Paradise News December 2025 Issue

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for 4% total commission and enjoy concierge-level full service. If no other agent is involved, our fee drops to 3%, so you keep more equity!

Celebrating The Season The End of Storm Season, the Holidays and the Resilience of Our Destination

Home Improvement Does Your Seawall Need To Be Fortified or Replaced?

St. Pete Free Clinic St. Pete Free Clinic helps feed the hungry and more

Have a healthier holiday. Remember, desserts is stressed spelled backwards.

ECO - Using Diatomaceous Earth

A non-toxic, but very effective method for controlling ants and roaches anywhere.

Worship is Back On The Beaches Churches have reopened a year after the flood, Including the thrift shops in Madeira Beach and Pass-a-Grille.

As temps cool from the 90s, outdoor dining options become far more inviting BY KELLY ROUSE

Vaughn Voyage Our favorite local lawyer is back! This Month’s topic is “Lady Bird Deeds”

DANIELLE L. VAUGHN, ESQ., B.C.S., LL.M.

Music Scene A Busy Season Awaits the Music Lover BY NANETTE WISER

@ParadiseNewsFL @ParadiseNewsFL info@ParadiseNewsFL.com

Private, Peaceful, Protected

Discover Marina Bay in St. Petersburg, a hidden gem tucked away on Boca Ciega Bay, where 60 acres of lush tropical landscaping, lakes with dramatic water features and abundant wildlife blend to form this vibrant community. Just seven minutes to downtown and seven minutes to St Pete Beach, the new Villas, Estate Homes and Condominiums of Marina Bay redefine luxury and provide resilience by building to Fortified Standards. Visit Marina Bay, next to Eckerd College, to tour our new models

• FORTIFIED™ Construction for the utmost protection against hurricanes and extreme weather

• Featuring unparalleled design and construction that far exceeds building code requirements.

• Concrete block construction all floors

• Natural gas cooking and generators standard

• Private elevator from garage to living level

• Impact windows and doors

• Two pools, day dock, fishing pier, fitness room

• Deep water boat slips no bridges to the Gulf

To the builder of Marina Bay, it’s EVERYTHING.

Marina Bay is the FIRST community in Pinellas County to receive the FORTIFIED Gold™ designation.

To thearchitects andbuildersof MarinaBay,it’s EVERYTHING.

MarinaBayistheFIRST BUILDERandONLYDEVELOPMENTinPinellasCounty toreceivetheFORTIFIED GOLDdesignation.

FORTIFIED™ goes beyond code, meaning FORTIFIED™ Construction far exceeds most building codes and improves the performance of buildings against natural disasters and reducing the risk of personal property losses.

Buildingto FORTIFIED means creatingresilienthomesthat willbetterwith-standsevere weather.

FORTIFIED goesbeyond code,meaningitexceeds mostbuildingcodesby improvingtheperformance ofbuildingsagainstnatural disastersandreducingtherisk ofpersonalpropertylosses. HOW IMPORTANT IS SAFETY TO YOU?

PUBLISHERS MESSAGE

I recently realized that the first 70 years of our lives were like pre-requisites to the education that we got in 2025. I remember registration for college was the most challenging task for me. It reminds me a lot of applying after the flood, for FEMA and SBA assistance. My master’s degree in business administration happened a long time ago, but my long-term memory is still sharp. I passed the CPA exam on the first try (only 5% did) and worked with three major CPA firms for a total of 7 years before I found publishing magazines as a career opportunity.

Hurricane Helene’s visit on September 26, 2024, surprised us and many of our neighbors with 2-8 feet of flooding of 70-year-old, single-story homes, almost all of which had never flooded before. Since then, we have all been scrambling to learn what aid is available, how to deal with FEMA, SBA, mortgage and insurance companies, permitting, and how to affordably bring our homes back from having been flooded. After 10 days evacuating with family, we were treated to a Pass-a-Grille vacation rental, courtesy of our long-time friend, realtor and mortgage broker, Joan Walker. Then, thanks to Florida’s first lady, and 1-833-GetHope, we were connected through the Florida Department of Emergency Management to the Tidal Basin Group, who hosted us for two months at the Staybridge Suites, with meals provided daily.

I visited the nearby Disaster Recovery Center four times, asking FEMA agents there to upload documents to my account, and eventually asked for Rental Assistance, which we were awarded. My aunt Marianne in Bridgeport, Connecticut, introduced her bridge partner, Trudy, who owns the unit we have been renting on the eighth floor of The Beacon, a great, older condominium building in downtown St. Petersburg. My experience as a CPA gave me the ability to navigate the challenging requirements needed for these tasks. Some of my neighbors were already back in their homes months ago through the city’s minimal renovation program. Sounds of renovation still come from many others. Others are preparing for demolition. Still others have no visible change. When people hear about our having spent a few hours on the roof during a hurricane, they want to feel sorry for us. We tell them not to. That level of excitement is hard to find at our age. The educational challenges this year have been amazing, and we are going to end up essentially with a new home, with the renovation mostly paid from flood insurance proceeds.

In the meantime, our incredible team has allowed us to share our lessons in the last 10 issues and provide ads from companies we vetted personally. In addition to the print magazine, we have an active website that holds the last 10 years of local history, and hosts our weekly digital newsletter, published each Thursday with a reminder about the top five events each weekend and more. You can subscribe for free. If your magazine did not come in the mail and you would like it to, you can also buy a 1-year, 2-year or 5-year subscription for under $2 per copy.

Thanks for reading Paradise NEWS and telling us how much you love what we do for you. Wishing you and yours the best this holiday season!

www.ParadiseNewsFL.com

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Paradise NEWS

Volume 31 Number 10 • December 2025

PUBLISHERS

Peter Roos | Marketing & Sales

813.230.3965

sales@paradisenewsfl.com

Renee Roos | Creative Director 727.421.0341 info@paradisenewsfl.com

ART & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Janet Nummi info@janetnummi.com

SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITE MANAGER Kaeley Dawson paradisenewsfl@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Caron Schwartz - Art News, Hanging Around

Buddy Baker - Arts & Leisure / Events

Dennis Merritt Jones, DDEncouraging Words

Kelly Rouse - Dining

Claire Brinsden Jordan - Health & Wellness

Marlene Shaw - Gulfport Matters

Andrea Martone - Artists Spotlight

Nanette Wiser - Music Scene

Danielle L. Vaughn, Esq., B.C.S., LL.M., Vaughn Law - Legal Corner CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS visitstpeteclearwater.com

City of St. Pete • Visit Florida • Janet Nummi

Public Media Resource Images

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PUBLISHED BY: Paradise News, LLC © 2025 P.O. Box 66385, St. Pete Beach, FL 33736

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At Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital, our commitment to expert, compassionate care has spanned generations. For more than 100 years, we’ve been the trusted healthcare resource our community depends on. From advanced cardiology and comprehensive emergency services to personalized women’s care and leading-edge brain and spine expertise, our dedicated teams deliver award-winning care — close to home. Giving you more reasons to choose well. OrlandoHealth.com/Bayfront

TIDBITS

Looking for a meaningful way to keep kids curious and active during winter break? At Tampa Bay Watch’s Holi-Bay Camp, they’ll swap screen time for salt air, sunshine, and the magic of Tampa Bay. Hands-on science activities, boat trips, and outdoor adventures will help us discover how local animals adapt to the colder months in their own unique ways. Each day spotlights a different Bay resident and its habitat, and in true Tampa Bay Watch style, we’ll blend exploration with creativity through natureinspired crafts, music, and movement. Whether they drop in for a day or stay for several, campers will learn to spot the signs of winter around us. There may not be snow in the forecast, but there’s plenty of warmth, wonder, and festive fun ahead! Holi-Bay Camp is designed for children 6 to 10 years of age and will be offered on Dec. 22, 23, 29, 30 and 31. www.tbwdiscovery center.org/camp

The Beachcomber Resort and Jimmy B’s Beach Bar located at 6200 Gulf Boulevard reopened last month as recovery from last fall’s hurricanes continues to progress. Half the rooms are brand new as are all the common areas. Jimmy B’s has been missed. They frequently win the best beach bar in the area and occasionally the entire state of Florida.

Meanwhile the Beachcomber’s neighbor, the Post Card Inn at 6300 Gulf Boulevard, also known as the PCI Resort, has been vacant since last year’s hurricanes hit our coast. It will soon be renovated into The Luce, a 200 room Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel scheduled to open April 5, 2026. Originally built as the Colonial Gateway Inn in 1957 and reimagined as the Postcard Inn in 2009, the hotel’s owners proposed an 87-room expansion to the Postcard Inn in 2024, but those plans were ultimately abandoned after Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused significant damage. The LCP Group, which purchased the property in March 2022 for $83 million, is overseeing a full renovation of the 9-acre beachfront resort, working alongside management firm Crescent Hotels & Resorts. Additional amenities will include lawn games, a 24-hour fitness center, boutique retail, and 14,000 square feet of event space. Guest rooms will feature Lavazza café machines, bath amenities, and smart TVs.

The Gulfport Merchants Chamber invites artists 18 and older, working in all mediums/ substrates, to join the 7th Annual Gulfport Plein Air Festival from April 13-18, 2026. Registration is $40. Deadline: March 31, 2026. Participating artists are requested to bring canvases and other surfaces they intend to use to the Gulfport Welcome Center (5317 Gulfport Blvd) for stamping at the Artist Meet & Greet on Monday April 13th 4-6pm. (stamping of canvases and other surfaces is also available on Tuesday) Paint Gulfport’s scenic locations and submit your favorite painting on Friday, April 17th at the Gulfport

Merchant Chamber Welcome Center between 1-2pm and 4-5pm.

Registration includes a plein air workshop on Saturday, April 18, 10am-12pm with award-winning artist/instructor Jack Providenti.

The festival finale Exhibition & Collector’s Sale is on April 18 from 4-6pm with prizes and awards! Artists must be present. $300 cash award for Best in Show, and the following fun awards will each receive a Blick gift card worth $50.

1. Spirit of Gulfport – the piece that best embodies the fun and funky atmosphere of Gulfport

2. Gecko Award – best incorporation of a gecko in a painting.

3. Best Tree Award – best expression of a tree

Link to register: www.cloudfolios.com/ exhibitions/330 or email art@visitgulfportflorida.com.

Our Fresh Markets offer visitors the opportunity for a relaxing day trip. Every Tuesday in Gulfport, a small town full of “Old Florida” charms from 9am-2pm, the Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market is open. Parking in the village is free. Learn more online at www.visitgulfportflorida.com/ event/gulfport-fresh-market-2.

The same times work at the Treasure Island market on Fridays in the TI Community Park, Saturdays in downtown St. Petersburg, and Sundays both at the St. Pete High School and on Corey Ave., in St. Pete Beach.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Pinellas County news by signing up for their new monthly newsletter – The Wave. From beach restoration to countywide road construction, The Wave will the most important news from Pinellas County government to your inbox each month. Sign up now at www.pinellas.gov/the-wave

The Madeira Beach Social Club is an active senior group located in Madeira Beach. Their club provides a wonderful opportunity for seniors to socialize, participate in various activities, and build lasting friendships within our community.

The City Theatre on 31st St. S in St. Pete is a true community theatre that just celebrated its 100th birthday. Lisa Marone is a Pass-a-Grille resident and volunteer who has been supporting both the Theatre and the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum, amongst other pursuits for more than a decade.

To recognize the centennial of the City Theatre and a number of other significant institutions in the area, Lisa produced a beautiful and fascinating 2026 Calendar with photos and history

about the following:

The St. Petersburg Yacht Club; The St. Petersburg Museum of History, The Sunshine School

The State Theatre

The Beach Theatre

St. Petersburg High School

Merry Pier in Pass-a-Grille

The Gulf Beaches Historical Museum

The St. Petersburg City Theatre

The St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club

The Vinoy

Don Cesar Resorts

They are $20 each at the Don Cesar gift shop and at the City Theatre and would make a GREAT stocking stuffer for all history buffs.

Those who enjoyed last month’s article about the “Importance of Wolves in America” and the wolf preserve in Divide, Colorado, might like this a lot. There is also a wolf preserve in Florida.

Seacrest Wolf Preserve, 3449 Bonnett Pond Rd., Chipley, 850-773-2897 is a 5.5-hour drive from Tampa Bay, near Panama City Beach. Might make a great weekend trip this winter.

Saturday Group Tour: $35 per person, includes a guided tour and small animal meet-and-greet.

Private VIP Tour: $250-$500 for a private tour, depending on the package and number of people.

Wolf Meet n Greet Trip: $63, includes a 3-hour guided tour and visit to Falling Waters State Park.

If you’re planning to visit, book in advance, especially for VIP tours or Saturday group tours

Tickets can be purchased through their official website www.seacrestwolfpreserve.org

Hours: 9am-4pm, Tues.-Sat. Reservations: Required for all tours, can be made through their website or by phone. Keep in mind that the preserve is a non-profit organization, and tickets support their conservation efforts.

The Island Grille & Raw Bar in Tierra Verde serves up a breathtaking view, amazing seafood and crafted cocktails. It’s the perfect spot to catch up with friends, families and visitors especially during the holiday season.

From the popular three course early bird dinners (Mon.-Fri. 3-5pm $22.95) to happy hour Mon.-Fri. 11am-6pm, it’s a fan favorite. Enjoy awesome fresh seafood, steak, kabobs, tacos and the exceptional raw bar, from oysters (raw, chargrilled or steamed) to stone crabs. There are daily lunch specials such as Monday’s smash burger, Tuesday’s tacos, Wednesday’s Buffalo chicken sandwich, Thursday Philly steak and cheese hoagie, Friday’s beer-battered fish fry with coleslaw and fries, Saturday’s salmon BLT wrap and Sunday’s black-n-blue shrimp Caesar salad. Dinner specials range from Tuesday’s shrimp trio feast (blackened, coconut and stuffed shrimp) with two sides to Saturday’s 8oz. tenderloin filet topped with crabmeat, asparagus, hollandaise and served with two sides. Enjoy live music Saturday 1-5pm and 6-10pm; Sunday 12-4pm and 5-9pm and steel drum Sundays (weather permitting). Book your party now for 25 dining guests or more to celebrate the season’s good tidings. Call 727-767-0020 or email info@islandrawbar.com

OPEN 11AM - 10PM DAILY

OPEN 11AM - 10PM DAILY

HAPPY HOUR MONDAY - FRIDAY 11AM - 6PM

HAPPY HOUR MONDAY - FRIDAY 11AM - 6PM

DININ G • DOC KS • DRINKS

LIVE MUSIC • TIKI BAR

Cheer on the holly-days at St. Pete Beach’s The Wharf in Pass A Grille! Bring your visitors for the best waterfront view and grouper sandwich, cool cocktails and succulent appetizers. Favorites include juicy shrimp (peel-and-eat, coconut, spicy bang bang or stuffed with cheese and jalapeno), wonderful wings in 9 flavors, seared rare ahi tuna, fried calamari, smoked fish spread, battered mushrooms or green beans, loaded tots or jalapeno conch fritters. The sandwiches and burgers are equally tantalizing. Try the blackened mahi sandwich, the massive Reuben with housemade ranch chips, the steak and cheese or patty melt as well as the monster burger with bacon and pepper jack slathered with chipotle mayo. Go light with a chopped or Caesar salad. Like Cajun food? You’ll love the New Orleansstyle gumbo with chicken, ham, andouille and shrimp. Check Facebook for daily specials (Taco Wednesday, Fish Fry Tuesday), happy hour Mon.-Fri. 3:30-6pm (bar only) and rock out with Rob Tyre Wed.-Sat. 6-9:30 pm. Book the front deck for your private party; you get a dedicated server & incredible view. Ask about our kids’ menu. Come by boat, bike or car!

Applications now open for 2026 Sunstar FirstCare Ambulance Membership

• Membership covers 100% of expenses associated

with deductibles and co-payments.

• Membership covers 50% of medically necessary trips denied by insurance.

• Enroll now for coverage from Jan. 1, 2026 - March 31, 2027.

Now is the perfect time to enroll in the Sunstar FirstCare Ambulance Membership. Residents are encouraged to enroll now to receive more than a full year of financial help with out-of-pocket expenses for ambulance transportation.

The estimated average cost of a single ambulance transport is $1,037. Annual membership fees for the 2026 Sunstar FirstCare Ambulance Membership plans are $89 for a single membership and $133 for a family membership.

Applications can be found online at www.pinellas.gov/ firstcare or by calling 727-5822008 to receive an application by mail. Membership covers 100% of expenses associated with deductibles and copayments and 50% of medically necessary trips denied by insurance. Uninsured members receive a 20% discount on medically necessary ambulance transportation.

The Sunstar FirstCare Ambulance Membership is not an insurance plan. It is a Pinellas County government program that works with an individual’s insurance company to minimize out-of-pocket ambulance expenses. Completed applications with payment in full, received before the end of the calendar year, will be effective on Jan. 1. Completed applications with payment in full received after Jan. 1 will be effective on the postmark date.

Current members will receive a renewal package by mail starting Dec. 1. Members who

have changed addresses should contact 727-582-2008. For more information and detailed plan coverage, call 727-582-2008 or visit www.pinellas.gov/coverage

Good Housekeeping Magazine named our area a top destination for 2026. St. Pete-Clearwater’s sugar white sands and emerald waters continue garnering attention, further solidifying the destination as the home to America’s Favorite Beaches. Joining an extensive list of accolades is the recent recognition in the Good Housekeeping’s 2026 Travel Awards, recognizing St. Pete-Clearwater as one of the country’s top beach escapes, lauding the popular visitor getaway for seamlessly blending its stunning sunny shoreline with a vibrant, worldclass city vacation experience. A beach getaway and a city vacation rolled into one, St. Pete-Clearwater blends sunny shoreline with worldclass attractions.

