St. Pete Life Jan/Feb 2023

A remodeling project involves a lot of moving parts, a lot of products and more importantly, requires a lot of handson care. At King Contracting, Inc., our Design-Build Process helps you see how all these components come together to result in a beautiful remodel of your home, whether it’s a single-family house, condo or townhouse.

From kitchen remodels to high-end whole house remodels to sophisticated custom designed homes, we have worked together with our clients to design, remodel and build beautiful homes in the Greater St. Petersburg Area for over a decade. Because over 75% of our clients live in a FEMA Flood Plain, we have gained the professional expertise to guide you thru the process to ensure that you are compliant, all while offering you a design with your personal touch that accentuates your existing home!

To deliver award-winning remodeling and custom Design-Build projects to our discriminating client base, King Contracting puts a lot of emphasis on continued education of its employees. We have Universal Design Certified Professionals, Certified Remodeling Project Managers and a Certified Remodeler on-staff to help assemble your thoughts onto paper and in turn, deliver a high-end finished product to you that your family will enjoy for years to come!

Doug King, CR, UDCP, MBA, CGC, NARI National Past President

After

Before

The start of a new year gives us renewed hope for good things to come. In this issue, we pay tribute to St. Pete’s working women who contribute to the city’s well-being and entrepreneurial spirit. The annual Women in Business special advertising feature brings us their inside stories, and is a reflection of so many other women across the region who deserve to be recognized.

We hope you check out our feature about the new public art that can be seen from downtown to the beaches at the SunRunner stations, the colorful rapid transit bus line that launched in October. St. Pete artist Catherine Woods was commissioned to create the beautiful glass panels at 16 stations, each one reflecting its neighborhood and Florida wildlife. We think these works of art will become part of St. Pete’s cultural history, they are remarkable.

The St. Pete Grand Prix comes roaring back to downtown in early March. We take a look at what’s in store, and include a track map with a schedule of street closures that should be helpful for downtown residents and businesses.

THE BEST OF downtown IS downstairs

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Broker participation is welcomed and encouraged. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE SELLER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES TO BE FURNISHED BY A SELLER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. Prices, terms, and availability are subject to change at any time without notice. Images are artist’s renderings and may not represent the final building. Furnishings and fixtures are for display purposes and are not included with the residence. Actual improvements, including, recreational facilities and amenities, may vary from those shown and views may not be available from all units. The project has been filed in the state of Florida and no other state. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy the condominium units in states where such offer or solicitation requires prior qualification. Offer subject to change at any time without notice. See sales team for details.

Artist’s Renderings

A Master of Glass Meets Masters of Craft Clearly Collaborative

Known internationally as an art glass master, St. Pete artist Duncan McClellan has blown many decades’ worth of glass vessels for the use in his sandblasted, graphic-imaged art. Now, these vessels are the bases for nationally recognized craft artisans to incorporate into their own signature mediums, creating innovative new pieces. The final works will be featured in Clearly Collaborative: A Master of Glass Meets Masters of Craft at the Florida CraftArt Gallery from January 27 – March 11.

Curated by renowned art collector David Ramsey, Clearly Collaborative will feature original works from: Lucrezia Bieler (Paper, Tallahassee) Joyce Curvin (Mixed Media, Palm Harbor) the late Paul Eppling (Metal), Pamela Fox (Jewelry, Sarasota), Dominice Gilbert (Metal, St. Petersburg), Nneka Jones (Mixed Media, Tampa), William Kidd (Ceramics, St. Petersburg), John Mascoll (Wood, Safety Harbor), Duncan McClellan (Glass, St. Petersburg), Charlie Parker (Ceramics, St. Petersburg) and Sue Shapiro (Ceramics, St. Petersburg) All of the artists are seasoned art award winners, including John Mascoll and Lucrezia Bieler who won awards at the 2022 Smithsonian Craft Show in Washington, DC, and Nneka Jones who won Best of Show at Gasparilla Festival in Tampa.

The concept for the exhibition arose from a conversation between Ramsey and McClellan, inspired by the success of a commissioned piece of art featuring the metal work of the late Paul Eppling and McClellan’s glass work. Clearly Collaborative reveals the innovation produced when masters of one medium are introduced to new art disciplines under the guidance of another master artisan.

Artist Joyce Curvin works with Duncan McClellan on a glass urn that becomes part of a rocket ship in her whimsical piece called Marz Roverz, left.

“As a collector, as well as a Florida CraftArt board member, I am familiar with the diverse types of fine craft and many of the top artists,” Ramsey says. “I felt it would be interesting to offer these artists the opportunity to combine their skills and creativity with blown glass. Duncan and I, along with Florida CraftArt CEO Katie Deits, selected the artists who are masters of their crafts for the project.”

Each artist met with McClellan to discuss the design and technical challenges of working with glass. The artists received the blown glass vessels, as well as access to the DMG School Project commercial sandblasting booth and other tools needed to realize their visions.

“I think it is important for an artist to give back to the community,” says McClellan. “I have been fortunate in my career, and many people have shared their inspirations and talents with me along the way. These collaborations are a way in which I can not only offer artists working in other media the chance to explore the magic of glass, but I am also inspired by their innovations, creativity and techniques. Artists must keep growing and expanding their perception, and sometimes this needs to be done by creating a communal opportunity for shared vision.”

The communal opportunity has already been a revelation to the participating artists, who all worked with glass for the first time in their professional careers during the Clearly Collaborative process. “This project has expanded my work and taken me into a whole new way of thinking about future projects,” says mixed media artist, Joyce Curvin.

“This is a full circle moment for me as my first time meeting Duncan was through a mentorship program provided by the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts a few years ago,” says Nneka Jones. “I was an emerging artist and blown away by Duncan’s work and his professionalism and knowledge. To now have the honor of working collaboratively on one of his glass pieces is surreal and this is one of my most precious art experiences that I will cherish for a lifetime.”

Florida CraftArt is located at 501 Central Avenue in downtown St. Petersburg, FL

Above, Dominice Gilbert stands next to her Annulus sculpture. Below, Nneka Jones paints a blown glass disc that will eventually become part a sculpture piece.

Tammy Campbell McNelis (Plummer)

Real Estate Professional CLHMS, CHMS,

- Jean

Peripheral neuropathy is the pain, discomfort and numbness caused by nerve damage of the peripheral nervous system. Jean, a patient at AAIM explained that daily tasks like opening doors or taking her dog for a walk was extremely painful. “How can you live for the next 30 years when you don’t even want to get out of bed to do simple things?”

If you’re unfortunate enough to be facing the same disheartening prognosis, you’re not sleeping at night because of the burning in your feet. You have difficulty walking, shopping or doing any activity for more than 30 minutes because of the pain. You’re struggling with balance and living in fear that you might fall. Your doctor told you to ‘just live with the pain’ and you’re taking medications that aren’t working or have uncomfortable side effects.

Dr. Gibbons, founder of Achieve Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine in St. Petersburg, is using the time tested science of Acupuncture and other integrative techniques that assists in increasing blood flow and expediting recovery and healing to treat this debilitating disease.

Dr. Gibbons is now accepting new patients. Dr. Gibbons and her staff specialize in treating chronic pain, complicated neurological conditions and autoimmune diseases. For more information about Dr. Gibbons and what she treats, visit www.achieveacuim.com.

Ready to schedule? Call (727) 272-3587 for a comprehensive consultation today.

“Now when I go to bed at night I don’t have those shooting pains. I don’t have that burning sensation. I don’t have pain coming up my legs.”

Visitors with Color Vision Deficiency (CVD) can experience art in full color thanks to free color- enhancing EnChroma glasses available at the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg. The glasses come in adult and children’s sizes, as well as in fit-over glasses for those who also wear prescription lenses. EnChroma glasses have been available to all MFA visitors since March 2021.

CVD affects one in 12 men and one in 200 women – an estimated 13 million in the US. While people with normal color vision see over one million shades of color, the color blind only see an estimated 10% of hues and shades.

To them, green and yellow, gray and pink, purple and blue, red and brown look similar, and colors appear muted, dull and blend together. ***

Adults and children can sign up for American Stage’s Drama School courses beginning February 18. Youth classes include Musical Theatre for ages 8-12 and ages 13-17, Audition Prep and Improv for ages 13-17. Adult courses include Intro to Acting, Acting for TV, Commercials and Industrials, Intro to Film, Intro to Musical Theatre and Improv. Spring Break Camp and Summer Camps are also accepting registrations. Go to americanstage.org.

People with Color Vision Deficiency would see Village Girl-Lily Cow (1915, Robert Henri) as shown on the right. EnChroma glasses would convert the painting to the version on the left.

The Florida Orchestra has rescheduled its 55th Celebration concert featuring legendary violin superstar Itzhak Perlman for Saturday, March 11, at 8 pm at the Mahaffey Theater. TFO Music Director Michael Francis will conduct the benefit concert which was postponed by Hurricane Ian. Remaining concert tickets are available for $125, $175 and $225, and are available at FloridaOrchestra. org; 727.892.3337 or 1.800.662.7286. Limited individual VIP tickets are available for $550, and include premium concert seating, and a preconcert reception. VIP ticket tickets through sweymouth@ floridaorchestra.org

St. Pete is undeniably a City of the Arts and no month showcases this better than February, when the St. Petersburg Celebration of the Arts shines a spotlight on mostly musical and performing arts. The theme for 2023 is Freedom; here are some highlights.

Jan. 31 -The Tampa Bay Symphony: “Innovation and Freedom” 8 pm, Palladium Feb. 2 -The Florida Orchestra: Coffee Concert 11 am Mahaffey Theater

Feb. 3 - American Stage presents “Crimes of the Heart” 8 pm Feb. 4 - The Florida Orchestra: Pops Concert Jeans ‘n Classics Abbey Road, 2 pm, Mahaffey Theater

Feb. 5 - The Tampa Bay Symphony: “Innovation and Freedom” 2:30 pm, Palladium Feb. 10 - St. Petersburg Opera, “A Night of Gershwin” Opera Central, 8 pm Feb. 11 - Soundwaves Chamber Series, The Florida Orchestra, 8 pm, Palladium Feb. 12 - freeFall Theatre presents “Blues in the Night” 8 pm

Feb. 17 - Off-Central Players present “This Is Our Youth” at Studio Grand Central, 8 pm

Feb. 19 - One City Chorus sings Songs of Hope, Justice, and Freedom with special guests DIVERSITY: The Voices of Sarasota, 4 pm, Palladium Feb. 20 - The Hadassah St. Petersburg Chapter presents a free lecture by Elizabeth Gelman: “Freedom From and Freedom To: Jewish Artists in the 20th Century”6 pm Opera Central Feb. 21 – Julliard String Quartet, Palladium Chamber Series, 7:30 pm Feb. 23 - The Last Laugh, film screening and conversation with award winning filmmaker Ferne Pearlstein on how artists use comedy to claim back their freedom from oppression. The Florida Holocaust Museum, 6:30pm Feb. 24 - 1 PM St. Petersburg Opera Guild Luncheon, “Freedom” program of opera and songs, 1 pm, St. Petersburg Country Club

Feb. 26 - Tampa Bay Symphony, International Composition Finalists Competition: “Freedom, War and/or Ukraine”, Palladium 2 pm

This listing has been edited for space. To see a complete list events go to artsofstpete.com

The MUSE Awards, the best arty party of the year presented by the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance, is set for Friday, March 3, from 7 to 10 pm at the Morean Center for Clay. Returning hosts Paul Wilborn and Eugenie Bondurant promise a lively evening of merriment and musical entertainment. MUSE celebrates the diversity of all the performing and visual arts in the ‘Burg by honoring six outstanding 2023 MUSE award winners. Tickets are available at stpeteartsalliance.org/experiencearts/muse-awards

Photo/Xina Scuderi

BULA BARUA

Luxury Fine Artist

BY MARCIA BIGGS

Bula Barua greets visitors with a dazzling smile to her spacious new gallery at The Factory in St. Pete’s Warehouse Arts District. On the white walls, multi-dimensional paintings sparkle in brilliant colors and hues, as if they are happy to be there.

Barua opened her first gallery in downtown St. Pete in February 2020. Shortly after, the COVID pandemic forced her to close, a dream suddenly shattered. She remained positive, diving headfirst into her commission work which had been her bread and butter for the past decade. Her signature work — luxury fine art paintings that incorporate elements such as Swarovski crystals, 24 karat gold leaf, silver, crushed mica, gems, blown and crushed glasses, and glitter — is included in private and public collections and galleries across the country and around the world.

With the November opening of the new Bula Barua Gallery space in St. Petersburg, she hopes to bring her unique bespoke art to a broader local clientele.

Born in Indiana, Barua moved around a lot in her early career from

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Chicago and Los Angeles to New York, Miami and finally settling with husband, Alexi, onto 5 acres of wooded property north of St. Petersburg where they live with 2 horses, 3 dogs and a flock of free-range chickens. Sometimes she sets up her easel in the horse stable, where she dons her jeans and flannel shirt and enjoys the open air and natural environment.

“ I love it here,” she says. “I could have a gallery anywhere, but this is where I want to live.”

Barua has exhibited in New York City, Atlanta, Miami, California and in Venice, Italy. She was commissioned to travel to Hanzhou, China, to personally design the famed 5-star beauty spa, Adlina. The spa featured 14 of her limited edition prints.

Barua’s artwork is diverse in topic and size, but all are abstract in varying degrees ranging from faces and figures to flowers and landscapes. Her signature blown glass on canvas is layered with reflective crushed glass and metallic pigments. (She blows her own glass at a local glass studio, she says, then smashes it into

PHOTOS FROM BULA BARUA

pieces to be used on her canvasses, so no two are alike.) She layers high-end resins onto the canvas, heating the resin to seal in the various elements, a technique she has mastered.

Many of her clients come back for more. A few days before this interview, she had finished and shipped a large commissioned work for the lakefront home of a Michigan couple — it was their eighth Bula Barua piece. The artist says she reaches out to get to know her clients before commencing a commission piece, working closely to choose the size, colors, vibe, and, yes, bling for the piece.

“I can’t always jump on a plane, so we’ll Facetime,” she explains. “That way I get to know them, and see where they live and the colors they like. To understand what a person is looking for it helps

me to understand the person.”

She uses pigments to create her own colors, “that’s how I can go from softer colors to the stronger more vibrant ones,” she says. She describes her work “very much like collages” with layers upon layers of elements and paint, and resin heated to seal the canvas.

“There is such a communication between myself and what I’m creating,” she explains. “While I paint, I try to be very conscious of focusing on being happy and positive. I feel that energy transfers; I think art can heal.”

Bula Barua Gallery is at 2534 Terminal Dr. S in The Factory complex. Hours are limited; call (727) 900-1063 or go to bulagallery.com.

PHOTOS/MARCIA BIGGS

Meet the Women of the Antonewitz Home Team

The key to your new home!

Denise has put together an amazing team of real estate experts since 2012. Together they bring over 40 years of experience and knowledge of the real estate industry. Denise is one of Pinellas County’s leading Realtors catering to all types of buyers and sellers, from first time home buyers to investment to luxury with a total of over $350 million in sales volume and over 950 homes sold in the Tampa Bay Area in just the past 10 years. Denise is a 4th generation native Floridian, born and raised in St Petersburg. This gives her the advantage of knowing this market and territory better than most. She is a luxury specialist and earned her certification from the Institute of Luxury Marketing. Surrounding herself with the best, Denise has chosen an experienced team of professionals that provide her clients with excellent customer service, effective marketing strategies, and personal attention to their real estate needs.

Gina is a Florida and Missouri licensed real estate Broker-Agent. She knows the value of staying up on the market, by being learning based to better serve her customers. She was the recipient of the MO Association of REALTORS® Salesperson of Year 2006, served as President of the local Board of REALTORS® 2005, and lead a group of REALTOR® volunteers to Mobile, AL in 2007 to assist with Habitat build for hurricane victims. When not selling homes, Gina & her husband Todd enjoying trying new locally owned restaurants, watching baseball and traveling. They have 3 children, 5 grandchildren & a spoiled dog, Zeus.

Erin graduated cum laude from The University of North Carolina Charlotte with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She then went on to work in film and television as a producer and location scout/manager for networks and studios such as HSN, QVC, TSC, Amazon and A24 Films. After a successful career in the film and television industry, she decided to turn her focus closer to home and transition into real estate. When Erin isn’t making home ownership dreams come true for her clients, she enjoys photography, scuba diving, traveling, collecting & showing antique sports cars with her dad and spending time with her fiancé, two children and two French bulldogs, Petunia, and Louis.

Michelle has lived in St Petersburg since 2011, settling here after retiring as an Officer in the US Air Force. The skills she developed during her career have easily translated into a career in real estate. She truly enjoys helping a buyer find their dream home and helping sellers negotiate the best price possible then navigating them through the process. Michelle and her husband enjoy spending time enjoying our beautiful city and waterways and all they have to offer. Joining Keller Williams and the Denise Antonewitz Home Team, with its shared love of the local area and energy in helping clients find their home, was the perfect fit.

Margaret was born and raised in Bernardsville, New Jersey and moved to St. Pete in 2018 to study at Eckerd College. In December 2021, she graduated with honors and a degree in Communications from the college. In summer 2022, Margaret joined the A Team as Office Coordinator and assists with various administrative tasks including marketing, social media, helping with contracts, and database management. In her free time, Margaret teaches fitness classes and enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and two sweet rescue dogs, Butters and Luna.

Denise Anton ewitz

Gina McWilliams

Michelle Adams

Erin Sheahan

Margaret Glazar

Dreams Take Shape Over 500 years in Dali Exhibit

BY MARCIA BIGGS

Anyone familiar with the Surrealist work of Salvador Dali knows his affinity for bizarre dreamlike figures and scenes — melting clocks, landscapes to infinity, figures rising into the heavens. Dalí frequently described his works as “hand-painted dream photographs.” No artist seems to tap into the imagination and the subconscious quite like Dali, who believed the state between wakefulness and sleep was the place where our greatest creative potential exists.

With a nod toward Dali’s dream fascination, The Shape of Dreams explores 500 years of paintings from the 16th to 20th century, demonstrating how artists throughout time have depicted the enigmatic state of awareness that often leaves dreamers searching for meaning.

The exhibit is a compilation of art from renowned artists on loan from five American institutions, including the National Gallery of Art, Detroit Institute of Arts, The New Orleans Museum of Art, Saint Louis Art Museum, Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Chicago Art Institute and Metropolitan Museum of Art. Several works from the museum’s permanent collection are included.

The Shape of Dreams delves into the universal phenomenon of human experience — the dream. “Dali drew on dreams to shape his paintings,” explains Dalí Museum Director Hank Hine, who curated the exhibit. “The Shape of Dreams is a powerful exploration through painting of how we understand ourselves and the world.”

