St. Pete Life Nov/Dec 2023

2019 NATIONAL WINNER Entire House Under $250,000

Multiple Award Winning Contractor!

• Certified Remodeler (CR) • Certified Remodeling Project Managers (CRPM) • Certified Lead Carpenters (CLC) • Universal Design Certified Professionals (UDCP)

After

Before

The festive and holiday season will be well underway as of the printing on this edition of SPL so all of us at King Contracting, Inc. wish you and your family the happiest of times for all the upcoming occasions you choose to celebrate, including birthdays and anniversaries!

Although it is too late to start and complete remodeling projects for the 2023 holidays, it is the perfect time to start planning for a project to begin late 2023 and/or early in 2024. As a premier Design-Build firm located right here in St. Petersburg, our process will take your ideas and assemble those into a schedule that shows you a clear path from concept to finished product.

We have dozens of highly satisfied clients for which we have designed and built custom homes, room additions, whole house remodels, entire condo/townhome remodels, lanai and garage conversions along with all types of exterior projects. We specialize in FEMA Flood Plain projects and we have won multiple First Place awards over the years by meeting client needs with superior workmanship and attention to detail.

Our staff includes NARI Certified Professionals and we just added another designer to our staff! We are ready and excited to help you with your home upgrades OR build a new one!

Please visit our new showroom at 3931 Central Ave., St Pete, FL 33713 Mon.-Fri. 8:00am - 5:00pm Sat. and after hours by appt. only (727) 914-6949 Call or stop by today!

CGC#1520433

What a great time to call King Contracting to schedule a free in-home consultation to get the remodeling and/or custom build process started!

Our proven Design-Build process will show you the steps needed and help you gain an understanding to begin the planning and strategic activities for your dream home makeover!

Remember, we work in single family homes (and build custom homes), condos and townhouses so call us or stop by our showroom soon!

Thank you to our clients, supplers and vendors and to our wonderful staff for all you do to help us meet our client needs!

Doug King, CR, UDCP, MBA, CGC, NARI National Past President 2020/2021

Where advanced technology meets a personal touch.

That’s the BayCare effect.

cutting edge compassion

At BayCare, we strive to have a positive effect in the life of every patient we treat. You’ll not only have access to highly rated clinical experts, you’ll also experience a higher level of compassionate care. That’s how we exceed your expectations. We use the most advanced imaging technology for accurate diagnoses—and see you like a member of our family. Our team is nationally ranked for providing a superior patient experience. To us, making a real difference in people’s lives is what matters most. That’s the BayCare effect.

TheBayCareEffect.org 23-3057300-1023

CONTENTS

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 Volume 7 No. 3

Features

In Review: 2023 SHINE Murals ................................ 14 Event Planning: Holiday Happenings ...................... 19

19 Art Review: Far East to West at James Museum ....... 32

Fashion/Art: African-Influenced EnnYe ................... 38

Resident Guardians: Waterfront Parks Foundation ...46 Tiny Christmas: 3 Daughters Brewery Display .......... 50 People to Watch: Ester Venouziou .......................... 54 On the Rise: Top 10 Residential Developments ........ 63 Remodel Trends: Thinking Long-Term .....................66

32

Restaurants: St. Pete Dining Guide .........................84

38 14

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November/December 2023

Happy Holidays Gift a piece that will keep on giving for generations with our expansive collection of High Jewelry.

Emily Johnson

Julie Johnson Weintraub

“It’s Beyond Jewelry, it’s Love”™ “Make sure it’s a Gold & Diamond Source Diamond!” ~Steve Weintraub and Julie Johnson Weintraub

3800 Ulmerton Road. Clearwater, FL 33762 727-573-9351

Makayla Johnson

WELCOME TO SPL Is it the 80-degree temperatures, non-stop sunshine and balmy breezes that make us all repeat the refrain “I can’t believe it’s already the holidays” at this time of year? Go ahead and blame our spectacular fall weather here in St. Pete, but the holidays are a-coming, nonetheless. We’ve got you covered with all the festivities, concerts and events around town in this issue’s Holiday Happenings listing. Many family-friendly events are planned, including the return of Enchant Christmas at Tropicana Field and the comeback of a down-sized “Art in the Park” First Night on New Year’s Eve in North Straub Park.