In the morning, you can splash around near some of the 36 miles of Gulf Coast beaches (including Clearwater Beach, which has fun inflatable slides on its powdery white sand). Then seek afternoon shade at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which rescues and rehabs dolphins, or the Dali Museum, which showcases works from the Spanish surrealist and other icons.

“This destination gives off European vibes, but you can also get your typical ‘beach town’ vacation fix,” said one tester, who stayed with her spouse at the Vinoy Resort & Golf Club. “The Dali Museum was one of the most incredible ones I’ve experienced,” she added. She loved Sunken

Gardens, which was full of flora and flamingos: “It is retro, has a history to it, and feels like the perfect place to bring your kids but also enjoy as adults.” Another tester, traveling with her teen, raved about her stay at the Island Grand at Tradewinds resort.

The City Theatre is looking for volunteers to help with their Christmas Carol shows. The show runs Dec. 19-28. Friday and Saturday evening shows are at 7:30pm and Sunday matinees at 2pm.

The playhouse needs ushers, concessions, box office and house managers. If you are interested in volunteering, click the link below to see what is available, and to sign up. Email office@spcitytheatre.org with any questions. www.signupgenius.com/ go/600D49A5AE23A1FA760687027-christmas#/

Leaders of the ARK Invest-backed Tampa Bay Innovation Center celebrated a new chapter in the business accelerator’s story. It will now be known as spARK Labs by ARK Invest.

This rebranding reflects a change in strategic direction and leadership, said CEO Rebecca Brown, who began her tenure in July. An open house event at the ARK Innovation Center, where the nonprofit is headquartered, was held to mark the occasion.

Now incubating 25 companies,

spARK Labs launched a new program to help businesses scale and grow in October. Startup leaders can receive one-on-one support, collaborate with the ARK Invest research team and gain access to a group of advisors. Capital opportunities are also available. “It’s a whole new focus on the disruptive innovation technologies that ARK Invest really spearheads. So, we are incubating companies across artificial intelligence, robotics, energy storage, and blockchain.

Treasure Island’s commissioners voted Nov. 19 to deny the Thunderbird’s owners, who bought the property in 2024, permission to rebuild 20 feet higher (from 60 to 80 feet) and with more rooms. “We all love the Thunderbird,” said Vice Mayor Tammy Vasquez at Wednesday’s commission meeting. “I’ve spent many sunsets behind the Thunderbird. But in this case, we have to do what’s right for the city and its citizens.” Residents said that Treasure Island would lose its unique identity should the “new” Thunderbird’s owners be allowed to add to its height. Treasure Island, they argued, should not become a “wall of tall buildings” that blocks views of the water. Speakers also decried the city’s lack of a master plan, calling it irresponsible to consider one development at a time, potentially using a different set of criteria for each case. Before the final vote of denial sent the owners back to the

drawing board, Gilad Ovaknin addressed the commissioners. He responded to Vasquez’s inquiry as to why the property, on the beach side, was still somewhat unsightly from the 2024 hurricane damage, and why demolition had not commenced. “We’d like to defer any expense to the time that it’s relevant. The right time for us, in terms of the prospective, is once we get the entitlement –meaning we have the approval, that we know that we can go to more detailed plans. At the same time, we can do part of the demolition. That would make more sense for us.” Commissioners voted to hire a master planner.

The City of Gulfport Senior Center’s Telephone Reassurance Program is a free service for Gulfport residents 50 years of age or older. Volunteers provide daily phone calls to registered members and provide comfort, security, and peace of mind to members and families. Registration is simple and free. If you or someone you know could benefit from this service during this difficult time, please call 727-893-2237 and register today.

Reminder to St. Pete Beach residents and visitors – NO DOGS ON THE BEACH! If you see something, say something. Contact Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency Line at 727-582-6200.

happy holidays

If you would like your home painted or an accent wall done before your guests arrive, we are offering 15% OFF THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. Offer is good until thefirst week of February. Just mention this ad when you call.

A new era of excellence has arrived in Pinellas County as Kranenburg Painting expands north under the leadership of Cliff Kranenburg –a visionary known for integrity, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

With a near-perfect 4.9-star rating and over 100 five-star reviews, Kranenburg Painting is celebrated for transforming homes and businesses with precision, artistry, and lasting beauty.

Now serving Pinellas County, Cliff and his expert team bring their signature craftsmanship, customer-first service, and eco-friendly techniques to local residents and businesses. Beyond stunning results, they’re building community – creating jobs, fostering relationships, and setting new standards in professionalism and trust.

Experience the difference that dedication and passion make.

Visit www.KranenburgPainting.com or call 941-524-2937 (Mon.-Fri., 8am-6pm, or text anytime). Kranenburg Painting – Excellence that lasts.

HOME IMPROVEMENT–SEAWALLS

Revitalizing Coastal Defenses for Sustainable Shorelines

Twenty-five years ago, we had just bought our first waterfront home and thought about adding a dock. A Pinellas County seawall inspector suggested we rebuild our 50-year-old seawall first.

We did not. It is now 75 years old and, after spending $200,000 restoring our home from the flood, we felt it might be time to restore or replace the seawall too. We scheduled two visits, one from a reputable seawall replacement firm and a second with a restoration firm.

The Importance of Seawall Restoration

Seawalls are critical barriers that protect coastal properties, infrastructure, and communities from the relentless forces of waves, tides, and storm surges. Over time, these structures can deteriorate due to constant exposure to saltwater, erosion, and the natural settling of the earth behind them. As coastal populations grow and climate change intensifies the risks of flooding and erosion, maintaining and restoring seawalls has become more important than ever.

Gulfcoast Soil and Seawall Doctors stand at the forefront of this essential work, offering expert seawall restoration services across the Gulf Coast region.

Understanding Seawall Deterioration

Seawalls, whether constructed of concrete, vinyl, steel, or wood, are vulnerable to a variety of threats. Common issues include cracks, spalling, rusted tiebacks, undermining, and soil loss behind the wall. Water infiltration, combined with the daily pressures of tides and weather, can exacerbate these

problems, leading to more significant structural failures if left unaddressed. Early signs of deterioration often include visible cracks, soil or sand loss, bowing or leaning walls, and even sinkholes forming behind the seawall. Addressing these issues promptly is key to extending the lifespan of the structure and protecting the adjacent land.

Gulfcoast Soil and Seawall Doctors specialize in diagnosing and repairing seawall damage using advanced techniques and materials. Their process begins with a thorough inspection, utilizing cutting-edge tools to assess the extent of deterioration and identify the root causes. This attention to detail ensures that restoration efforts are targeted and effective, preventing further damage and avoiding unnecessary expense for property owners.

One of the distinguishing features of Gulfcoast Soil and Seawall Doctors is their commitment to minimally invasive restoration methods. Rather than resorting to costly and disruptive complete replacements, they often employ techniques such

as soil stabilization, pressure grouting, and targeted crack repair. Pressure grouting, for instance, involves injecting specialized polyurethane foams or grout mixtures behind the seawall to fill voids, stabilize the soil, and seal leaks. This process not only restores the wall’s integrity but also prevents future soil loss and sinkhole formation.

Environmental Considerations and Benefits

All restoration methods prioritize environmental stewardship. Gulfcoast Soil and Seawall Doctors select materials and techniques designed to minimize ecological impact, such as using inert, non-toxic grouts and ensuring that work does not disturb marine habitats. By restoring existing seawalls instead of replacing them, they help reduce material waste and the carbon footprint associated with large-scale construction projects.

Customer Service and Community Impact

Beyond technical expertise, Gulfcoast Soil and Seawall Doctors is recognized for its commitment to customer service and

community well-being. The team works closely with property owners, condominium boards, and municipalities to develop tailored restoration plans that fit both needs and budgets. Education is a core part of their approach, providing clients with guidance on ongoing seawall maintenance and early warning signs of potential issues.

The company’s work not only safeguards individual properties but also contributes to the broader resilience of Gulf Coast communities. By maintaining robust coastal defenses, they help protect vital infrastructure, preserve property values, and ensure that local economies – many of which depend on waterfront tourism and recreation – continue to thrive.

Looking Forward: Adapting to Coastal Challenges

As climate patterns shift and extreme weather events become more frequent, seawall restoration will remain a cornerstone of coastal protection strategies. Gulfcoast Soil and Seawall Doctors are poised to meet these evolving challenges with innovation, ex-

pertise, and a deep commitment to the communities they serve. Through ongoing restoration efforts, they are helping to ensure that Gulf Coast shorelines remain safe, beautiful, and resilient for generations to come.

The quote for the replacement cost for our 50ft seawall, which is accessible by heavy equipment only from the water, was about $60,000, and it might take a year to get the needed permits. Restoration would stop the erosion and give us a 7-year warranty for $12,500. We chose that option, partially because we would want to eventually build a higher seawall than is currently allowed, and we could have poly-resin injection done right away with no permitting required.

If you are ready to take action on your seawall, email sales@soildocs.com or call Sam 786-450-4577.

ST. PETE FREE CLINIC

St. Pete Free Clinic Expands Efforts to Feed the Hungry as Demand Surges Across Pinellas County

With food insecurity at its highest level in years, the St. Pete Free Clinic (SPFC) is expanding its efforts to feed thousands of families and individuals who increasingly rely on its services. Elevated grocery prices and widespread financial strain have made the clinic’s food programs a critical lifeline.

For more than 50 years, SPFC has provided groceries, hot meals, and nutritional support to residents in need. Today, through its We Help Food Pantry, mobile distributions, and partnerships with nonprofits and faith organizations, the clinic distributes millions of pounds of food each year.

“We’re seeing a record number of people walk through our doors,” SPFC leadership reported. “Families who have never sought help before are now struggling to make ends meet.”

The We Help Food Pantry remains one of the county’s most accessible food resources, offering fresh produce, proteins, pantry staples, and household essentials with dignity and choice. Mobile distribution sites further extend reach into neighborhoods where transportation is a barrier.

Nearly half of those served so far this year are families with children, and many others are seniors on fixed incomes. Rising rent, medical expenses, and economic pressures continue to force residents to choose between necessities. “We’re not just filling fridges – we’re restoring hope,” the clinic noted.

SPFC also distributes essentials such as baby diapers and formula, adult incontinence products, feminine hygiene supplies, and toiletries as they become available. The clinic connects clients with additional community resources – including pet food, clothing, and rental or utility assistance – and offers support from client advocates who help individuals apply for driver’s licenses, bus passes, and other critical services.

During the holiday season, SPFC is calling for community support through donations, volunteer shifts, and food drives to meet growing demand. Additional services are available at the Deuces drive-through pantry at 2198 15th Ave. S, the walk-through pantry at 863 Third Ave. N, and the SPFC free health and dental clinic on Fourth Street. With health insurance premiums soaring, more residents are finding themselves choosing between food and basic healthcare – a choice SPFC aims to prevent.

www.thespfc.org

DINING

Temps are finally cooling down here in the Sunshine City and the beautiful weather is the perfect reason to celebrate the holidays on the patios of one of these fabulous seafood spots (though their menus are varied and offer more than just fruits de mer). All have festive atmospheres and delicious offerings. Ho-ho-go!

MIDDLE GROUNDS GRILL

Located in Treasure Island and run by a family with generations of ties to the sea, Middle Grounds Grill serves the freshest seafood along with top-quality meats, carved to perfection. The setting is casual, yet refined, offering a warm family-friendly environment. Popular with both locals and tourists, it’s ideal for celebrating a special occasion or just having a superb meal in a beach town. Menu highlights include the Bahamian conch fritters, the mango nut crusted grouper, wasabi crusted tuna and Moscato scallops (as well as stone crabs in season). For those with a sweet tooth, I suggest the Key Lime Tower and the Warm Fried Cheesecake. Service is friendly and they have live music on select nights. Call to reserve a table on their enclosed heated patio on chilly nights!

Closed Monday | Tues.-Thurs. 4:30pm-10pm Fri.-Sat. 4:30pm-10:30pm | Sun. 4:30pm-10pm Closed Christmas Day middlegroundsgrill.com

GRACE

Grace is Chef Jason’s fine dining restaurant with a beach feel, located on historic Eighth Avenue in Pass-a-Grille. A foodies delight, Grace offers daily specials and a menu that changes seasonally. They source the freshest ingredients from local suppliers and farmers, bringing the best Tampa Bay has to offer to your table. For dinner starters, you can’t go wrong with the crispy artichoke or PEI mussels. For entrees, I recommend the jumbo shrimp scampi and the 8oz prime filet. Happy Hour is available every day from 5-6pm, with a selection of light fare, cocktails, wine and beer. Ranked by the Tampa Bay Times as one of the 25 best restaurants and bars by the beach, be sure to give yourself some Grace this holiday season!

Mon. 5pm-9pm | Closed Tuesday | Wed.-Sun. 5pm-9pm gracerestaurant.com

MULLET’S FISH CAMP & MARKET

The 2025 Tampa Bay Times list of the top 50 restaurants in Tampa Bay places Mullet’s Fish Camp as the 40th best and they have earned their ranking. As partners Brian Rose and Nick Brown like to say, “just like the mullet, we’re bringing fish camps back in style.” Seating is mostly outdoor – though they have a fun indoor bar and the place gives off great laidback energy and old school Florida feels. On the menu you’ll find regular fish camp food stuff such as smoked fish spread, grouper sandwiches and peel and eat shrimp, along with varied cooking styles and sauces. Their chicken wings are don’t miss as well. I would be remiss not to mention that they have one of the best logos in the restaurant business – visit and you’ll see what I mean (here’s a hint: “the party’s in the back!)

Closed Monday | Tues.-Thurs. 12pm-9pm | Fri.- Sat. 12pm-10pm Sun. 12pm-9pm mulletsfishcamp.com

ISLAND GRILLE & RAW BAR

The Island Grille & Raw Bar in Tierre Verde is a waterfront treasure. With their lovely marina views and dock access to their dog friendly

deck and bar, the Island Grille is a terrific place to gather over the holidays. They are known for their oyster bar and consistently receive high ratings on Trip Advisor from area fans and visitors. My favorite from the appetizer menu was the grouper crab cakes; the lobster sliders are yummy and from entrees, the Mahi Mahi prepared with tomato, Kalamata olives and feta was scrumptious. They’ve added fajitas to the menu recently. The Key Lime pie (with graham cracker crust) and drunken bread pudding are tasty dessert options. Island Grille has live music nearly every night and offers daily happy hours from 11am-6pm, as well as three-course early dining specials from 3pm-5pm. Service here always comes with a smile. Toast the season enjoying the views in their lively tiki bar area. They’ll be open on Christmas Eve until 8pm and are closed Christmas Day.

Mon.-Thurs. 11am-10pm | Fri.-Sat. 11am-11pm | Sun. 11am-10pm islandrawbar.com

SINGLE-PARENT INITIATIVE ADDRESSES HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE SHORTAGE

A parenting plan details a time-sharing schedule and addresses decision-making regarding the child’s education, healthcare, and well-being. It outlines clear responsibilities and creates predictable schedules, providing both parents and the children with structure for everyday life.

Divorcing parents learn about parenting plans because they have to. Divorce is required to legally unmarry, and parenting plans are required for divorce with minor children. Unmarried parents are at a disadvantage. With no divorce requirement, they may not engage in the family court system, thus never gain knowledge about the powerful benefits of a parenting plan.

When parents gain knowledge of parenting plans they can “achieve a successful co-parenting strategy.” Strategies that pave the way to upward economic mobility. With set schedules and childcare, single parents can confidently commit to a workforce program. We recognized this and set our sights on Tampa Bay’s healthcare sector.

Tampa Bay has a healthcare workforce shortage. Rapid population growth led to staff burnout. Hospitals face increased labor costs competing for a limited pool of trained workers. And provider shortages are disrupting access to care. Successful co-parenting is the solution.

Effective Nov. 12, we launched a Co-Parenting Workforce Initiative with Evara Health Institute. The initiative aims to help low-income single parents achieve co-parenting strategies that accelerate participation in healthcare education and training. We provide co-parenting education and career pathing to address workforce shortages within our healthcare sector.

Elodie Dorso, CEO & President, Evara Health, shared what the initiative means: “At Evara Health Institute, we believe education is the foundation for empowerment. This partnership allows us to meet parents where they are – helping them balance family, education, and career. By combining co-parenting support with healthcare training, we’re not only opening doors to meaningful careers but also strengthening families and the future healthcare workforce of our community.”

Our award-winning education integrates school readiness and workforce opportunities. This requires a neighbor that understands

community needs, delivers exceptional student services and high-quality programs in a high-demand sector. We were intentional in pursuing Evara Health Institute, they are the lead trailblazer in healthcare education.

Activities offered at no cost include workshops, educational materials, community events & outreach. We’ve conducted these over the year, building trust, rapport with EHI staff, and gained knowledge of the five programs. Activities, while on-going, are not funded, and we invite others to join us in the important initiative. To learn more, contact us directly jakehornstein@ourchildrenhaverights.com or www.OCHR.org

OCHR is a 501c3 nonprofit that helps parents achieve successful co-parenting strategies, at no cost to the family. Why? Because Our Children Have Rights.