PHOTO/MARCIA BIGGS

Paintings from renowned artists depicting the dream state span 500 years from the 16th to 20th century in The Shape of Dreams exhibit.

The exhibit is divided into five themes: Source of Dreams, Nature of Dreams, Art of Dreaming, Visions and Nightmares, and Use of Dreams. Like Dali, this exhibit is deep; each painting tells a story that can be complicated and, of course, open to interpretation. Earlier works have origins in biblical tales or mythology, with angels and holy figures delivering messages to the sleeping. Later works vary from chaotic scenes to butterflies and bananas. Descriptions (interpretations) are provided with each work, providing food for thought.

To accompany the exhibit, the museum offers visitors a chance to delve into their own dreams through a unique artificial intelligence experience dubbed Dream Tapestry. Kiosks encourage visitors to use their smartphones to scan a QR code into which a text box pops up. In one phrase or sentence, the visitor describes a dream. Within a minute, an artistic representation of that dream is generated onto the kiosk’s 5-foot LCD screen. It soon appears projected on the wall screen along with the generated dream images of five other visitors. The artificial intelligence, called Dall-E, combines all six dreams into one large tapestry or dreamscape, similar to a digital quilt.

“It’s like an AI tapestry that joins the dreams of six different visitors together, giving us a look at what we are dreaming collectively,” says Hine. Like the museum’s Dreams of Dali virtual reality experience that debuted in 2018, Dream Tapestry is a fun interactive tool that shows the creative process in relation to Dali’s complexity.

“To make his paintings, Dali invented a way of waking himself from his dreams and then drawing what had passed through his mind. We wondered, how can we give people direct access to their dreams, wouldn’t that be inspiring?” said Hine.

And it certainly is.

The Shape of Dreams continues through January 31 at the Dali Museum. Go to thedali.org for more information.

Right, Dream Tapestry artificial intelligence allows visitors to input a dream to create a collective digital dream image. Below, Jacob’s Dream by Domenico Feti (1614) depicts The Old Testament tale of Jacob having a miraculous vision in a dream which showed him a stairway between Heaven and Earth. / © Detroit Institute of Arts

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Ready for Romance

BY MARCIA BIGGS

St. Pete is undeniably a romantic place. Our beautiful downtown waterfront is perhaps the most idyllic for casual romance. Just take a stroll along Bayshore Drive from the stately Renaissance Vinoy, past the yacht-filled marina and along the St. Pete Pier for a view of water and sky that will make you fall in the love with the city itself.

world go by. The new Mediterranean restaurant Allelo on Beach Drive is divinely romantic with indoor and outdoor seating.

Birch and Vine at the Birchwood can’t be overlooked for its classic ambiance and options of fine or casual dining both inside and outdoors. The sidewalk tables at Cassis are perfect for a late-night coffee and French pastry. The Cassis Bakery offers sweet treats to go from gelato to fruit-filled tarts to colorful macarons.

Away from Beach Drive, Sea Salt on the second level of Sundial is dazzling at night when downtown high-rises twinkle in the distance. It’s jazzy and snazzy, with excellent seafood, wine and service to match. You’ll be reading poetry to your loved one between courses at The Library, a decidedly sophisticated fine dining experience in the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Medical Center.

Find sophistication, a classic yet adventurous menu, and an extraordinary wine selection to impress any date at awardwinning Rococo Steak. Wine director Will Howard (our SPL wine columnist, by the way) is ever at the ready to select just the perfect vino for your meal.

The best time is at dusk, when you can stand beneath the lighted Bending Arc sculpture at The Pier as it undulates in the breeze and the city skyline comes alive. Finish the evening at Teak or Pier Teaki at the tip of the Pier for a craft cocktail and an exquisite view of the sunset over downtown.

Here are some other suggestions to consider if you have a honey to woo on February 14 or anytime, for that matter.

Table for Two

A romantic dinner for two is always a way to say you care. Make a reservation at one of these restaurants to make it a special evening:

With waterfront views and great people watching, Beach Drive is perfect to impress your date. You can’t go wrong with an outdoor table at Parkshore Grill or 400 Beach Seafood &Tap House, both offer top-notch dining, service and sidewalk seating to watch the

If Italian cuisine says amore, the small yet highly-acclaimed Il Ritorno on Central Avenue will melt any heart. Contemporary Italian fare by chef/owner David Benstock features handmade pastas, breads and sauces. Get the white tablecloth treatment and tableside preparation at Gratzzi Italian Grille in the heart of downtown.

A French dining experience awaits at Left Bank Bistro, a chic renovated bungalow in the Crescent Lake neighborhood. If you can get reservations, the trendy Urban Stillhouse in the Warehouse Arts District should be at the top of any foodie’s list.

In Gulfport, Pia’s Trattoria dishes up a charming Italian farmhouse ambiance complete with twinkling lights, real candelabras and

From waterfront dining to a cruise across Tampa Bay, there are plenty of ways to say I love (or like) you for Valentine’s Day

red and white check tablecloths. Sit on the verandah at Isabelle’s at the Historic Peninsula Inn to enjoy a glass of wine and a taste of Southern fare.

Adventures to Explore

Not ready to break the bank on an expensive dinner? These casual, fun excursions can bring togetherness to the next level.

course to include mural gazing. Some 100 electric bikes are now available through Coast Bike Share if you want to make it an easier trip. Start out by downloading the HOPR app on your smartphone. Or take the work out of it and join an Arts District Mural Tour bike ride through Florida CraftArts. Trips are scheduled the first Saturday of every month at 9 am and 2 pm; $25 or $20 if you BYO bike. Call (727) 821-7391 for more information.

Brunch at a museum café is a great first date. We recently visited Clementine’s at the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg, Café Gala at the Dali Museum, and Canyon Café at the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art, and each is charming. If you decide to explore the exhibits, you are just steps away.

Another great first date is Second Saturday ArtWalk. It’s a a fun way to explore the many art galleries and studios around downtown and get to know someone. Plenty of places to stop for live music, a drink or a bite are along the way. Check out stpeteartsalliance.org/ experience-arts/artwalk for more information.

Take a cruise on the Cross-Bay Ferry to downtown Tampa and back. The views are gorgeous and comfortable indoor seating is available if the weather is an issue. When you arrive in Tampa, the Sail Pavilion right next to the boat dock is a great spot for a drink or walk across the Harbour Island bridge and have dinner overlooking downtown at Jackson’s Bistro. The views from the outdoor patio overlooking downtown and the river are muy romantico. Go to thecrossbayferry.com for a schedule.

Rent a Coast bike and explore downtown’s extensive trail system. Stop at one of the many coffee shops along the trail and chart a

Plan a picnic for your honey or invite your favorite gal pals for a sunset celebration just because. The St. Pete Picnic Co. is at your service, creating a customized picnic just for you. Go online to stpetepicnicco.com and select your location (The Pier, a park or a beach are favorites) and then dream up your picnic details. The company will deliver and setup furnishings including blankets, pillows, flowers, a charcuterie board and wine, and then will come back to whisk it all away.

Walk on the beach at dusk. Just minutes away are some of the most beautiful beaches in the nation. You can’t go wrong with the simple pleasure of a beach walk as the sun sets over the Gulf and the skies morph from shades of brilliant orange to dusky pinks and greys. A kiss will seal your fate.

PHOTO/CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG

4219 Bayshore Blvd NE

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The 10th Annual Good ‘Burger Awards at Jannus Live on November 9, organized by the St. Pete Chamber of Commerce, announced the following winners of the 2023 Good ‘Burger Awards, which are nominated and voted on by the community.

Arts and Culture – Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg Eats & Treats – Ferg’s Sports Bar and Grill Makers & Creators – Green Bench Brewing Sunshine Award (serve as champions of change) –Foundation for a Healthy St. Pete New Biz on the Block – The Pelican St. Pete

Community Conscious: Grassroots – Children’s Dream Fund Community Conscious: Large – CASA Pinellas Growing Smarter Businesses: Small - The Body Electric Yoga Co Growing Smarter Businesses: Large – Tampa Bay Rowdies Most Valuable ‘Burger – Anthony Holloway, Chief of Police People’s Choice – Olivia Poppy Salon, Zubrick Magic Theatre

The City of St. Petersburg received four proposals in response to the Historic Gas Plant District Request for Proposals. 50 Plus 1 Sports, Hines & Tampa Bay Rays, Restoration Associates, and Sugar Hill Community Partners submitted proposals for the development of the portion of the Historic Gas Plant District currently home to Tropicana Field, and affiliated parking totaling approximately 86 acres.

“We will review the proposers’ plans with a keen eye on their interpretation of affordable and workforce housing; office and meeting space; arts and culture; research, innovation, and education; recreation; open space, healthy and sustainable development; and intentional equity,” said Mayor Ken Welch in a public statement.

A community presentation was held on January 4 at the Coliseum where public comment was accepted. A final decision will be announced by Mayor Welch at his first State of the City address in late January.

In Other City News: The Historic Manhattan Casino has temporarily closed while the City researches various concepts for its future use and seeks bids for renovations. ***

On the heels of Bayfront Health’s October announcement on partnering with Women’s Care to provide services for a new 60,000-square-foot facility on the east side of the hospital’s campus, the health care company has announced a cancer and orthopaedic center that will be developed at Bayfront Health St. Petersburg’s campus. The development of Bayfront Health Medical Pavilion - Institute Square will be in partnership with the Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute, All Florida Orthopaedic Associates and Women’s Care. It is expected to open in late spring of 2025.

With a focus on international relations, economics, environment, culture, humanity, and health, the St. Petersburg Conference on World Affairs will bring regional and national experts to the city February 2124 for four days of discussion and learning. Themes will tackle topics of Power and Empowerment, Climate, Equality, Corruption and Migration on a global level and how they align with challenges here in St. Petersburg.

The conference will be held at the University of South Florida Student Center and live streamed through the web site at worldaffairsconference.org. Topics will be addressed through discussion sessions, panels, keynotes, interviews and presentations.

Opening and closing keynote receptions will be at Eckerd College; panels, presentations and book talks will be at USFSP. The conference is free and open to the public, however you must register for tickets in advance. A complete schedule of speakers and presentations was not available at press time; for updated information and tickets go to worldaffairsconference.org

Auguste Rodin, Eve, first modelled c. 1881, this cast 1968 (Musée Rodin 9/12), Bronze, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Gift of B. Gerald Cantor Art Foundation, photo © Museum Associates/LACMA

This exhibition was organized by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

St. Pete neighborhoods shine through glass art at SunRunner stations Celebration Stations

BY MARCIA BIGGS

After three years of researching, designing and project managing, St. Petersburg artist Catherine Woods can finally take a breather and celebrate the completion of the city’s SunRunner public art project. The bus rapid transit system, which launched October 21, includes 30 new bus stations along 1st Avenue North and 1st Avenue South on a 10.3-mile route (each way) from downtown to St. Pete Beach. Sixteen of those stations present Woods’ colorful glass panel collages, each one a labor of love reflecting the natural environment and architecture of each neighborhood.

Woods is known for her large public art installations, often

reflecting the environment of the site. She’s a nationally recognized glass and architectural metal sculptor with installations in Florida, Nevada. Missouri, Maryland, Kansas, Texas and Washington state. Locally, her glass and metal works can be seen at Seminole Mall, outside the new St. Pete Police Headquarters, and at the intersection of the Westshore Blvd. exit at I-275 in Tampa.

Woods was a natural to be commissioned for the SunRunner work, said Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) director of project management Abhishek Dayal. “We knew of her previous

PHOTO/MARCIA BIGGS

Catherine Woods created artwork representing Florida flora and fauna and the architecture of each neighborhood at 16 bus stations along the SunRunner bus rapid transit system.

public art works that were reflective of their environments,” he said. “She lives in St. Pete so that was a plus, too. It was a perfect fit.”

The SunRunner public art project was commissioned in 2019 by PSTA with funding by the City of St. Petersburg. Each station features two 5-foot by 7-foot panels of glass behind the seating area. Woods proposed creating artwork on the glass that would present a diversity of Florida flora and fauna and details of each neighborhood at 16 station shelters.

At completion, the entire project would be an environmental and abstract representation of all the communities along the route. “If you connect them all it would be like one long mural,” said Woods. “St. Pete is a mural city, so I wanted to honor that. It’s like the welcoming front porch of the neighborhood; each one specific to the neighborhood.”

The artist spent nearly two years researching the history and architecture of the neighborhoods from the University of South Florida campus to Methodist Town, Grand Central District, the Kenwood Historic District, and west to the beach. “I took a ton of photos of interesting things,” she said. “Between 200 and 500 photos for each stop.”

She focused her camera lens on the native habitat as well as the man-made. She captured birds, palms, tropical flowering plants and majestic live oaks. She zoomed in on architectural details of historic homes and buildings such as rooflines and gables, turrets and windows. Her camera did not miss the sleek lines of newer buildings, too.

“I discovered some amazing neighborhoods and hidden gem homes,” she admitted.

Then she sat down at her computer and immersed herself in graphic design, spending countless hours uploading, tracing, tinting and layering her images. “Some of the images I had to use from stock, like the ray and the parrot,” she says, “ since they were impossible to photograph.”

She selected a color palette of yellows, blues, and oranges that would glow when the sun shined. Her goal was to feature a main image of Florida wildlife — herons, pelicans, butterflies, parrots, anhinga, roseate spoonbills — accompanied by representation and abstract images she took from local architecture and other native habitat.

Woods contracted with GGI, a glass fabricator she works with regularly in New Jersey, to create the heat-strengthened and laminated glass panels. The colors are actually ceramic frit, which contains finely ground glass mixed with inorganic pigments to produce the desired color. As each of the window panels went into production, Woods would receive samples, accepting nothing less than exactly her vision.

The collages are the same on both sides of the glass, but there is more complexity on the patron side where people wait for the bus. “The patron side has a lot more details and hidden things, someone once told me it’s like looking for Easter eggs,” she said. “The longer you look at it, the more you see.”

SunRunner is free through April 2023. It runs every 15 minutes from 6 am to midnight daily. Fares will be the same as PSTA’s regular bus service through the Flamingo Fares card and app. To find a map of stations and learn more, go to psta.net/sunrunner

images by

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Photo

Catherine Woods

8th Street S. and 1st Avenue S. Swallowtail kites and a mourning dove have a birds-eye view of the buildings in the Central Arts District. Look for details of crepe myrtles, oak trees and palms, and buildings both old and modern.

13th Street N. and 1st Avenue N.

A pelican and a bird of paradise bloom appear remarkably similar as they share the spotlight near St. Pete Police Headquarters. Look for lines and details from buildings, homes and churches in Methodist Town, a nearby African American historic district established in the late 1800s.

6th Avenue S. and 3rd Street S.

Look closely to see the central manta ray at this stop near Bayboro Harbor on the University of South Florida campus. Details include orchids and tropical plants, an airplane, and architectural lines from the nearby Medical Center.

31st Street S. and 1st Avenue S.

The main parrot image is a shoutout to the wild green parrots frequently seen around downtown. Outlines of hanging orchid plants and a palm frond mix with architectural lines taken from the Jim & Heather Gills YMCA and the Grand Central Bus Terminal.

5th

Street S. and 1st Avenue S.

A soaring heron shares a myriad of Art Deco architectural details picked up from nearby buildings in the Mirror Lake district. Look for turrets and geometric ornamentation in circles, triangles and diagonal lines and butterflies that flit among the orchids.

Jazz lovers should mark their calendars for the annual St. Petersburg Jazz Festival, produced by David Manson and the nonprofit EMIT. Three different venues will play host February 2325. Look for Alexis Cole & the Helios Jazz Orchestra at 7:30 pm Feb. 23 at the Palladium Side Door, Zach Bartholomew Trio with A Chick Corea Tribute at 7:30 pm Feb. 24 at St. Petersburg Museum of Fine

The wonders of handson science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) will be on full display at the annual St. Petersburg Science Festival from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, February 18, along with MarineQuest, the annual open house of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.

After three years of virtual festivals, the outdoor event returns to Poynter Park and the campus of the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, 140 7th Ave. S, with educational displays, touch tanks, science and energy games and demonstrations, and plenty of fun learning for all ages. Admission is free; parking is available at the SouthCore Parking Garage (101 1st Ave. S.) for $5 with free trolleys running to the festival all day. Go to stpetescifest.org for updated information.

Arts; and Jason Charos Sextet - Celebrating Wayne Shorter at 7:30 pm Feb. 25 at American Stage Theatre. Tickets and more information at stpetejazzfest.com

Delivering Holiday Joy to Local Families

Embracing the true meaning of social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg once again teamed up with our community to bring the spirit of Christmas to 400 local families and 900 children.

For 32 consecutive years, hundreds of donors, volunteers and staff have helped provide the magic and nostalgia of the Christmas season to families in need in our community. In addition to a live tree, ornaments, holiday dinner, books and toys, families receive complimentary programs and services throughout the year.

Learn more at stpeteymca.org/neighbor

Bungalow Redux

BY NICK STEELE

Brooke and Ted Eversoll greeted curious locals to their charming 1940 bungalow as part of the Historic Kenwood Neighborhood Association BungalowFest “Renovations & Restorations” home tour this past November. The couple, along with nine other homeowners, delighted attendees with their design acumen, the distinctiveness of their homes and the contemporary trend of living stylishly in small spaces.

“I grew up here and we had fallen in love with Kenwood,” Brooke explains. “We bought in 2013. It was a really hot market. We were under contract with another property when this one became available. We were the first people to see it. I walked in and was like, ‘Oh my God, this is the house.’ I liked that it was a three bedroom/ two bath and it had a big yard.”

In fact, the yard would later factor into a significant expansion.

“The house was built on the double lot,” she explains. “I was thinking, we’ll add a small addition in the back. But when we started configuring the rooms, adding an indoor laundry and all the amenities we wanted, it ended up being 800 square feet. I never would have thought we’d add on that much.”

While the original house had a lot of charm, the modest kitchen was sandwiched between a small dining room and the only door leading to the backyard. While they lived comfortably in the original house for several years, the idea of expanding was certainly on their minds.

Interior photos by AMY LAMB/NATIVE HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY

A 3-year renovation transforms a Kenwood historic bungalow into a uniquely modern family home.

“We wanted space,” she asserts. “We had a dog and we wanted to start a family, so we decided to take advantage of our yard space.”

Their vision included creating a spacious open plan kitchen and sunken living room that would lead out to the backyard and a modern master suite, but also involved converting the dining room into a den and office, eliminating the center bedroom to create a new dining area and shrinking the former kitchen to create a multipurpose room that serves as laundry room, overflow pantry and a scuba station for Ted, who is an avid outdoorsman and diver, to wash equipment and let wetsuits drip dry.

The couple also found out that they would be blessed with their first child during the early days of the renovation.

