Cory Lake Isles Islander - February 2024 by KEM Media Group, LLC

Islander Cory Lake Isles

FEBRUARY 2024

Magazine

e n i eM

Page 2 • FEBRUARY 2024

KEM MEDIA GROUP 813.501.4894

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, peaceful, and prosperous new year from our family to yours! We look forward to serving you in 2024!

Jerilyn Rush

Bekah Rush

813.927.6795 Jerilyn@therushcollection.com

813.917.4544 Bekah@therushcollection.com

Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

KEM MEDIA GROUP 813.501.4894

FEBRUARY 2024 • Page 3

CORY LAKE ISLES OFFICE HOURS FOR THE CDD OFFICE IN THE BEACH CLUB

CONTACTS

POA

(i.e. when staff will be in the office) 9am-5pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9am-7pm Tuesday, Thursday 12pm-5pm Saturday _____________________

BEACH CLUB HOURS

THE BEACH CLUB IS OPEN TO RESIDENTS VIA FINGERPRINT ACCESS THE FOLLOWING TIMES/DATES

MONDAY-SUNDAY 9AM-9PM *

*IF A RESIDENT HAS A PAID RENTAL AGREEMENT THE BEACH CLUB WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL OTHER RESIDENTS DURING THE TIME OF THE RENTAL AGREEMENT. THE BEACH CLUB IS ONLY OPEN TO RESIDENTS WITH A SIGNED RENTAL AGREEMENT ON THE FOLLOWING TIMES/DATES

SATURDAY 9AM -NOON ALL DAY SUNDAY 9am- 8pm _____________________

Sheryl Springer sspringerpoa@outlook.com Ann E. Belyea poaabelyea@outlook.com Marcelo Mejia marceloclipoa22@gmail.com Juan Aliaga juanaliagapoa@gmail.com Rishi Vasudeva Rvasudeva@gmail.com

POA Property Management Company Condominium Associates Amanda Schewe aschewe@condominiumassociates.com Phone : 813-341-0943 _____________________

GENERAL CONTACT INFO

FITNESS CENTER HOURS Open 24/7 _____________________

CDD BOARD MEMBERS:

Jorge Castillo jcastillo@corylakescdd.net Cynthia McIntyre cmcintyre@corylakescdd.net Ron Acoff racoff@corylakescdd.net Rene Fontcha rfontcha@corylakescdd.net Ann Belyea abelyea@corylakescdd.net

CDD Facilities Manager

John Hall cell 813.924.4673 clcddfm@corylakescdd.net

CDD Office Administrator/Events Coordinator Dominique Green O 813.986.1031 clibeachclub@corylakescdd.net clievents@corylakescdd.net _____________________

CONTACT INFO FOR OUR NEW DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMPANY - BREEZE Resident hotline Phone: 813-565-4663 Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Emergency After Hours: 24/7 District Manager: Larry Krause Email: Hello@BreezeHome.com Website: www.breezehome.com

CDD OFFICE ................................................................813-986-1031 CDD OFFICE EMAIL ..................... clibeachclub@corylakescdd.net POA OFFICE..................................................................813-341-0943 Official Cory Lake Isles CDD Website:...... www.corylakescdd.net Envera Customer Service ........................................(877) 936-8372 EMERGENCY (POLICE, FIRE, MEDICAL) ....................................911 Cross Creek gate .........................................................813-907-8400 Morris Bridge gate ......................................................813-986-0030 Hillsborough sheriff ....................................................813-274-8200 Fire Department .......................................................... 813 272 6600 Hillsborough county customer service .....................813-272-5900 To report power outage call TECO .........................877-588-1010 To report gas leak or service call TECO GAS ..........877-832-6747 TECO Power Customer Service .................................888-223-0800 Teco Power Customer service ....................................888-223-0800 Trash collection -Solid waste management ..............813-272-5680 To report fallen tree on public property .....https://bit.ly/44YHuNf To get trash can repaired/replaced .......... https://bit.ly/3B0CCds Report missed trash pick up ....................... https://bit.ly/4722CUS Report illegal dumping ..................................https://bit.ly/44Grxf8 Report mosquito related issues .................. https://bit.ly/3rHcenU

To report a nuisance alligator, call John Hall (during office hours) at CDD ............................................................................... 813-986 1031 .Tampa Police Dept. vacation watch request https://bit.ly/3OrSY6H Report to city of Tampa overgrown lot complaint https://bit.ly/44F169H Report to city of Tampa sewer odor complaint https://bit.ly/3Y6r7vY An independent contractor staffs the gates at Cory Lake Isles. They provide access control 24/7. They are a valuable part of our security and can advise residents on security issues: however they have no law enforcement authority. Any law enforcement or criminal activity should be directed to the Tampa Police Department that has jurisdiction over Cory Lake Isles.