273 Madeira Circle,Tierra Verde - 3BR/3BA townhome. Active community. Tandem garage parking. New sliders and hurricane shutters. Tennis/pickleball courts & fishing pier. Pet-friendly. Julia Paulsen 727-463-4853 SOLD $425,000

property with cash flow. Currently a thriving daycare: 4 classrooms, 2 baths, kitchen, central AC. Open floor plan. Deanna-Sapp Phillips 727-422-0715

9510 36th Ave., E Palmetto - 5-acre horse ranch. 4.99 acres. Paved driveway. Pond. 3,946 SF, 2-story, 5BR/3BA/3 car garage. Eat-in kitchen, family

$389,450

130 Brittany Dr .S #807 Bayway Isles Point Brittany, St. Pete - 2BR/2BA 1605 SF condo. Water views of Boca Ciega Bay and Skyway Bridge. New windows and flooring. 4 heated pools, spa, fitness center, and tennis courts! Gabrielle Bettig 727-385-9017

2960 59th St. S #202 - 55+ Gulfport community of Town Shores along Boca Ciega Bay. Incredible views. Numerous amenities and activities. Direct
tennis courts, and clubhouse. Sherrie

Holiday Trim

(and I don’t mean decorations)

It’s that time of year when we’re tempted to throw our healthful habits to the wind and indulge in the delicacies of the season. Between holiday parties and family gatherings, there are plenty of opportunities to go off the rails when it comes to your wellness. Here are some tips to stay healthy and happy during the holiday season.

Enough is as good as a feast…

What would the holidays be without all the wonderful food, drinks and desserts that only come around once a year?

It’s perfectly fine to treat yourself to these fleeting treats, with limits. A party tray is not an all-you-can-eat buffet. Select a few items to savor and then move on. Consider eggnog a dessert, not a drink – it is full of cream and sugar, and half a cup contains over 200 calories. Portion control is key. Have that piece of pie or slice of fruitcake but make it a small one. You don’t have to deprive yourself to stave off the extra holiday pounds.

Eating food that you don’t usually eat can send your body into a tailspin. I have not eaten meat for over 25 years, and I have cut dairy, sugar, and carbs like rice, pasta, and bread from my daily diet. “Where’s the fun in that?!,” you say.

Well, I have found that I just feel better when I don’t ingest them. Every year when the holidays roll around, I have a bit of cheese, a dollop of cream, a slice of bread, and a bit more sugar. I usually end up paying for this in the form of gastrointestinal upset, aching joints, headaches, and more. It’s important to set a limit on things your body is not used to handling, including alcohol.

Desserts spelled backwards is stressed…

The holidays create added stress in several ways. It can be joyous to have family coming to stay with you, but you’ll be giving up your personal space and disrupting daily routines. If there are family dynamics that can lead to stressful situations, it may be best to have relatives stay at a hotel or rental house where they will have more privacy and space. When everyone can sleep comfortably, they are more likely to enjoy the holiday.

It’s understandable to have high expectations for holiday gatherings, but these expectations generate additional stress. Acknowledge that, despite your best efforts, things may not go as planned, and that’s all right. Sometimes the most memorable and delightful moments of a holiday are the ones that are not planned. If you start to feel overwhelmed, find a quiet place and take a few deep breaths. Everything will work out for the best if you keep a positive mind-set.

There are also financial pressures during the holidays with added expenses for gifts, travel, and holiday meals. To manage this, set a gift budget that will not leave you in

debt come January. Real friends don’t need extravagant gifts, they just want to spend time with you, so plan a fun outing together instead. To avoid having to buy individual gifts for everyone in a large family, consider a gift swap where each person only buys one gift for the exchange. Years from now your child won’t recall the toy they got when they were 8, but they will remember the excitement and happiness of holiday time spent with you. Don’t miss out on the tiny, brilliant things in life.

Dasher and dancer and prancer…

One of the best antidotes to holiday stress and high caloric intake is staying active.

Enjoy time with your family by taking a long walk on one of our beautiful beaches or take an evening stroll in downtown St. Pete and enjoy the sparkling lights. Forget your inhibitions and get up on the dance floor at the holiday party. Make some lasting memories by playing outdoor games with your friends and family. Cornhole, badminton, and ping-pong are always popular. I was recently introduced to Kubb, a lawn game where you knock over wooden blocks with wooden batons. Trust me, it’s a lot more fun and challenging than it sounds! And yes, even shopping counts as training if you do enough laps around the mall. When your regular exercise routine is put on hold for the holidays, there are plenty of great alternatives to keep you moving.

A good laugh and a long sleep…

As Lord Byron said, “Always laugh when you can, it is cheap medicine.” Laughter releases those feel-good endorphins and neurotransmitters in the brain that give you a sense of well-being. Having a good chuckle increases oxygen intake and blood circulation and boosts the immune response. When you laugh with friends and family, it strengthens your relationships and defuses conflict. If you need a good laugh, watch a funny holiday movie together,

or spend a night out at a comedy club. Recall humorous memories together over a cup of hot cocoa or mulled cider or play a game like Cards Against Humanity to lighten the mood.

Sleep is the key to handling holiday stress, change in routine and seasonal illnesses. You need at least 7-9 hours of sleep a night to manage stress and bolster your immune system. Although it may be difficult with late-night parties and long days of holiday preparations, it’s important to keep a consistent sleep schedule. If you do have a night with less sleep, repay your sleep debt with a nap. Try to avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime and keep screens out of your bedroom. Without proper sleep you won’t be able to fully enjoy your holiday time.

Managing diet, exercise, sleep, and stress is essential to having a healthful holiday season. When you are mindful of your own well-being, those around you will benefit too.

Wishing you the happiest of holidays, and a joyous new year ahead!!

ECO

DIATOMACEOUS EARTH FOR ANT AND ROACH CONTROL A Natural Non-toxic Solution for Household Pests

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a naturally occurring, soft sedimentary rock that crumbles into a fine, white powder. Made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms, DE is widely used as a non-toxic method for controlling household pests, especially ants and cockroaches. There is an inexhaustible supply.

How Diatomaceous Earth Works

Diatomaceous earth kills insects through physical – not chemical means. The fine powder consists of microscopic, sharp-edged particles that damage the exoskeletons of ants and roaches. As these pests crawl through the powder, their protective outer layer is scratched and dried out, causing them to dehydrate and die within a few days.

Choosing the Right Type of Diatomaceous Earth

There are two main types of diatomaceous earth: food grade and filter grade. For ant and cockroach control, always use food grade DE, as it is safe for use in homes and around pets and children. You can get a 4 lb. bag, which is enough to do most homes, for under $10.

How to Apply Diatomaceous Earth for Ant & Roach Control

1. Identify Problem Areas: Locate where ants and roaches are most active. Common places include along baseboards, under appliances, near garbage cans, and in cracks or crevices.

2. Clean the Area: Before applying DE, clean surfaces to remove food crumbs, grease, and other attractants. Dry the area thoroughly, as DE is ineffective when wet.

3. Apply a Thin Layer: Using a duster or a small brush, lightly sprinkle a thin, even layer of diatomaceous earth in infested areas. Focus on entry points like windowsills, doorways, and under sinks.

4. Leave Undisturbed: Allow the powder to remain undisturbed for several days. The pests must walk through it for DE to be effective.

5. Reapply as Needed: If the powder becomes wet or is vacuumed up, reapply as necessary until pest activity ceases.

Safety Considerations

• Wear a mask during application to prevent respiratory irritation.

• Keep Out of Eyes: Diatomaceous earth can cause eye discomfort,

• Safe for Pets and Children: food grade DE is generally considered safe, once the dust has settled.

Tips for Maximum Effectiveness

Use DE as part of an integrated pest management plan, including regular cleaning and sealing entry points.

• Replace DE after cleaning or heavy foot traffic, as the powder can be disturbed or removed.

• For outdoor control, apply DE around the foundation of your home, but reapply after rain.

Diatomaceous earth is an effective, natural, and chemical-free way to control ants and roaches in the home. When used properly, it can help you maintain a pest-free environment safely and efficiently. Always follow label directions and safety precautions for best results.

Celebrating a Storm-Free Hurricane Season

Beach and coastal communities are CELEBRATING the end of a thankfully very quiet 2025 Hurricane Season.

Our beaches are being replenished with sand. The Pinellas County Commission, in June 2025, authorized funding for a one-time emergency beach nourishment project to include placing sand on the islands of Sand Key (Clearwater Beach to Belleair Beach and Indian Rocks Beach to North Redington Beach), Treasure Island and Upham Beach. The project is estimated to place more than 2.5 million cubic yards of sand on these beaches through next month.

• Indian Shores: August – September 2025

• Indian Rocks Beach: November – Early December 2025

• Redington Shores and N. Redington Beach: September – October 2025

• Upham Beach: October – November 2025

• Sunset Beach: November 2025 – January 2026

• Sunshine Beach: November 2025 – January 2026

After years of unsuccessful attempts to resolve policy disagreements with the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Board of County Commissioners approved Pinellas County Public Works’ effort to design, permit and complete this project using county funds. The $125.7 million project is supported by the Tourism Development Tax and state grants. The state of Florida is supporting the project with $14.2 million in grant reimbursement. Previous projects benefitted from a 65% federal cost-share through the U.S. Army

Corps of Engineers, but without easements from all property owners, the county is no longer eligible for federal funding. Due to a lack of signed construction easements from beachfront property owners, sand will not be placed or will be placed only seaward of the Erosion Control Line (ECL) in some areas. Property owners may see low spots on the beach behind their homes, particularly on Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores and Redington Shores, where property owners could not be located or chose not to sign construction easements.

In spite of the storms that took out many of the older mom-and-pops and resort hotels for most of the year, tourism officials are also celebrating.

“There are very few destinations in the State of Florida that can say they’ve collected over $90 million in Tourist Development Tax collections, there are even fewer that can say they’ve done it four years in a row. Clearwater and St. Pete can, and that’s a testament to the municipalities, the County, the attractions, the hoteliers, and the resilience of this destination. To be where we are today, exceeded my expectations, and it’s something to be proud of and celebrated.”

– Brian Lowack, President/CEO, Visit St. Pete-Clearwater

Pinellas County saw more than $1.5 billion in hotel revenue generated in fiscal year 2025, which resulted in more than $92 million in Tourist Development Tax collected for the fourth straight year! For more information on the Tourist Development Tax, visit www.FromVisitorsWithLove.com.

President/CEO Brian Lowack also presented the new Arts Tourism Plan, introduced Film Commissioner Dave Caputo, and invited anyone interested to join Visit St. Pete-Clearwater for its Annual Partner Summit – with a twist! This year they’re hitting the road to meet their partners where they are – sharing key tourism data, organizational priorities, and exciting opportunities to engage with Visit St. Pete/Clearwater’s marketing initiatives and team.

Tuesday, Jan. 13: Beach Theatre –315 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach

Wednesday, Jan. 14: Innisbrook –36750 US Hwy 19 N, Palm Harbor

Thursday, Jan. 15: The James Museum –150 Central Ave., St. Petersburg

Friday, Jan. 16: Clearwater Marine Aquarium –249 Windward Passage, Clearwater

Schedule

8:15am Doors Open

8:30am Registration & Continental Breakfast 9am Program Begins

Worship is Back on the Beaches

Tampa Bay just marked the first anniversary of the “100-year storms” which will be long remembered. Our barrier island homes of worship were badly impacted. St John Vianney Catholic Church and School taught many island residents for almost 100 years until all 14 classroom buildings were flooded. Sadly, the school will not reopen, but the congregation held services in the beautiful church building, to observe the anniversary. Across the street, St. Albans still has a fence around it and its thrift store, The Attic Shoppe on Corey, is closed, likely forever.

The Church by the Sea, a non-denominational church at 495 137th Ave. Circle in Madeira Beach, is known affectionately as the “chicken church” due to the unintentional appearance of the steeple from the west. While it was badly impacted by flood waters and shifting sand, they were able to return services to their sanctuary by the end of May. Their thrift store is also open on a limited basis. Here is a breakdown of its reopening status:

Worship Services: In-person Sunday services are being held in the sanctuary Sundays at 10am. The main office is closed due to damage, but staff can be reached by text or phone. The thrift store has reopened on a limited schedule (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am-2pm).

Overall Status: The church community is actively recovering and operating various ministries and events, though the full extent of the facilities is not yet operational while rebuilding continues.

For the most current information, it is best to check the church’s official website or social media pages.

In Pass-a-Grille, the original church on Ninth Avenue, now the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum, remains shuttered, likely awaiting 2025-26 Pinellas County budget funding.

The Pass-a-Grille Community Church has been open 50 years at their “new location” on 16th Ave. and recently held services indoors for the first time since the flood. November 9 they celebrated the re-opening of the church’s thrift store, a long-time community service of the church and a prized local institution. It is served by volunteers Tues., Thurs., and Sat. 9am–noon.

The church’s new Senior Pastor – the Reverend Dr. Angela Wells-Bean, is a smart, young, dynamic pastor who grew up here and is thrilled to be serving back home in Tampa Bay. Reverand Angela graduated from New College, Union Theological Seminary and got a doctorate from the Candler School at Emory University. Her mom is also a local St. Pete UCC pastor!

When not at the church, Reverand Angela spends time with her husband

Andy and their two young children. A group of dedicated volunteers had labored incessantly to meet a self-imposed deadline. Everyone was very complimentary about the general contractor, Ted Kinner, of Kinner Inc. 727678-4895, even Kelly Sparra, volunteer decorator, who said “Ted listened,” uncommon for builders in her experience. The undisputed leader of the renovation group is Pat Cohen, a British expat who was visiting friends in South Africa when she met the anthropologist whose name she has carried as her own ever since. After 60 years in America Pat still sounds quite British. Pat’s restoration team consisted of Bob Herb, Ann Waterhouse, Ted Kinner, Betty Colone, Marianne Marsaro, Ann Morton, Pat Cohen and volunteer interior designer Kelly Sparra, who lives across the street. They are still struggling financially after taking such a hit, and FEMA funds have not come in, so they need all the help they can get.

There are always a ton of great activities happening at the church that are open to the community. Starting in February, there is an outdoor spring concert series to which all are invited. An open and affirming church where all are welcome.

Worship 8:30am and 10am Sundays Pass-A-Grille Beach Community Church United Church of Christ 107 16th Ave., St. Pete Beach 727-360-5508 www.pagchurch.org

Light the World Giving Machine Arrives in Tampa Bay

Light the World Giving Machine Arrives in Tampa Bay

“Vending machine” invites holiday givers to support local charities in an interactive and memorable experience.

“Vending machine” invites holiday givers to support local charities in an interactive and memorable experience.

Have you ever bought a goat from a vending machine? How about warm clothing for a child, groceries for a family, or job training for someone seeking a fresh start?

Have you ever bought a goat from a vending machine? How about warm clothing for a child, groceries for a family, or job training for someone seeking a fresh start?

From December 16–January 3, visitors at Clearwater Mall can use the Light the World Giving Machine to purchase charitable items—meals, hygiene kits, clothing, livestock, and more—for families supported by local nonprofits.

From December 16–January 3, visitors at Clearwater Mall can use the Light the World Giving Machine to purchase charitable items – meals, hygiene kits, clothing, livestock, and more –for families supported by local nonprofits.

“For our family, the joy of Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a chance to give to others,” said longtime Tampa residents Patrick and Anne Thornton. “We are so excited to show love to our neighbors here in the Tampa Bay area through the Giving Machine.”

“For our family, the joy of Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a chance to give to others,” said longtime Tampa residents Patrick and Anne Thornton. “We are so excited to show love to our neighbors here in the Tampa Bay area through the Giving Machine.”

Since 2017, the Giving Machine has raised over $50 million, providing life-changing items worldwide. Instead of snacks, it dispenses charitable gifts ranging from $5–$200, with 100% of donations going directly to nonprofits. All costs are covered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Since 2017, the Giving Machine has raised over $50 million, providing life-changing items worldwide. Instead of snacks, it dispenses charitable gifts ranging from $5-$200, with 100% of donations going directly to nonprofits. All costs are covered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Benefiting charities include Metropolitan Ministries, Premier Community HealthCare, The Spring of Tampa Bay, CASA Pinellas, The Shepherd Center of Tarpon Springs, and global partners Mentors International and Splash. The launch event is Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 11am at Clearwater Mall (in front of Crumbl Cookies) and will feature speakers, music, and a ribbon-cutting and free Crumbl cookies! Follow @GivingMachineFlorida or visit GivingMachine.org for details.

Benefiting charities include Metropolitan Ministries, Premier Community HealthCare, The Spring of Tampa Bay, CASA Pinellas, The Shepherd Center of Tarpon Springs, and global partners Mentors International and Splash. The launch event is Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 11:00 AM at Clearwater Mall (in front of Crumbl Cookies) and will feature speakers, music, and a ribbon-cutting and free Crumbl cookies! Follow @GivingMachineFlorida or visit GivingMachine.org for details.

December 16 - January 3rd

These red vending machines offer a fun and easy way to help those in need, with items starting at just $5. Together, we can make a meaningful impact this holiday season by donating essential items to local and global charities.

for daily family-friendly events at the Giving Machine. Follow for updates.