“We essentially built a new house next to the old,” Brooke offers. “We incorporated a modern luxury kitchen and family room, perfect to enjoy indoor/outdoor living.”

The resulting spaces are warm and inviting with clean lines and bespoke touches. The kitchen which features a dramatic 6-foot, waterfall soapstone island at its heart is warmed by the room’s cherry and deep-green cabinetry set against soft gray and natural quartzite elements, textural tiles and open shelving that showcases Brooke’s pottery collection.

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The adjoining seating area is a cozy and inviting refuge, bathed in natural light that spills in through the oversized patio doors. The master suite is thoughtfully appointed with luxurious linens and draperies (characteristic of the entire home), rich colors, plantation shutters, rich natural wood tones and a matching set of massive patio doors.

While a renovation of this magnitude might be fraught with complications and daunting hurdles for the average homeowner, Brooke has been training for this challenge for many years. In fact, she’s the owner of the prominent design firm Bee Studios.

“I’ve been designing for about 18 years. I started in kitchen and bath design and expanded to full service interior design,” she explains. “Our specialty is kind of what I’ve done here, full renovations—full interior design, soup to nuts, right down to the final staging details. We work with local builders and architects, in all different styles and all different sized projects.”

But even with all that experience, Brooke explains it was challenging.

“Any designer will tell you the hardest client to please is yourself. This was probably the hardest project I’ve ever worked on,” she admits. “The project took a total of three years, one for planning, one for building and one for decorating and finishing—while growing a business and raising our new baby. It was a lot emotionally, but incredibly rewarding.”

As with any historic home, Brooke was also mindful of preserving as much of the old as possible and creating the right balance between classic and contemporary elements.

“I call it bungalow mod,” she says. “It’s a mixture of old and new. I did the vintage rugs, but the kitchen is more modern with the steel doors and modern appliances. The sink in the laundry room looks vintage, but it’s new. I love that blend.”

The original arch and chandelier from the former dining room helped her inform the vibe of the cozy yet curated den. Original elements like the hardwood floors and moldings were restored and thoughtful touches, like vintage-inspired tiles, were added to evoke the character of the neighborhood and history of the home.

“My intent was to pay tribute to the historic nature of my home, while modernizing it,” Brooke says. “I love doing that—maximizing a home’s potential.”

Vintage Color Palette Perfect for Historic Homes

Darkroom, the 2023 Vintage Homestead Color of the Year, is a new neutral that is a classic for heritage interiors, yet modernly retro for a throwback inspired aesthetic.

In the world of design, what’s old inevitably becomes new again, and a similar pattern is inspiring today’s on-trend color palettes for home decor. The latest styles reflect reviving and comforting colors influenced by heritage and romance, lending to a look that is familiar in an individualistic way.

Whether living through the romance of rural lifestyles, the comfort of home or the nostalgia from far-off times, some of today’s most beloved design aesthetics celebrate the past, present and future while bringing balance, hope and comfort for you and your family to embrace.

Using color to evoke feelings and emotions is hardly new but combining a carefully curated color palette with other design elements can allow you to create a look that pays homage to the past while breathing new life into your living space. Reimagining classic, familiar tones allows you to achieve a design motif that is equal parts reminiscent and refreshing.

“The Vintage Homestead Color Collection in our 2023 Color Collection of the Year revives elements from the past that are

perfectly paired with vintage, comfortable and classic colors.” said Ashley Banbury, HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams senior color designer.

Striking a balance between old and new can take many forms, as these styles show:

Heritage Revival: An interest in reviving the past is evident in design trends like a remerging appreciation of antiques and vintage elements, such oversized furniture and traditional shapes. To capture this style, your design should focus on contrasting old and new for a mix-and-match look.

A cohesive color scheme can allow the various elements to stand on their own while working in harmony for an intentional design. For example, the HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams 2023 Color Collection of the Year includes a combination of familiar tones that have been thoughtfully curated by design experts who borrow color and design concepts from the past for a hopeful future and a sense of belonging. Hues like Poetry Plum and Hot Cocoa evoke warmth and depth, while moderate shades like Restrained Gold

Photos from Sherwin -Williams

and Glamour offer fresh ways to incorporate mid-range neutrals. Meanwhile, soft tones like Natural Linen and Cool Beige offer subtle color for lighter, brighter spaces.

Mixing and Matching of Eras: A new take on retro design is emerging in which eras are blended and new and old furnishing work side by side. To get this look, you’ll craft a space that marries historical and contemporary design, celebrating both old and new. To design for longevity, incorporate pieces that are ambiguous in era and stand the test of time.

Vintage Homestead: Reviving design elements from the past with mixed patterns, classic shapes and vintage decor adds up to comfortable and comforting design. With this trend, prints and patterns encompass a range of styles, reinforcing how interiors connect to fashion. Mixing classic elegance with sleek vintage shapes is refining the concept of polished comfort. To achieve the look, curate pieces in heritage shapes and patterns, along with retro accents. Be sure to incorporate vintage lighting and glass, as well.

A versatile color choice like Darkroom, the 2023 Color of the Year from HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, is an alluring shade that is classic enough for heritage interiors but also modernly retro for a throwback-inspired aesthetic. It’s a neutral perfect for creating an eclectic yet modern look inside and out.

Get inspired to combine the past with the present for a comforting design that’s all your own at hgtvhomebysherwinwilliams.com

400 Beach Drive NE # 401 St. Pete., FL 33701 - Get ready to experience 4th floor resort level living at it’s finest in this home with it’s one-of-a-kind floor plan. Located in the 400 Beach luxury high-rise, a flood-evacuation zone C and a hurricane-rated building. This particular condo is conveniently located on the 4th floor resort level for immediate and direct access to the resort swimming pool and all of the wonderful condo amenities in privacy With a one-of-a-kind floor plan you now have two (2) separate outdoor

1401 Brightwaters Blvd NE St. Pete.,

33704 - Look no further as you have found the perfect home, brimming with quality, style, elegance and character. This luxury, waterfront two-story home is a four-bedroom, four & half bath midcentury modern design located on coveted Brightwaters Blvd. In addition, this magnificent home is being built by one of Tampa Bay’s Elite Home Builders, JR Structures. This quintessential home will invite you to feel like you’re on vacation

everyday. With manatees and dolphins frolicking along side the 125ʼ brand new seawall you might not want to leave. Residing on an oversized corner lot (totaling 0.41 acres) this home has a salt-water pool with bath & cabana, an outdoor kitchen, as well as multiple terraces to enjoy the outdoors. 837 Ponce DeLeon

covered terraces! One covered terrace faces west and the other covered terrace faces north-east. The den is a custom-built office designed by woodworking expert Michael Bright, a proprietor in St. Pete since 1981. The office has commissioned acrylic artwork that conveys to a buyer from Richard Seidel which brightens the entire room with iconic St. Petersburg sites and seascapes.

FL

Dr. Tierra Verde,

modern coastal

GAME ON

for Super Bowl Sunday

Super Bowl Sunday is coming up fast on February 12, so now is the time to get your menu in order. Grilling is a requirement for many Tampa Bay party hosts, so who else to ask for a great ‘cue recipe than St. Pete’s own Dr. BBQ – Ray Lampe. The national grilling celeb knows his stuff; he’s pitmaster at Dr. BBQ The Restaurant in downtown St. Pete, a regular judge on the Food Network’s “Firemasters” and “Chopped”. Lampe offered up his Rum Glazed Pirate Ribs and Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip to St. Pete Life readers.

Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip

2- 8 oz. blocks of cream cheese at room temp 1 cup ranch dressing

1/2 Frank’s Red Hot Sauce

1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles

1/4 cup barbecue sauce

3 cups of smoked or grilled chicken, chopped Crusty bread Celery stick Pork rinds

Prepare the grill, smoker or oven to cook indirect at 325∞ with a small amount of cherry wood added for flavor if you’re smoking. In a large bowl combine the cream cheese, ranch, hot sauce, blue cheese and barbecue sauce. Mix well. Transfer to a grill-safe baking pan. Place in the cooker for 20 minutes. Remove, stir and add the chicken. Mix well. Put back in the cooker for about another 20 minutes until bubbly hot.

Serve immediately with crusty bread, celery sticks and pork rinds.

Rum Glazed Pirate Ribs

2 slabs St. Louis cut ribs, about 2¼ pounds each

Rub

1 tablespoon salt

1/2 tablespoon paprika

1/2 tablespoon granulated onion

1/2 tablespoon granulated garlic

1/2 tablespoon raw sugar

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon cayenne

Pour and spread

½ cup rum

1 cup brown sugar

Glaze

½ cup ketchup

¼ cup rum

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoons hot sauce

1 tablespoon soy sauce

Prepare the grill or oven to cook indirect at 325∞. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and trim off any excess fat.

In a medium bowl combine the rub ingredients and mix well. Sprinkle over both sides of the ribs, then let them rest for 10 minutes. Place the ribs, meaty side up on a baking sheet and place it in the oven. Cook for 1 hour. Remove from the oven.

Lay out two large double thick sheets of wide heavy-duty aluminum foil. Place a slab on each, meaty side up. Fold the edges up around the ribs part way. Pour half of the rum over each slab. Top each slab with half of the brown sugar spreading it evenly. Closeup the foil into packets around the ribs being careful not to puncture. Place the packets on a clean baking sheet and return to the oven for 45 minutes.

Energy Bites

From Culinary.net

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1/3 cup honey

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup raw oats

1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut

1/2 cup flaxseed meal

6 tablespoons mini chocolate chips

Meanwhile make the glaze by adding all of the ingredients to a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, then set aside.

After the 45 minutes remove the ribs from the foil, then return the slabs to the baking sheet. Brush with a heavy coat of the glaze, then return to the oven. Cook 10 minutes, the brush again with additional glaze. Cook another 10 minutes. Remove the slabs to a cutting board and cut into serving pieces. Drizzle with any remaining glaze before serving.

Makes 6 servings

In medium mixing bowl, stir peanut butter, honey and vanilla extract until combined.

Add oats, coconut, flaxseed meal and chocolate chips. Mix until combined. Shape into 1-inch balls. Store in airtight container in refrigerator until ready to serve. Makes 20 balls.

Score With Spicy Lasagna in a Hearty Game Day Menu

From kickoff to the final whistle, Super Bowl party hosts should plan on keeping guests well fed throughout the game. Kickoff your menu with an appetizer like these Jalapeno Bacon and Salsa Biscuit Bites. Then put a Tex-Mex twist on a traditional favorite with this Enchilada Lasagna, made with roasted chicken and perfect for feeding a crowd of hungry fans. Both incorporate everyone’s favorite — salsa.

These recipes are from celebrity chef and entertainer George Duran, author of “Take This Dish and Twist It” and host of Food Network’s “Ham on the Street” and TLC’s “Ultimate Cake Off.” His salsa of choice is Fresh Cravings Salsa, made with high-quality ingredients like vine-ripened tomatoes, crisp vegetables, zesty peppers and spices.

Enchilada Lasagna

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)

1 deli roasted chicken, skin and bones removed, shredded 2 tablespoons taco seasoning

1 cup chicken stock or broth

8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

2 cups shredded Tex-Mex cheese blend 16 ounces Fresh Cravings Chunky Salsa, plus additional for serving 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped nonstick cooking spray

6 flour tortillas (9 inches each) 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 F. In large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Add onions and cook until soft and translucent, 4-5 minutes.

Add shredded chicken and stir in taco seasoning. Add chicken broth and bring to simmer, about 5 minutes. Add cream cheese, Tex-Mex cheese, salsa and cilantro. Stir until cream cheese is melted and simmer 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Spray square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Place two

Jalapeno Bacon and Salsa Biscuit Bites

1 tube biscuit dough (8 biscuits total)

7 ounces grated mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup jarred jalapenos, chopped

8 slices cooked bacon, chopped

1 cup Fresh Cravings Restaurant Style Salsa nonstick cooking spray

tortillas in bottom of pan, folding over or trimming sides of tortillas to fit. Spoon half chicken mixture over tortillas.

Repeat then place remaining tortillas over top. Mix crushed tortilla chips with cheddar cheese and sprinkle over top. Bake 30 minutes, or until lasagna is bubbling and lightly browned.

Let stand 10 minutes then top with additional salsa before serving. Makes 4-6 servings.

Preheat air fryer to 350-360 F. Divide each biscuit in half by pulling apart in centers. Use hands to flatten each biscuit into circles. Set aside.

In bowl, mix mozzarella cheese with chopped jalapenos, bacon and salsa.

Add heaping spoonful into each flattened biscuit and pinch each together tightly to form balls. Top each with small amount of salsa mixture.

Spray nonstick cooking spray in air fryer and, working in batches, cook biscuit bites 6-9 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm. Yield: 16 biscuit bites

Note: If air fryer access is unavailable, biscuit bites can be baked 8-10 minutes at 400 F in oven, or until golden brown.

Find more recipes made with salsa, go to FreshCravings.com.

SPL LIVING

Score With Spicy

From kickoff to the final whistle, Super Bowl Kickoff your menu with an appetizer like traditional favorite with this Enchilada Lasagna, fans. Both

ADVERTORIAL

These recipes are from celebrity chef and of Food Network’s “Ham on the Street” made with high-quality ingredients like

Preheat oven to 350 F. In large skillet over medium-high add olive oil. Add onions and cook until soft and translucent, minutes.

Add shredded chicken and stir in taco seasoning. Add broth and bring to simmer, about 5 minutes. Add Tex-Mex cheese, salsa and cilantro. Stir until cream ed and simmer 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Spray square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Jalapeno Bacon and Salsa Biscuit

1 tube biscuit dough (8 biscuits total) 7 ounces grated mozzarella cheese 1/4 cup jarred jalapenos, chopped 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped 1 cup Fresh Cravings Restaurant Style Salsa nonstick cooking spray

Preheat air fryer to 350-360 F. Divide each biscuit centers. Use hands to flatten each biscuit into circles.

In bowl, mix mozzarella cheese with chopped jalapenos,

Add heaping spoonful into each flattened biscuit tightly to form balls. Top each with small amount

Spray nonstick cooking spray in air fryer and, working bites 6-9 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm.

In this issue, we salute the businesswomen of St. Petersburg. These entrepreneurs and business owners come from all walks of life, yet each exudes the focus and vision that it takes to persevere and succeed. We celebrate their successes and contributions to our communities, our economy, and the countless causes they support.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

PHOTOS BY VALERIE BOGLE/ FLOURISH PHOTOGRAPHY

Susanne Van Selow

Van Selow Design Build, LLC

As the owner of a thriving design/ build company, Susanne Van Selow is comfortable in a hardhat as well as a motorcycle helmet. She built a successful business in an industry typically dominated by male business owners and has a passion for riding her Harley Davidson 1200 Custom XL Sportster in her spare time. Her signature in the construction and remodeling business is bringing a woman’s touch to every project. “Every added detail gives a property an extra layer of character, grace and sophistication.”

Elected President of NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) in 2010 and earning NARI Remodeler of the Year in 2011, Susanne brings the design and build phases together so all aspects of a project are under one company. This cuts costs, time and errors. “I plan the space and structure and the design team pulls everything together. We all collaborate in the design phase so when we go to construction, we are all on the same page.”

Susanne is a proud supporter of Habitat for Humanity’s Hammer and Heels. Their mission: Empower women to help families build strength, stability and independence. Their annual Women’s Build project provides a home built for a single mother by women in the community.

Dr. Rosemarie Marquez,

DMD

St. Pete Oral Health Center

A passionate dentist for 30 years, Dr. Marquez started her own practice in St. Pete eleven years ago. Providing general dentistry that focuses on nurturing care and long lasting relationships allows her to help people understand the connection between oral health and overall health. “I think all dentists love creating beautiful smiles, myself included, but the most rewarding thing is making an impact on someone’s health. It’s especially nice to get to know and help those within my own St. Pete community where I’ve lived for over 20 years.” – Dr. Marquez.

Giving back is a big part of her professional and personal life. As a breast cancer survivor, Dr. Marquez supports the University of Florida’s ZTA chapter (her daughter and niece are both ZTA’s) whose purpose is breast cancer education and awareness. Another favorite cause is Camp Kesem, a student-run organization that hosts summer camps and provides ongoing support for the campers whose lives have been impacted by a parent’s cancer battle. Her practice also partners with Dental Lifeline Network DDS (Donated Dental Services). They provide comprehensive dental care to adults with special needs through volunteer dentists and dental labs.

Dr. Marquez loves the small town feel of St. Pete with big city benefits. When she’s not busy providing dental care, you’ll find her reading, cooking, and spending time with her family. “I love time with my family and cooking their favorites for Sunday dinners!”

“Going into my 17th year in the Real Estate business, I am just as passionate about being a Real Estate professional as I was on my first day. When I started out at Coldwell Banker 17 years ago, I could not have realized that working with people to buy and sell their homes would become my passion. I love finding out what my clients needs are and strategizing with them how we can best achieve their goals.”

“I believe having lived my entire life in St. Petersburg has been a tremendous advantage in my business. I grew up on St Pete Beach and attended a small beach school on Pass A Grille called Sunshine Elementary and I have a passion for keeping things local and supporting our town.” Tammy started her career in 2006, in what was the beginning of one of the worst real estate markets one can remember. In retrospect, “it may have been the best time to start because it forced me to learn different and effective ways to get homes sold and become a better agent.”

Today, Tammy is a founding agent with COMPASS FL and the lead agent for her boutique team, The CPM Team. Tammy’s team consists of her son Christopher Plummer, her husband Michael and business partner Carole Merritt. Having achieved awards including the #1 agent in West Central FL , #1 Team in Florida, # 6 in the nation with Coldwell Banker, as well as ReMax Hall of Fame, top Florida 100 to name a few, has not made her complacent, Tammy is always striving to be better and stay on top of the newest ideas. “I’ve never shied away from hard work” stated Tammy and “moving to Compass has been excellent for our business.” Compass provides unbeatable “Apple Easy and Google Fast” technologies with their platform which assists me in serving my clients better and at the end of the day, that’s all that matters.” Tammy is grateful for her success and enjoys volunteering and supporting local charities such as PARC, CASA, Stuart Society, Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation and many more.

Tammy Campbell McNelis (Plummer)

Wom en In Business

Danielle’s childhood memories include working at her family’s jewelry store cleaning showcase glass, wrapping jewelry gift boxes, and sending newsletters to clients. Her father started Diamonds Direct as a small kiosk in 1984 and the family business has grown into their space at Sundial where they have been for almost ten years now.

After studying at The Florida State University and Parsons NYC in the fields of media, branding, and fashion, Danielle went to work for Vanity Fair magazine in the fashion department.

“It wasn’t until I was handling the jewelry at Vanity Fair that I realized jewelry was a true passion.” She chose to leave the magazine to work alongside her parents to open the location at Sundial.