The Islander is published by:

WWW.KEMMEDIAGROUP.COM For Advertising info send email to: Info@KEMMediaGroup.com

Page 4 • FEBRUARY 2024

©2023 KEM Media Group. All rights reserved. The Islander is currently published monthly, distributed by email, free to all residents of the Cory Lake Isles. Unless otherwise noted, the views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the Publisher. Cory Lake Isles logo used with permission. Lists are for reference only and do not imply official sanction or recommendation by Cory Lake Isles. Editorial submissions are welcome. Publisher reserves the right to reject or edit all submissions for length and clarity. The Publisher is not responsible for errors or omissions.

KEM MEDIA GROUP 813.501.4894

LOVE YOUR PET AT BONEZ & PAWZ Providing an extensive selection of high-quality foods, treats, and toys at reasonable prices, while ensuring an exceptional shopping experience for our valued customers and their 4-legged family members. Store Hours Monday - Friday 10 am - 8 pm. Saturday: 9 am - 6 pm. Sunday: 10 am - 6 pm.

Bonez & Pawz offers grooming services that cater to every aspect of your beloved pet’s hygiene and well-being.

10934 Cross Creek Blvd A few of the well-known brands we carry

Tampa Fl 33647

In the Cross Creek Commons shopping center in between River Mills Animal Hospital & Royal Nails

Visit us at www.bonezandpawz.com

813.388.5340

Love The Skin Your In! WESLEY CHAPEL NEW TAMPA ODESSA 8630 Hunter’s Village Rd. 16222 SR 54, Odessa 27233 SR 56 813-536-1003 813-475-4447 813-973-4111

Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30AM - 7:30PM | Sunday 11AM - 5PM

The Best & Most

Luxurious Spa!

Nail Enhancements • Manicures • Dipping Powder Pedicures • Hot Touch Pedicures • Waxing Eyelash Extensions • Microblading • Facials GIFTS&CARDS

PERMANENT MAKEUP

PARTIES!

& More!

NOW OFFERING Gel-X Nails! KEM MEDIA GROUP 813.501.4894

Schedule a skin check today! LOCATED IN TAMPA PALMS

813-977-2040

TheBowmanInstitute.com

5379 Primrose Lake Circle • Tampa, FL FEBRUARY 2024 • Page 5

"Jen was the best REALTOR® we have ever worked with. She was very pleasant, professional and knowledgeable in the market. I would highly recommend Jen for many others to use as a REALTOR®." - The Cox Family

Page 6 • FEBRUARY 2024

KEM MEDIA GROUP 813.501.4894

Love your House! By Diane Taylor

ebruary, what a beautiful time of year to be living in Florida! This article will mention some tips and ideas to show your home and yard some LOVE. With a low threat of rain and storms, low humidity, and comfortable temperatures, now is the time to take a walk around the outside of your home and look for potential areas to clean or repair. What is also helpful is to take some photos to see what the neighbors are viewing. Taking a fresh look from a different angle can be helpful! Crossing the street and encompassing the whole yard and house should give you a good view of what is seen as people drive or walk by. For those of you who also live on the lake, it may be helpful to also take pictures from your neighbor’s yard, as inspections are also done from the lake. This may also potentially help you identify issues that the property manager may see and choose to send you a friendly letter about. Things you can look for in the photos relating to the yard are: Overgrown bushes, broken branches, weeds, problems with the grass, or broken/ fallen over potted plants. Palm trees needing trimming, possible branches that can fall from large trees that can damage your roof or other structures. Mulch replacement. Additionally, checking your sprinkler systems for leaks and coverage is important this time of year, as it is often used during the winter in our area.