Navigating Lady Bird Deeds in Florida VAUGHN VOYAGE

For many people who split their time between two states, a second property in Florida represents more than just an investment – it’s part of their life story. Whether it’s a winter home near the coast or a rental that helps supplement income, that property deserves thoughtful planning. Without proper estate planning, however, your Florida home could trigger probate proceedings in two different states after your death – one where you live primarily, and another here in Florida. That means more court involvement, added attorney’s fees, and months of delay before your loved ones can take clear title.

Florida’s Lady Bird Deed, also known as an Enhanced Life Estate Deed, offers a simple and effective way to avoid that problem. This tool allows you to keep full control of your property during your lifetime – including the right to sell, refinance, or change beneficiaries – while ensuring your chosen heirs receive the property automatically at your death, without any probate.

How It Works

A Smart Step for Second Property Owners

With a Lady Bird Deed, you remain the sole owner while you’re alive. You can change your mind, revoke the deed, or dispose of the property as you wish. Only upon your passing does ownership transfer to your named beneficiary, instantly and outside the court system. That makes it an ideal option for snowbirds, retirees, and out-of-state owners who maintain a Florida property in their name alone.

Why It Matters

If no planning is done, Florida law requires a separate ancillary probate to transfer ownership of real estate located here, even if your primary estate is probated elsewhere. This second proceeding can be just as costly and time-consuming as the first. By using a Lady Bird Deed, you eliminate that need entirely – saving your family both money and frustration.

A Lady Bird Deed can be one of the most practical estate planning strategies for anyone who owns real property in Florida while residing elsewhere. It keeps your affairs simple, preserves your control, and ensures your Florida property transfers smoothly and efficiently when the time comes.

At Vaughn Law PLLC, we help families and property owners plan with clarity and confidence. If you own a Florida property but live elsewhere, now’s the time to chart your course – before probate does it for you. If you have any questions or need legal advice or assistance preparing a Lady Bird Deed, reach out to Vaughn Law to schedule a consultation 727-223-6080.

Danielle L. Vaughn, Esq., B.C.S., LL.M. Board Certified Real Estate Attorney VAUGHN LAW, PLLC 5600 Central Ave., St. Petersburg Phone: 727-223-6080 | Fax: 727-645-4226 dvaughnlaw.com

Vaughn Law offers its clients a different, more personalized and service orientated approach, by tailoring its representation to its client’s needs. At Vaughn Law, we understand that this may be an overwhelming, unfamiliar and stressful time for our clients, therefore we strive to help our clients understand the intricacies of the legal system and to keep them informed throughout the process.

5600 Central Avenue, Saint Petersburg, FL 33707 | (727) 223-6080 350 Corey Avenue, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 | (727) 363-6100 fax (727) 645-4226 | Reception@dvaughnlaw.com | dvaughnlaw.com

GULFPORT MATTERS

Season’s greetings to all! This time of year, Gulfport’s traditions and events truly bring the spirit and joy of the holidays to life –beginning with our Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Clymer Park on Dec.1. From the twinkle of lights to the laughter that drifts through our many celebrations, every moment reminds me how lucky I am to live in a place where community truly means something.

I’m so grateful to be part of this wonderful town and all of you who make it feel like family. I do my best to make it to as many festivities as possible, because each gathering – every parade, concert, and holiday market – shines with Gulfport’s unique spirit of togetherness. I hope you’ll join in the fun: shop local, dine with friends, listen to the music, and share in the joy that makes this season so magical.

Wishing each of you a holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, and connection, and a New Year brimming with hope, good health, and new possibilities. Here’s to another year of sharing in the heart of Gulfport – together.

Upcoming Events in Gulfport

Dec. 4: The Annual Members Holiday Party and Mixer: The Gulfport Merchants Chamber will host their annual members holiday party and mixer on Wed., 5-7pm, at the North End Taphouse, located in the heart of Gulfport’s Brewery District. At 5:30pm, the Chamber will present grant checks to three deserving local organizations. For more information, visit VisitGulfportFlorida.com

Dec. 5, 12, 19, 24: Lighted Golf Cart Parades, 6pm: every Friday in December until Christmas. The parade will start at Town Shores Plaza at 28th Ave. S and 58th St. S and next to Wood Ibis Park. The route will travel through Town Shores Condominiums, finally disbursing on Shore Blvd S. Follow Golf Cart Cruisers on Facebook for updates.

Dec. 5: Fundamental Freedoms Art Exhibit, 5:30pm: WonderWorks is honored to host this timely exhibit of art by 30 artists, each representing one of the 30 articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations. The event will include a cocktail party and an awards ceremony. WonderWorks is at 5314 Gulfport Blvd. info@wonderworksgulfport.com

Dec. 6 and 7: Art Jones Studio Tour (Dec. 6, 10am-5pm and Dec. 7, 11am-4pm): This year, the Art Jones Studio Tour has 23 artists in nine studios and galleries throughout Gulfport. Ten of the 23 artists are new to the tour. It is a free, self-guided tour that welcomes you into their private studios, ateliers, and galleries to meet the artists, see the process, and buy art. Tour details and map: artjonesstudiotour.com

Dec. 7: The New Horizons Flute Ensemble Concert, 3-5pm: At Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S. Free admission. nhbgulfport@hotmail.com

Dec. 10: Meet & Mingle: Midtown Business Collective, 5pm Social Hour, 6pm Meeting at WonderWorks, 5314 Gulfport Blvd. S. Join fellow business owners and neighbors for refreshments and networking. Everyone is welcome. Bring marketing materials to share and display at the MBC Visitors Center.

Dec. 12: The New Horizons Big Band Christmas, 5-9pm: Tickets available at Eventbrite – Big Band Christmas

Dec. 13: Gulfport Community Holiday Parade, 2pm: The parade route is along the Clymer Park Greenway (Beach Blvd. S) and Beach Blvd. S (in the downtown business district). The event concludes with a community photo with Santa at the city Christmas tree in Clymer Park Pavilion. For extra fun, wear your favorite Santa, elf, or holiday costumes for the picture. Details: Gulfport Holiday Parade Info.

Dec. 13: Gulfport Santa Rampage: The annual Santa Rampage is officially set. Mark your calendars, brush off your Santa suit, shine your boots, and get your reindeer ready! More details on the route, after-party are forthcoming. See Santa Rampage FL on Facebook.

Dec. 13: 39th Annual Boca Ciega Yacht Club’s Lighted Boat Parade, 6pm: Boats will begin to gather in the bay around 5:30pm. At 6pm, the Gulfport Police boat will call all the boats together to line up and will lead the parade. The parade will start at the Gulfport Municipal Marina, pass by Clam Bayou and Osgood Point, and into the bay heading to Williams Pier and Gulfport Casino Ballroom before passing by the beach. The parade will make way through Town Shores, Pelican Bay, Skimmers Point, Bayview Circle, past Kipps Colony, near the Pasadena Yacht & Country Club (due to the marina, they will only be able to go halfway down that canal), then along Dolphin Blvd., to the Pasadena Golf Club Estates, across Isla del Sol, and then back to the slips. Also, BCYC is proud to have been part of Operation Santa coordinated by the Gulfport Police

Department for over 24 years. Everyone is encouraged to donate unwrapped toys at the BCYC clubhouse or at the Gulfport Police Department.

Dec. 13: Paw & Petal, 4-8pm: Dog friendly photos with Santa and Dog Holiday Costume Contest hosted by Gulf Orchids, 5313 Gulfport Blvd. S. gulforchids.com or 727.321.2732

Dec. 14: New Horizons Band of Gulfport Concert, 6-8pm: At the Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S. Free admission. nhbgulfport@hotmail.com

Dec. 14, 4-6pm: Family Play & Potluck in the Gulfport Food Forest in Clymer Park. This is a family friendly community potluck. Bring food to share and your own cups, plates, and cutlery.

Dec. 18, 9am-5pm: US Coast Guard Auxiliary will hold a Recreational Boating Course at the CGA Training Building, 3120 Miriam St. S. Contact: 305.731.3580 or 716auxgulfport@gmail.com

Dec. 19, 6pm: The Enroy Foundation Backyard Concerts Series will present the St. Pete Mountain Boys (Bluegrass and Hippie Folk). Donations and details: enroy@yahoo.com

Gulfport Markets & Traditions

Find produce, crafts, art, local eats, and entertainment on Beach Blvd. S:

• Tues Fresh Market – Every Tues, 9am–2pm

• Gulfport Night Markets – First Friday & Third Saturday, 5–9pm

• Growers & Makers Market has started up again. It is held on the first Sunday of each month from 11am to 3pm on Thirteenth Ave. S at 1301 49th St. S

• NEW! Seafood Crab Fest in Trolley Market Square –Saturday, Dec. 13, 12-6pm. This month’s theme is a Seafood Crab Fest. This festival will be held on a monthly basis with a variety of themes. Sponsored by Fusion 49th and Saturday Shoppes. 4900 Tangerine Ave. S. Free parking.

Live Music, Open Mics & Jams

Gulfport’s got rhythm! Here’s where to catch weekly open mic nights. See Gulfport Matters on Facebook for other music throughout the week:

• Mon. – North End Taphouse, 5:30-7:30pm

• Tues. – North End Taphouse, 7-10pm

• Thurs. – Gulfport Brewery, 6-9pm

• Fri. – Seabreeze Manor, 4-7pm

• 1st & 7th – Blueberry Patch Open Mic

• 11th – Blueberry Patch Open Jam

*Follow Gulfport Matters on Facebook and stay connected to the creativity, community, and spirit that make Gulfport shine.

HANGING AROUND

I knew better, of course. A house built in 1932 with a flat roof and enormous yard. Fuse box circa the Reagan administration. It’s gonna need work. But I fell in love, and it was in Gulfport. The seller agreed to update the fuse box before we sealed the deal. Next came the obvious. Screening in the concrete slab out back for a lanai. Hurricane windows and doors. New roof. Then Lenny joined me and the cat, and at last I had a comrade in householding and someone who actually enjoys mowing “the back 40.”

I could go on and on. Rewiring (shout-out to Red Royal Electric). Repiping. Tile roof trim repaired or replaced. Although we were spared flooding during last year’s hurricanes, Milton found a chink in the roof’s modified bitumen armor. Like many, we suffered through roving roofing “professionals” showing up unannounced post-storm before finding our contractor. State-of-the-art TPO now protects our house (courtesy of Protek Roofing & Solar).

However, none of this eliminated the mystery leaks that had plagued me since day one. Who knew the stucco exterior was at fault? After much caulking, waterproofing, and painting (by Allstate Waterproofing), the floors are dry.

Lenny has been a trooper and partner in the “it’s always something” nature of our home. He says maintaining a vintage home is like watching Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House

Recently, we took Duke Energy up on its offer to partially subsidize HVAC duct repair. Duke’s preferred provider said our house leaked like a sieve because the ducts were shot, but due to limited attic space, didn’t want the job. A few HVAC contractors said they’d need to remove a wall and/or ceiling to gain access. A couple of young, skinny techs (thank you Total Air) took on the challenge. The sheet metal ducts they dragged out were obviously original equipment. And, like the concrete slab in the garage, they were inscribed with the name of the first homeowner: Mr. Poor. Yes, this is the Poor House!

The Further Adventures of This Old House

ART NEWS

Felt-astic treasure A new convenience store is open in St. Pete, but don’t show up hungry. The whimsical FloridaRAMA installation by British artist Lucy Sparrow features felt merchandise. In fact, everything from the shelves to the cash register is felt. And everything is for sale. www.floridarama.art

Feeling gifty Share a Florida ARTventure with FloridaRAMA’s 2025 Gift Boxes, pairing local art with a one-of-akind immersive experience. Or for a lasting gift, give a year of ARTventures with a FloridaRAMA membership. www.shop.floridarama.art

Support your local artisan

The GCAA Artsy Indie Market is open Saturdays in December in front of the gallery at 5546 First Ave. N in St. Pete. Check out paintings, drawings, jewelry, pottery, yard art, photographs, prints, stickers, magnets, cards, ornaments, and more. While there, take in the group exhibition by GCAA members, now through 12/27. www.gcaa-artworks.com

Hi again Matteo Lane: We

Gotta Catch Up! Tour is coming to town. A Variety “10 Comics to Watch,” Lane tackles a wide range of topics from his experiences as a gay man to hilarious insights into everyday life. 3/7/2026, 8pm, at the Mahaffey. https://bit.ly/matteo-lane

Now that’s funny Side Splitters Comedy Club, one of Tampa’s longest-running comedy clubs, is expanding to downtown St. Pete with a new 250-seat club at the Sundial shopping center. The St. Pete space is expected to debut by summer 2026. www.sidesplitterscomedy.com

So many murals, so little time Immerse yourself in St. Pete’s world-class street art scene

with a guided mural tour led by former SHINE director Jenée Priebe Private tours: https://bit.ly/ngda-contact Florida CraftArt walking tours: every Saturday, 10am. https://bit.ly/fca-mural Star Trolley trolley tours: every second & fourth Sunday. https://bit.ly/star-murals

Celebrate! 30 years of Creative Clay at Retrospective 30: A Folk Art Holiday at Creative Clay’s Good Folk Gallery, 1846 First Ave. S, during St. Pete’s Second Saturday ArtWalk, 12/13 5-9pm. The exhibit presents recent paintings, sculptures, and ceramics made for the exhibit alongside older works. www.creativeclay.org

Dinner & a movie Green Light Cinema, home of St. Pete’s only art house movie theater, is adding the Green Light Lounge, a restaurant right next door, where you can have a drink and a bite before or after the show. Events, improv, comedy, and music are also on the menu. 221 Second Ave. N. www.greenlightstpete.com

Don’t just watch, act Learn a new skill or hone an old one at Green Light’s acting and improv classes. Winter semester’s eight-week classes start the week of 1/10//2026. https://bit.ly/station-12

Alternative sense Discover niche and indie scents inside Super Memory, an intimate fragrance boutique. Relish the nostalgia of a meadow, an old book, single-malt whiskey, or discover something new. A record player spinning vinyl will add to the shop’s immersive atmosphere. 600 First Ave. N. www.supermemory.us

Talking Heads quiet for now You’re just going to have to wait for the Capitol Theatre’s presentation of Stop Making Sense: Live Event. The screening, which celebrates the 40th anniversary of Jonathan Demme’s ground-breaking film’s release, has been rescheduled from 11/22 to 1/21/2026. And it’s hosted by founding band member Jerry Harrison, who will provide opening remarks and a talk-back session.

https://bit.ly/jerry-sense

Ethnophotographic memory

The James Museum presents Edward S. Curtis: Photographer of His Time. Best known for his extensive photographic record of Native American cultures, this landmark exhibition offers a look at Curtis’s body of work, tracing his three-decade photographic career alongside broader shifts in American art. Now thru 3/29/2026. https://bit.ly/curtis-2025

Making beautiful music together The USF College of Design, Art & Performance and The Florida Orchestra have formed a new partnership to elevate music education. TFO Music Director Michael Francis and Resident Conductor Chelsea Gallo will serve as artists-in-residence at USF, providing students professionallevel experiences to help shape them as musicians and prepare them for future success. Free performances 3/5 and 4/30/2026. https://bit.ly/usf-arts

Behind the scenes See what the gallery gaffers are up to during the staff exhibition at the Duncan McClellan Gallery. More than just the friendly faces you see during your visits, team members are skilled artists – designing, sculpting, and shaping glass with creativity and craftsmanship. 12/131/17/2026, Duncan McClellan Gallery, 2342 Emerson Ave. S, St. Pete. https://bit.ly/gallery-gaffers

Bungalow bonanza Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement presents Preserving St. Pete’s Historic Bungalow Neighborhoods as part of its Speaker Series. Explore how bungalows shaped St. Pete’s early identity. Architectural historian Emily Elwyn discusses Historic Kenwood, Lang’s Bungalow Court, and Roser Park to show how their craftsmanship, affordability, and charm helped define St. Pete’s character. 12/13, 11am. https://bit.ly/maacm-1125

“Love of beauty is taste. The creation of beauty is art.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Make a creative New Year’s resolution Morean Arts Center winter classes run 1/5-2/14 and 2/23-4/4/2026. Try your hand at clay, printmaking, mosaics, and more. 719 Central Ave., St. Pete. www.moreanarts center.org/classes

Look at her now Overlooked for centuries, 17th-century Flemish painter Michaelina Wautier is finally being recognized as an “Old Master” alongside her male contemporaries, such as Rubens and Vermeer. In an era when women artists were often confined to smallscale portraits or still lifes, Wautier’s monumental works are extraordinary. A major exhibition of her work is on display thru 2/2026 at Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum. www.khm.at/en

Show & tell Show off your amazing artwork at the Suntan Art Center for a couple of hours of sharing. Every Thursday, 10am-noon. Feel inspired? Stay for open studios noon3pm. 411 19th St. S, St. Pete. www.suntanart.org/art-classes

Dying to dye Learn the thrill of revealing the amazing colors created by ice-dyeing. The technique involves presoaking fabric in a soda ash solution, scrunching it, covering it with ice, then sprinkling with fiber-reactive dye. Amazing! 1/17 10am-1pm and 1/18 10am-noon at the Suntan Art Center, 411 19th St. S, St. Pete. https://bit.ly/ice-dyeing

Holiday high jinx The Beach Theatre’s Holiday Cabaret brings together local performers for a festive performance of timeless holiday classics, from beloved carols to jazzy winter favorites. 12/6-7, shows at 10:30am, noon, and 1:30pm. 315 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach. www.thebeachtheatre.org

Opium in the land of the lotus eaters While analyzing organic residue left in a 2,500-yearold Egyptian vessel, Yale researchers based at Yale’s Peabody Museum in New Haven, CT found well-known biomarkers for opium. While this and similar objects have long had aesthetic appeal, the team focuses on what they actually contained, discovering that ancient Egyptians had a taste for opium.