Her favorite part of what she does? “I love what I do because jewelry can be fun, fashionable, and an investment all at once. The most rewarding moments are when I’m designing engagement rings for my best friends. That’s a rare and beautiful experience.”

727-867-4006 • DiamondsDirect.us

Danielle Sanchez • Chief Brand Officer • Diamonds Direct, Inc.

Realty

Ten years of outstanding real estate service, 35 years of successful sales experience, a depth of real estate market knowledge, a commitment to customers and an exceptional code of ethics has helped the Caryn Rightmyer Group become one of the most sought after real estate teams in St. Petersburg.

Caryn is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, Certified Negotiation Expert and Million Dollar Guild member with a passion for real estate, making her a consistent awardwinning top producer in the market since 2012. Even with $160+ million in sales and being routinely ranked in the top 1% of Realtors in Pinellas County, Caryn is most honored with her extensive repeat customer base. Her loyal customer base retains her as their “Realtor for life”, counting on her for professional advice, closing multiple transactions with her and becoming an important asset as they manage their real estate portfolios.

A resident of St. Petersburg for over 45 years, Caryn’s roots run deep in the community. Giving back is a cornerstone of her business, and she supports the Museum of Fine Arts Stuart Society, Junior League of St. Petersburg, St. Pete Free Clinic, and Academy Prep to name just a few. 727-409-9696 CarynRightMyerGroup.com

Caryn Rightmyer Premier Sotheby’s International

Kaffai LivingYoung Center for Health and Anti-Aging Founder, CME LE

Katie founded LivingYoung at age 25 at the beginning of the 2007 recession after raising enough start-up capital from real estate investments. She flipped homes for three years, often laying tile and installing drywall herself. Her passion for her work and persistence resulted in a multi-location successful business 15 years later. As a busy business owner and mom of three daughters (two identical twins) she has a vested interest in anti-aging!

“The fact that I found my passion in life and even after 15 years I still love it inspires me. This industry is ever changing and that excites me.”

Her business is helping patients reach their desired health goals and build confidence with treatment options that help keep them looking and feeling their absolute best. Katie also realizes the importance of having a team that provides a caring environment for clients. “There is nothing better than a great company culture. A culture that truly cares for every patient, and a team that is more like family. My goal is keeping LivingYoung the best place to come as a patient but also the best place to work.”

Treatment options at LivingYoung are tailored to each client, from med spa services to total health and wellness programs for women and men.

727-319-6884

LivingYoungCenter.com

Katie

Kristin Bobowski

The Granite Girl Queen of Quartz

After 13 years in the local granite industry, Kristin saw a gap between customer needs and what other suppliers were offering. She founded The Granite Girl six years ago and now leads the way in design, fabrication and installation of granite, quartz, marble and quartzite. The most rewarding part of her job? “When I know I’ve helped a customer pick the perfect countertop. You can just feel it when they know it’s the right one.”

Kristin’s favorite cause is Operation SNIP, a low-cost spay and neuter clinic in Largo, she has fostered dozens of dogs and hundreds of kittens. Helping animals find homes is one of her passions.

Even after 25 years in St. Pete she still gets a thrill out of seeing dolphins and manatees in the bay. And as a business owner, watching St. Pete grow inspires her. “But mostly I am grateful for St. Pete’s diverse community of unique, kind and supportive people.”

Kristin attributes her success to the fact that she treats customers like family. “I want them to know I took the time to educate them, advise them and service them like they were my uncle, aunt, cousin, sibling or friend.”

Leah

Herzwurm

Herzwurm Homes

After graduating from the University of Georgia in 2015, Leah Herzwurm married her high school sweetheart and moved to St. Pete. After working for two years in advertising, she became a full time real estate agent in 2017. Selling 24 homes in her first twelve months earned her “Rookie of the Year” in Pinellas County.

Fast forward to 2022 and she has now served over 350 families totaling $150M in production and recently won Tampa Bay Real Estate Influencer of the Year. Her focus is building relationships with her clients. “It’s so much more than just a transaction. Being part of such a huge milestone in someone’s life is something I never take for granted. Whether it’s the joy of guiding a first time homebuyer to achieve homeownership, or helping a growing family that needs more space simultaneously sell and buy with as little stress as possible, or taking care of the prep and sale of a widow’s property… each transaction is different but is always a big chapter in someone’s life. That is really special to be a part of.”

Health and fitness is a passion of Leah’s. She has worked out at SWEAT St. Pete for seven years and loves long walks along the local waterfront with her baby boy and husband. Another passion is her involvement at Radiant Church, which serves many areas of the community.

706-910-9909 herzwurmhomes.com leah@herzwurmhomes.com

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Mariana Aponte Sales and Leasing Professional

Ferrari of Tampa Bay

One of the youngest Ferrari certified sales professionals in the country, Mariana attributes her success in the automotive industry to her passion for people and, of course, cars. “I love finding the right car for my client. It is so rewarding to help someone buy their first Ferrari and make their lifelong dreams come true.”

She began in the auto industry while working her way toward a Business Entrepreneurship degree at Florida Gulf Coast University. Soon she decided to take her passion for cars to the next level and began her career at Ferrari of Tampa Bay. “Ferrari is one of the most aspirational and powerful brands in the world.”

When she is not finding the perfect exotic car for her clients, Mariana spends her time with her dogs and enjoys everything about being outdoors in the Florida sun. She also finds time to support one of her favorite causes, the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. “It’s important to support a cause to find less toxic and more effective treatments for cancer, especially for our children.”

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Lisa Chase CEO, PT, CFMM, OMPT, Astym Certified Back 2 Normal Physical Therapy

Lisa founded Back 2 Normal in 1998. She served as Director of Sport Sciences and Medicine for the WTA Tour covering events such as the Australian Open, US Open, Wimbledon, Roland Garros and the 2004 Olympics. She brings her expertise to the ATP, AVP Beach Volleyball, the LPGA/PGA, American Ninja Warrior, World of Dance, English Premier Soccer League, and Major and Minor League Baseball.

Her calling is to serve, educate, and help others improve their wellbeing. She loves the challenge of assessing all aspects of a person’s life, identifying areas that may be out of balance, and helping them create a plan through learning, empowerment, and self-care. Her goal is to restore hope and help clients get their life back after an injury, surgery, or pain.

Lisa loves St. Pete for its unique culture, keep it local support, and healthy initiatives. She has been a Healthy St. Pete Ambassador and helps guide initiatives of the program. She supports CASA and Rahab’s Daughters and is passionate about helping survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. She was named Entrepreneur of the Year in 2014 and received the Outstanding Volunteer Organization of the Year awarded by the City of St. Petersburg in 2017.

Renee’ Dyer and Jill Carbonelli are “The CRE Boss Ladies”, with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Properties Group-Commercial. They have 56 years of combined real estate experience and focus on commercial real estate in the Tampa Bay area. Both Ladies hold the coveted CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) Designation, which equates to a master’s degree in commercial real estate. Specializing in the sale and leasing of industrial warehouses and vacant land for commercial and residential development, the CRE Boss Ladies are recognized as experts in the disciplines of commercial and investment real estate.

The CRE Boss Ladies love the art of the deal. List or identify, contract, close…it sounds so simple, but it is not. Before a property is listed for sale or identified as a prospective purchase or lease, the CRE Boss Ladies

will provide market analysis, target market identification and financial analysis to assist you in your commercial real estate decision making process.

Once the property is contracted, the CRE Boss Ladies identify the who, the what, the where and when, to successfully navigate to the closing table. The Award Winning CRE Boss Ladies were the #1 Team Globally in 2018, #2 Globally in 2019, #3 Globally in 2020 and #5 Globally in 2021 for all of Berkshire Hathaway Commercial. They have a proven track record of success.

There is a vast difference between residential and commercial real estate. If you are looking for a home, hire a residential agent. If looking to buy or sell commercial real estate, hire the CRE Boss Ladies, who specialize only in commercial real estate.

Jill Carbonelli • Renee’ Dyer

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Melanie Niemerg • Integral Home Technology

As the owner of the only female owned home technology company in Tampa Bay, Melanie Niemerg brings a unique woman’s perspective to her industry. “We are a one-stop shop for all home technology needs including your home network, WiFi, smart lighting, motorized shades, security, audio and visual.”

Eight years ago, she focused on creating a family business based on Christian values. Her goal is to provide superior, family owned service in an industry where more families are adding smart features to their homes every day. Melanie wants Integral Home Technology to be the company clients can trust to help them get the smart home products and services they need.

To stay connected in the design/build and home technology communities, Melanie is a member of the National Association Remodeling Industry, American Society of Interior Design, Tampa Bay Builders Association and the National Kitchen and Bath Association among others.

The most rewarding part of her job? “Being able to provide employment and watching employees grow and succeed.”

Melanie loves everything about St. Pete from the historic homes to the beaches. “We have dining downtown, awesome concert venues and family activities.” Her favorite is boating and spending time with her husband and three children.

Kym Coyle

Charles Rutenberg Realty

A native of St. Petersburg, Kym Coyle has in-depth knowledge and appreciation for the history and beauty of our city. “I have watched this city grow from a little town to a vibrant city! Even though it has grown, St. Pete has managed to keep a primarily residential vibe.”

For almost 20 years, Kym has specialized in waterfront properties. “Knowing the waterways and bridges is extremely important when working with waterfront buyers.” Her mantra is “Client focused, results driven” personally taking her clients through the entire process with their needs and time top of mind.

Kym loves guiding clients relocating to St. Pete and her knowledge of the area and market are an asset to these newcomers. “They depend on me to guide them to the right neighborhoods that suit their family’s needs, whether it’s about being in a specific school zone or a retiree wanting to be near the beach or a young professional that’s best suited to be close to our booming downtown.”

Kym has been recognized as the #1 Realtor at Charles Rutenberg Realty and is consistently in the top 1% of the agents in Pinellas county. To date she has sold over $185,000,000 in residential real estate. When she is not finding clients the perfect home she enjoys time with her family, fiancé and her kids. “They are my whole world.”

KymCoyle.com 727-743-1004

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Dr. Carol Sims-Robertson Divine Dermatology

Dr. Carol Sims-Robertson and her staff at Divine Dermatology, PLLC provide high quality, personalized dermatology care, successfully treating a wide variety of hair, skin, and nail conditions. Patients are offered the full spectrum of skin care services: skin cancer screening exams, diagnosis and surgery of skin cancers, moles and skin growths. She and her team excel in finding and treating melanoma, having saved many lives. They take pride in providing expert acne care, psoriasis and eczema management and additional helpful procedures such as chemical peels, injectable fillers, and PRP and stem cell therapies. They perform laser skin rejuvenation and laser hair reduction, as well as hair loss treatments, and are now introducing the new Cutera RF- microneedling, antiaging, skin perfecting treatment.

Dr. Sims-Robertson is a graduate of the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, and completed a residency in Dermatology at Wayne State University after completing her internship in Internal Medicine at Detroit’s Henry Ford Hospital.

Her greater than 35 years of diverse dermatology experience, her commitment to excellent medical care, and her diverse multicultural background all help Dr. Sims-Robertson to relate to each and every patient. She carefully listens to patients’ concerns and excels in the diagnosis and treatment of the most difficult cases.

Dr. Sims-Robertson and her staff, including Dr. Alexandra Coad, DNP, and Taylor Ward, PA, welcome patients of all ethnicities, genders, LGBTQ, and all ages, to Divine Dermatology.

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It’s the layers of knowledge and experience that make all the difference in real estate, and The Salamone Group has over 100 years of experience between the 4 of them. This has allowed them to help people find success buying and selling the finest St. Petersburg Properties over the last 27 years.

Libby Salamone founded The Salamone Group, then sharpened and refined it every day with vision, tenacity, and unbridled determination, leading The Salamone Group to become among Tampa Bay’s favorite Realtors.

Angela Mathias, a graduate of Purdue University, joined The Salamone group almost 10 years ago and quickly became a real estate superstar. Her sparkling personality, creativity, and hard work are part of what The Salamone Group is all about, and those attributes

bring cheers from all who work with Angela.

Andrew Salamone brings a wealth of knowledge and talent to The Salamone Group. Andrew graduated from The University of California at Santa Cruz, where he founded and sold a successful independent Real Estate Brokerage. Both his technical and market knowledge are invaluable assets to The Salamone Group, and his unparalleled people skills are applauded by his many loyal customers.

Ron Salamone is a graduate of The University of Chicago Law School and a retired attorney. His knowledge brings a sense of security to The Salamone Group and their customers. Ron is respected and appreciated for his no- nonsense, get-it-done approach to real estate, which he accomplishes by zeroing in on clients’ needs then quickly fulfilling them. 727-560-6676 • StPete.pro

The Salamone Group at Compass

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Missy Hardy Coastal Soul Boutique

In July of 2020, Missy opened a women’s boutique just off of Beach Drive. “I had never owned a business before and was given this opportunity and decided to take a leap of faith.” Since then Coastal Soul has grown into a thriving business.

Her business model focuses on making clients feel at home in the boutique. “My team and I love getting to know our customers. Our store is almost like hanging out at a friend’s house. We want everyone to feel welcome when they walk through our doors.” Her favorite part of being at work is meeting new people. Whether they are locals or visitors, Missy enjoys sharing the best parts of St. Pete with them.

“Our city has so much to offer and the hometown feel is what makes it so special!”

Missy is a proud member of St. Pete Girl Bosses, which is a group of St. Pete women business owners, and is working on founding her own charity called Soul-Pawtrol. “We have so many four-legged friends who visit us and I wanted to establish a charity for animals in need.” She also authored a bestselling book titled “Suddenly Single in the Suburbs” which relates her experiences of relying on her faith, family and friends to get through the messiest of times. 727-220-1825 CoastalsoulBoutique.net

As a Senior Financial Associate with RBC Wealth Management – U.S., Stacey takes a personalized approach to understanding clients’ unique needs. Her process starts with listening, to understand what is important to the families she works with. With that knowledge, she helps clients visualize their dream retirement, charts the course to get there, and prepares to make adjustments along the way.

A native Floridian, Stacey started her career in St. Petersburg in 2001 at William R. Hough & Co. In 2013 she joined the Green & Henwood Group of RBC Wealth Management, a team with client assets growing to over $1 billion as of December 1, 2022. Their comprehensive wealth management approach utilizes individual stocks

and bonds, which allows for more control, reduced expenses and tax-considerate decisions.

Stacey’s goal of elevating the quality of advice she could offer clients drove her to pursue the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. She believes there is nothing more gratifying than helping clients feel confident and comfortable with their finances. “I use clear language to educate clients on WHY we make financial decisions, which leads to a relationship that is built on trust.”

A second-generation Florida Gator, Stacey obtained both her Finance degree and MBA from the University of Florida. She and her husband, Rob, enjoy supporting their kids in their love of sailing at SPYC.

727-502-3611 • GreenHenwoodWMG.com

RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC.

Stacey Ellis, CFP® • Green & Henwood WM Group • RBC Wealth Management

Brooke Palmer Kuhl, R.S.B.P. Events + PR

Leaving a trail of glitter wherever she goes, Event Planner and Publicist Brooke Palmer Kuhl is known to make her clients and events sparkle.

A seasoned event and PR pro, Brooke represents some of the most recognizable hospitality and lifestyle clients in the Bay Area. Present and past clients include Kahwa Coffee, Donatello Restaurant, Grace Restaurant, Bern’s Steak House, Social Roost, Orangetheory Fitness, Reeves Import Motorcars, Restaurant BT, and Margaritaville, among others.

She also is one of the most sought after event and wedding planners. Taking on a few select clients a year, her events keep guests talking. From lavish weddings, to bar and bat mitzvahs, corporate, social and charitable events, Brooke is constantly looking to make the next event better than the last.

A recent graduate of Georgetown University with a Masters in Public Relations, Brooke continues to garner coverage on a local regional and national level. Named the 2021 Covid Hero of the Year and the 2021 Lotus Award Winner for Starting Right, Now for her efforts feeding over 10,000 first responders and unaccompanied youth, Brooke’s philanthropic efforts have touched many in the Tampa Bay community. She is a pitbull and rescue pup advocate with the Pitbull Mafia of South Tampa, also co-founded by Brooke.

It’s simple. You want a party? Call her. You need to be noticed, let her PR skills go to work. Her touch will make you, your business or your event sparkle.

727.235.2389 www.rsbpevents.com

DeWitt-Wilson Paváne Couture Bridal

A native of St. Pete several generations over, Robin worked in the bridal industry for years before taking the leap and opening her own bridal boutique in 2020. As a classically trained dancer and pianist, she has an eye for beauty and treasures the opportunity to work with brides. “I’m surrounded by beauty and happiness every day. Words cannot explain how much I love what I do!”

As a business owner, Robin believes in supporting the city that supports her business. She is a member of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Consultants for The Florida Orchestra. She grew up dancing with the Florida Orchestra at the Mahaffey Theater and considers it an honor to be involved as an adult. “Being able to be a part of TFO is a dream come true. Surrounded by people who share an inexplicable passion for music is a gift.”

Robin believes that working with brides is an honor. The most rewarding part of her job? That moment. “The moment she knows she found the one. Or as we say in our boutique, her dress found her. It’s incredible every single time it happens and no words can describe it other than magical. You watch this beautiful woman have a moment that’s almost tangible. It’s transcendent, and I’m so blessed to be even a small part of it!”

Robin

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A graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Sonia is passionate about helping others practice better self care through health education, nutrition and lifestyle.

Ten years ago, Sonia was working 60+ hours a week as a successful real estate broker. She was also caregiving for her mom, and her husband Doug was running the investment side of their business. As a caregiver and business owner, Sonia found that she had put her own self care on the back burner. She was waking up exhausted, wasn’t sleeping well, had put on excess weight and felt 20 years older than she was. She decided a change was necessary and had a profound experience.

As a result of her personal health journey, Sonia

Health Coach

eventually transitioned from real estate to following her passion for helping others get healthier. She provides tools and solutions that can fit into the busiest of lifestyles. Her clients love the increased energy, deep sleep, improved gut health and release of excess weight that they experience. The results are sustainable because they are lifestyle driven.

Sonia also realized she could help only so many people by herself. She coaches and mentors others who are passionate about health to build their own health and wellness businesses, and has an organization that is over 62,000 strong.

Sonia supports HubLifeCharities.com’s program that helps protect high school football players from traumatic brain injuries. 727-422-2031 • Instagram: @sonia_magruder • soniaMagruder.com

Sonia Magruder • Integrative Nutrition

Blanka

Prusova White

Real Estate Broker Associate Century 21 Coastal Alliance

Local Expertise. Global Connection. Integrity, initiative, innovation, intuition, intelligence, ingenuity. Blanka navigates the luxury real estate market of our tropical paradise with European class and finesse. A proud resident of Tierra Verde of over 20 years, she understands the intricacies of selling premium waterfront properties and establishing trusted relationships with discerning clients.