Relating to the house: Paver issues - Weeds, misplaced, broken, stained, mold, sand and sealant levels. Fountains - Cracks, leaks, dirt/mold, pump function. Windows - Broken, dirt/mold, decorative accents misplaced. Entry doors - Dirt/mold, damage, operating and locking correctly. Garage door - Cracks/damage to door or decorative windows, door track operation. Spring issues: Dangerous! Use a professional. Air conditioning systems - Debris on fan, power connections, odd noises, refrigKEM MEDIA GROUP 813.501.4894

erant leakage, base structure intact and level, drains not clogged. Tank water heater - Power/gas connections stable, odd noises, rust or leakage. Tankless water heater - Secured to house, power connections stable and not frayed, gas line intact, odd noises when running. Utilities - Gas meters, internet/cable/ satellite equipment, electric meter. Look for damage or broken equipment including the smell of gas. Roof and fascia - Loose/missing/broken tiles or shingles, mold, skylight and solar securely mounted, chimneys intact, solar fans intact and functioning properly. Gutter problems - Dirt/mold, attachments secure to house, downspout disconnects, debris clogging/overflow. Pool area - Pool deck inspection or cleaning/sealing, Outdoor pool area lighting and fans not broken and are operational, patio furniture and storage clean/need repair or replacement, Pool surface above and below water level, vacuum issues. Pool equipment - Everything connected, leaks, filters need replacing, motors and salt concentrators noise/function, gas and electric heater power and function check. Screen Enclosure - Damaged aluminum, broken or missing screens, doors and latches operating properly, dirt/mold, animals nesting underneath outside concrete or washout. Docks - Stability, damaged/rotting wood, watercraft secure inspection, dock lighting broken, automated dusk/dawn feature working. And, of course, everyone’s favorite thing to do! PAINT. Paint is a really big and beautiful part of Cory Lake Isles. With all the facades and elevations of the houses, there are some beautiful things that can be done with paint. Most houses utilize what is listed in our Design Review Manual as paint palettes, which contain a body color, a trim color, and an accent color. Here is the link for all of the outdoor painting requirements and palettes approved for Cory Lake Isles. https://www.corylakeislespoa.com/ color-palette/. Remember that ALL exterior work will need to be submitted and approved by the Design Review Committee.

Watch for a future article to explain the process in detail. It seems like a long list, but just taking a few minutes of a day to check some of these things if you don’t have time all in one day, will eventually lead to having completed your whole inspection! And don’t fret!! As much as we all take great pride in our homes in Cory Lake, receiving a letter from the management company is not the end of the world. Take your letter and go check out what they are inquiring about. If you log into the Condominium Associates website (https://condominiumassociates.com/), you can also see what was sent to you and any photos. Taking care of it is simple – address it yourself or hire a contractor, but EITHER way, the deadline on the letter means something. COMMUNICATION with the property manager is KEY, and keeping the lines of communication open regarding contractors who can’t do the work by the deadline, (or if there is some other issue that needs to be communicated), typically results in an extension. Ask for one! It’s that simple. As a personal example, we knew we had an issue and were planning to address it, but we got a letter first. Due to the timeline of contractor and supplies, we just emailed in and explained that yes, we know, and it is on our list to do (it was an eyesore but also a HUGE expense), and here is the status of what we CAN do. We have never had a problem if we communicate calmly with the manager. Additionally, we did go back into the Condominium Associates website to verify that our extension was recorded, and also that at the end of our project, the ticket for that issue was closed. This is Florida, and there are definitely issues with mold that we do not have in other parts of the country. Diligence has to be taken all year long, but the month of February is a great time to address some of these things due to the nice weather. Of course, this article is not an exhaustive list, but hope it will serve as a jumpingoff point to get outside, get some fresh air and sunshine, talk with your neighbors and passersby, and perhaps get some exercise if you decide to tackle some of the projects yourself! Your neighbors and your property will love you for it! FEBRUARY 2024 • Page 7

Creating a Florida Native Butterfly Garden Did you know that Florida is home to over 200 species of butterflies, some of which cannot be found anywhere else on Earth? While many of these species are (or will be) at risk of extinction due to the increase in Florida residents and the clearing of space for new homes, you can contribute to their survival by planting a butterfly garden! Butterfly gardens are a win-win: they attract butterflies that are beautiful to the eye and relaxing to watch while supporting the pollination of flowers. Without butterflies (and other pollinators), there are no flowers; without flowers, there are no pollinators! Below are some pointers for building a butterfly garden to attract, feed, and protect these majestic creatures.

