755.3975 LUMBERS Need wood to match your old house? If it isn’t in stock, ask if we can make it for you. Anderson Lumber 666 49th St. S 727.321.3111 MARINE CONSTRUCTION Island Marine Construction - Docks, Boat Lifts, Service, since 1997. Licensed Marine Contractor, C-8463 727.363.7282 MARKETING SERVICES Janet Nummi, Graphic Design info@janetnummi.com Buddy Baker, Copyediting melvin.baker@gmail.com MASSAGE SERVICES Helios Health – Zoe (MA31664) offers massage and Infrared sauna therapy on West Central Ave. at 57 St., St. Petersburg 727.322.8883 Corrective Massage Therapy Muscular and Structural Rehabilitation Robert S. King LMT, 214 Pasadena Ave. S, RobertKingLMT.com 813.625.1322 MEMORY CARE Memory challenges are complex. Let’s figure them out together. We take care of Moms and Dads. Inspired Living at the Ridge. inspired.living.care A purpose-built memory-care facility on high ground. Join us for an upcoming Dementia Live interactive presentation 727.231.5396 PAINTING SERVICES Residential or Commercial Painting Flo-Pro Painting 727.337.6888 PAYROLL SERVICE For 1-50 employees. Competitive. Employee Retention Tax Credit Consultant. Get your application filed! Jack.Welsh@Payrollvault.com Payroll Vault 727.424.4044 PET SITTING & WALKING Pete’s Perfect Pet Care is a true professional. Get happy text messages from your best friend daily while you are apart. Bonded and Insured. 727.742.2599 Pete@PetesPerfectPetCare.com

PICKLEBALL/TENNIS LESSONS Private/group lessons for all ages/skill levels. 727.481.6375 brian@sunshinecitytennis.com PLASTIC SURGERY Coundouriotis Facial Plastic Surgery and Laser Center 727.525.9900 “Reverse the Signs Of Aging Anywhere on your body, Rebuild collagen & reduce wrinkles.” REAL ESTATE FOR SALE ISLA Condo, 1 Bd 1 1/2 Ba, Top Floor, Water & Golf Views, furnished $399K, 727.639.8316 RUGS – See Carpets SCREEN REPAIR Screen Repair for Pool Cages, Patios and Lanais, call or text for a FREE Estimate. Rescreen Rescue 727.348.4307 SEO & WEBSITES Advanced Digital Media Services develops websites with SEO built-in to get your company to the top on Google. Text or call 727.509.6930 Create and Improve Your Online Presence, customerloyaltyagency.com Call Dean at 941.323.1402 SLIDING DOOR REPAIR Stop Struggling w/ Old Sliding Doors. We fix it to open for a fraction of the cost of a new door. We replace windows too. Lic. C1050, YouTube.com/user/SliderRepairs Slider Repairs 727.493.2644 TERMITES Cameron Termite & Pest Control Inspections, Treatments and Tenting Camerontermite.com 727.577.0789 TOURS & TRANSPORTATION Paradise Tours & Transportation Call us 1st for your transportation needs. We will take you where you want to go! Sightseeing tours and transportation around Tampa Bay. 727.417.8036 BATS - Bay Area Taxi Service BatsTaxi.com 727.367.3702 Free Beach Rides 727.776.7553 TUTORING Portuguese & French Tutoring Conversational-Grammar-Literature parigitropicale@gmail.com 727.301.5917 Piano lessons your home or my studio. All ages & styles, affordable, 25 years of experience. 727.688.2782 French lessons by French native All levels. Text or call 571.435.5606 Reading tutor. Certified. Grades 2-8. 1:1 Zoom or in-person. 941.962.5782 actuallylearnit.com WINDOW CLEANING See Life More Clearly, 30 yrs. exp., Residential, Commercial. Estimates are free. Call Tim 727.488.8516. CLASSIFIED ADS 10 Words 10 issues $100 20 Words 10 Issues $200 Single issue or less than 10 $2.50 per word. Email: sales@paradisenewsfl.com Or call 727-363-6888.