Blanka loves her job and her clients can feel it! The energy, enthusiasm and genuine investment in them….not just listening but truly comprehending what they want to accomplish. They appreciate her patience and low-pressure approach with them yet tenacious demeanor on their behalf, her marketing and pricing skills, and her total commitment from the beginning to the end of the transaction and beyond –building life-long relationships.

The results speak for themselves. A perennial top producing award winning licensed real estate broker associate, Realtor and member of the Century 21 Coastal Alliance, Blanka leverages over 25 years of experience in marketing, negotiation, and high end customer service to deliver for her clients. Focusing on the communities we love to live in and giving back, Blanka is all about her community, a past president of the Tierra Verde Business Partnership and mother of two amazing boys.

Her goal is to partner with you to reach and exceed your expectations – with a concierge approach holding your hand through each step of the process ensuring a smooth, stress-free real estate transaction.

727-480-6126

BlankaRealtor.com

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Localtopia takes over Williams Park, 330 2nd Ave. N., and surrounding streets on February 18. This will mark the 10th year for the wildly popular community celebration of all things local. Some 300 independent business, artists, food vendors and community organizations will be on hand offering a wide spectrum of products including handcrafted goods, clothing and accessories, home décor, jewelry, plants and plant-based products, and much more. A wide variety of food vendors and trucks, and many local breweries will also be on hand.

Live music will be performed on two stages and a bike valet will be available. Localtopia is organized by Keep St. Pete Local and sponsored by the City of St. Pete. Please leave pets at home (large crowds); rain date is Feb. 25. For updated information, go localtopia.keepsaintpetersburglocal.org

DRV Gallery owner Deserie Valloreo has combined two great passions – creating art with a purpose and celebrating music – into a January packed full of creativity at her Gulfport gallery. Art for a Cause,’ the gallery’s debut themed exhibition, runs from January 19 – February 3 and showcases work created by artists from throughout the region to highlight a cause of their choosing. Ten percent of sales from the exhibition will be distributed to causes chosen by participating artists.

On January 27 from 6-8pm, the gallery plays host to The Art of Music featuring Orilla, an award-winning world-music and jazz duo, and Larue Nickelson, a prominent jazz guitarist on Tampa’s burgeoning jazz scene. Celebrating and performing music is a passion of both Valloreo and her husband, Jim Gilmour, who’ve performed musically across the region individually and jointly. Gilmour often performs at DRV Gallery during the first Friday of each month as part of First Friday Art Walk in Gulfport, which he’ll do on January 6th as part of the evening’s festivities.

For more information, visit DRVGallery.com and visit @DRVGallery on Facebook.

The largest boat show on the Gulf Coast, the annual St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show returns to downtown

St. Pete January 19-22 celebrating 45 years of the boating lifestyle. Attendees will find the most comprehensive display of vessels from fishing boats to sailboats and luxury yachts and a 40,000-square-foot tent housing all types of marine gear and boating-related vendors. The show, sponsored by Progressive, is located at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater – Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park, 400 1st Street S. Both new and brokerage boats will be on display from yachts to pontoons, fishing boats and sailboats. To purchase tickets and to see a schedule of seminars, check out stpeteboatshow.com

Tickets must be purchased in advance online at stpeteboatshow.com; no tickets will be sold at the event. General admission is $21 for adults, and children ages 15 and under attend free. Veterans and active-duty military show proof of military service for a free ticket. Boat show hours are 10 am to 6 pm Thursday and Friday; 10 am to 7 pm Saturday; and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm

More than 150 vendors promoting holistic health and wellness products and services will be at the 10th annual Awakening Festival March 11-12 at North Straub Park in downtown St. Pete. The free family-friendly event, presented by Awakening Into the Sun and co-sponsored by the City of St. Pete, will feature live music and a drum circle, yoga by The Body Electric Yoga Company, natural and organic food vendors, children’s activities, an indie market and an Arts Village featuring live artist demonstrations sponsored by the Warehouse Arts District Association (WADA). Hours are 10 am to 7 pm Saturday and 10 am to 5 pm Sunday. Find an updated event schedule closer to the event on Facebook or awakeningfestival.org

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Ivan Jeanblanc

Head Chef

Harvard House

A rare mid-century modern home with a rich history

Built by renowned St. Pete architect William B. Harvard, the Harvard House was featured in The Florida Architect Magazine in 1958 as the “House on the Hillside”. Harvard was an AIA gold medal winner and designer of many historic local landmarks, and this mid-century marvel has remained in the family to date.

At the time of construction, important environmental issues influenced the unique design of wide overhangs to prevent direct sun intrusion, and large jalousie windows to provide ventilation. The slope of the lot dictated a split-level plan with a carport on the lowest level. The main level living room has permanently unobstructed views of Allendale Park.

Inside the 3288 square foot home there are four bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, den, office and entertaining spaces. The balcony of the primary bedroom level with its 1954 map of the world overlooks the two story living room. There is cypress and

mahogany paneling throughout the home as well as a hidden attic, louvered transoms, original George Nelson wall clock and other classic mid-century features.

The pantry bar serving the living room reflects the mid-century entertainment style. This home has been lovingly preserved, and only a few bathroom fixtures and kitchen appliances have been necessarily replaced. New Pella sliding doors to the lush backyard now provide access to a private modern patio and Sekas swimming pool. This home spans two lots (over a third of an acre) and is centrally located on the beautiful brick streets in Allendale Terrace just minutes from downtown. This house is a rare treat for those who appreciate and cherish unique mid-century architecture.

This home has been a special place for the family, friends and guests that have enjoyed it throughout the years. It is now available to the perfect buyer who will appreciate its history and unique heritage.

A Walk Through History February: Black History Month

Learn about St. Pete’s African American history by taking a stroll along 22nd Street S. in The Deuces neighborhood. Be sure to stop in for a bite of authentic Southern fare at Chief’s Creole Café, at 901 22nd Street. S., where the owners, Elihu and Carolyn Brayboy, are a font of knowledge on the district’s past, present and future.

Continue your journey on St. Petersburg’s African American Heritage Trail, a self-guided walking tour that covers more than a dozen city blocks along 22nd Street S. and 9th Avenue S. Look for 19 markers that identify landmarks and provide historic details. The trail is split into two corridors that provide a glimpse into the varied culture of this South St. Pete neighborhood. Both trails begin at the Carter G. Woodson Museum at 2240 9th Ave. S.

The 9th Avenue Trail focuses on the educational and religious institutions of the neighborhood along 9th Ave. S. With nine historic African American churches along the trail, 9th Ave. S. served as the religious center of the community. Other stops include the recently

restored Jordan Elementary School, the oldest remaining historic African American school in the city. The 22nd Street corridor takes visitors on a tour of the commercial corridor of 22nd St. South and includes the history of local businesses like Harden’s Grocery and the Sno-Peak Drive-In, as well as entertainment facilities like the Royal Theater and the Manhattan Casino. The 22nd Street Trail is approximately 1.25 miles long and includes 10 trail stops.

From the Beginning

John and Anna Donaldson were the first African American settlers on the Pinellas peninsula when they arrived in 1868. African

PHOTOS/CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG

Americans created their own community along a dirt trail known as 22nd St. S. Jim Crow was a way of life in which blacks were relegated to the status of second-class citizens. They could not shop, find entertainment, receive professional services, or even attend most churches. The exclusion fostered need and energized the rise of streets such as 22nd St. S., which became the commercial, professional, and entertainment thoroughfare for black St. Petersburg.

Because black residents were required to stay in their own neighborhoods, they created their own businesses to serve their needs. These businesses provided opportunities for selfemployment not available a generation earlier and allowed for success even without an education or advanced training. By 1977, many of these businesses closed or relocated, and the buildings were demolished for interstate construction.

African American contractors constructed the buildings along 22nd St. S., financed by African American developers. First settled in the 1920s, some of the original buildings remain interspersed with buildings representing the era immediately before and after World War II.

Highlights of the 22nd Street S. Corridor include the Manhattan Casino and the Royal Theater.

Originally known as the Jordan Dance Hall, the Manhattan Casino was constructed in 1925 by Elder Jordan Sr., one of the first African American businessmen, and his sons. The building, a stop on the infamous Chitlin’ Circuit, was the focal point of culture and entertainment in the community for more than 40 years and was instrumental in the development of blues, gospel, jazz, and big band music in the south during the period of segregation.

Royal Theater opened in 1948, one of two theaters that African Americans could attend and was also considered a leading venue for weekly community talent shows. Its Quonset-hut design was a popular method of construction after World War II because the buildings were light, portable, and relatively cheap to build.

Local African American owned businesses along 22nd Street. S. were the cornerstone around which the neighborhood thrived. Places like Harden’s Grocery, Henderson’s Sundries, Sylver’s Shoe Service, Moure’s Barber Shop Delux, and South Side Cab provided

everyday goods and services as well as places to relax. Undertakers were also leaders in the community, providing ambulance services as well as last rites and burials.

During the segregation era, many hospitals did not treat black people, either because of Jim Crow laws or the prejudiced attitude of the hospitals’ administrators. Replacing a smaller hospital that had been in operation in the Gas Plant neighborhood as early as 1913, the opening of Mercy Hospital in 1923 formalized the 22nd St. S. community’s tradition of caring for its own. Doctors, nurses, midwives, and the Negro Health Clinic collectively cared for the community.

Black History Bike Tours

Into its second season, historian Josette Green leads a monthly immersive experience bike tour partnered with Chief’s Creole Café. The free tour takes participants to locations along the African American Heritage Trail and is followed by lunch at Chief’s Creole Cafe and a talk by owner Elihu Brayboy and his experiences. Reservations are required by e-mailing Josette at BlackHistoryBT@gmail.com.

Dr. Ralph Wimbish worked to desegregate bathing sites, lodging, lunch counters, restrooms, and drinking fountain facilities for all races. He founded the Ambassador Club, which provided a voice for professional African American men to advocate for civil rights. His wife, C. Bette Wimbish, fought to desegregate schools and was the first woman of color elected to St. Petersburg’s City Council. The couple built his office and the Wimbish Building, which housed Doctors’ Pharmacy, the first black owned and operated pharmacy in the neighborhood.

Information compiled from the City of St. Petersburg web site.

FEBRUARY: BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Woodson Museum Receives Massive Artifact Donation

A benefactor with a huge collection of Black history artifacts has promised to make more than 8,000 pieces available for viewing over the next several years at St. Petersburg’s Woodson African American Museum of Florida.

Clinton Byrd, a financial investor who lives in Tallahassee, started a sideline as a historian in 2012 after he obtained a collection amassed by Nathaniel “The Magnificent” Montague, a Black radio pioneer, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Montague, now 94, dreamed of opening an African American history museum of his own in Los Angeles. He spent nearly 50 years collecting artifacts such as letters from Booker T. Washington and Frederick Douglass, recordings of opera singer Marian Anderson and books by the museum’s namesake, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, considered the father of Black history.

In 2022, The Woodson announced the largest private investment in the capital campaign to expand the museum – a $1 million gift by the Milkey Family Foundation. The generous donation kicked off the museum’s fund-raising campaign to relocate and build a new museum on an expanded footprint, to the southernmost

COMING SOON

Visions in Black is a juried art exhibition that showcases artists of African descent who live in Florida. The art will be on display at the museum from February 2 – February 25.

Classic Black, a tribute to black excellence in classical music, will be held January 29, 5 pm, at The Palladium. This concert will feature performances by Jeremiah Abiah, Nia Drummond, Taylor Honor, John Lamb, Gregory Sheppard, Maiya Stevenson, Carlos Walker, Yohance Wicks. Presented by The Woodson African American Museum of Florida, in partnership with St. Petersburg Opera Company and St. Petersburg Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. For tickets, go to mypalladium.org/events/classic-black/

5.5 acres of the city-owned parcel that fronts 22nd St. S. known as The Deuces.

The existing museum operates in the former community center of Jordan Park, the site of one of our nation’s first African American developed public housing communities. The museum has exceeded the use of its current single-story, 4,000-square-foot facility. The Woodson and Pinellas Community Foundation have joined forces to raise $27 million through a capital campaign for a new and expanded museum.

The vision is for a new 30,000-square-foot edifice, designed by renowned Black-owned Huff + Gooden Architects in partnership with Wannemacher Jensen Architects. It will be the first newly constructed landmark museum in the state dedicated to celebrating African American history, art, and culture.

To make a contribution, go to pinellascf.org/giving/the-woodsonmuseum-of-florida

The Legends Ball is a celebration of success, commitment, and community to benefit the Woodson African American Museum of Florida. This year’s event will take place February 18, 6:30 pm, at The Coliseum, and will be honoring five individuals that made extraordinary strides in our community and beyond as leaders and/or contributors to Black History. Honorees include: Sen. Darryl Rouson, Mayor Ken Welch, St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway, Dr. Frederic J. Guerrier, Rev. Watson L. Haynes II (posthumously); Jon Wilson, Journalist (Ray Arsenault Lifetime Achievement Honoree). For tickets or sponsorships, go to woodsonmuseum.org

Watch for Cold Symptoms in Children – It Might be RSV

Much is in news reports lately about increasing cases of a viral infection that is filling hospitals across the nation. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a viral infection of the lungs and breathing passages, affecting nearly all babies by the age of 2. In adults and children, RSV usually causes mild cold-like symptoms. But in premature babies and children with compromised immune systems, it can develop into a serious respiratory illness requiring hospitalization. In fact, RSV leads to nearly 60,000 hospitalizations each year among children younger than 5 years old.

According to BayCare Kids pediatric pulmonologist Dr. John Prpich, RSV is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children younger than 2, and virtually all children contract it by the age of 3.

“In most cases, RSV causes mild, cold-like symptoms, such as nasal stuffiness, cough, wheeze and sometimes an ear infection,” said Dr. Prpich. “But in premature babies and children with compromised immune systems, RSV can develop into serious respiratory conditions like pneumonia and bronchiolitis.”

Treating RSV

Fortunately, most cases of RSV are mild and require no specific treatment from doctors. With a mild case of RSV, your pediatrician may recommend that you treat your child’s symptoms at home in the same way that you would treat a bad cold. In more serious cases, the pediatrician may prescribe medications to help your child breathe more easily or may even recommend hospitalization. If your baby is at high risk for developing RSV, such as being premature or having a heart or lung disease, your pediatrician may recommend a medication that can be injected monthly to help prevent it.

Preventing RSV

According to Dr. Prpich, RSV is very contagious. The virus can live on hands and clothing, as well as on hard surfaces like countertops and doorknobs. It can spread when a person touches an object or surface contaminated with the virus. Just like it’s hard to keep from catching a cold, it can be very hard to keep from catching RSV. To prevent the spread of RSV, Dr. Prpich recommends the following:

• Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your infant, and ask others to do the same.

• Keep your infant away from crowds, especially young children.

• Wash your infant’s toys and bedding often.

• Do not smoke near your child, and do not let others smoke near your child.

Exposure to tobacco smoke increases the risk of RSV.

• Make sure countertops are clean in the kitchen and bathrooms, especially when someone in your family is sick. Discard used tissues right away.

This report was provided by BayCare.

Learn About Health on Podcast BayCare HealthChat™ is the official podcast series of BayCare and features our health care professionals sharing the latest health and wellness topics relevant to you and your family. Go online to baycare.doctorpodcasting.com and select from dozens of topics to hear a podcast from a BayCare medical expert. Topics range from addiction and aging to cancer, menopause, sleep disorders and weight loss. You can also listen on Apple Podcasts, iHeart, Stitcher, Tunein, Google Podcasts and Spotify.

Entrepreneurial Spirit, Support, Pave Path for Start-Up

The vibrant colors in Anysia McDowall’s Verdant Wedding Boutique speak with as much confidence as McDowall.

The green highlights both outside and inside the Gulfport shop on 49th Street S. underscores her commitment to sustainability. The reflective hearts she uses as a logo are an Aruban symbol for Mother Earth. The gold-embossed picture frames and fixtures amplify the value of her business spirit. The white wedding dresses, both the new Pantora Bridal designs and the “pre-loved” gowns, highlight her devotion to fashion and desire to help women feel beautiful.

But the most dominating decorative touch in this quaint space? Forethought.

“Everything is with purpose,” says McDowall, 42. “Everything I do is with intention.”

McDowall’s entrepreneurial courage serves as a signal for women considering a shift into a start-up venture or independent business

pursuit. As she says, “Don’t sleep on an opportunity.”

The opportunity to plan events, instill a glow in brides-to-be, give women a platform, and create a legacy informs McDowall’s vision for Verdant. The married mother revels over modeling ambition for her three daughters. But she traces the true roots of this venture back to the childhood days she spent in a Rockaway Queens basement in New York watching her mother beautify gowns and dresses with beads and sequins. Joyce Welsh, a native of Trinidad, made a living as a seamstress en route to a nursing career.

“She was an exceptional seamstress,” McDowall says of her mother. “So growing up, I was so fortunate to have handmade clothing on the regular. Seeing my mom at work and being a part of that magic, and I caught the bug. I caught the bug for fashion.”

Fast forward to 2014. She was midway into a 19-year nonprofit career when she started a new business venture as a side-hustle after being invited to coordinate a wedding on a farm in Odessa, a Tampa suburb. The natural setting spurred her interest in “eco-

chic” offerings and minimizing wedding waste.

When she sought to extend the event planning acumen into outfitting brides, she naturally sought to partner with her mother. McDowall relies on her mom for intricate sewing work, and the stirring inspiration only an immigrant mother can give to her children.

“Coming from Trinidad, they were scraping pennies together, but they had a fierce entrepreneurial spirit. She and my father had a fire safety business between Trinidad and the U.S. They had a bakery. Every Saturday making fresh bread, making clothes for us, just everything.

“She was a Renaissance woman. So, the shoulders I stand on are so great. The courage that I find is knowing that despite everything – seven kids and doing a lot of it on her own – she always had a song in her heart, always positive attitude, always a word for somebody.”

Courage alone, however, doesn’t fuel McDowall’s ambitions. She’s also gathered advice along the way. One key component she cites is an Entrepreneurial Academy she enrolled in at The Greenhouse, a business development jointly run by the City of St. Petersburg and the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce.

Ronnell Montgomery, the chamber’s vice president of economic inclusion and business growth, co-manages The Greenhouse and is particularly pleased with the cooperative relationships that arise from the program’s varied initiatives.

“It’s like the old MTV show, The Real World,” Montgomery said. “Strangers walk into the room but they become advocates for each other. They develop collaborations. That’s exciting for me.”

McDowall used the experiences from The Greenhouse’s academy and its 1-Million Cups event to sustain her interest in starting her own business. She’s also benefited from SCORE, a Small Business Administration mentoring program.