ARTISTS SPOTLIGHT

St. Petersburg, Florida, is renowned for its thriving arts scene, home to artists who challenge and inspire through music, painting, and sculpture. Highlighted below are three notable artists whose work has made a significant impact on the city’s creative landscape in 2025: Nate Najar, Janie Haskins, and Stephen Harlan.

Nate

is a celebrated jazz guitarist whose soulful performances have earned him the Performance Arts Award at the 2025 MUSE Awards in St. Petersburg. Deeply influenced by classical guitar and Latin rhythms, Najar’s style stands out in the contemporary jazz world. He is recognized not only for his technical skill but also for his emotionally resonant compositions that transport listeners.

Najar’s dedication to his craft has led him to collaborate with notable artists both locally and internationally, blending the traditions of bossa nova, samba, and American jazz into a distinct signature sound. His studio, located in the heart of St. Petersburg’s creative district, frequently hosts sessions open to young musicians, fostering artistic growth within the community.

Key performances by Najar in 2025 have included headline appearances at Bayboro Brewing and local arts-themed festivals. Each show encapsulates his commitment to merging the rich heritage of jazz with the city’s ever-evolving musical identity, inspiring enthusiasts and beginners alike.

Janie Haskins:

Impressionistic Oil Painter

Janie Haskins personifies the vibrant spirit of St. Petersburg’s painting community. Known for her impressionistic oil paintings,

Haskins captures the Florida landscape in radiant color – birds, mangroves, and sunlit beaches – celebrating what makes the region visually unique. Her journey from a childhood love of art to a career representing entertainment industry clients in Los Angeles showcases the diversity of her experiences, yet her heart returned to painting and the natural wonders of Florida. Haskins’s studio at the Arts Xchange in St. Pete’s Warehouse Arts District is a testament to her ongoing commitment to the local arts scene. Having studied with premier landscape painters and won awards at regional plein air competitions, she continually explores new approaches to depict her environment. The sense of movement and life in her work reflects the kinetic energy of St. Petersburg itself. In 2025, Haskins’s exhibitions highlight themes such as environmental conservation and Florida’s avian diversity. Her community workshops invite both seasoned artists and newcomers to experience painting as a form of mindfulness and discovery, solidifying her reputation as both a visionary and a mentor.

Stephen Harlan:

Contemporary Coastal Art

Stephen Harlan’s paintings blend realism and fantasy, often featuring serene waterfronts and vibrant cityscapes that echo the ambiance of St. Petersburg. Harlan’s mastery is recognized through regular showcases at Ocean Blue Galleries, which has slated several of his shows for the end of 2025. His work stands out for its intricate play of light and detail, transporting viewers into dreamlike scenes – sometimes familiar, sometimes imagined.

Harlan’s artistic journey has included developing digital techniques that juxtapose traditional painting methods with modern

technologies. This fusion allows him to re-create the subtlety of Florida’s coastal environment, making each piece strikingly immersive. Visitors to his exhibitions often remark on the timeless tranquility found in his renderings of sailboats, harbors, and sunset-lit buildings.

His December 2025 show is anticipated to draw collectors and enthusiasts alike, further cementing his status as a pillar in the city’s art community. Harlan’s interactions with visitors – offering insights into his creative process – create a bridge between artist and audience, inviting everyone to experience the magic of St. Petersburg’s shores.

The Cultural Pulse of St. Petersburg These three artists represent the rich diversity of St. Petersburg’s arts ecosystem in 2025. From the evocative music of Nate Najar to the environmental storytelling of Janie Haskins and the coastal reveries of Stephen Harlan, each contributes distinct energy and vision.

St. Petersburg’s commitment to nurturing artists – through festivals, galleries, and collaborative spaces like the SHINE Mural Festival, Arts Xchange, and Ocean Blue Galleries – ensures the city’s legacy as a creative beacon in Florida. Their works invite all who visit or reside in St. Pete to see, hear, and feel the powerful stories flowing through its streets, studios, and performance spaces.

In 2025, the city’s artistic heartbeat continues to be shaped by individuals like Najar, Haskins, and Harlan, whose influence radiates far beyond gallery walls, fostering a sense of pride and possibility for the next generation of creators.

Nate Najar: Jazz Guitar Virtuoso
Najar

Venues are listed, alphabetically clubs within category, in the following sequence of categories. Each listing includes address and web link, if available. Most web links are active when you are online at www.paradisenewsfl.com or copy and paste them in your browser.

IN THIS ISSUE:

ART CENTERS/CLASSES

ART – GALLERIES

ARTS – PERFORMING MUSEUMS

MUSIC OPERA

FILM

ECO GARDENS

FERRIES

LIBRARIES

MARKETS

SPIRITUAL ZOOS/AQUARIUMS

VOLUNTEERING

YOGA

Listings for the following categories can be viewed online. CLUBS – SERVICE/SOCIAL CLUBS – ATHLETIC THRIFT SHOPS (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

Heart of Pinellas

Decorative Artists

Clearwater Garden Club, 405 Seminole St., Clearwater. 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. Through 12/31 – Cheap Cheep Cheeps: Bird-themed Group Show Through 12/31 – Heaven and Nature Sing: Holiday Show & Sale

Through 12/31 –

The Shooters We Know 12/6-1/17/26 –I Will: Middle School Exhibition

Morean Center for Clay

420 22nd St. S, St. Pete 727-821-7162 ext 2311 moreanartscenter.org

Largest pottery studio in the Southeast Through 12/27 –

Karina Yanes: Between Two Groves Through 12/27 –Community Quilt: Brenna Curvey

Morean Glass Studio

714 First Ave. N, St. Pete 727-822-7872

moreanartscenter.org

Daily demonstrations. Classes available.

Muddy Potter Art & Clay Studio 1140 Main St. #5 Dunedin 813-476-2836

muddypotter.info

Classes, open studio

Painting with A Twist 5625 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park paintingwithatwist.com

Pinellas Arts Village

5600-5800 Park Blvd. (north side), Pinellas Park. First Saturday Art Walk 5-9pm: Studios @ 5663, Saint Paint Arts, Bottles Pub, Painting with a Twist, Pinellas Park Art Society, Swartz Gallery

Pinellas Park Art Society

7770 52nd. St. N, Pinellas Park

Classes, workshops, open studio 727-331-5558

Meets third Saturdays, 11am-noon pinellasparkartsociety.org

Saint Paint Arts Artist/muralist Derek Donnelly 727-342-2593

Studios @ 5663

5663 Park Blvd. Pinellas Park 727-313-2250

Art gallery, event space

First Saturday Art Party studios5663.com

12/6 – The Wonderland Experience @5663

Arts & Leisure

Suntan Art Center

411 19th St. S, St. Pete suntanart.org

Classes, Art Mart every weekend 727-367-3818

Swartz Art Gallery

5609 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park 727- 421-0553

claytonswartz.com

Metal sculpture

The Clay Co-Op 2724 Sixth Ave. S, St. Pete 727-321-2071 claycoopstpete.com

Classes, workshops, kiln firing

The Hive Community Clay 559 49th St. S, St Pete 727-290-6515

thehivecommunityclay.com

Classes, open studio, pottery, jewelry sales

Treasure Island Art Guild

154 106th Ave., Treasure Island, treasureislandartguild.org/ Weekly classes, workshops, open studio at various venues. Monthly meetings with show, awards, demonstrations. Questions to: theartguild.board@gmail.com

Veterans Art Center

6798 Crosswinds Drive N, St. Pete 813-504-3092 vactb.org

Using alternative therapies through art

Zen Glass Studio & Gallery

600 27th St. S, St. Pete 727-323-3141 zenglass.com

Classes and workshops.

ART GALLERIES

Art at 400 Studios

400 23rd St. S, St. Pete art-at-400.com

By appointment, Art Walk

ARTicles/Leslie Curran Gallery

1234 Dr. MLK Jr St. N, St. Pete 727-898-6061 articlesstpete.com

Artists of Elements

2638 Sixth Ave. S, St. Pete 727-420-7438 artistsofelements.com

Regularly hosts exhibitions, performances, and workshops By appointment only

ArtLofts

Florida CraftArt Gallery (second floor)

10 Fifth St. N, St. Pete 727-504-8788 theartlofts.com

Independent artist studios and rotating gallery. 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

Tues-Thurs 1-5pm 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

Chihuly Collection

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

Pre-purchase of tickets recommended

Through 1/18/26 – Magic + Migration: Nature in Contemporary Glass

Clyde Butcher Galleries clydebutcher.com/galleries

Venice Gallery & Studio

237 Warfield Ave. S, Venice info@clydebutcher.com 941-486-0811

1/10/26 – Darkroom Tours

Buddy Baker | Events, Arts & Leisure Coordinator

ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS

Scan the QR code for all event listings to take with you or online at paradisenewsfl.com/december-2025

Sign up to receive upcoming event e-news online at www.ParadiseNewsFL.com Follow 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. • 9am-2pm, Market on The Bluffs, 2747 Sunset Blvd, Belleair Bluffs. Farmers Market/craft event on the street in front of Belleair Bluffs City Hall. • 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. www.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.

4th Sunday • Lealman Farmers Market 10am-2pm, Lealman Exchange, 5175 45th St N, St. Petersburg

ONGOING

Through 1/4/26 – Zubrick Holiday Spectacular $50-90, Thurs.-Sun., w/ additional shows Christmas week, times vary by date, Zubrick Magic Theater, 1211 First Ave. N, Suite 101, St. Pete. Illusionists Chris and Ryan Zubrick conjure up an exhilarating blend of sleight-of-hand, family-friendly comedy and breathtaking grand-scale illusions in a 70-minute performance that captures hearts and imaginations. Not recommended for children 3 and under. Tickets: www.zubrickmagic.com/tickets

Through 3/26 – Lifeworks in Photography (at Bishop Museum of Science and Nature)

Big Cypress Gallery 52388 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee 239-695-2428

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 Ongoing studio and performing arts opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

12/13 – Celebrating 30 Years of Creative Clay Art

Creative Pinellas 12211 Walsingham Road, 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

D Gallerie

1234 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N, Unit C, St. Pete d-gallerie.com Through 12/14 – Floral Resonance by Ricardo Reyes

DRV Fine Art Studios & Gallery 5401 Gulfport Blvd. S, Gulfport drvgallery.com

Duncan McClellan Gallery 2342 Emerson Ave. S, St. Pete 813-760-6600 dmglass.com 12/1-1/5/26 – Gallery Gaffers: Staff Exhibition

Dunedin Fine Art Center 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin 727-298-3322 dfac.org Through 12/23 – You Could’ve Been Anything If You’d Wanted: Tempus Projects at 16 Through 12/23 – Cumulonimbus: The Art of Yhali Ilan Through 12/23 – Now in the Studio: Our Newest Instructors Through 12/24 – Deck the Halls and Walls! (buy and take exhibition)

12/13-1/17/26 – Staff Exhibition 12/14 – Artist Lectures and Hot Glass Demonstrations 1/6-2/8 – Jennifer Caldwell and Jason Chakravarty Joint Exhibition 1/11– Artist Lectures and Hot Glass Demonstrations w/ Jennifer Caldwell and Jason Chakravarty

Ekeko Gallery

2620 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-685-5577 facebook.com/Ekeko-Gallery

Five Deuces Galleria

2135 Third Ave. S, #5, St. Pete 813-489-9741

Open by appointment & Art Walk Facebook.com/five22222 12/7-1/11/26 – Small Works

Florida CraftArt Gallery

501 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-821-7391 floridacraftart.org Sat. Mural Walk Through 12/31 – Unwrapped: Handmade Holidays 1/10-24/26 – 2025 Florida CraftArt Emerging Artist Program exhibition

FloridaRAMA

2606 Fairfield Ave. S, St. Pete Immersive art experience and events venue floridarama.art

Gulf Coast Artists Alliance St. Pete ArtWorks, 5546 First Ave. N St. Pete 727-738-8010 gcaa-fl.org

Art gallery, art classes and meeting place for artists

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

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 Through 12/6 –IA Senior Thesis Exhibition: Works by Abby Berger ’25 Through 12/6 –Visual and Interdisciplinary Arts Faculty Exhibition

Red Cloud Indian Arts

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

Soft Water Gallery

515 22nd St. S, St. Pete 727-327-3473

softwatergallery.com Through 12/7 – Judy Horowitz: Things I Think About Through 1/4/26 – Reconstructed/ Revisited: Sallie Hackett Brown and Theresa Segal 12/13-2/8 – Artist Spotlight: Vlasta Smola

Stirling Art Studios & Gallery 730 Broadway (second floor) Studio 12, Dunedin 800-325-2050 facebook.com/StirlingArtDunedin Open Thurs-Sun, Second Saturdays #4 place to visit in Dunedin -Trip Advisor

Syd Entel Galleries/Susan Benjamin Glass

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 12/5 & 13 – Christmas Market

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

Wild Space Gallery

2606 Fairfield Ave. S, St. Pete, Bldg. 7 floridawildlifecorridor.org/ wild-space-gallery

Open Wed-Sat 2-6pm, until 9pm on Art Walk

Through 1/10/26 – You Are Here & Jeff Ripple: Enduring Light (combined exhibitions)

ARTS PERFORMING

American Stage

Raymond James Theatre

163 Third St. N, St. Pete 727-823-7529 americanstage.org

12/4-21 – The Magi

Asolo Repertory Theatre

5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

800-361-8388 asolorep.org

Through 12/28 –Come From Away

12/3-19 – All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 1/7-2/11/26 – Primary Trust

Benchmark International Arena (formerly Amalie Arena)

401 Channelside Drive, Tampa 813-301-2500 benchmarkintlarena.com

12/7 – Stevie Nicks

12/12 – Brandy & Monica

12/14 – Trans-Siberian Orchestra

12/19 – mgk

12/27 – WWE Live Holiday Tour

1/2-4 – Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey

1/8 – Barry Manilow

1/10 – Winter Jam 2026

Bilheimer Capitol Theatre

405 Cleveland St., Clearwater 727-791-7400 rutheckerdhall.com

12/5 – Chelcie Lynn

12/6 – Fall Movie Series: National Lampoon’s Animal House

12/11 – Peter White Christmas

12/12 – Shaun Cassidy

12/13 – Bruce Hornsby

12/19 – Pete Correale

12/20 – Rockapella Christmas

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ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS

Through 12/31 – Christmas at the Farm

$16-$42 (VIP), Thurs-Sun., 5-9pm, DK Farms and Garden, 1750 Lake Ave. SE, Largo. Celebrate the Christmas season with a wide selection of entertainment designed for all types of ages from grandkids to grandmas! Nightly activities include animal interactions, campfires with Smores, photo ops, fun games and activities, bounce pad, pedal cart racetrack and Bunnyland rabbit touch area. https://tinyurl.com/ms7ktxtd

Through 4/19/26 – Alberto Giacometti & Salvador Dalí: Through and Beyond Surrealism

$12-$32/under 5 free, 10am-6pm, Dali Museum, 1 Dali Blvd., St. Pete. The exhibition features a rich selection of works by Alberto Giacometti, drawn from the collections of Fondation Giacometti. These are displayed alongside works by Salvador Dalí from The Dalí Museum’s collection. Together, they illuminate the surprising similarities in the artists’ visions, despite their distinct stylistic approaches. www.thedali.org/visit/buy-tickets

Through 4/25/26 – I Will… Word + Image 2025-2026

Free, Morean Art Center, 719 Central Ave., St. Pete. Each year, students are challenged to create works of art based on a particular theme, and to incorporate a written statement within the piece. This year’s theme I WILL… is the students’ “projection” of their future possibilities and imagination of what awaits them, what their potential roles could be in the real world, and how they might prepare to make a difference, whether it’s a goal for tomorrow, a year from now, or decades in the future. The work is exhibited by grade level. Submissions by high school students were exhibited in November. The remaining schedule is:

• 12/6-1/17/26 – Middle School Exhibition

• 1/24-3/7 – Elementary School Exhibition (A-M)

• 3/14-4/25 – Elementary School Exhibition (N-W)

UPCOMING

12/4 – A Nostalgic Evening with Macaulay Culkin

$54 and up, 7:30pm, Straz Center, 1010 N Macinnes Pl, Tampa. It’s been 35 years since Macaulay Culkin first discovered he was Home Alone. At A Nostalgic Evening with Macaulay Culkin, the former child star will take questions from the audience, share memories and anecdotes from the making of the film and celebrate its status as a classic Christmas movie. That will follow a screening of the 1990 comedy that made him a star. www.strazcenter.org.

12/5 – Death by Chocolate

$20/$25 at door, 7pm, Central Park Performing Arts Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo. An annual fundraiser of the Rotary Club of Largo to support local youth and empowerment initiatives. Patrons enjoy dessert samples from local restaurants and businesses in Largo’s Central Park with an annual holiday light display. The event also includes live entertainment, a silent auction, complimentary champagne and coffee. https://tinyurl.com/bdfuyhnn

12/6 – The Wonderland Experience @ 5663

Free, 4-9pm, 5663 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park. Immerse yourself in a dazzling fusion of art, imagination, and holiday magic. Part immersive installation, part pop-up boutique, The Wonderland Experience is curated by painter John Gascot and brought to life in collaboration with photographer Knicki Knowlton. Wander through a whimsical world of larger-than-life displays and perfect photo ops that will spark your holiday spirit!