Attracting Butterflies

When choosing plants for your butterfly garden, consider color, height, bloom time, and origin. Butterflies prefer flowers that are red, pink, orange, yellow, purple, and white. It’s best to vary plant height throughout the garden since different butterflies prefer

Page 8 • FEBRUARY 2024

plants at different heights. To attract butterflies year-round, choose plants that bloom at different times of the year. Butterflies are most active in mid to late summer, so you may want more plants that bloom during that timeframe. Butterflies are known for being picky when choosing where to lay their eggs. With over 170 of the 200 species of butterflies found in Florida being native to the Sunshine State, selecting plants that are native to Florida will exponentially increase the variety of butterflies you attract while benefiting the garden in many other ways (easier on the environment, reduce the need for fertilizer and pesticides, require little to no supplemental water, etc.).

Feeding Butterflies

Just like humans, butterflies need food and water. Provide a puddling station such as a bird bath or plant saucer with water and rocks, gravel, or sand. When considering what food is best for butterflies, it’s important to remember that adult and baby butterflies (caterpillars) require dif-

KEM MEDIA GROUP 813.501.4894

ferent plants. Adult butterflies get their nutrients from flowering nectar plants; however, they prefer to lay eggs on specific plants called “host plants.” For example, the Monarch, Queen, and Soldier butterflies use native milkweeds (Asclepias) as their host plant, whereas the Giant Swallowtail butterfly uses native wild lime (Zanthoxylum fagara) as their host plant.

Protecting Butterflies

A thriving butterfly garden includes some strategic considerations regarding the location and other components. Butterflies are cold-blooded and seek warmth in the morning, so place your garden in a spot that receives at least 5-6 hours of sunlight, preferably in the a.m. Other components that aid in providing warmth include flat stones, patches of soil, and even pavement. In addition, consider planting your garden near other trees, shrubs, or a log pile to protect your butterflies from the rain and predators. Lastly, keep your garden free of pesticides, which can be harmful and sometimes deadly to butterflies and their larvae. Building a butterfly garden is fun and so rewarding. The fruits of your labor will be a wonderful masterpiece full of life beyond beautiful flowers and butterflies. You will attract and support other pollinators like bees, moths, and even hummingbirds! For more information or to get advice on your specific space, reach out to Bee Happy Native Nursery on Instagram, Facebook, by emailing beehappynatives@gmail.com, calling (954) 662-3885, visiting beehappynativenursery.com or stopping by the nursery on Friday’s and Saturday’s from 9 am - 3 pm at 38176 Huff Drive Zephyrhills, FL 33542.

KEM MEDIA GROUP 813.501.4894

FEBRUARY 2024 • Page 9

Aluna's Zodiac By Aluna Michaels

FEBRUARY 2024 Aquarius (Jan. 20 –

Feb. 18) – Happy birthday Aquarius! It’s a great start to your birth year with so many planets being in your sign. Powerful, life-altering Pluto will be with you for more than two decades! It gives you transformational energy to accomplish your dreams, as well as to eradicate negative “issues” that interfere with your sense of fulfillment. On much smaller, but still potent scale, Mars is in your sign until late March. Meditate on goals and take courageous steps toward their manifestation!

Pisces (Feb. 19 –

March 20) – You’ll have very active dreams and meditations this month. You can feel old resentments being stirred up. Don’t resist, since it’s a healing process deep in your subconscious. Once every two years, Mars works to release suppressed rage and frustration. As a Pisces, you can repress a lot! Breathe deeply as emotions arise. You might even try shaking as a primal way to release stuck adrenaline and reset your nervous system. After, you’ll feel empowered and energized, as well as more able to trust yourself and others!

Aries (March 21 – April 19) — Meditate on meaningful projects you’d like to be involved in. Volunteering can inspire you, bring you radiant health, a peppy mood, and perhaps even a new relationship! Surprisingly, you’ll find you have more time and energy rather than less. Also check in about the quality of your friendships. Make sure you’re receiving as much as you’re giving out. Watch for being subtly drained. Be with people who are on your level of positivity and empowerment! Taurus (April 20 – May 20) – You have tremendous career focus right now! What is it that truly calls to your heart? You can get

promoted into a dream job! Or you can begin an endeavor that’s an intense calling and fills your life with meaning. Meditate and visualize yourself in that new capacity. You can inspire others at this time, too. You see people’s strengths, so don’t be shy about giving compliments. Your opinion has more impact and power than you realize!