She opened the boutique in July and fully immersed herself in the new venture in October. McDowall already has earned recognition from the My Sisters Keeper program, and she’s clear that she chose the old Gulfport Gabber location to appeal to the Black community.

Just add that aspect to her steely focus on intention and purpose.

“I don’t know what’s ahead, but I know that in every step that I’ve taken a prayer has guided me, love has guided my path in everything ever since I was a little girl,” McDowall said. “I know from my interfaith studies that no matter where you’re from, no matter what you call God, we are one. And in every meeting, in every opportunity, we have to interact with each other. We have an opportunity to connect, to love. And I see that in everything that I do.”

CLEARLY Collaborative

January 27 - March 11, 2023

Florida CraftArt presents an exhibition of original glass and multi-media sculptures created through an exceptional collaboration between nine fine craft master artists and glass master Duncan McClellan, founder of DMG School Project and Duncan McClellan Gallery. Kidd

CERAMICS

William Kidd

Charlie Parker

Sue Shapiro

JEWELRY Pamela Fox METAL Paul Eppling Dominice Gilbert

MIXED MEDIA

Joyce Curvin Nneka Jones

PAPER

Lucrezia Bieler

WOOD

John Mascoll

CURATOR

David Ramsey

Sponsored by:

Elizabeth Reilinger

FloridaCraftArt.org 501 Central Ave. St. Petersburg, FL (727) 821-7391

Duncan McClellan, Master of Glass meets Masters of Craft

Wild and Wonderful

Costa Rica’s Arenal Observatory Lodge immerses visitors in a tropical paradise

BY MARCIA BIGGS

Waking up to a lush tropical forest and volcano outside your window, hummingbirds and butterflies, the sounds of toucans and monkeys, towering clouds floating over a lake in the distance — ah, it’s just another morning at Arenal Observatory Lodge in north central Costa Rica. Situated at the base of the Arenal Volcano in mountains that form a spine from north to south in the Central American country, Arenal Observatory Lodge is among the most popular ecolodges in Costa Rica. And for good reason, I realized on a recent visit.

The lodge sits in an 870-acre private nature reserve, a familyowned property with 48 comfortable rooms and two villas spread throughout the property. It was originally an abandoned cattle ranch within a rainforest eco-system when it was purchased in 1972. At that time, scientists from the Smithsonian Institution began monitoring seismic activity here. (The volcano is still active but dormant.) The land was an excellent and safe place to observe and study volcanic activity.

The owners built a small lodge to accommodate the groups of scientists, students and occasional tourists who came to visit the area. The 29,692-acre Arenal Volcano National Park was founded later in 1991, encompassing the lodge property into the national park.

As Costa Rica’s tourism developed, the property was upgraded and expanded. Facilities now include a restaurant and observation deck with a spectacular view of both the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal, a spa, and some of the best bird-watching in the region. Guests are free to wander seven miles of trails which meander through a wellmarked, manicured rainforest filled with tropical flowering plants, trees and bromeliads, waterfalls, a river and more than 500 species of birds.

Mornings here begin at the crack of dawn, around 5:30 am, when the birds and monkeys begin to sing and howl. I am a night owl, but it was impossible to stay in bed. The excitement of binocular-clad visitors checking off their life lists at breakfast in the lodge each morning was contagious. We would surely be missing out if we didn’t rise at the first hint of daylight. With the sliding doors to our patio open, an inexplicable force awoke us naturally and we began each day spotting toucans and other colorful birds as we sipped our morning coffee.

Planning an adventure

Outdoors and nature lovers hankering for adventure, my boyfriend and I read about the Arenal Observatory Lodge in guide books and knew this was a destination not to be missed. Even on the cusp of the rainy season in early November, a standard room was going for

$150 a night and many dates were filled. The lodge is extremely popular as a group trip destination for Audubon and other conservation groups. During our stay, we heard languages that indicated visitors were here from around the world.

This is where I should mention that while there are many fine organized group tours from the U.S. to Costa Rica, we decided to create our own itinerary which included two ecolodges in the central rainforest. Any fears of a language or communication barrier were promptly dismissed when we received a reply to our reservation e-mail to the Observatory Lodge within 24 hours.

At my insistence, we opted not to rent a vehicle. I had visited the country a few years prior, and was aghast at the conditions of the roads – winding, narrow, mountainous dirt roads with refrigerator-size potholes. In rainy season, these treacherous roads might be washed out. Signage was often confusing. Nothing can ruin a trip like getting lost or breaking an axle in a rental car in a foreign country, I figured.

Despite the encouragement of many web sites and blogs to rent a car, we learned that a reliable system of national shuttle companies will deliver you doorto-door to lodgings across Costa Rica. You can also hire taxi drivers to shuttle you between destinations, but it will cost you considerably more. We e-mailed Interbus, one of the largest companies, and were pleased with the quick response and reliable, comfortable shuttle service. The cost was reasonable and now we could sit back and enjoy the ride, observe the scenery and small towns, without having to watch out for monster potholes the entire time. Continued on next page

La Fortuna Waterfall

Arenal Observatory Lodge is located in one of the top tourist destinations in the mountains of Costa Rica, near the small town of La Fortuna and internationally renowned hot springs. Many tourists come here just to visit one of the hot spring resorts –there are at least a half dozen along the two-lane highway. These range from large Disney-esque resorts with hotels and restaurants and busloads of tourists, to a few more intimate ones. Arenal Observatory Lodge, accustomed to groups and visitors without transportation, offers a fine schedule of tours and day trips that include a variety of hot spring resorts.

Hiking, rafting and birds

There are countless day trips available from several tourism agencies in La Fortuna, ranging from guided bird-watching to volcano hikes, rafting trips, tours of local coffee farms, sloth searching, and night walks in the forest. We signed up for a Safari Raft Float and a visit to the much heralded La Fortuna Waterfall, both within 30 minutes of the lodge. These we booked through Canoa Aventura, an established tour agency with an office in downtown La Fortuna, that picked us up at the lodge.

Our rafting expedition, which included some 15 people spread over three rafts, was an easy float down a narrow winding river where the knowledgeable guides were amazingly adept at spotting all kinds of critters and birds from crocs, toucans and monkeys to a solitary sloth hanging from a tree (the goal of my trip).

Our waterfall hike was every bit as magical as we had hoped. La Fortuna Waterfall is considered one the most beautiful in the country, just 10 minutes outside of downtown, so weekends can be crowded. One must be prepared to climb down and back up nearly 400 steps in a steep forested ravine to arrive at the base of the waterfall.

Fortunately, we were there mid-week off-season so there were no crowds, and we were in relatively good shape to take on the steps (although my hamstrings cried for the next two days). At the bottom, people are allowed to jump into the churning, cold blue waters, and many did. Of course, you have to sign a waiver when you pay your $18 admission that you won’t hold the owners liable if you drown. No, I didn’t take the dive, but just being in the presence of such a magnificent waterfall was a thoroughly Zen experience, nonetheless.

Each morning and night, we dined in the lodge dining room and never longed for another restaurant. The food and the service were excellent, and the jaw-dropping views mesmerizing. Out on the observation deck of the restaurant, a birdfeeding station attracts dozens of species of birds to big chunks of fresh watermelon and papaya. A metal chandelier with spikes that is strung up and down a flagpole each morning has been a draw for bird-watchers for decades. A Birds Around the Deck identification sign shows more than 30 colorful birds commonly spotted at the feeder. We saw many warblers (migrators), toucans, and countless other tropical beauties.

Departing the Arenal Observatory Lodge was bittersweet. In four days, we had fallen in love with this place, its glorious birds and mystical creatures, flowering plants and waterfalls – tropical beauty extending as far as the eye can see. But we were on to another ecolodge across the lake, where the mighty Monteverde National Cloud Forest awaited.

And that, my friends, is another fine Costa Rican adventure to tell another time.

The lodge dining room offers spectacular vistas of the volcano and Lake Arenal (below). Opposite page, an observation deck sign shows visitors common birds that visit the feeding station.

Travel Trends for 2023

Immediately following the COVID-19 lockdown in the United States, outdoor and drivable destinations were in big demand for domestic travelers. As the country has reopened, Americans embraced the idea of getting back to normal and began traveling much as they did prior to the pandemic.

However, travel trends on the horizon for 2023 suggest there is no normal when it comes to travel planning. Instead, individual interests are driving decisions about where to go and what to do.

“We see a detailed and robust picture of travel into 2023,” Expedia Brands President Jon Gieselman said. “We’re seeing a surge in trips to culture capitals, a new wave of interest in wellness retreats and a spike in demand for outdoor destinations beyond just beaches and mountains. It’s not a new normal so much as people branching out to unexpected trends in what we’re calling the ‘no normal.’”

A close look at these trends suggests there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to travel in 2023. Insights sourced from the company’s first-party data, and from custom research of thousands of travelers and industry professionals across 17 countries, show personal interests and pop culture are heavily influencing travel choices.

Consider these conclusions from Expedia:

Set-Jetters

Booking a trip after bingeing a popular series will become serious

business in 2023. Research confirms streamed movies and TV shows are now the top sources of travel inspiration (40%), outpacing the influence of social media (31%). Furthermore, the small screen is now considered on par with recommendations from friends and family when it comes to travel inspiration.

In the U.S., more than two-thirds (68%) of travelers considered visiting a destination after seeing it in a show or movie on a streaming platform, and a whopping 61% went ahead and booked a trip. Top set-jetter destinations include New Zealand, with its landscapes featured in one of this year’s most epic series, followed by the United Kingdom, Paris, New York and the beach resorts of Hawaii.

Culture Capitals

National parks and rural retreats had big moments the past couple of years. Now, cities are seeing a comeback. Based on traveler demand, most of the destinations seeing the largest increases are culture-rich cities where art and culture festivities are back in full swing. Examples include the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, WorldPride in Sydney and the cherry blossoms in Tokyo. Culture capitals that are calling loudest include Edinburgh, Scotland; Lisbon, Portugal; Tokyo; Dublin; New York; Sydney; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Montreal; Munich; and Bangkok

Explore destinations for your next trip at Expedia.com

PHOTO/DAVID ILIFF

I was born for a purpose. Trained to help you. You hold me when you’re afraid, Whisper that I saved you, That I’m your brightest star. I am your guide, your support, Your friend. A dog, I’m not. With me, you see the world again.

St. Pete Grand Prix Takes to the Streets

March 3-5

In its 19th year, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding will race through the streets of downtown March 3-5. Once again, St. Pete will host the exciting opening race of the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. The spectacular race weekend will feature six different racing series including at least 10races. The headlining NTT INDYCAR SERIES race will be Sunday, March 5, for a 100-lap/180 -mile shoot-out on a 1.8-mile course with 14 turns. Other race series competing will include INDY NXT by Firestone, USF Pro 2000 Presented by Cooper Tires, USF2000 Presented by Cooper Tires, Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup and GT America Powered by AWS.

Last year’s winner, Scott McLaughlin, will be aiming to repeat his success but he’ll be up against some formidable foes who have also claimed wins in St. Pete: Helio Castroneves (2006, 2007, 2012), Will Power (2010, 2014), Josef Newgarden (2019, 2020), Graham Rahal (2008), and Colton Herta (2021).

The St. Pete race is often called “the INDYCAR version of Monaco,” with its spectacular waterfront track winding through downtown, past yachts and the eye-catching Dali Museum. The race annually attracts legions of hardcore INDYCAR and motorsports fans, including a global television audience that reaches millions of viewers. The 2022 event had spectators attend from all 50 U.S. states and 23 different countries! Nearly 500 journalists and photographers converge here, posting stories and

images on web sites, social media, and to newspapers around the world.

Festivities will include a Speed Zone with interactive games and exhibits, a Fan Village, beer gardens (including one floating trackside in Tampa Bay near Turn 11), driver autograph sessions and other events to be announced. Paddock access is free on Friday, March 3, to get up close to the cars and drivers. Live national broadcast of the Sunday race will be on NBC at noon.

FUN TIDBIT: Look for camera crews popping up around downtown just prior and during race weekend. A six-part docuseries to air on CW Network and VICE TV this spring will take fans behind the scenes to chronicle the start of the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season and the buildup toward the Indianapolis 500 in late May. “100 Days to Indy,” produced by Penske Entertainment and VICE World News, aims to showcase what it takes to compete in INDYCAR, while providing a window into the on- and off-track lives of some of the sport’s most engaging drivers. An air date was not available at press time.

All information is subject to change. For the most current event updates and to purchase tickets for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding, go to gpstpete.com. To read current policies and festival information, check out www.gpstpete.com/festival/additional-info.

PHOTO/CITY OF ST. PETERSBURG

Hit the Track

Runners and walkers can experience portions of the 1.8-mile track as it winds along the waterfront and through the streets of downtown at the Wellcare Ambetter Health 5K on Friday, March 3. More information and advance registration available at gpstpete.com/5K

Call for Volunteers

More than 600 dedicated volunteers are needed to work the St. Pete Grand Prix. Volunteers should be available the entire race weekend and must be 18 or older. If you have a friendly and can-do attitude, learn how to volunteer for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg at gpstpete.com/contact/volunteer.

Getting to the Race Park Downtown: City parking garages are $10 all-day event rate on Friday and a $20-all-day event rate on Saturday and Sunday.

Park and Ride Shuttle from the Trop: There is a free shuttle service from Tropicana Field to the race course. Park at Tropicana Field, the cost will be $15. The shuttle operates all three race days from 7 am to 7 pm (subject to change depending on race schedule)

Take the Trolley: The Looper Downtown Trolley and Central Avenue Shuttle (St. Pete’s trolley system) offers rides throughout Grand Prix weekend for $1 per person. The Looper provides a circular route between the city’s parking facilities, hotels, restaurants and attractions. www.psta.net/riding-psta/schedulesmap/ downtown-looper/

All information is subject to change.

PHOTOS/FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG

Keeping Track of Road Closures

The City of St. Petersburg has provided the following information concerning downtown road closures. All dates are subject to change.

Track construction will begin on Monday, January 30, which will close Bayshore Drive SE from 1st Ave South to the Dali Museum entrance. Al Lang Field parking lot will close beginning Monday February 20, so Saturday Morning Market will relocate on Saturday February 25 to streets around City Hall, 175 5th Street N. The market will be not be held on Saturday March 4, but will return to Al Lang Field parking lot on Saturday March 11

Beginning Monday, February 27, 1st Street South will close for race week. Limited access will be provided to Mahaffey Theater, the Hilton and Dali Museum through Tuesday February 28.

The following streets will be closed during the race weekend

from Thursday, March 2, through Wednesday, March 8:

• Bayshore Drive NE, 2nd Avenue NE to 1st Street South

• Dali Blvd. from 2nd Street South to Bayshore Drive SE

• 1st Street South from 6th Avenue South to 1st Avenue South

• 5th Avenue South from 2nd Street South to 1st Street South

• 4th Avenue South from 2nd Street South to 1st Street South

• 2nd Avenue South from 2nd Street South to 1st Street South

• Central Avenue from 1st Street North to Bayshore Drive NE

• Beach Drive NE from 1st Avenue SE to 1st Avenue NE

Demen’s Landing will remain open at all times for marina users. Albert Whitted Airport, USFSP, USCG Base, FWS, Port of St Petersburg, the HUB will all have access at all times.

For updated information, check the City of St. Petersburg Facebook page or go to stpete.org.

All-Electric Benz EQE Sedan a Sight to Behold — and Drive

EQE (4MATIC)

Tires: P255/40R20

Wheelbase: 122.8 inches

Length: 196.6 inches

Height: 59.5 inches

Width: 82.8 inches

Suspension: multilink

MPGe: 131 city, 110 highway

Base price: $78,950

Web site: www.mbusa.com

BY NITISH S. RELE

Remember the EQ moniker! Why? Because in the near future, it will be applied to every electric Mercedes-Benz. According to the German carmaker, EQ stands for “emotion and intelligence,” two guiding tenets that serve as a stepping stone to reduce carbon footprint. Toward that end, the all-electric large EQS sedan hit the roads a year ago. As a follow-up, we now have the EQE, its smaller and lighter sibling. And a remarkable one at that.

Our test drive, the 2023 EQE 350 4MATIC, is equipped with a 90.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that assures the driver of going at least 300 miles on a full charge. Two electric motors with 215 kW total system output produce 288 horsepower and 564 pounds-feet of torque. Believe it or not, the midsize luxury sedan reaches 0 to 60 mph in around 6 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph. Not bad for a vehicle that weighs over 5,400 pounds. On a 240-volt outlet, it will take 9.5 hours to charge the car but a fast DC charger (170 kW) can juice up to 80 percent in a mere 32 minutes. As an incentive, Benz offers a two-year complimentary charge at any Electrify America station. The single-speed direct transmission is instant with comfort, sport, eco and individual modes.

The EQE portrays a cab-forward, one-bow body shape and a coupe-like roofline appearance. Up front, the ‘black panel’ unit (driver assistance systems are located behind) in a deep radiator grille is surrounded by digital light LED headlights. Take a seat behind the robust steering wheel and the red seat belts amid AMG line black/space gray leather convey class. Ambient

lights (64 colors) add sparkle to the dashboard and doors. A 56-inch rounded dash called Hyperscreen features two 12.3-inch driver and front-passenger displays and an enormous 17.7-inch central OLED touchscreen. Personal infotainment system or the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) works through voice, touch and even hand gestures (just say, Hey Mercedes!). Other creature comforts include a 15-speaker Burmeister sound system, power tilt/sliding sun roof, heated/cooled front seats, wireless phone charger and more.

Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, front knee airbags, Presafe, electronic stability/traction control, active brake/blind spot and lane keep assists, 360-degree camera, forward collision/lane departure warnings, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights ensure the wellbeing of occupants.

With gas still hovering at $3 a gallon, the EQE is a no-brainer. Thanks to an astounding performance, futuristic looks and cutting-edge technology, the all-new electric sedan is an attractive buy, i.e., if the hefty price tag isn’t an issue. Move over, Tesla, for this fresh entrant into the market with more competitive EVs to come from the admirable Benz stable. Let the rivalry begin, we say, in all seriousness!

Nitish S. Rele, editor/publisher of Motoring Tampa Bay and Khaas Baat, is a former automotive editor/columnist for The Tampa Tribune. He can be reached at motoringtampabay@gmail.com

Welcome Pups Into Your Workplace With These Helpful Tips

Pet Tales

From wagging tails popping into virtual work calls to cuddle breaks between tasks, many pet parents have gotten used to the joys of working at home with their furry best friends. As businesses welcome employees back to their offices, the demand for pets and their pet parents to be together at work is growing.