12/21 – Celtic Angels Christmas 12/31 – Donna The Buffalo 1/14/26 – Leo Kottke

Bininger Theater for Performing Arts

Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete 727-867-1166 eckerd.edu/theatre

Catherine Hickman Theater 5501 27th Ave. S, Gulfport 727-893-1070 mygulfport.us

Central Park Performing Arts Center 105 Central Park Dr., Largo 727-587-6793 largoarts.com

12/5 – Death by Chocolate (Rotary Club fundraiser) 12/7 – Reindeer Games 12/7 – Christmas w/ The New York Tenors 12/13-14 – Clara’s Dream: A Modern Nutcracker 12/20-21 – The Nutcracker 12/31 – Casino Night 1/2/26 – Schmaltz & Pepper 1/3 – Canine Circus 1/4 – Let’s Hang On 1/8 – The Kingston Trio

Early Bird Dinner Theater 13355 49th St. N, Clearwater 727-446-5898

earlybirddinnertheater.com/site Through 12/14 – On the Farce Day of Christmas, by Ken Levine 1/10/26-Where You Are, by Kristen Da Silva

Eckerd College International Film Series Free, 7pm, Miller Auditorium, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete 727-867-1166

eckerd.edu/international-cinema/ 12/5 – Sentimental Value (Norwegian w/ English subtitles)

Eight O’Clock Theatre

105 Central Park Drive, Largo 727-587-6793 eightoclocktheatre.com

Floridian Social 687 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-322-4600 thefloridiansocial.com

A 21+ venue

Jazz every Sunday, beginning at 2pm

12/12 – Spazmatics’80s

Retro Dance Party 12/31 – Moonlite NYE 2025: The Gatsby Gala

Francis Wilson Playhouse

302 Seminole St., Clearwater 727-446-1360

franciswilsonplayhouse.org 12/4-21 – Annie

freeFall Theatre Company

6099 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-498-5205 freefalltheatre.com Through 12/7 –Ira Levin’s Deathtrap 12/12-24 – A Christmas Carol in Concert

Green Light Cinema

221 Second Ave. N. St. Pete 508-816-8968 greenlightstpete.com

80-seat art house theater

12/13 – Hell on Heels: Rocky Horror (Live) (18+)

Gulfport Casino

5500 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport 813-840-3715 mygulfport.us/recreation/casino Weekly dancing/instruction Closed until further notice.

Gulfport Community Players Back Door Theater 1619 49th St. S, Gulfport gulfportcommunityplayers.org 1/8-18/26 – Beyond Therapy

Jannus Live

200 First Ave. N, St. Pete 727-565-0550 jannuslive.com

Outdoor standing-room-only venue 12/5 – Mockapalooza

12/6 – Andy Frasco & The U.N. 12/7 – Juvenile

12/12 – Beats Antiques 12/13 – Silverstein w/ Thursday & Split Chain

12/14 – Raekwon & Mobb Deep 12/18 – Kids Holiday Rave

12/20 – The Heavy Pets 12/31 – Algorhythm THM presents Existence

1/2/26 – Rise of Decades

1/8 – California Honeydrops

1/15 – Runaway Gin: A Tribute to Phish

MUSIC SCENE

DECK THE HALLS!

Stumped for a holiday gift? Why not support our local venues and musicians by giving the gift of music during the holidays! Take the family or a friend to these shows at The Palladium, The Mahaffey, Straz, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Baycare Sound, Capitol Theater, Central Park Performing Arts Center, Jannus and more! Check Paradise News A&L listings. If you like to support museums and music, get your tickets for the St. Petersburg Museum of History’s gala Feb. 21 @The Vinoy illuminated by the American Songbook & swing of Bryan J. Hughes and The Crew, including trumpet virtuoso James Suggs, who debuted his new Arbor Records CD in November.

HO HO THE MISTLETOE For the elf who decorates the day after Christmas, The Mahaffey serves up dozens of family fun during December including The Nutcracker. On 12/21, step into the spotlight this holiday season with A Very Broadway Christmas –a dazzling theatrical celebration featuring stars from over 25 iconic Broadway shows including Wicked, Motown, Phantom of the Opera, Book of Mormon, Matilda, Beautiful, Annie, and more! This high-energy production features your favorite Christmas songs from Broadway and beyond,

performed with a live band, ensemble of dancers, and Broadway vocalists straight from New York City. Audiences will be treated to heartwarming holiday memories, show-stopping numbers, and a magical appearance by Santa Claus himself –complete with a family photo-op at Capitol Theater, the Celtic Angels Christmas, Rockapella Christmas rings the halls, and RKE features an updated version of A Christmas Carol with Dolly Parton music and lyrics.

FOR THE ROMANTIC

Enjoy a tribute to Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman at The Palladium 1/8 @7pm. This emotional show pays homage to the worldrenowned soprano Sarah Brightman and the legendary Andrea Bocelli, two shining stars whose music has touched the hearts of millions. Presented by lyric soprano Elona Krasavtseva from St. Petersburg and acclaimed baritone Alex Boyd from New York, NY, this tribute will feature a stunning selection of opera and Broadway’s greatest hits. Audiences can look forward to breathtaking performances of iconic pieces such as “Phantom of the Opera,” “Time to Say Goodbye,” and “Vivo Per Lei.” The evening will also showcase Puccini’s stirring “Nessun Dorma” and the heartwarming “Pie Jesu” by Andrew Lloyd Webber, featuring the Lumina Youth Choir of Tampa under

the artistic direction of Deah McReynolds. Adding to the ambiance, the tribute will be accompanied by a four-piece ensemble, dancers, and captivating visual effects, creating a multi-sensory experience for all attendees.

CLASSICAL GAS Holiday Sparkle is a delightful St. Pete Opera performance 12/19-12/21 at The Palladium showcasing their ensemble’s fabulous voices. You’ll be swept away by the glorious sounds of St. Pete Opera’s 40-piece orchestra, and Holiday Sparkle singers will touch your heart with their choral and solo renderings of popular favorites, both sacred and secular. Handel’s Giulio Cesare is St. Pete Opera’s next January production, also at The Palladium. If you like Chamber Music, don’t miss the Romantic Titans on 1/14, showcasing the Palladium Chamber Players’ Jeffrey Multer and Edward Arron with guest artists Jesse Mills, Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, Phillip Ying, and David Ying for an evening of sweeping beauty, pairing Brahms’ lush String Sextet No. 2 with Tchaikovsky’s passionate Souvenir de Florence. At Central Park Performing Arts Center in Largo, the Irish American New York Tenors will sing beloved holiday classics.

ROCK MY WORLD The Mahaffey hosts Pink Floyd Laser Show, Rock My World Elton John Tribute and Neil Diamond tribute in 2026. You can rock out at Benchmark Arena, The Hard Rock Casino, Floridian Social and Jannus.

ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS

12/6 – Fifth Annual Run for the Beaches 5K & Fun Run Walk, and Kids Turtle Dash

8am-12:30pm, Gulf Front Park, Treasure Island. The morning starts with a chip-timed 5K race, then a 1-mile Fun Run/Walk and a Kids Turtle Dash. Proceeds benefit Gulf Beaches ecosystems, marine life, seabirds and endangered sea turtles. Register at www.Runforthebeaches.org

12/6 – Honeymoon Island Bluegrass Festival

$18/$25 day of,12 and under free, 11am-5pm, Honeymoon Island State Park, Dunedin, North Beach, in the picnic area. Fast Track, The Tennessee Bluegrass Band, and Headin’ Home Bluegrass will play. Lawn chair seating. coolers allowed but no alcohol, Dog friendly. Park entry not included in price. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/4rptbce4

12/6 – Pinellas County Sheriff’s Ride & Run with the Stars

$50/$55 5K chipped race, 8am registration and check-in, Fort DeSoto Park, North Beach. 5K, Family Fun Run, 10K Family Ride, and 25 Mile Ride. Register: https://tinyurl.com/22m4e9s4

12/6-7 – Ninth Annual Art Jones Open Studio Tour

Free, 10am-5pm Sat/11am-4pm Sun. Art enthusiasts, holiday shoppers, and visitors are welcome to this self-guided two-day showcase of fine art and contemporary crafts by 23 artists. The weekend features some of the finest creators in the region at nine stops in Gulfport. Free maps of the stops at Brenda McMahon Gallery, Sumitra Cafe, Tommy’s Hideaway, Stella’s or the Gulfport Merchants Chamber.

12/12 – Holiday Hayride

Free, every 45 minutes beginning at 6:45pm. Forbes Park, 6401 94th Ave. N, Pinellas Park. Enjoy holiday crafts, hot chocolate, cookie decorating, a candy cane hunt, snowball fight, and so much more! Registration is required; arrive 30 minutes before your ride time. Register at https://tinyurl.com/59dz7r6k

12/12-13 – Merry Beach Market & Holiday Festival

Free admission, 5-9pm Fri/ 2-8pm Sat, ROC Park, 200 Rex Place, Madeira Beach. Over 150 local vendors with a diverse array of handmade crafts, unique gifts and one-of-a-kind seasonal decorations. Food and beverage stands will be on site. Fireworks on Friday evening; watch the Lighted Boat Parade on Saturday. No outside food or drink, no pets. Park at Crabby’s on the Pass, take shuttle to event.

LAB Theater Project 812 E. Henderson Ave., Tampa 813-586-4272 labtheaterproject.com Produces only works from emerging playwrights. Through 12/7 – So Long Life, by Owen Robertson

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

Manatee Performing Arts Center 502 Third Ave. W, Bradenton 941-748-5875

manateeperformingartscenter.com

12/4-14 – Frozen: The Musical 12/5 – Poppin’ Jazz Christmas 12/9-10 – DraMature Holiday Follies

12/17 – A Calyp-Soul Christmas 12/23 – The Nutcracker Presented by International Ballet of Florida 1/6/26 – Fleet Max 1/8 – Terms of Endearment

MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

Florida State Fairgrounds 4802 US Hwy. 301 N, Tampa 813-740-2446

https://tinyurl.com/52rmv4ex

Music4Life Living Arts Center

1204 Rogers St., Clearwater All tickets advance sale only wileyhouseconcerts.org

12/12 – Keith Harkin Trio 12/20 – An Evening w/ Drew Copeland (of Sister Hazel) 12/21 – Bunco!: Holiday Party

New Tampa Performing Arts Center

8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa 813-829-2760

newtampaartscenter.org

12/9 – Free Film: he Muppet Christmas Carol 12/12-14 – Tampa City Ballet: The Nutcracker 12/18 – Elvis: with Matt Stone and The TEC Band

12/21 – Meet Loaf (tribute to Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman)

NoiseMakers Inc.

2616 Emerson Ave. S, St. Pete. A live music venue, as well as St. Petersburg’s longest running

music school. 727-345-7472 noise-makers.org

12/28 – Dead All Over

Patel Conservatory 1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa, Dance / Theater / Music / Adult Classes 813-229-7827 strazcenter.org/patel-conservatory 12/7 – Holiday Music Concert 12/13 – Fall Jazz Jam

Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center 4951 78th Ave. N, Pinellas Park 727-369-5746

https://tinyurl.com/mryswajs Tickets: ticketsales.com

Raymond James Stadium 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa 813-350-6500 raymondjamesstadium.com

Riverwalk Tampa thetampariverwalk.com Latin Thursdays Second Sundays – 11am-3pm: Market + Art Walk, Armature Works Through 1/2/26 – Riverwalk Holiday Décor Challenge

12/1 – Riverwalk Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

Ruth Eckerd Hall 1111 N McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater 727-791-7400 rutheckerdhall.com

12/6 – Lady A 12/7 – Three Dog Night

12/11 – Trisha Yearwood 12/12 – Sarah Brightman 12/13 – Michael W. Smith 12/14 – Allman Betts

Family Revival

12/18 – Wheel of Fortune Live Holiday Show

12/19 – Cirque Musica: Holiday Wonderland

12/21 – TFO: Holiday Pops

12/22-23 – Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol

12/28 – Terry Fator

12/30 – Straight No Chaser

12/31 – Salute to Vienna

New Year’s Eve Concert

1/4/26 – Elvis Birthday Bash

1/11 – Mutts Gone Nuts! 1/13 – Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass 1/14 – TFO: H2Orchestra

Safety Harbor Art & Music Center

706 Second St. N, Safety Harbor 727-725-4018

safetyharborartand musiccenter.com

12/5 – Toronzo Cannon

12/7 – Gareth Asher

12/7 – Kristy Lee

12/13 – Albert Cummings w/Crooked Thumb

1/9/26 – Yates McKendree

1/10 – Kelli Baker

1/11 – Noah Guthrie

1/13 – D.K. Harrell

Seminole Hard Rock Event Center

5223 Orient Rd., Tampa 813-627-6649

seminolehardrocktampa.com

12/7 – Bee Gees Now! 12/11 – Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

12/14 – Deal or No Deal Live

12/18 – Method Man & Redman

12/19 – Jon Pardi

Skipper’s Smokehouse

910 Skipper Rd., Tampa 813-971-0666

skipperssmokehouse.com

Sundays: Acoustic Brunch 1-4pm (free)

12/5 – Blood Brothers

12/6 – Grateful Dead Nite w/ Uncle John’s Band 12/13 – Tophouse w/Crowe Boys 12/19 – Mike Davis Southern Train

Sparkman Wharf 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa sparkmanwharf.com

St. Petersburg City Theatre 4025 31st St. S, 727-866-1973 spcitytheatre.org

12/12-21 – A Christmas Carol

Stageworks Theater

1120 E Kennedy Blvd., West Bldg., #151, Tampa 813-374-2416 stageworkstheatre.org

12/5-21 – Latin History (For Morons)

12/15 – RISE Presents Live at Grand Central: An Improv Poetry Jam

Straz Center for the Performing Arts

1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 813-229-7827 strazcenter.org Through 12/23 – A Christmas Story: A Live Radio Play

12/5 – Off Book:

The Improvised Musical

12/5 – TFO: Handel’s Messiah

12/6 – John Mulaney: Mister Whatever

12/6 – Straz Jazz Project Concert Series (free)

12/7 – Patel Conservatory: Holiday Music Concert

12/10-14– Les Miserables

12/10-14– Burnout Paradise

12/13 – Fall Jazz Jam

12/13 – Los Lideres del Humor

12/19-23 – Next Generation Ballet’s Cinderella

12/19 – TFO: Holiday Pops

12/26-28 – Stomp

12/27-1/4/26 – The Outsiders

1/4/26 – D’Angelo Young Artist Vocal Competition

1/9 – TFO: Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21

1/14-2/8 – The Comedy of Errors

1/14 – Renee Fleming

Studio Grand Central

2260 First Ave. S, St. Pete 727-202-7019 theoffcentral.com

12/11-21 – Who’s Holiday!, by Matthew Lombardo 1/2-18/26 – Gruesome Playground Injuries

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

Films

Through 12/11 –Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery

12/5 – Charlie Berens

12/6 – Saint Nick of Bethlehem (free)

12/7 – Sing-Along White Christmas

12/10 – The Muppet

Christmas Carol

12/12 – Die Hard

12/14 – Elf

12/17 – Scrooged

12/19-23 – It’s a Wonderful Life

12/19 –Gremlins

12/16 – The Green Knight

12/28 – Love Actually

Live Shows

12/5 – Charlie Berens

12/13 – The Fab Four (Beatles tribute)

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

12/14 – The Edge Effect: A Capella Christmas 12/21 – Double Vision –The Foreigner Experience 1/3/26 – Bee Gees Gold

The Baycare Sound

Coachman Park

301 Drew St., Clearwater

727-791-7400 rutheckerdhall.com

12/4 – Dark Star Orchestra

12/7 – A Whoville Holiday

The Beach Theatre

315 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach

Built in 1940 and restored in 202425, now a classic movie theatre and live entertainment venue thebeachtheatre.org

727-340-2866

12/1-3– White Christmas 12/6-7 – Holiday Cabaret 12/9-11 – The Muppet Christmas Carol

12/12 – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

12/13 – Polar Express

12/13 – Home Alone

12/14 – It’s a Wonderful Life 12/16-17 – Miracle on 34th Street 12/18 – A Christmas Story 12/19 – How the Grinch Stole Christmas

The Mahaffey Theater

400 First St. S, St. Pete 727-300-2000 themahaffey.com

12/3 – Bam! Fest: Puppetry Unleashed! 12/6 – TFO: Handel’s Messiah 12/7 – Sesame Street Live 12/8-9 – John Mulaney 12/10 – Vienna Light Orchestra 12/13 – Frozen in Concert

12/18-19 – Fortune Feimster

12/20 –TFO: Holiday Pops 12/21 – A Very Broadway Christmas 12/22 – A Drag Queen Christmas (18+)

12/26 – Gary Owen

12/28 – Nutcracker Magical Christmas 1/1/26 – The Glenn Miller Orchestra

1/3 – Swan Lake 1/9 – Classic Seger

1/10-11 – Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21

1/12 – Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! 1/15 – The Coral Reefer Band (Jimmy Buffett tribute)

The Palladium

253 Fifth Ave. N, St. Pete 727-822-3590 mypalladium.org

12/5-7 – The St. Petersburg Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker 12/8 – Holiday Spectacular w/ The Second Winds Symphony Band 12/10 – Palladium Chamber Series: Beethoven, Poulenc, and Dvorak

12/11 – Nate Najar’s Jazz Holiday

12/13 – Clara’s New York City Christmas (11am performance child friendly)

12/14 – The Music of Vince Guaraldi: A Charlie Brown Christmas

12/15 – The Motowners Unforgettable Christmas Holiday Show

12/16 – An Evening with Jamal Roberts: 2026 American Idol Winner

12/19-21 – St. Pete Opera: Holiday Sparkle

1/8/26 – A Tribute to Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman feat. Elona and Alex Roth

1/9 – The Petty Experience 1/10 – Brendan Nolan 1/14 – Palladium Concert Series: Symphonic Titans, Chamber Voices: Brahms & Tchaikovsky

The Studio@620

620 First Ave. S, St. Pete 727-895-6620 thestudioat620.org

1/7/26 – Wordier’s Blah, Blah, Blah! Open Mic

USF Yuengling Center

12499 USF Bull Run Drive, Tampa 813-974-3111 yuenglingcenter.com

12/6 – Gunna 1/11/26 – Harlem Globetrotters

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-953-3368 vanwezel.org

12/6-7 – Masterworks: Close Encounters

12/9-14 – The Book of Mormon 12/15 – Sarah Brightman

12/16 – Michael Feinstein

12/17 – Wheel of Fortune Live! 12/19-20 – Mark Twain Tonight 12/21 – Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland 12/22 – A Very

Broadway Christmas 12/23 – A Christmas Carol

ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS

12/13 – St. Pete Beach Mistletoe Market

Free admission, 10am-3pm, Horan Park, Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive.