Gemini (May 21 –

June 20) – Many planets are working to reinvigorate your spirituality. Try a new form of meditation. Using a mantra, or a comforting phrase helps to engage your mind. As a Gemini, you’re all about talking and thinking, so striving for “mental silence” will likely make you feel like a failure. Chanting and repetitive phrases are viable, ancient and powerful methods for lulling your brain into peacefulness! You can also try walking or other movement based styles. Your body and mind will relax. You’ll feel less stressed at work. You’ll have insights that solve personal issues too! If you can, try to travel or at least make travel plans.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22) – Your capacity to heal from deep trauma, shame and betrayal is incredible right now! You can rewire your nervous system so you can more easily trust others, yourself and life again. Part of that trust is maintaining healthy boundaries! You can also make great strides in decreasing debt and increasing channels of abundance. Meditations will be profound and will help you connect with with the magic of the Universe! – If single, you can start a profound and passionate relationship! If partnered, you can revive your love and excitement for one another. You can also tune back into your creativity as a couple and just have more fun together. In general as a Leo, be with people

14 Wesley Chapel Magazine - FEBRUARY • 2024

Page 10 • FEBRUARY 2024

Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22)

who let your inner light be bright! It’s not good for your soul to be with anyone who wants you to tone yourself down in order to make them more comfortable.

Virgo (Aug. 23 –

Sept. 22) – Although you often worry about your health, you’re also a powerful healer! Meditate on the positive aspects of your body. Then expand gratitude and love to parts you don’t like, or aren’t working optimally. You’ll notice a big shift! Do the same for aspects of your personality, since you’re so self-critical. It’s a great time to learn healing techniques for others, like reiki. Also, you can have a major work opportunity! Just be sure to stay firm in your work/life balance.

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22) – Renew your creativity and sense of fun! Even if you’re struggling with depression or grief, make time each day for playfulness. It’ll be an amazing healing ritual that will change your energy. You can also start a passionate new relationship, or rekindle excitement in a current bond. If you have kids, you’ll be able to connect on a new level that leads you on a path of more love and trust. Treat yourself to a gift and bless yourself with a sense of abundance! Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) – You’re tough and can endure so much, but you deserve to be peaceful. It’s so important to feel you have a home, or a space in your home, where you feel grounded and safe! Create a sacred meditation area. Surround yourself with objects that are meaningful to you. Also be sure to eat well. Avoid caffeine

or sugar, or other foods that rev you up and make you unsettled. It seems wimpy, but speak to yourself with kindness and compassion so your inner mental landscape is also a safe place to be!

Sagittarius

(Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) – There’s so much power in your words and thoughts! Of course that’s always true, but right now you have extra “manifestation mojo”! Meditate and find phrases that resonate in your heart and use them to rewire negativity and to set down roots of positive new beliefs. You can connect with people who are passionate about their lives and start great friendships. However, if you’re angry with anyone, breathe before you speak, since what you say can be more wounding than you intend.

Capricorn (Dec.

22 – Jan. 19) – Many planets are financially empowering you this month! Meditate on the abundance to the Universe. Tune into the fact that money is a form of divine energy, always surrounding you. Allow that belief to root into you bones and in every cell! Now create goals with specific small steps to achieve you dreams. Use this same process for building deep self-worth and an unshakable sense of personal value! Aluna Michaels is a second-generation astrologer. She also holds a Masters in Spiritual Counseling and has been teaching and consulting for more than three decades. Her book “Spiritual Gifts of the 12 Astrological Signs” is now on Amazon in Kindle version and as an E-book on her website. Aluna is available for appointments in her home, by phone or Zoom. Call (727) 239-7179 (landline, so no texting!) or call/text (248) 583-1663 or visit www. alunamichaels.com KEM MEDIA GROUP 813.501.4894