Water Front in Palma Del Mar! 6268 Palma Del Mar Blvd S, Apt 502, Saint Petersburg, FL 33715 2 BR/2BA/1,050sqft $639,000

Call me to learn more about this St. Pete Beach water view condo or a beautiful home inland! If you’re ready to sell, call for a free Market Analysis of your home. Pam Moll REALTOR COLDWELL BANKER REALTY

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See Life Clearly 30 Years Experience Residential & Commercial

Tim’s Window Cleaning 727-488-8516

Free Estimates References Available

ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2024

57


HOME & GARDEN

By Nanette Wiser

to give you the back story as you explore the grand Tiffany Room, the column-lacking lobby, and the original grand staircase that has been climbed by the likes of the Studebakers, Fords and the Vanderbilts. www.opalcollection.com/belleview-inn

VINTAGE TREASURES Browsing antique stores and historic home tours are my jam, and the monthly Vintage Marche in downtown St. Pete yields glorious treasures from the past so I decided to plan a gilded era escape for Valentine’s Day. What could be more romantic than descending down a grand staircase, rocking on a sweeping veranda bathed in sunset or slinking away to a wood-paneled den-like space for a glass of wine beside the fire? Couples relish these exact scenes at Belleair’s 35room Belleview Inn, a romantic and intimate 1897 Queen Ann-style Victorian Inn. The most romantic room is named after the 1908 steam yacht built for Morton Plant (the son of Henry Plant, who built the original hotel), the fourth-floor King Iolanda Suite is home to a parlor adorned in Victorian-era appointments and a claw-foot tub that feels like it could have been plucked from the original hotel. There’s also an audio guide narrated by the hotel’s historian, Joey Vars, (as well as QR codes posted around the property)

GARDEN CLUB Pinellas County’s garden clubs bloom in almost every community (Clearwater, Redington, Pinellas Park, Belleair and Clearwater) and specialty clubs for bonsai and orchids are popular as well. The Garden Club works with the city of St. Pete on April’s Green Thumb Festival at Walter Fuller Park. The West Coast Florida Orchid Society is a non-profit plant society dedicated to the preservation and conservation of orchids. Founded in 1942, membership is open to everyone interested in the culture, enjoyment, and study of

orchids; the group is an affiliated society of the American Orchid Society. Hosting monthly meetings, the next one is 1/11@6:30pm (Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 10891 102nd Ave N, Seminole). Become a member www.fwcos.org/about and learn to grow orchids with them at their monthly meeting. Members have access to water testing, members-only events, special sales and discounts at local supporters. Long-time members have decades of experience growing award-winning orchids and are eager to share their knowledge with you. In addition, Society meetings feature talks from orchid experts. Former speakers include Fred Clarke of Sunset Valley Orchids, Prem Subrahmanyam Sr., of Florida Native Orchids, and other prominent members of the community. In addition to the annual show 1/27-28 at Seminole Rec, mark your calendars for the orchid plant and supply sales at Florida Botanical Gardens 2/10 8-11am.

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BudgetBlinds.com/StPetersburg Showroom by appointment only • 800 Pasadena Ave. S. Blinds • Shutters • Shades • Motorization

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JANUARY 2024 | ParadiseNewsFL.com

Veteran Owned Business Google & Yelp For Over A Decade

Ever Lose Your Keys At The Beach? Go Keyless! (727) 755-3975


For residents and visitors on the beach, head over to Madeira Beach Market on Wednesdays 10am-2pm and grab lunch and music at Saltwater Hippie or Frabotta’s or one of the Market’s delicious food vendors.

Tampa Bay Markets Expands to St. Petersburg The countdown is on for the new Sunday Market St. Pete launching Sunday, Jan. 7. The outdoor market will be hosted weekly 10am-2pm at the campus of the historic St. Petersburg High School, located at 2501 Fifth Ave. N, St. Petersburg. More than 75 vendors will line Devil’s Drive, winding through the campus of St. Pete High, for this weekly market event. Sunday Market St. Pete will showcase vendors who offer farm-fresh produce, multi-cultural foods, innovative arts, hand-made crafts, sustainable, eco-friendly products, and wellness services. Tampa Bay Markets will curate the vendor assortment to also include artisanal product offerings such as sauces, jams, baked goods, and pet treats alongside fresh produce, plants, honey, and eggs.