12/13 – St. Pete Beach Breakfast with Santa $10, 9-11am, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive, St. Pete Beach. Children dine with Santa. Must pre-register by 12/10. https://tinyurl.com/4dek9wv4

12/13 – Boley Centers 43rd Annual Jingle Bell Run

$40 race fee (registration deadline 12/12 10pm), starts 7:30pm, begins and ends at North Straub Park near The Pier, through Vinoy Park to Coffee Pot Bayou and return. Local food trucks will be on hand. No bibs or timers – just fun and holiday cheer! The race supports housing and services for at-risk adults, veterans, youth, and families in our community.

12/13 – Angel Tree Toy Run 10K, 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run

Check website for registration fees, starts 7:30 and 8am, Salvation Army, 340 14th Ave. S, St. Pete. Proceeds benefit the Salvation Army Angel Tree program. Information and registration at ww.runsignup.com/hh23

12/13 – Seafood Crab Boil at Trolley Square

Free admission, 12-6pm, 4900 Tangerine Ave. S, Gulfport. Is it ever a bad time for seafood? Nope. This seafood crab boil is packed with all types and styles of seafood, music and good vibes, family fun and a pet-friendly atmosphere. Free parking. Hosted by Saturday Shoppes.

12/13-14 –Tampa Tour de Clay

Free admission, Sat. 9am-5pm; Sun 11am-4pm. Two days, three studios, 21 potters. This unique tour extends over three counties, pulling together 21 potters into three studios: Pottery Boys Studio, 30 Bogie Lane, Palm Harbor; Wellman & Welsch Pottery, 17202 Whirley Road, Lutz; and Hidden Lake Pottery, 16705 Hutchison Road, Odessa. For more information, and a list of participating artists, visit www.tampatourdeclay.com

12/21 – St. Pete Indie Holiday Festival

Free admission, 12-4pm, Albert Whitted Park, 480 Bayshore Drive SE. The festival will offer locally made and curated hand-crafted goods, vintage housewares, decor, mid-century furniture, vintage clothing, antiques, plants, collectables, food, music, art and so much more. Family friendly.

12/28 – Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

$93 and up, Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S, St. Pete. Celebrate the season with America’s most beloved Nutcracker tradition! Give the gift of a spectacular holiday experience featuring an international cast, whimsical puppetry and opulent costumes and sets, hand-crafted by the finest artisans of Europe. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/5ujwmvrv

12/27 – Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

12/29 – Straight No Chaser

12/30 – Salute to Vienna New Year’s Eve Concert

1/9/26 – Renee Fleming

1/10 – Mutts Gone Nuts Unleashed

1/11 – Tango After Dark 1/13-14 – Blue Man Group 1/15 – Revisiting Creedence

West Coast Players 21905 US 19 N, Clearwater 727-437-2363 wcplayers.com

12/5-14 – The Humans

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota 941-366-1505 westcoastblacktheatre.org Through 12/21 – Langston Hughes’ Black Nativity 1/8-2/8/26 – Paradise Blue

Zubrick Magic Theatre

1211 First Ave N, Suite 101, St. Pete. Thur.-Sat. 7pm; Sun. 2pm 866-ZUBRICK (866-982-7425) zubrickmagic.com Through 1/4/26 –Zubrick Holiday Spectacular

MUSEUMS

Florida Holocaust Museum

55 Fifth St. S, St. Pete 727-820-0100

flholocaustmuseum.org

Exhibiting Thor, a Danish fishing vessel used in the 1943 rescue of more than 7,000 Jews. 12/8 – Family Memory and Identity 1/15/26 – The Heebie Jeebies at CBGB’s: A Secret History of Jewish Punk (at Bayboro Brewing)

Florida Museum of Photographic Arts 1630 E Seventh Ave., Ybor City, Tampa 813-221-2222 fmopa.org Through 1/11/26 – A Sublime Obsession: Photographs from the Hazlitt Collection Through 1/25 – The Soldier’s Lens

Children’s Museum

110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa 813-443-3851 glazermuseum.org

Created specifically for children 10 and under.

Home of Big John, the world’s largest fossil Triceratops

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.

12/13 – Lillaquin’s Winter Groove Fest

Gulf Beaches Historical Museum

115 10th Ave., St. Pete Beach 727-552-1610

gulfbeachesmuseum.org

Closed until further notice, but holding events in community.

Gulfport History Museum 5301 28th Ave. S, Gulfport 727-201-8687

gulfporthistoricalsociety.org

12/20 – 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

A National Historic Landmark Through 12/23 – Dressed for Success: Fashioning Manhood at the Tampa Bay Hotel Through 12/31 – 44th Annual Victorian Christmas Stroll

Heritage Museum 100 Beekman Lane, Tarpon Springs 727-942-5605 tarponarts.org

History and culture of the Greek community

Imagine Museum 1901 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-300-1700 imaginemuseum.com

Contemporary American Studio Glass. Thur. $5 after 5pm 12/12 – Annual Holiday Party: Artists, Models, Partners and Friends 12/20-1/18/26 – Exceptional Voices: A Celebration of Creativity

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 One of the preeminent arts institutions in the United States. Through 12/11 –Community Gallery Through 1/11/26 – Yoshida Hiroshi: Journeys Through Light Through 3/22 –

Nuestro Vaiven (Our Sway) Through 4/12 – Ancestral Edge Through 5/31– Juana Romani: Forgotten No More Through 8/29 – As Earth is to Sky Through 11/1 – SeventeenthCentury Dutch Paintings from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art

600 E Klosterman Road, Tarpon Springs 727-712-5762 leeparattner.org

Docent tours on Sundays Features work of 20th and 21st century masters.

Through 12/7 –Jeff Whipple: Past, Present, Future Through 12/7 – A Legacy of Her: Women of the Gulf Coast Through 9/13/26 – Abraham Rattner: French Watercolors

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

Museum of Fine Arts

255 Beach Dr. NE, St. Pete 727-894-4368 mfastpete.org

Thur. $10 after 5pm 12/7 – Marly Music Presents: St. Pete Baroque

12/11 – “Untitled:”

An MFA Teen Night 12/21 – Russian-Speaking Tour w/ Natalie Velez

Museum of Motherhood

2606 Fairfield Ave. S, St. Pete, Bldg. 7 877-711-6667 mommuseum.org

Thu-Sat Noon-6pm, Sun Noon-3

Second Saturday Art Walk. Escape Womb Experience (18+)

Palm Harbor Museum

2043 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor 727-724-3054 palmharbormuseum.com

Thur.-Sat. 10am-2pm

Through 12/31 – Home for the Holidays: Keep History Alive!

Safford House Museum 23 Parkin Court, Tarpon Springs 727-942-5805 tarponarts.org

Restored 1883 Victorian home

Docent-led tours

12/3-14 – A Very Merry Christmas at the 1883 Safford House Museum

St. Petersburg Museum of History 335 Second Ave. NE 727-894-1052 spmoh.com

History boat and trolley tours

Happy Hour with the Historian 12/11 – Niles Laughner: The Vinoy – 100 Years of Splendor

Sarasota Art Museum

1001 S Tamiami Trail, 941-309-4300 sarasotaartmuseum.org

Through 3/29/26 – Art Deco: The Golden Age of Illustration Through 3/29 – Selina Roman:

Abstract Corpulence Through 4/26 – Janet Echelman: Radical Softness

Tampa Bay Automobile Museum 3301 Gateway Centre, Pinellas Park. 727-579-8226 tbauto.org

Sundays: Historian guided tours

Tampa Bay History Center

801 Old Water St., Tampa 813-226-0097 tampabayhistorycenter.org

Walking tours of Tampa neighborhoods Through 1/11/26 –The Lure of Florida Fishing

Tampa Museum of Art 120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa 813-259-1720 tampamuseum.org

Thur. 4-8pm: pay-as-you-will admission. Houses one of the most significant collections of Greek and Roman antiquities in the southeastern U.S. Through 2/1/26 – American Gaze: Impressionism Through 2/22 –Joseph Veach Noble: Through the Eye of a Collector Through 4/19 – The David Hall

Photography Collection

Tarpon Springs Railroad Depot

Historical Museum 160 E Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs 727-943-4624 tarponspringsareahistoricalsociety.org

ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS

1/4/26 – St. Pete Indie Flea

Free admission, 12-4pm, Campbell Park Skate Park, 601 14th St. S, St. Pete. Shop for locally made and curated hand-crafted goods, vintage housewares, decor, Mid-century furniture, vintage clothing, antiques, plants, collectables, food, music, art, and so much more.

1/7/26 – Wordier’s Blah, Blah, Blah! Open Mic $5, 7-8:30pm, The Studio at 620, 620 First Ave. S, St Pete. Bring your finest prose or a true story to share. Everyone gets 7 minutes on the stage to present their work. This month’s featured guest is Maria Ingrande Mora. She is the acclaimed author of The Immeasurable Depth of You, an Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award finalist. Questions? Email WordierThanThou@gmail.com.

1/14 – Renee Fleming: Voice of Nature – The Anthropocene $60.80 and up, 7:30pm , Straz Center, 1010 N Macinnes Pl, Tampa. Renée Fleming has performed in the world’s finest opera houses as well as at the Super Bowl, Buckingham Palace and the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. Her most recent recital and concert program, Voice of Nature – The Anthropocene, is an expression of her love of nature and her concerns for the planet. The performance features music ranging from classical to contemporary; includes a National Geographic-produced film spotlighting the beauty of the natural world. https://www.strazcenter.org/

Holiday Boat Parades

12/5 – St. Pete Beach: 6-8pm, Horan Park. Tree lighting ceremony with special guest Santa Claus followed by the boat parade and viewing party! Bring a blanket or lawn chair and dress for an evening on the water.

12/12 – Tarpon Springs: 7pm, Vessels will begin at the Tarpon Landing Marina and end in Spring Bayou at 8pm.

12/13 – Gulfport: 6pm, starts at the Gulfport Municipal Marina. Route map at https://sailbcyc.org/ChristmasBoatParade

12/13 – Madeira Beach: 6:15pm, Begins at ROC Park, travels the finger canals through the city and ends at John’s Pass approximately 8:30pm.

12/20 – Treasure Island: 5:45pm, begins at the Publix in Paradise Island, heading under the causeway bridge to Isle of Palms, Isle of Capri and ending at Johns Pass. For a map of the parade route and more information, call 727-547-4575, ext. 246.

12/20 – Tampa Riverwalk: 6:15pm, starts near the Lighthouse off Davis Islands, with large and small vessels cruising past Sparkman Wharf, Harbour Island, and the Tampa Convention Center. Small boats will continue upriver past Curtis Hixon Park, finishing near Armature Works. Free viewing along the Riverwalk; judging at Sparkman Wharf. More information at https://tinyurl.com/ht2jpkts

12/21 – Downtown St. Pete: 6pm, downtown waterfront and St. Pete Pier.

The Dalí Museum One Dali Blvd., St. Pete 727-823-3767 thedali.org

Thur. and Fri. reduced admission after 5pm Through 4/19/26 – Gala’s Wines Through 4/19 –Dali and Harpo Marx Through 4/19 – Alberto Giacometti & Salvador Dalí: Through and Beyond Surrealism Advanced-purchase timed tickets recommended

The James Museum of Western& Wildlife Art 150 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-892-4200 thejamesmuseum.org

Tues. $10 all day Through 3/22/26 – A POP of Art! Through 3/29 – Edward S. Curtis: Photographer of His Time

USF Graphicstudio

3702 Spectrum Blvd., Ste 100, Tampa 813-974-3503, free admission

Woodson African American Museum of Florida 2240 Ninth Ave. S, St. Pete 727-323-1104 woodsonmuseum.org One City Chorus – Mon. 7pm Through December –The Art of Collage: Ken Falana Through 12/13 – Annual Toy Drive

MUSIC

Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association Jazz Jam, Mon., 7-9pm, Hangar Restaurant, 540 First St. SE, St. Pete. Last Saturdays: Youth Jazz Jam, Pinellas Community Church, 5501 31st St. S, 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 12/7 – Flute Choir, Sax Ensemble 12/14 – Holiday Concert

School of Rock St. Petersburg 2401 Central Ave., 727-871-7625 schoolofrock.com

Guitar, drum, singing, keyboard/piano lessons 12/14 – End of Season Show at Bayboro Brewing

South Pasadena Community Band 727-515-5407

southpasadenaband.com All-volunteer band 12/17 – Holiday and Traditional Music Concert (Treasure Island Community Center)

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

12/14 – Davy Jones Hot Jazz Orchestra

Tampa Bay Symphony Performances in various locations 727-827-8087 tampabaysymphony.org

TomKats Jazz Orchestra CJ’s Backstage 7022 22nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg 727-202- 8881 tomkatsjazzorchestra.com

OPERA

Opera Tampa at Straz Center, 1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 813-229-7827 strazcenter.org

1/4/26 – D’Angelo Young Artist Vocal Competition

Sarasota Opera House 61 N Pineapple Ave., 941-328-1300 sarasotaopera.org 12/2 – Canadian Brass Holiday Concert

12/3 – Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos 12/5 – The Sarasota Cuban Ballet presents The Nutcracker 12/7 – Nutcracker & the Mischievous Elves (Rosemary Youth Ballet) 12/11 – PINC Experience 12/12 Magic of Motown Christmas

12/13-14 – The Nutcracker, presented by Star Academy of Dance

12/21-23 – The Nutcracker, presented by Sarasota Ballet Conservatory

1/4/26 – Copland: An American Journey, presented by Sarasota Orchestra

1/9 – PMP Celebration Concert

1/10 – Tribute to Hall and Oates, presented by Moxie Events

St. Pete Opera

2145 First Ave. S, 727-823-2040 stpeteopera.org

Various performance locations 12/19-21 – Holiday Sparkle 2025 (at Palladium)

St. Petersburg Opera Guild stpeteoperaguild.org

12/10 – Silver Bells: Christmas in the City (at St. Pete Yacht Club)

The Pinellas Opera League Thur.: Opera at the Dali pinellasoperaleague.com

ECO

Monthly Treasure Island Beach Cleanup

Second Saturday 8:30am

St. Petersburg Municipal Beach, 11260 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island Supplies provided mjackson@kpbcares.org 727-533-0402

Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Pete 727-893-7326 https://tinyurl.com/yc3k32ms Closed Mon. Environmental education center, Terry Tomalin Campground, Pinellas Pioneer Settlement

Brooker Creek Preserve 3940 Keystone Rd., Tarpon Springs 727-453-6800 brookercreekpreserve.org

Fort De Soto Park

3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde 727-552-1862 pinellascounty.org/park Campgrounds, ferry services to Egmont and Shell Keys. Some areas closed or limited Parking $6/vehicle

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, interactive exhibits, daily talks, guided tours.

Weedon Island Preserve

1800 Weedon Dr. NE, St. Pete 727-453-6500

weedonislandpreserve.org

Guided hikes, birding, and photography tours. Archaeology lectures, classes and webinars. 12/6, 13 – Naturalist guided tour

GARDENS

Florida West Coast

Orchid Society

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 10891 102nd Ave. N, Seminole 727-420-7230 fwcos.org

Garden Club of St. Petersburg 500 Sunset Dr. S, 727-381-8920 gardenclubstpetersburg.org

Ikebana International Lealman Exchange Community Center, 5175 45th St. N, St. Pete ikebanastpetersburg.com

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 1534 Mound St., Sarasota 941-366-5731 selby.org

Through 12/7 – The Orchid Show: Rebecca Louise Law 12/6-1/3/26 –Lights in Bloom (downtown)

Pinewood Cultural Park 12520 Ulmerton Road, and 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo Heritage Village pinellas.gov/parks/heritage-village Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026

Creative Pinellas –creativepinellas.org

Florida Botanical Gardens – Free 100-acre park flbg.org Through 1/3/26 –Holiday Lights in the Gardens Third Saturday – Gardens open 7am-5pm; Creative Pinellas open noon-5pm; Heritage Village open 10am-4pm

ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS

Holiday Lights Displays

• Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. 5:30-9:30pm. A million twinkling multicolor LED lights, laser lights, and lighted figures. Free (fundraiser for the Gardens). Through 1/3/26.