In fact, according to a survey from the CESAR® brand, more than half of pet parents believe dogs at work can boost happiness and relieve anxiety or stress. Additionally, more than half of dog owners feel bringing their dogs to work would encourage them to take breaks and foster more social interaction in the workplace.

To help make this togetherness a reality, CESAR Canine Cuisine introduced its CESAR® HIRE MY DOG™ program to inspire pet parents to advocate for pet-friendly workplaces. Leveraging the expertise of Mars Petcare’s Better Cities for Pets™ program and its Pets Work at Work toolkit, the program provides pet parents and employers with resources to guide offices in going pet-friendly. The brand also partnered with organizational duo Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin of The Home Edit to share tips to organize petfriendly workplaces in functional and stylized ways.

Consider these tips to help make your workplace pet-friendly, and find more information at CESARHireMyDog.com

Leash Attachments: To ensure pet parents can comfortably and responsibly enjoy time with their dogs at the office, leash hooks should be added to desks and collaborative spaces where pets might visit. This allows pet parents to work handsfree while knowing their furry companions are safe by their sides. Offices should also consider a color-coded leash system where green leashes, for example, can indicate dogs are friendly and ready to play, while yellow leashes can mean dogs are shy and their pet parent should be consulted before approaching.

Organized Essentials: Organize single-serve meals for office dogs by flavor and color in clear bins so pet parents can easily grab what they need. For dry dog food and treats, clear containers can make it easy to spot when supply is running low.

Dog Zone: Designate a dog zone in a common area for toys, potty supplies, brushes and more. Store each category of items in baskets with labels so employees can clearly find what they are looking for.

Cleaning Supplies: Keep offices with pups neat and tidy by keeping a cleanup caddy under the sink with items such as carpet cleaners, disinfecting sprays and paper towels to quickly clean up any messes. Just make sure cleaning supplies are not accessible to pets.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HALL + MERRICK PHOTOGRAPHERS

Water Bowls: Station water bowls by desks, in conference rooms and anywhere pups might visit to help make sure they stay hydrated.

Dog Beds: Give four-legged friends a comfortable place to rest, have a quick treat or play with their toys by having dog beds wherever pet parents are working. Having a spot to call their own can help dogs relax and adapt to the office environment.

Durable Furniture and Floors: Tile, cement and wood floors allow for easy-to-clean spaces in case of accidents. Pet parents can worry less about potential messes, knowing surfaces can be wiped clean and sanitized.

Outdoor Spaces: Have designated outdoor space for office pets to do their “business.” To ensure quick cleanup and help keep the area tidy for others, include waste stations with plastic bags. The outdoor space can also be a place for dogs to make friends and give pet parents a break to socialize with colleagues.

St. Pete PAWS

Eligible businesses are invited to apply for the Mayor’s Pet-Friendly Certified Business program to take part in the movement to make St. Pete a place where pets are happy, healthy, and welcome.

Businesses that sign up for the program will receive:

• Recognition on the pet-friendly map

• Window decal

• Shareable social media graphic

• Informational resources for hosting pets

To learn more, go to stpete.org/government/ initiatives___programs/st_pete_paws.php

DID YOU KNOW …

For the safety and health of everyone, the City of St. Petersburg asks that responsible dog owners follow these rules in public locations:

• Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet long in areas open to the public, including City parks.

• Dogs may be off leash in fenced, designated dog parks.

• Dogs may be off leash in enclosed or limited areas for an event of limited duration as designated by City Council.

• Dogs are prohibited from athletic fields and playgrounds.

PHOTO/ADOBE STOCK

BY MEGAN SIMONS

2023 will be a good year! Yes, let me play amateur astrologist for a minute. The intensity of the last few years’ retrogrades need to finally dissipate and be replaced by positive personal growth in spring and summer. We all need that and we are ready for it.

I can see the same enthusiasm in fashion, starting with Pantone Color of the Year – glorious Viva Magenta. Just the name sounds uplifting and promising, but the riot of the endless vibrant varieties of shades associated with magenta makes me giddy with delight, and offers a guarantee of happy exploring.

“Viva Magenta descends from the red family, and is inspired by the red of cochineal, one of the most precious dyes belonging to the natural dye family as well as one of the strongest and brightest the world has known,” according to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Rooted in the primordial, Viva Magenta reconnects us to original matter. Invoking the forces of nature … galvanizes our spirit, helping us to build our inner strength.”

As much as I love the leading color, the choices for stylish shades are much wider, in bright variations of crispy greens, fruity tropical orange and brilliant blue. Strong leading colors will love the addition of soft supporters, like silver oyster/ mushroom, gray lilac, mocha, soft teal skylight, pearly peach and many more.

Fashion is an art, and the beauty of it is in the eye of the beholder. Some trends are on their way out, and some are becoming stronger staples. It is an option how we will deal with that, for some of us the choices may be confusing, but you always have your friendly local boutique stylist, ready to guide you and help you look your best.

My comprehensive advice would be: Texture is a word to remember. Lace, fringes, tassels, bows, feathers, rushing, smooth leather looks and lots and lots of embellished denim, are the details in your wardrobe that can make a trendy and rich difference.

Elevated, luxe sporty style. My all-time favorite, and the one that guarantees you to look great and feel comfortable in one stylish outfit. It describes a relaxed style, but sophisticatedly polished in fabrics,

finishes, and approach. Gold silk, or other shimmery cargo pants, would be a fashion-forward concept combined with a crisp white t-shirt and boldly printed, or strong in color, tailored blazer or bomber jacket.

Florals. Nothing new about florals for spring, right? But they are bigger and stronger than ever with a large presence on runways in London, Milan and New York. But it doesn’t mean they replaced stripes; stripes are as bold as they can be.

Dresses and jumpsuits in column style, mini dresses. Yes, they are back, asymmetrical necklines, cowl necks, one shoulder, these are the elite in the spring dress styles.

Megan Simons is owner of Pippa Pelure, a fine fashion boutique in downtown St. Petersburg, FL. Contact her at pippapelure@tampabay. rr.com.

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Viva Magenta is the Pantone 2023 Color of the Year

Explore the World of Wine Through Value-Price Selections

BY WILL HOWARD

The most enjoyment from a bottle of wine is not necessarily related to the price of that bottle. Quality wine experiences are mostly determined by the people you’re with, the place you’re at, and the food being served. As far as the wine, it just has to not screw those things up.

If hosting a party or just relaxing on a day off, usually value is important. In order to find those value bottles, it’s critical to try new wines or styles of wines whenever the chance arises. My advice is to try wine from different countries and different grape varietals; learn about traditionally significant wines; and try something that might normally be overlooked. Here are three examples of moderately priced bottles that can bring together a meal, make an evening stand out, or open the door to other special wines down the road.

Glaetzer, Wallace, Shiraz/Grenache Blend, Barossa 2017 Wallace is an homage to Ben Glaetzer’s mother Judith, and her Scottish ancestral heritage. Ben is the up-and-coming winemaker behind Glaetzer wines. I have no doubt that Glaetzer wines will soon be recognized as being among the best wines from Australia’s renowned Barossa Valley and all of Australia.

Glaetzer wines all have a theme of brooding and powerful flavors, but done the right way, with layers of complexity, balance, and with minimal intervention. This wine is a beautiful Barossa blend of shiraz and grenache at an awesome value, about $30. Pair this bottle with equally rich and flavorful foods such as barbecue or smoked meats. The next tier of wines from Glaetzer include: Bishop, Anaperenna, Amon-Ra, and the ultra-exclusive Eye of Ra.

Dei, Vino Nobile de Montepulciano, Tuscany 2018

In the poem “Bacchus in Tuscany” by Francesco Redi, the Tuscan

wines of Montepulciano are described as the “King of all wine.” You might be surprised that the so-called “King of all wine” is readily available, modestly priced, and remarkably good to this day.

For that, you can thank Dei. Dei is headed by Caterina Dei, who is responsible for representing the viticultural traditions, knowledge, and values of her family winery. Dei Vino Nobile is made from sangiovese from Dei’s La Ciarliana vineyard. The wine is structured and elegant, with notes of cherry, plum, and a floral bouquet. This bottle is available for around $30 and pairs especially well with pizza. If you’re looking to go to the next level of wine nobility, check out Dei Vino Nobile de Montepulciano Bossona Reserva or Madonna Della Querce.

Bethel Heights Vineyard, Estate Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon 2019 Bethel Heights’ Estate Chardonnay is a benchmark for quality American chardonnay at excellent value, about $30. The chardonnay comes from Bethel Heights Vineyard’s certified organic and sustainable estate in Eola-Amity Hills of Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

The wine can stand alone with its layers of lemon curd, pear, almond, and flinty finish. However, with food introduced this wine really shines. The wine pairs wonderfully with cheese, salty snacks, freshly baked bread, or fried chicken. The Estate Chardonnay is an introduction, but all the wines in their portfolio are exceptional. Bethel Heights Vineyard, Casteel Chardonnay or Casteel Pinot Noir are their top wines.

Will Howard is Sommelier at Rococo Steak in downtown St. Petersburg.

Thai

Pad Thai, the traditional Thai dish made with rice noodles, bean sprouts and shrimp, is a healthy option for a winter dinner that turns up the heat with peppers. This recipe is from Chef Ivan JeanBlanc, owner of Savory Spice Shop and The Chef’s Hat in downtown St. Petersburg.

Soak the noodles in warm water for 30 minutes, until pliable enough to bend around a finger.

In a small bowl, stir together the sugar, fish sauce, and vinegar to make a sauce.

Heat a large skillet over high heat until it begins to smoke, then swirl in the oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped peppers and stir-fry until softened a bit. Add the shrimp and stir-fry until turning pink and opaque. Add the noodles, red chile and sauce, then continue to stir-fry, constantly stirring, until the noodles absorb the sauce, about another minute.

Move the noodles to the outside of the pan making an empty space in the center. Crack the eggs into the empty space and let it cook until the edges start to set, 15 to 20 seconds. Scramble the eggs, then mix them in with the noodles while the egg is still soft. Once the egg looks mostly cooked, add the bean sprouts and green onion, after removing the pan from the burner.

Colony Grill Pizza Pie Has a History All Its Own

In 1935, a post-Prohibition tavern named Colony Grill opened in Stamford, Connecticut. Since then, it has become famous for what is now its only menu offering: one of a kind, thin-crust pizza best served with a signature hot oil topping. This privately owned business expanded with locations in Connecticut, New York, Virginia and Florida. We recently visited the St. Pete location on Central Avenue.

Their signature “bar pie” has extremely thin crust, is smaller in diameter than a traditional pizza, and is light on cheese and sauce so that slices can be easily managed with one hand, fittingly leaving the other hand free to hold a glass. Eventually, across the decades, the hot oil bar pie became so popular that all the other Colony menu items faded away, as did the need for a grill. But the name Colony Grill remains as a link to their heritage.

Don’t let the fact that the only menu option is pizza fool you. Everything is made to order with the freshest ingredients. We tried the breakfast pizza with eggs, bacon and cheese as well as the salad pizza with fresh mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and carrots tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette. Both are served on the signature crust with light olive oil and sea salt. For those needing gluten free options, they also have a signature gluten free crust and all toppings are gluten free, as well.

This is the kind of place that you can bring the family, a date, or a little league baseball team. Each location embeds into the local community and supports their local firefighters, first responders and police forces. Each Colony Grill also dedicates space within each local restaurant for its “Wall of Heroes” - a display of photos that honors those who have served in uniform, either at home or abroad, as first responders or members of the United States Armed Forces. Patrons can submit photos in uniform of themselves or family members that have served.

Luxury Open Air Event Facility Awaits You and Your Guests

The Barn at Crescent Lake Uniquely offers the perfect open air outdoor event facility in a beautiful and elegant surrounding for Weddings, Corporate and Private events. Located on an idyllic 20 acre private lake, we offer plenty of open air space for social distancing. Our newly rebuilt air conditioned venue has wall to wall sliders that open up for even more health and safety, while providing amazing waterfront views with an elegant chandelier atmosphere. The best of both worlds!

The Barn at Crescent Lake Uniquely offers the perfect open air outdoor event facility in a beautiful and elegant surrounding for Weddings, Corporate and Private events. Located on an idyllic 20 acre private lake, we offer plenty of open air space for social distancing. Our newly rebuilt air conditioned venue has wall to wall sliders that open up for even more health and safety, while providing amazing waterfront views with an elegant chandelier atmosphere. The best of both worlds!

The Barn at Crescent Lake was the PERFECT venue for our wedding! The views are breath taking, especially at sunset! The lake was the perfect backdrop for our ceremony! The entire staff was amazing! Our guests raved about the venue, food and wait staff.

-Victoria

The Barn at Crescent Lake was the PERFECT venue for our wedding! The views are breath taking, especially at sunset! The lake was the perfect backdrop for our ceremony! The entire staff was amazing! Our guests raved about the venue, food and wait staff.

We offer Educational Farm Tours to groups and individual families, Kids Birthday Parties, Beautiful Barn Weddings, Corporate, Private and Charity Events. For more information visit www.oldmcmickys.com • 813-920-1948 9612 Crescent Dr. Odessa, FL 33556 • We can’t wait to see you on the farm!

FOOD BITES

Where’s the beef? Not in this vegan burger from Cider Press Gastropub.

Fans of the former Cider Press Café on Central Avenue will find a newly transformed “pub” version of the vegan restaurant at the Cider Press GastroPub at 3118 3rd Ave. N. Owners Roland Strobel and Johan Everstijn have embraced a more casual, fun atmosphere and updated the menu. Look for sandwiches, burgers, chili and mock “fish” and chips, all sans dairy and meat. Don’t miss the Avocado Toast Bruschetta, topped with citrus-basil salsa, spiced cashews and balsamic glaze. Hours vary; check before you go at ciderpresspub.com ***

A new American fine dining restaurant, Oaks on 4th, has recently opened by the owners of Bascom’s Chop House. Located at 4351 4th Street N., the sophisticated renovation features a beautiful bar and live oak tables, and an outdoor dining garden. Chef Tony Bonnano, former executive chef at Bascom’s in Clearwater, is at the helm of the chef-driven

menu which leans heavily toward fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients. Dinners and brunch Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm; to keep updated go to the Facebook page or oakson4th.com ***

Restaurateur Steve Westphal has sold The Hangar Restaurant and Flight Lounge at Albert Whitted Airport to longtime chef and general manager Matthew Smith. Westphal sold his popular 400 Beach Seafood and Taphouse in 2021. He still owns Parkshore Grill, Island Grille & Raw Bar in Tierra Verde and Café Gala at the Dai Museum. “This was a good business when I bought it and it’s going to stay on its course – it will not change,” Smith told StPeteCatalyst.com.

Will St. Pete chefs regain the trophy from 2020? Excitement is mounting for the annual Tampa Bay Food Fight presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tampa from 6 to 9 pm on January 31. Pitting top chefs from both sides of the bay, the action-packed cook-off and restaurant tasting is a fundraiser for Metropolitan Ministries Culinary Arts Program. Representing the Pinellas side will be: Susan Burdian, Social Roost; Jason Gordon, Cap’s Steamer Bar; Caleb Edwards, The Mill; Mike Malone, Levy Restaurants; Matthew Smith, The Hangar; Lee Aquino, Birchwood and Teak; Mike Roberts, Wild Child. Tickets are $250 and $300 VIP, through TicketMaster.

***

The Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille restaurant chain, which opened a location at the St. Pete Pier a few years ago, has opened a new location in the Jungle Terrace area at 8790 Bay Pines Boulevard. The two St. Pete locations are the only surviving Doc Ford’s after Hurricane Ian in late September caused extensive damage to locations in Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel and Captiva. According to the restaurant web site, repairs are underway at Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel, while the Captiva Island location is now closed indefinitely. Both St. Pete restaurants are situated directly on the waterfront on Tampa Bay and Boca Ciega Bay with extensive patio dining. Here’s hoping they will survive for many years to come.

***

Heard of tiny homes? Welcome to the tiny restaurant, wine cellar and tasting bar Bin 6 South at 330 6th Street S. The cozy space at only 330 square feet seats 12, with a six-person tasting bar and a six-person table. The culinary side focuses on seasonal curated small plates (of course) created by Chef de Cuisine

Freddie Gentile and Sous Chef David Canady, both trained at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, both with experience in Michelin-starred restaurants. An extensive selection of wines curated by wine director Level One Sommelier Danielle McCoy can be purchased to go.

V is for Valhalla + Valentine Nothing says “I love you” like a custom-designed cake for Valentine’s Day from the creative bakers at Valhalla Bakery. Known for beyond-spectacular vegan pastries and baked goods, owner Celine Beltgens and her talented staff offer a changing array of goodies weekly made with love but no eggs or dairy. Drool-worthy offerings like Guava Cream Cheese Buns, Chai Pear Scone, Caramel Apple Sage Monkey Bread, and Rosemary Bundt Cake are just a few delights one might find inside the glass case.

Valhalla pumps it up for Valentine’s Day with themed treats like heart-shaped cookies and “I Love You” cupcakes. To order a specialty cake, go online to valhallabakery.com or drop by the bakery at 2462 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg.

It’s all about the

We offer custom charcuterie boards and boxes delivered right to your door, in addition to grazing tables, wine pairings, workshops, and more! Perfect for any event.