The new market will also feature live local music each week, with a spotlight on artists with an array of up-tempo musical styles. Enjoy while you shop, snack, and socialize.

Tampa Bay Markets is a local favorite with seasonal delights and rotating vendors on both sides of the bay including Westshore Marina District Sunday, Dunedin Downtown Market Friday/Saturday, Sunset Market Midtown Thursday, Fresh Market at Wiregrass 1st and 3rd Saturday, Hyde Park Village Market 1st Sunday, Carrollwood Market 2nd Saturday, Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market 2nd Sunday, Water Street Market 3rd Sunday and more. Each event is in pedestrian-friendly, outdoor locations that can host a minimum of 50-100+ vendors sell only fresh, local, homemade, handcrafted, fair trade, vintage and eco-friendly products. www.tampabaymarkets.com

CLEANING - REPAIRS - APPRAISALS

Functional Beautiful Rugs That Last a Lifetime Area rugs are art you can walk on, adding color and comfort to a room. Your one local source for rugs of all prices, sizes and shapes! Take advantage of our JANUARY CLEARANCE SALES on selected items. Open Mon.-Sat. 10:30-6pm. Closed Sun. 924 McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater Visit www.rugbazzar.com or call 727-726-8787. ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2024

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VAUGHN VOYAGE

By Danielle L. Vaughn, Esq., B.C.S., LL.M.

unforeseen legal battles down the road. Furthermore, zoning laws, land use restrictions, and environmental considerations should be thoroughly examined. Understanding these factors is essential to avoiding regulatory pitfalls that could hinder your investment’s success. Engage with a qualified surveyor to confirm property boundaries and identify any potential disputes that may arise.

Navigating the Real Estate Jungle: A Legal Perspective on Investing in Real Estate Investing in real estate can be a lucrative endeavor, but without proper due diligence and risk mitigation, it can quickly turn into a legal nightmare. As a Florida real estate attorney, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of understanding the legal aspects of real estate investing. In this article, we’ll explore the critical components of due diligence and risk mitigation to help you make informed and secure investment decisions. Due Diligence: The Foundation of a Solid Investment Before diving into any real estate transaction, conducting thorough due diligence is non-negotiable. This involves investigating every aspect of the property, from its physical condition to its legal standing. Start with a comprehensive title search to ensure there are no outstanding liens or encumbrances on the property. A clear title is crucial for a smooth transaction and protects you from

Risk Mitigation: Protecting Your Investment Once due diligence is complete, it’s time to focus on risk mitigation strategies. First and foremost, crafting a solid contract is paramount. Ensure it includes contingencies that allow you to exit the deal if certain conditions aren’t met. This could involve obtaining financing, satisfactory inspections, or resolving any legal issues that may arise during the process. Consider obtaining title insurance to protect against unforeseen title defects. While a thorough title search is a great preventive

measure, title insurance provides an extra layer of security in case something is missed. Additionally, consult with legal experts to explore the potential risks associated with the investment. This might include liability concerns, zoning changes, or future development plans in the area. Armed with this information, you can proactively address these risks and make informed decisions that align with your investment goals. In conclusion, success in real estate investing is not just about finding the right property; it’s about navigating the legal landscape with diligence and care. By conducting thorough due diligence and implementing effective risk mitigation strategies, you can build a solid foundation for a prosperous real estate investment journey in the dynamic market of Florida. If you have any questions or need legal advice on investing in real estate, reach out to Vaughn Law to schedule a consultation, 727-223-6080.

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TOP SHAPE FITNESS Opening this Spring in the Tampa Bay Frogman Swim and St. Anthony’s Triathlon multiple times and understands the importance of strength training coupled with personalized workout regimes adaptable to individual lifestyles.