• Largo Central Park, 101 Central Park Drive, 5-10pm. Walking tour of more than 2.5 million dazzling LED lights. Carnival rides $6. Vendors on site. Through 1/4/26.

• Lake Park Estates, Seminole, 6-10pm.The neighborhoods of Lake Park Estates, Wieker, Lakeside Estates, and Lake Seminole Village decorate their homes and yards with more than 3 miles of Christmas lights and decorations. Donation carts along the route benefit Suncoast Hospice. Through 12/31. Map and directions are online at www.lightsoflakepark.com/directions

• Downtown Waterfront Parks. Stroll along the St. Pete waterfront to see thousands of holiday lights and decorations in North Straub Park, South Straub Park, Pioneer Park, and the St. Pete Pier. Through 1/1/26. Santa will be in North Straub Park 6-9pm 12/13-23.

• Oakdale Christmas House, 2719 Oakdale St. S, St. Pete. At press time, this famously illuminated private home says it is working on a “much smaller, yet just as beautiful Christmas display.” For updates, visit www.christmasdisplay.org

New Year’s Eve Celebrations

• St. Pete Pier – Starts at 8pm. Free party with DJ, LED disco ball, food trucks, full bar. Fireworks at midnight from Vinoy Park.

• Clearwater Beach – Relax on the soft, sandy shores and watch fireworks at midnight over Sand Key. Best viewing spots: southern Clearwater Beach or Coachman Park on the mainland.

• Treasure Island – Fireworks will launch from the beach near Gulf Front Park at 10400 Gulf Blvd. Bring a beach chair or towel.

• The Coliseum: Swingin’ the New Year – This celebration features a midnight countdown and balloon drop, photo booth, party favors, noisemakers, chocolates, door prizes, and dancing to live music by Skylar Saufley & the 99th Degree. Doors open 7:30pm. Tickets: 813-579-4645

• Floridian Social: Moonlite NYE – The Gatsby Gala, 8pm-2am, $116.50. Delight in caviar tastings, flowing champagne, and a dazzling lineup of live performances. With aerial acts and a sultry burlesque show to the full band and late-night DJ. https://tinyurl.com/yc4yzwm4

More events are online at... www.paradisenewsfl.com/pn-events www.facebook.com/ParadiseNews Weekly Top 5 Events www.paradisenewsfl.com/category/weekly-tidbits

Sunken Gardens

1825 Fourth St. N, St. Pete

Adult and child classes sunkengardens.org 12/7 – Flamingo Festival 12/11 – Weeds & Seeds: A History of Dining in West Central Florida 12/24-25 – Closed

FERRIES

Crossbay Ferry

Connecting Downtown Tampa to Downtown St. Pete Wed.-Sun. through May 727-273-5932 thecrossbayferry.com Temporarily suspended

Egmont Key Ferry Fort De Soto Boat Ramp 727-398-6577 hubbardsmarina.com

Departs from Bay Pier Voted #1 fishing charter in U.S. four years in a row

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 https://tinyurl.com/yc583mmy Mon, Wed: 10am-8pm Tues, Thurs, Friday: 10am-6pm Sat: 10am-2pm Sun: Closed

See spblibrary.com for daily events.

President Barack Obama Main Library

3745 Ninth Ave. N, St. Pete 727-893-7724 splibraries.org

SPIRITUAL

Sacred Lands

1700 Park St. N, St. Pete 727-347-0354

sacredlandspreservation.org

Florida’s largest American Indian mound on private land. Drum circle first Fri.; Sun. tour, 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 cmaquarium.org

Rescue, rehab and release Home of Hope, of Dolphin Tale II

Florida Aquarium

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

Mote Science

Education Aquarium

Nathan Benderson Park, 225 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota. Purchase tickets online to guarantee date of choice: https://tinyurl.com/5n7adtup 941-374-2673

A world-class, 110,000-squarefoot facility dedicated to marine science, education, and immersive public experiences.

Seaside Seabird Sanctuary

18328 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores 727-391-6211

seasideseabirdsanctuary.org

Cares for approximately 3,500 birds every year; home to over 80 permanently injured residents. Free. Donations accepted. Tours.

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa 813-935-8552 zootampa.org

VOLUNTEERING

AARP

Various volunteer opportunities aarp.org/giving-back

Daystar Life Center

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

Empath Health

Suncoast Hospice Training provided empathhealth.org

Friends of St. Pete Beach Library

727-363-9238 https://tinyurl.com/bybbwye7

Friends of Strays

2911 47th Ave. N, St. Pete 727-522-6566

Nonprofit, no-kill shelter friendsofstrays.com/home

Hope Villages of America, Inc.

727-587-7747 rcspinellas.org/Volunteer

Keep Pinellas Beautiful

Conducts frequent cleanup events. kpbcares.org/upcoming-events

Marine Exploration Center

Needs volunteers

727-209-7115 mecstpete.org

Meals on Wheels

Needs volunteer drivers throughout Pinellas County. 727-573-9444 neighborly.org

St. Petersburg Arts Alliance

100 Second Ave. N, Suite 150 727-754-6404 stpeteartsalliance.org

St. Pete Free Clinic

863 Third Ave. N thespfc.org

State of Florida Guardian ad Litem Program

Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of FL, 14250 49th St. N, Suite 4000, Clearwater guardianadlitem.org

Tampa Bay Estuary Program

263 13th Ave. S., Suite 350, St. Pete 727-893-2765 htbep.org/get-involved/volunteer

Tampa Bay Watch

3000 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde tampabaywatch.org Restoration and educational programs, field trips

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 Yoga

• Gentle Yoga: Thursdays, 9:30-10:30am

• Yoga Flow: Thursdays, 10:40-11:40am, South Pasadena City Hall, 7047 Sunset Dr. S barbmoeller1@gmail.com

Sunken Gardens

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

Sun Sea Air Yoga & Wellness 2321 49th St. S, Gulfport 727-220-0231 sunseaairyoga.com/ sun-sea-air-yoga Booking ahead recommended.

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

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

MARKETS

TUESDAYS

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

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.

SATURDAYS

Crossroads Market

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

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

The Market Marie

Second Saturdays, 10am-3pm Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater themarketculture.com/ market-marie/

Mezzo Market

One Saturday a month Oct.-May, Baum Avenue between Intermezzo Coffee & Green Bench Brewing, St. Pete https://mezzomarket.com

SUNDAYS

49th Street

Makers/Growers Market

First Sunday, 10am-2pm Red Feather Studios, 1301 49th St. S, Gulfport

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

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

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

SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS

Art Mart at Pass-a-Grille Sat. & Sun., 9am-2pm (+ Fridays through April) 900 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach

DECEMBER EVENTS

“Remember this December, that love weighs more than gold” – Josephine Dodge Daskam Bacon
Market @ the Pier

CLASSIFIED

ACCOUNTING / BOOKKEEPING & TAX SERVICES

David J. Strickler, CPA, PA, djscpa1@aol.com 727.906.9600

ACUPUNCTURE

Ancient Healing Acupuncture & Herbs

DEMOLITION

If Demolition is your next move… visit www.Down2Ground.com Call 239-955-9855, Or email Down2Ground Demo@gmail.com

DENTAL SERVICES

1120 Pinellas Bayway South, #204 • Tierra Verde, FL 33715 www.DavidStrickler.com • Email: djscpa1@aol.com

1120 Pinellas Bayway South, #204 • Tierra Verde, FL 33715 www.DavidStrickler.com • Email: djscpa1@aol.com

Authentic oriental healing arts are still the foremost healing methods in China. 6600 31st. Terrace N., St. Pete. 727.384.4826

AIR CONDITIONING / HEATING

Red Royal Services can service your existing HVAC or replace it. 727.315.0793

ANNUAL HOME RENTAL

Keyrenter property management takes the work and worry out of being a landlord.

KeyrenterStPete.com or call Sam 727.202.2700

BLINDS & SHUTTERS

Century Dental, Advanced Dental Technology,bImplants, Reconstructive, Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry, 617 75th Ave., St. Pete Beach,n40 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

Free Pick-up & Delivery

Shopping for Window Treatment? Blinds, shades and shutters from Déco and energy-saving to Storm Protection. Act quick (install by 12/31 to get 30% tax credit) on ALTA Shades.

Call The Shutterman 727-810-4606 or TheShuttermanFL.com

Call for a free in-home consult. See ad for 30% off next purchase. Call Budget Blinds 727.821.0976 or the motorization, automation experts Saphire Shades and Shutters 727.289.1629 sales@SaphireShades andShutters.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

COLLEGE ADMISSION FL-based College Counselor Helping students with college admissions ic-prep.com

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

CONDO FOR SALE

Downtown St. Pete Condo @The Beacon on 3rd Eighth floor 1BR/1BA unit with a north view Secure Older building w/good reserves, pool, gym, HOA, Includes Power, A/C, cable, Club Room, Balcony, Pets OK. Assigned Parking Next to USF, Dali, Publix $295,000

Dry Clean, Wash-Dry-Fold, Alterations, Patio Cushion Cleaning, Shoe & Handbag Repair, Pick-up at home or office 2x weekly, Sacino’s Cleaners sacinoscleaners.com

EDUCATION

727.471.0573

Hire an advocate to get your child(ren) an education designed to meet their unique needs. Call Bill 302.745.7472 drwilliamlane.com

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Your contact for all things electrical. Solar hookup, generators, wiring and rewiring homes and businesses. Red Royal Electric 727.228.1065 FITNESS

Top Shape Fitness

Open gym, personal training, in-body testing, infrared sauna. Mention Paradise News for $5 off. 727.338.32694615 Gulf Blvd. #116, St. Pete Beach

HAIR BRAIDING

Get your hair braided by an Expert. Braids by Serina 727.241.3948

HANDYMAN

Yard Work, Concrete, Stucco, Block, Painting, Pressure Washing, Handyman. No Job Too Small! 727.222.7599

HEALTH & NUTRITION

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?

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 Serviceon thebeaches over a decade

727.430.8826

Home & Office CleaningExperienced, Efficient European Cleaning LadyFree Estimates, Great local references, 10+ years Irina 727.481.1364

INSURANCE

Bentley DeNight Insurance Services

can save $$$ on Flood Insurance and can quote Homeowners, Auto & Business Insurances

727.344.4500

JEWELRY

Beverly Gianna Luxury Jewelry & Design is a full service jeweler and diamond expertwho loves to redesign inherited jewelry intomodern

wearable pieces. 6647 Central Ave. St. Petersburg 33710 727-513-3469

LOCKSMITH SERVICES

Lock Repair Service during daytime hours, weekdays. Vet owned. Tommy Locksmith 727.755.3975

LUMBER

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

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 57th St., St. Petersburg 727.322.8883

MEDICAL SERVICES

Primary Care, Concierge Medicine, Lifestyle and Obesity Medicine, Men’s Health, Sports Medicine

Chronic Disease Management

Jason Philippe 727.322.4226

Reverse Aging while you still can!

Colin Chan MD 727.571.1688

PAINTING SERVICES

Residential or Commercial Painting

Flo-Pro Painting 727.337.6888

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

Marina Bay – New Construction

Near Eckerd. More than beautiful.

Resilient, Private, Peaceful, Protected FORTIFIED 727.906.3300

MarinaBaystPete.com

RESIDENTIAL PROTECTION

Insurance Companies are now rejecting claims if no one has been there in 14 days.

Property Watch Ninja’s are your boots on the ground

When you’re not around.

PropertyWatchNinja’s.com or Call 727.620.2620

SCREEN REPAIR

Screen Repair for Pool Cages, Patios and Lanais, call or text for a FREE Estimate.

Rescreen Rescue 727.348.4307

SLIDING DOOR REPAIR

Stop struggling with old sliding doors.We fix it to open for a fraction of thecost of a new door. We replace windows too. Lic. C1050, YouTube.com/user/SliderRepairs

Slider Repairs 727.493.2644

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

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 nativeAll levels. Text or call 571.435.5606

Reading tutor. Certified. Grades 2-8. 1:1 Zoom or in-person. 941.962.5782 actuallylearnit.com

Hire an advocate to get your child(ren) an education designed to meet their unique needs. Call Bill 302.745.7472 drwilliamlane.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/word.

Email: sales@paradisenewsfl.com Or call 727-363-6888.

WHEN GENEROSITY MATTERS

A High Calling For Spirit, Mind, and Body

The Generosity of Spirit moves through us in a manner that allows us to realize and share the totality of who we are as spiritual beings. Accordingly, this energy then ignites our Spirit of Generosity, allowing us to share what we have and can do as human beings. Finding a balance between the two is the practice of consciously being in the flow of life. ~ Excerpt from, When Fear Speaks… Listen (pg. 70)

Have you noticed? There is a quiet beauty in the way the sun effortlessly rises each day, selflessly offering its warmth and light to the entire world without asking for anything in return. It inherently gives. In much the same way, the sun invites us to explore the depth of our own being and discover that generosity – true generosity –is not merely an act, but a state of being or consciousness; the only thing required of us is to be aware of the difference between the “Spirit of Generosity” and the “Generosity of Spirit.” Yes, they are two different things

or recognition. The spirit of generosity flows because it must, because to withhold materiality, love, compassion, or kindness would be to deny our own essence. The spirit of generosity does not measure; it trusts. It gives freely, not just from a consciousness of abundance or scarcity, but from the knowing that love is infinite and inexhaustible. It affirms, “I see you. I honor your presence. I offer what I have, from the all-ness of what I possess.”

that draw on the same universal principle of abundance and understanding the difference matters to the quality of the life we call our own.

The generosity of spirit is not confined to the giving of material things; it’s the giving of the whole sacred-self to others. It’s the willingness to meet life with an open heart, to see others not as separate, but as fellow travelers on the same sacred journey. A generosity of spirit can be found in the pause before we utter a harsh word. It can also be found in the listening ear offered to someone in pain, or the simple smile extended to a stranger. When we live in this space, the generosity of spirit becomes the gracious currency of the soul. It affirms, “I see you. I honor your presence. I offer what I can, from who I am.”

Likewise, the spirit of generosity is a force that flows through us when we are aligned with the deeper truth of our interconnectedness and oneness with an abundant universe. It does not seek praise

We often think of generosity as something we do for others, but perhaps it is also something we do to ourselves. Every time we choose to give – of our time, our attention, our compassion, and yes, our material possessions – we widen the aperture of the heart. We remember we are not here to accumulate, but to circulate. Life flows, not in holding on, but in letting go, again and again.

In moments of deep stillness, we might ask ourselves: Where in my life can I offer more of my spirit? Where can I be less guarded and more gracious? The answers are not always easy, but they are always revealing. For in giving ourselves to life, we receive life more fully.

THE TAKEAWAY: As we enter this holiday season of giving it would serve us well to mindfully live with a generosity of spirit while marinading ourselves in the spirit of generosity is to live an awakened, fully integrated life. It is to know that each encounter is sacred and holy, each interaction an invitation to be more of who we already are vessels through which the Divine expresses its infinite love.

And that, dear friend, is the genuine gift that keeps on giving. Peace, DMJ

Copyright © 2025 - DMJ Presentations LLC • www.DennisMerrittJones.com Dennis Merritt Jones’ vision is “Guiding People to Purpose.” He is an award-winning author of seven 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

Ultra-Luxurious Island Living Awaits

Commanding a premier position on Tierra Verde’s Grand Canal, this is a trophy residence for those who demand architectural excellence.

4 beds, 5/1 baths, 4318 sqft.

$7,950,000

Vista Verde Beauty

Welcome to Villas Del Verde, a private, gated Mediterranean-style community set directly on the Pasadena Yacht & Country Club Golf Course.

3 beds, 2/1 baths Club house, pool $825,000

Supreme Elegance on Beach Drive

Enjoy some of the best views St. Petersburg has to offer from this elegant residence in one of the city’s most desirable towers.

3 beds, 2 baths

$2,900,000

Angela Mathias, Andrew Salamone

Ron Salamone, Libby Salamone

Helping people buy and sell the finest St. Petersburg Properties for over 30 years.

info@stpete.pro www.stpete.pro (727) 456-8093

Stunning Water Views

This one-of-a-kind 4-bedroom end unit at Pasadena Yacht & Country Club combines extraordinary space, refined design, and a breathtaking waterfront setting.

4 beds/3 ba Skip PYCC waiting list $1,295,000

Charming Home with Gracious Floorplan

In Tierra Verde’s coveted Monte Cristo neighborhood, this elegant single-level home stands out for its timeless design and graceful floor plan.

3 beds, 2 ba Lovely lanscaped corner lot $895,000

Fabulous Florida Lifestyle in Tierra Verde

Your key to the island lifestyle is right here on an oversized corner lot in the desirable Monte Cristo neighborhood on the island paradise of Tierra Verde.

3 beds, 2 ba Huge Lot, Amazing Pool $1,250,000

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Paradise News December 2025 Issue by Paradise News Magazine - Issuu