WELCOME TO SPL
Home For The Holidays It’s hard to believe that we are moving into the holiday season already. Time flies, as many say, but this year, time has been flying on the wings of a global pandemic the likes of which this generation has never seen – and could never believe possible. The coronavirus in Florida as we go to print is on the upswing, which means we must remain vigilant to keep our families safe. It certainly looks different in St. Petersburg this holiday season. We have no holiday parades or Christmas tree lightings or performances of the Master Chorale or the Nutcracker to write about. However, things are slowly – albeit cautiously -- coming back. I am glad to report that the beloved First Night St. Petersburg, the city’s popular downtown New Year’s Eve celebration, is working hard to present an entertaining evening of music, art and interactive fun virtually from the comfort of your own living room. Be sure to read “And the Curtain Rises… (Finally)” by arts writer Cindy Stovall for an overview of how performing arts groups such as American Stage, freeFall Theatre, Florida Orchestra and others, are re-imagining their fall season with adjustments for safety. The show must go on for our beloved arts organizations in St. Pete, and we are ever so grateful. Many people are adjusting their usual holiday routines, staying close to home and downsizing family gatherings and parties. We wondered how people of various nationalities and ethnic backgrounds would be celebrating this year and found that many are focusing on their cultural traditions to keep them grounded in these tumultuous times. Take a look at our “Holiday Traditions Around the World” story to learn how your neighbors are coping. Finally, as we mark the end of the year, we wish to thank our advertisers who have pulled this magazine and our faithful community of readers through this year. We know it has not been an easy year, financially and emotionally, but rest assured that we are St. Pete Strong and will continue to support you.
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StPeteLifeMag.com
Dorian Photography
Valerie Bogle
bdrake�stpetelifemag.com Publisher
EDITOR Marcia Biggs ART DIRECTOR Alicia Brown ADVERTISING Ed Barry Ad Director Betsy Phillips Senior Account Executive Debbie Radsick Account Executive Michelle Boudreau Account Executive CONTRIBUTORS Megan Simons Women’s Fashion Will Howard The Wine Cellar Ernest Hooper/ Cindy Stovall Angela Ardolino/Monica Kile Contributors CO-FOUNDER/BUSINESS MANAGER Ralph Zuckerman Want SPL delivered directly to your home or office? Go to www.stpetelifemag/subscribe. You do not need a PayPal account.
Here’s wishing you all a happy and healthy new year.
Beth Ann Drake
PUBLISHER/CEO Beth Ann Drake
On the Cover: Holiday fashion by Pippa Pelure Photo by: Brian James
Marcia Biggs
editor@stpetelifemag.com Editor
November/December 2020