We make entertaining effortless, as well as an incredibly delicious and beautiful experience. Call us for your next event 727-420-9559

GatherRoundGraze.com GatherRoundGraze@gmail.com

DINING GUIDE

St. Petersburg Seafood

400 Beach Seafood and Taphouse

Locally sourced coastal cuisine on the downtown waterfront. From seafood to steaks, salads and appetizers, a favorite for Sunday brunch and outdoor dining. 400 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg (727) 896-2400; 400beachseafood.com $$$

Trophy Fish - Drink Like a Fish is the moniker here, so be prepared for a casual nautical atmosphere, lively crowd and fresh local fish and seafood that changes daily. Dinner only; opens at noon on Saturdays and Sundays. 2060 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 258-7883; trophyfishstpete.com $$

Teak - With a spectacular view of the downtown skyline, Teak, at the tip of the St. Pete Pier, offers elevated casual dining for lunch and dinner. Florida-inspired cuisine runs the gamut from Cubans and paella to pan roasted grouper with citrus risotto and ginger guava BBQ short ribs. 800 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg (727) 513-8325; teakstpete.com $$$

tacos to entrees like Cedar Plank Salmon and Banana Leaf Snapper. 610 2nd Ave NE, (727) 857-8118; 8790 Bay Pines Blvd; St. Petersburg; docfords.com $$$

Sea Salt - Upscale, urban and known for its raw bar and impeccably fresh seafood, this is the place to impress while enjoying a sunset over the downtown skyline. Located at Sundial, the airy and sophisticated eatery specializes in seasonal and organic ingredients, an extensive wine collection and craft cocktails. 183 2nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 873-7964; seasaltstpete. com $$$$

Island Grille & Raw Bar – Expansive waterfront dining focusing on fresh seafood, steaks, pasta, chicken, sandwiches and raw bar. Island Grille attracts a fun crowd of families, boaters and local sun-seekers who gravitate here for the food, tropical drinks and massive outdoor patio. 210 Madonna Blvd, Tierra Verde; (727) 767-0020; islandrawbar.com $$$

RumFish Grill – The under-the-sea atmosphere is as memorable as the sustainably sourced seafood. Enjoy Florida snapper ceviche before moving on to your main course of Floribbean blackened grouper. No matter what you order, you’ll be mesmerized by the 33,500-gallon aquarium in the main dining room, which is home to local rescued marine life. 6000 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach (727) 329-1428 rumfishgrill.com $$$

The Hurricane Seafood Restaurant –The landmark Hurricane on Passe-a-Grille Beach has weathered a few storms, but still stands as a seafood mecca for tourists, groups and families. The fresh grouper sandwich and view from the rooftop bar are legendary. 809 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach (727) 360-9558 thehurricane.com $$

American/Fine

Parkshore Grill - Top-notch Beach Drive dining from fresh seafood to steaks, pasta and salads. Lunch, dinner and brunch served Saturdays and Sunday until 3 pm. Chef Tyson Grant is committed to serving local and sustainable meats and seafood and locally grown organic produce. 300 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg (727) 896-9463; parkshoregrill.com $$$

Rococo Steak - Fine dining in a sophisticated steakhouse with Executive Chef Jordan Buendia offering a chic twist on classic fare. Outstanding wine selection and service 655 2nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg (727) 822-0999; rococosteak.com $$$$

Brick & Mortar - Rustic-chic dining in an intimate atmosphere, local foodies gravitate here for healthy American fare that changes seasonally. Dinner only. 539 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 822-6540 $$$

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse - Upscale steakhouse overlooking the Sundial courtyard in the heart of downtown, Ruth’s Chris is a respected chain with a dedicated following who come for dependable steaks, chops and seafood specialties. 131 2nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 821-4139; ruthschris.com $$$

fish

MadFish – Look for the refurbished train dining car on Gulf Boulevard in St. Pete Beach and you’ve found MadFish, known for fresh seafood including oysters, mussels, Chilean Sea Bass, group, salmon and lobster tail. The casual diner is open for dinner only. 5200 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach (727) 360-9200 madfishonline.com $$$

Urban Stillhouse - Bourbon lovers will be in heaven and everyone else will be in awe at this rustic yet sophisticated distillery in the Warehouse Arts District featuring Chef Kenny Tufo’s renowned American modern cuisine. Dinner only Thursday through Saturday, brunch Sunday 11 to 4; reservations a must. . 2232 5th Ave. S., St. Petersburg (727) 440-8040; theurbanstillhouse.com $$$$

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille - Shorts and flip-flops are welcome at this popular waterfront eatery on the St. Pete Pier and a new location in the Jungle Terrace district on Boca Ciega Bay. Seafood with a Caribbean flair includes crab cakes and

The Library - Tucked away in Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital with a distinguished English library setting, The Library is just the ticket for a quiet lunch or dinner or even a romantic night out. The creative menu is overflowing with healthy options such as Osso Bucco Risotto and Squid Ink Pasta with Blackened Shrimp. 600 5th St. S., St. Petersburg (727) 369-9969; thelibrarystpete.com $$$

Birch & Vine - Located in Beach Drive’s Birchwood Hotel, this fine dining spot is helmed by Executive Chef Lee Aquino, known for his unique and globally inspired dishes featuring seasonal, organic and locally sourced foods. 340 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg (727) 896-1080; thebirchwood.com/birchandvine $$$

Sauvignon Wine Locker & American Trattoria - Charming winecentric dining with a top-notch curated menu of seafood, pasta and meats in a lively block of Central Avenue downtown. 241 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 827-7896; sauvignonstpete.com $$$

Grace - Upscale yet laid-back, this intimate dining spot offers modern American and Mediterranean cuisine, wine, and cocktails in the heart of Passe-A-Grille. Stop in for happy hour from 4 to 6 pm or treat yourself to a curated dining menu that runs the gamut from seafood and salads to pasta and steak. 120 8th Ave., St. Pete Beach (727) 317-4770 gracestpete.com $$$

The Mill - A locals and tourists favorite for American style cuisine with Southern influence. Lively atmosphere, indoor and outdoor dining on a bustling stretch of Central Ave. Excellent craft cocktails and the home of the “Fonzworth Bentley,” a $100 Wagyu beef burger. 200 Central Ave Unit 100, St. Petersburg (727) 317-3930; themillrestaurants.com $$

The Dewey at Berkeley Beach Club - Sophisticated yet casual dining in Pass-AGrille with a curated menu of reimagined beach cuisine, outstanding wine and craft cocktails. Downstairs is the main dining area; but for the ultimate sunset views head to the rooftop bar for an expansive oyster menu and selection of appetizers. 109 8th Avenue, St. Pete Beach (727) 228-1000; berkeleybeachclub.com $$$$

Castile Restaurant - Hotel Zamora’s elegant restaurant stylishly prepares a curated menu of New American cuisine including tapas, Spanish and Mediterranean specialties, steak and seafood. Select from indoor or outdoor seating with a view of the intracoastal; lunch and dinner. 3701 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach (727) 4568660 $$$

The Maritana - The Don Cesar’s longstanding Maritana was renovated a few years ago, offering a sophisticated and intimate fine-dining experience featuring modern Coastal cuisine sustainably sourced, and an extensive wine list. The perfect spot for late-night dessert and aperitif. 3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, dinner only (844) 338-1501, doncesar.com/ dining/maritana $$$$

American/Casual

Ford’s Garage - Pull into this garage to find a fun 1920’s service station (don’t miss a stop in the restrooms) with a great selection of prime burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, mac n cheese dishes, and craft beers. Indoor or outdoor dining. 200 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg (727) 295-3673; fordsgarageusa.com $$

Stillwaters - Casual tavern and late-night hotspot on Beach Drive offers a variety of classic American fare from steak and shrimp to burgers and chicken; known for a selection of sausages made in-house. 224 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg (727) 350-1019; stillwaterstavern.com $$ Dr. BBQ - Don’t be surprised if grilling champ and TV food celebrity Ray Lampe (Dr. BBQ) stops by to say hello. His modern American ‘que is some of the best in town, with imaginative twists to housesmoked meats, awesome Southern desserts and finger-lickin’ sauces and sides. 1101 1st St. S., St. Petersburg (727) 443-7227; drbbqs.com $$

Social Roost - Aptly named for its inviting casual ambiance, the Roost specializes in globally inspired chicken dishes and craft cocktails. Everything is fresh and made from scratch, from chicken samosas to the Peruvian Chicken and Chicken Tangine. 150 1st Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 202-6113; eatatsocialroost.com $$$

Datz - Hearty and even sinful comfort foods from loaded burgers and fried chicken to pancakes and nachos. Leave your diet at home for the Nashville Chicken Doughnut. Lively and casual indoor and outdoor dining and drinking. 180 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 202-1182; datztampa.com/stpete $$

Isabelle’s at the Historic Peninsula InnNamed after the inn’s friendly resident ghost, charming Isabelle’s embodies classic Old Florida/Southern ambiance and cuisine. Specialties include Shrimp & Grits and Salmon Florentine. Ask for a seat on the covered verandah or in the lushly landscaped patio. Sunday Brunch is 10 am to 3 pm. 2937 Beach Blvd. S. Gulfport, FL (727) 346-9800 isabellesgulfport.com $$

Asian/Fusion

Hawkers - Asian street food kicked up a notch with craft cocktails and a young vibe at a popular Grand Central hotspot. Small plates and bowls are perfect for sharing. 1235 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 521-7235; eathawkers.com $$

Good Fortune - Trendy dining and highoctane night spot with top-notch AsianFusion cuisine and cocktails, Good Fortune replaces the former Ichicoro Ane below the Station House. Small sharable plates and bowls, an extensive sushi bar and a late night menu that brings out the bao combine for an adventurous evening out. 260 1st Avenue S. St. Petersburg (727) 287-3881; goodfortunestpete.com $$

Buya Ramen - Locals favorite for authentic Japanese tapas. Ramen bowls come with meat or soy-based broths, with crispy duck, braised short rib, pork belly or grilled chicken. Seaweed salad, bao buns and vegetable gyoza are starters. 911 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 202-7010; buyarestaurants.com $$

The Lemon Grass - Immense Asian tapas menu with sushi, rolls, Thai dishes, fried rice, noodles and much more. Popular for carryout via online ordering. 310 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 894-1111; lemongrasstapas.com $-$$

Ethnic/Glob al

Lingr - Highly imaginative Nordic and Asian-inspired menu is reflective of Chef Jeffrey Jew’s heritage. The new eatery is making waves for fresh sustainable seafood with a contemporary flair. Dinner only. 400 6th Street S., St. Petersburg (727) 471-6120; lingrrestaurant.com $$$

Cassis - Combining traditional French and American influences for brunch, lunch and dinner, this European-style café is a favorite people-watching spot at sidewalk tables along Beach Drive. Carry-out French pastries and gourmet coffee and tea from the bakery. 170 Beach Dr., St. Petersburg (727) 827-2927, cassisstpete.com $$$

Left Bank Bistro - Charming setting in the Crescent Lake community, Left Bank offers accessible French-style fare indoors or outdoors. A great late-night stop for dessert and coffee; the intimate bar presents jazz on Thursday evenings; brunch on weekends. 1225 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg; (727) 256-1691$$$

Baba - It’s hard to find more authentic Mediterranean cuisine than at this indooroutdoor casual dining spot in the heart of Kenwood. Be sure to visit the bakery for some goodies to take home. 2701 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 954-3406; eatatbaba.com $$

Ceviche - Since moving to modern new digs on Beach Drive, the Spanish tapasinspired menu maintains its authentic dishes and creative touches heavily leaning toward seafood and a Spanish-driven wine selection. 10 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg (727) 209-2299; ceviche.com $$$

Red Mesa Cantina - Longtime fave for fans of fresh Mexican cuisine in a hip urban setting, come here to sit in the courtyard with a margarita or sangria and indulge in tacos, salads, enchiladas, quesadillas and burritos and bowls. 128 3rd St. S., St. Petersburg (855) 265-0812; redmesacantina.com $$

Alesia - Fresh French and Vietnamese cuisine in a contemporary setting near the beaches. Salads, spring rolls and banh mi, pho bowls, curry and noodle dishes all lovingly made with fresh ingredients. 7204 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 345-9701; alesiarestaurant.com $$

La V - Healthy Vietnamese fusion café featuring a variety of entrees, salads, noodle bowls and stir frys. Some of the best pho in town, and a broad menu of boba tea. Wines and dessert make this a great place for lunch or dinner. 441 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 820-3500; lavfusion.com $$

Chief’s Creole Café - Downhome Cajun and Creole favorites in a family-run café range from gumbo and jambalaya to red beans and rice, shrimp and grits and etouffee. 901 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg (727) 498-8979; chiefscreole.com $$

Grand Hacienda - Festive atmosphere and a massive menu of authentic Mexican fare that includes vegetarian and glutenfree. Family friendly, there’s something for everyone including breakfast dishes and a Margarita happy hour Monday through Thursday. 399 11th Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 256-9770; grandhaciendarestaurant.com $$

Renzo’s - Argentinian steakhouse with extensive menu of Latin American charcuterie and tapas, grilled meats, prime seafood and traditional pasta dishes, wines and desserts. Casual and group friendly, indoor and outdoor dining. 104 2nd St. S., St. Petersburg (727) 851-9983 $$$

Red Mesa - Not to be confused with the Cantina, the original Red Mesa offers fresh Mexican fare with influences of South and Central America, the Caribbean and beyond. Entrees include Filet Mignon Chimichurri and Ginger Crusted Salmon. 4912 4th St. N., St. Petersburg (727) 527-8728 $$$

Fado - Authentic Portuguese cuisine and wines heavily leaning toward seafood, meats

and sausages in a modern setting. Love octopus? This is the place for you. 435 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 346-5389; fadofl.com $$$

Studio Public House - Fun and funky dining in an old gas station-turnedrecording studio-turned neighborhood English/American pub. Creative sandwiches, flatbreads, vegan and veggie, but you can’t beat the Madras Balti Curry and Dragonfire Vindaloo. 2950 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 873-6992; thestudiopublichouse.com $-$$

The Pearl - Moving recently to Gulfport from its longtime location on Treasure Island, the Mediterranean/Moroccan fine dining restaurant with chef/owner Karim Chiadmi at the helm offers a wide variety from steaks and seafood, pastas, veal and lamb. Dinner only from Tuesday through Saturday. 5802 28th Avenue S., Gulfport (727) 360-9151; thepearlfinedining.com $$$

Allelo - Sophisticated MediterraneanAegean theme restaurant specializes in seafood, pastas, and sharable appetizer plates and charcuterie boards. An extensive wine list and curated cocktails offer a perfect sip at the elegant marble bar inside or on the patio facing the downtown waterfront. 300 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg; (727) 851-9582 allelostpete.com $$$$

Italian

BellaBrava - Authentic Italian cuisine with urban flair, the New World trattoria is lively and fun with beloved pasta dishes, woodstone oven pizza and great people watching from the sidewalk patio. 204 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg (727) 895-5515; bellabrava.com $$$

Gratzzi Ristorante - Classic Italian cuisine in a warm, friendly environment. Choose from steak and seafood to traditional Italian favorites like Pork Ossobuco and Veal Saltimbocca. Known for their Cavatelli Bada Bing, pasta prepared tableside in a wheel of parmesan cheese. Dinner only. 211 2nd St. S., St. Petersburg (727) 623-9037; gratzzigrille.com $$$

Beau & Mo’s Italian Eating HouseAlthough considered a Chicago-style steakhouse, this family run dining spot has

consistently won accolades for traditional Italian specialties like Linguini and Clams and Chicken Marsala. Classy yet casual, a lively atmosphere perfect for groups and families. Dinner only. 2924 5th Ave.N., St. Petersburg (727) 771-3690 $$$

Healthy/Fusion

Craft Kafe - Popular downtown coffeeshop and café specializes in glutenfree artisan pastries, quiches, pizza, salads and soups. Sit on the patio and watch the world go by. 200 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 256-8587; craftkafe.com $$

Love Food Central - This small neighborhood café serves only vegan and gluten-free sandwiches, soups, salads and the amazing Awesome Burger (beet and black bean patty with an awesome sauce) that will inspire you to eat healthy more often. 2057 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 317-2034; lovefoodcentral.com $$

Il Ritorno - When owner/executive chef David Benstock beat TV chef Bobby Flay in a May 2021 episode, seats at this intimate downtown eatery were hard to come by. It’s still a good idea to make a reservation to discover Benstock’s fresh, modern Italian cuisine that simply brims with love and creativity. Dinner only. 449 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 897-5900; ilritornodowntown.com $$$$

Taverna Costale - Coastal Italian dining from celebrity chef Fabio Viviani recently opened in the heart of downtown offers the perfect blend of a rustic Italian eatery, an energetic local tavern, and an upscale modern restaurant. Extensive wine list, craft cocktails and an indoor/ outdoor bar. Dinner only. 200 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 954-3863; tavernacoastale.com $$$

Pia’s Trattoria and Pia’s Veranda – The Trattoria’s romantic indoor/outdoor dining rooms, excellent service and classic menu, make it one of the top Italian restaurants in the region. Favorites include a classic Beef Carpaccio from grass-fed cattle, Linguini Alla Vongole and Penne Quatro Formaggio al Forno. Across the street, a more casual sister location offers shady outdoor seating and live music daily. Both locations open at 4 pm. 3054/3038 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport (727) 327-2190; piastrattoria. com $$$

Good Intentions - Creative vegan/ vegetarian eatery combines healthful entrees and appetizers with a solid wine list and craft cocktails. Come in for coffee and dessert to knock your socks off; brunch on Saturday and Sunday. 1900 1st Avenue S. St. Petersburg; (727) 280-6068; goodintentionsfl.com $$

Wild Child - Named the Best New Restaurant of 2022 by the Tampa Bay Times, this coral pink neighborhood bistro meets all the requirements with creative cuisine, fresh and seasonal ingredients, and tiki craft cocktails all meticulously prepared and served. Tuna tostadas, jerk octopus, Peruvian seafood chowder are menu highlights. Indoor/outdoor seating; dinner only but open 11 am Sunday for brunch. 2710 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 954-7425; wildchildstpete.com $$$ St Petersburg

SPL SCENE

Smartly Dressed – Margaret Acheson Stuart Society

The annual benefit fashion show and luncheon to benefit the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg was held November 10 at the Renaissance Vinoy with fashions by Dillard’s. Co-chairs were Lauren Krawczyk and Elise Elsberry; President of The Stuart Society is Dawn Sumner.

SPL SCENE

St. Pete Fools Bicycle Drive & Charity Ride

St.

non-profit,

Pete Fools gifted hundreds of brand new bicycles and various toys to disadvantaged kids December 7 through the St. Petersburg Police Department. The

led by restaurateur Tony Mangiafico, followed with an annual Charity Ride on December 10 with proceeds benefiting Learning Empowered and ALPHA House of Pinellas County. Special guest on the Charity Ride was St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch.

Strobel Design Build has been a member of this community for over 40 years and has completed countless projects. Quality craftsmanship and honest client relationships set Strobel Design Build apart from the rest. From kitchens and bathrooms, to major additions and remodels, Strobel Design Build has done it before.

Strobel also specializes in FEMA projects, Universal Design, and Historic Homes. Trust the experts at Strobel Design Build to collaborate with you to accomplish the project of your dreams.

Start the new year off with a home remodel from the most awarded design-build firm in the Tampa Bay area.

The beginning of your journey will include a complimentary initial consultation at your home with one of our award-winning design consultants. The Strobel team will collaborate with you to customize a plan for your project that accomplishes your goals and realizes your personal style. From start to finish, you will experience a turnkey, white glove service from the Strobel Design Build team.

Contact Strobel Design Build at www.StrobelDesignBuild.com/ contact-us and submit an inquiry. You will receive correspondence from the Strobel team within 24 hours. Happy New Year! We look forward to working with you.

Mark Zdrojewski

Strobel Design Build President

CHOOSE EXPERT ER CARE.

With two conveniently located ERs, you’re never far from highly specialized emergency care.

At Bayfront Health St. Petersburg we’re equipped to handle any emergency, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

• Board-certified emergency medicine physicians and an expertly trained clinical team.

• Only Level II Trauma Center in Pinellas County.

• Utilizes a Fast Track system for minor emergencies, providing personalized emergency care in less time.

BayfrontStPete.com/ER