2024 Housing Market: Thawing Sands, Shifting Prices, and Regional Realities

The 2023 housing market, etched with the "mortgage rate lock-in effect," is giving way to a potentially more dynamic 2024. While affordability concerns remain paramount, glimmers of hope illuminate the path for both buyers and sellers. Let's navigate the shifting sands with the latest insights:

Gradual Price Moderation:

• New Construction Takes the Lead: An anticipated uptick in both single-family and multifamily construction will inject much-needed inventory into the market, curbing the pressure on existing home and rental prices. However, Odeta Kushi, deputy chief economist at First American, reminds us, "it will take years of accelerated new home construction to narrow the supply shortage gap." • Regional Variations: Nationwide sales are expected to see a modest increase, but with significant regional disparities. Danielle Hale, chief economist for Realtor.com, identifies two groups primed for potential double-digit growth: affordable markets in the Midwest and Northeast, and Southern California poised for a rebound. KEM MEDIA GROUP 813.501.4894

Mortgage Rates & Affordability:

• Gradual Decline in Rates: Most experts predict a slow decrease in mortgage rates throughout 2024, reaching around 6.6% by year-end. This, combined with potential modest price dips, could offer some relief to homebuyers. • Affordability Challenges Persist: Daryl Fairweather, chief economist for Redfin, cautions that rates will likely stay above pandemic lows, but even a 1% drop, as Jeff Taylor of Mphasis Digital Risk projects, could mean a noticeable improvement in affordability.

Home Price Growth Stays Steady:

• Regional Disparity: While price appreciation remains likely, the pace will vary geographically. Lawerence Yun, Chief Economist of NAR emphasizes, "Only a dramatic rise in supply will dampen price appreciation."

New Construction Booms, Multifamily Dips: • Single-Family Construc-

tion on the Rise: Robert Dietz of the National Association of Home Builders projects a gain in single-family housing starts, driven by declining mortgage rates and ongoing inventory needs. • Multifamily Slowdown: Tight financing conditions and a glut of units under construction will likely lead to a significant decline in multifamily construction. Remodeling Holds Steady: • Aging Housing Stock Drives Demand: Despite an overall flat trend, the aging housing stock necessitates reinvestment, keeping the remodeling market buoyant.

Navigating the Landscape:

Remember, the 2024 housing market promises to be dynamic and regionally diverse. Staying informed about market trends, understanding your financial limitations, and consulting with experienced realtors will be crucial for both buyers and sellers. Whether you dream of purchasing a home or maximizing your return on investment, buckle up for a year of evolving landscapes and seize the opportunities that arise!

Key Takeaways:

• New construction and gradual declines in mortgage rates offer hope for price moderation, but regional variations will be significant. • Affordability challenges remain, but a potential drop in rates could provide some relief. • Home price growth will likely persist, but at varying paces across the country. • Single-family construction is expected to boom, while multifamily projects might slow down. • The aging housing stock will keep the remodeling market afloat. By staying informed and making strategic decisions, you can navigate the shifting sands of the 2024 housing market and achieve your real estate goals. If you have real estate questions, please contact Jen Wiggins with any questions. Jennifer Wiggins, PA, REALTOR®Smith & Associates Real Estate (813) 539-1678 Jen@LetsTalkTampa.com FEBRUARY 2024 • Page 11

Attracting Butterflies

Page 12 • FEBRUARY 2024

Feeding Butterflies

KEM MEDIA GROUP 813.501.4894

Protecting Butterflies

KEM MEDIA GROUP 813.501.4894

FEBRUARY 2024 • Page 13

The Dalí Museum Fuses Art and Technology for a Global Audience Art lovers from around the world visit The DalÍ and in turn experience the numerous and diverse array of the Tampa Bay area's local art scene. It is the backbone of a body of work turning the world’s eyes towards the area.