For visitors and locals, Top Shape Fitness in Dolphin Village is a flexible option where you can work out for a week or a month without long-term contracts. Top Shape’s services offer a comprehensive approach to fitness and well-being and include personal training and open gym access to traditional weights and cardiovascular equipment for all fitness levels, including elliptical, rower, Stairmaster and Echelon treadmills/bikes. A light therapy bed and infrared sauna is available to help with recovery. Owner/operator LeeAnn Moore knows a thing or two about fitness and well-being. As a multi-sport athlete with a passion for health and wellness, she has competed

“I have been involved in competitive sports since I was a young girl, starting with running and as I got older, swimming. I’ve never been a gym rat type, but I appreciate a great workout. When I turned 50, I found a great balance in running, swimming, and strength training and the importance of post-race recovery,” says Moore. “With Top Shape, I created a clean bright space where our guests feel comfortable working out at their own pace, encouraged on their journey by a personal trainer.” Packages are available for personal training, open gym access and recovery equipment as well as combination packages of services. There are no annual membership or initiation fees. Residents can choose a one- or three-month package with short-term

options for visitors. Let Top Shape Fitness help you reach your goals, whether it’s training for a race, swimming with the grandkids or swinging the golf club a little better. The gym will open March/April and pre-sales will begin in February.

Dolphin Village, 4655 Gulf Blvd., Ste. #116 St. Pete Beach • 727-338-3269 www.topshapespb.com

ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2024

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ENCOURAGING WORDS

By Dennis Merritt Jones, DD

Seven Steps to a Happy New You in the New Year

Life is a blackboard upon which we consciously or unconsciously write those messages which govern us. We hold the chalk and the eraser in our hand but are ignorant of this fact. What we now experience we need not continue to experience but the hand which holds the eraser must do its neutralizing work. ~ Ernest Holmes

As 2024 dawns, it’s time to re-evaluate thoughts and beliefs from years past that may no longer enhance a better, more authentic life. The content of our mind determines our experience in life, so let the New Year put you in charge of your future. The past does not need to be prologue. Using the metaphor of the blackboard, chalk and eraser, Holmes points out that we have absolute control how our mind affects our daily life. I suggest not dragging 2023 into 2024 and use the eraser and chalk to determine what 2024 will look like. Here are seven mindfulness practices that I have established for myself as I enter the New Year. I invite you to try them for yourself. 1. Open your mind to the new possibilities that lie in the unknown. Be willing to try new things. Make an effort to get out of your comfort zone. 2. Forgive. As long as you live in a human skin, forgiveness is the one practice that you’ll need to master because nothing will keep you stuck in the past more effectively than resentment and non-forgiveness. 3. Set realistic goals & write them down. Goal setting is a vital component for creating anything new. Writing out your goals helps to kinesthetically “inscribe them on the blackboard” of your conscious and unconscious mind.

4. Seek a cheerleader who will support you in reaching your goals. Enlist the support of a trusted friend or mentor who is able to support you in seeing and moving toward the vision you hold for the new you in the new year. 5. Observe & challenge old habit patterns that keep you stuck. Self-awareness pays big dividends. The key is to be conscious enough of your habits, that when they don’t serve your wholeness, to challenge them. 6. Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the experience of being aware of what is happening around you and in you in the present moment. 7. Set aside time daily to spend in the presence of your Higher Power. When you make room daily to partner with your Higher Power (or whatever name by which you refer to It) doing all the aforementioned practices seem to flow with grace and ease. The blackboard of 2024 has yet to be inscribed upon and it awaits your mental, emotional, and spiritual imprint. May your exit from 2023 be gentle and complete and may your entry into the new year be smooth and intentional. Peace, Dennis

Peace, Dennis Merritt Jones, DD • Copyright © 2024 - DMJ Presentations LLC • www.DennisMerrittJones.com Dennis Merritt Jones’ vision is “Guiding People to Purpose.” He is an award-winning author of six books, a keynote speaker, and personal mentor/coach who loves living in St. Petersburg. If you would like more information regarding his availability as a speaker, his mentoring programs, and his books, please visit his website at DennisMerrittJones.com.

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JANUARY 2024 | ParadiseNewsFL.com


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