By Lisa Lippincott

hether you’re a Dalí enthusiast, Dalí-curious, or you’re merely in the mood to dilly-Dalí, The Dalí Museum is worth a visit (or many). A world-class destination that has been awarded three stars in Michelin’s Green Guide; the museum pulls a truly global audience. Home to the largest collection of Dalí’s work to be found anywhere outside his native country, it was founded in 1982 with a huge bequest of art and reference materials from longtime Dalí friends and avid collectors A. Reynolds and Eleanor Morse. The couple, whose Ohio-based collection had grown to immense proportions, had been Page 14 • FEBRUARY 2024

shopping it around to donate for some time when the push began to bring it to St Petersburg. The stipulation that the collection be maintained in its entirety dissuaded many institutions, but the local boosters were both enthusiastic and unfazed by this requirement, with one reportedly saying (according to a 1982 article in the New York Times) ''It's the greatest gift to the City of St. Petersburg since sunshine.'' To house the windfall collection, at the time comprising over 1300 works and reportedly valued at an estimated thirty-five million dollars, the Florida state legislature contributed an appropriation in the

princely sum of two-million-dollars, which was, up to that point, the largest sum the state had ever committed to an artsrelated purpose. The new museum took shape in a completely re-imagined marine warehouse a pebble’s toss from Tampa Bay, and for a time it served its purpose. But the museum’s mission and need for space was expanding, and the low-lying waterfront location proved worrisome in the long term. The collection came under threat each time a significant storm approached, and the process of de-installing and moving the work into a protective vault each time posed significant risks in KEM MEDIA GROUP 813.501.4894

Meliton Casals Portrait of Dalí, 1951 Collection of The Dalí Museum, St Petersburg, FL (USA); Dalí Museum purchase 1986.12 © Meli Casals; Image Rights of Salvador Dalí reserved. Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí, Figueres, 2023.

itself. Opened in 2011, the current building, a stalwart 60,000-square-foot art fortress whose 18-inch-thick concrete walls were engineered to resist a category 5 storm, it is a work of art in itself. Designed by Yann Weymouth, the blocky structure is broken up by a vitreous geodesic bubble called “The Enigma” (a nod to the dome atop the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres) that appears to squeeze out through the building like caged glass. Experiencing the actual scale of famous artworks can be both fascinating and surprising, and the Dalí holds many such surprises. Some of the artist’s most recognizable works, including The Disintegration of the Persistence of Memory (a later and similarly-sized companion piece to The Persistence of Memory) are not much larger than a piece of writing paper, while others are immense. The Hallucinogenic Toreador, for example, measures almost twice the height of an average NBA player. KEM MEDIA GROUP 813.501.4894

In addition to the lure of the celebrated and voluminous permanent collection (which currently stands at more than 2,400 works) the museum continues to expand its offerings with high profile special exhibitions and cutting-edge, award-winning technological innovations. Currently on view is Dalí & the Impressionists: Monet, Renoir, Degas & More which highlights the strong influence these artists had on Dalí’s early works, and the recent technologydriven rollout, Dalí Alive 360, an immersive Dalí experience that takes place inside a sixty-foot-tall planetarium-like projection dome. This optional add-on requires timed entry and an additional Fifteen-dollar fee. Once inside, guests can either sit, stand, lie on the floor or walk around. The forty-ish minute extravaganza envelops the visitor in a psychedelic, dream-like sequence of animated paintings interspersed with quotes and biographical nuggets that help to put both art and artist into better context for

visitors. If you opt out of the 360 experience, regular museum admission still gets you plenty of tech-forward bang for your buck. You can’t scroll through a news feed these days without encountering something about AI possibly bringing about the end of the world, but the Dalí hired a tech team to use a benign form of AI to bring an interactive facsimile of Dalí to life years ago. Dalí Lives, which opened in mid-2019, was built by feeding frames from archival footage of Dalí as well as the artist’s own words into a machine learning program in order to resurrect the artist into an eccentric, lifesized Catalonian chatbot. Dalí’s avatar can be summoned via a doorbell on each of several digital kiosks. The one stationed at the museum’s exit offers to take a selfie with guests that they can presumably later use to confuse people on Instagram.

FEBRUARY 2024 • Page 15

MARCH 2-3 JULIAN B. LANE RIVERFRONT PARK

“ART ENABLES US TO FIND OURSELVES AND LOSE OURSELVES AT THE SAME TIME.” -Thomas Merton Find yourself immersed in two days of fine art, food, music, and merrymaking. 250+ fine artists, 14 emerging artists, Remote Artists Studios, more than a dozen musical performances, and much more at one of America’s most prestigious juried

Page 16 • FEBRUARY 2024

“RI

DE Y

OU R W AY ” BY KARINA

LLE

art festivals.

KEM MEDIA GROUP 813.501.4894