If you ever have visited one of a dozen waterfront parks around downtown St. Pete you know what a wonderful asset they are to those of us who live, work or play here. Our City parks system is recognized as one of the best in the Southeast and for good reason. We have a watchful eye in the non-profit Waterfront Parks Foundation. Read about the decade-old organization that works as a watchdog with the City to preserve, protect and beautify our waterfront.

Finally, in an effort to increase our coverage of real estate and development in our ever-growing city, we are delighted to announce our new partnership with St. Pete Rising. Since 2013, the urban development news web site has covered the very latest in these topics at stpeterising.com, and will now be sharing their most important stories with SPL. Be sure to check out Anthony Close’s article on the Top 10 residential developments in St. Pete in this issue. We are, indeed, a city on the rise.

Wishing you a joyous and safe holiday season!

Publisher bdrake�stpetelifemag.com

Flourish Photography

Flourish Photography

Beth Ann Drake

Marcia Biggs

Editor editor@stpetelifemag.com

www.StPeteLifeMag.com

260 1st Avenue S. Suite 200-151 St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Adver tising: 813.447.9900 bdrake@stpetelifemag.com Editorial: editor@stpetelifemag.com

Facebook.com/StPeteLifeMag

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November/December 2023

PUBLISHER/CEO Beth Ann Drake EDITOR Marcia Biggs ART DIRECTOR Alicia Brown ADVERTISING Ed Barry Ad Director Betsy Phillips Senior Account Executive Debbie Radsick Account Executive CONTRIBUTORS Nitish S. Rele / Ernest Hooper Doug King/ Cindy Cockburn Jonathan Mitchell, Ph.D. / Anthony Close CO-FOUNDER/BUSINESS MANAGER Ralph Zuckerman Want SPL delivered directly to your home or office?

Go to www.stpetelifemag.com/subscribe.

On The Cover: Nutcracker!

Magical Christmas Ballet performs Dec. 30 at Mahaffey Theater.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Dental Implants

Before

Sleep Apnea Treatment

After

“Dr.Macedo is very knowledgeable & an amazing artist.” - Kelly Dr. Roberto Macedo, DDS MS, PhD , is an expert in building beautiful smiles by achieving a perfect balance between knowledge, technology, passion, and art. As a third-generation dental specialist, he knows that the only way to treat patients is through excellence. Being involved in all aspects of dentistry at such a young age exposed him to world-class standards. Dr. Macedo and his team do not compromise. Every one of his patients gets treated with the same attention, talent, and care.

Dr. Macedo is a true smile designer. He does not limit himself to just being a “fixer-upper” kind of Prosthodontist. He goes above and beyond by giving personalized services to all his patients. Dr. Macedo has a unique and energetic approach that tailors a solution to strategically focus on the patient’s desires.

He specializes in tooth replacement and restoration. With over 22 years of experience in the field, he is one of the most soughtafter prosthodontists in the industry and a top choice.

Patients travel from all around the country to have their smiles personally treated by Dr. Macedo. Dr. Macedo stays grounded and authentic to his core values, centered on giving nothing but the best to his patients. Everyone who comes to his doors gets the excellent, one -of-a kind Macedo experience and new patients are welcome to tour our St. Petersburg office.

Dr. Roberto Macedo, DDS, MS, PH.D Advanced Center for Cosmetic Dentistry Prosthodontist & Smile Designer

727-345-2064 www.accdfl.com

7801 38th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710

M a lo wa n y G ro u p

Tampa Bay Luxury Real Estate w ww. M a lowan y Gro up .c o m

E X C E P T I O N A L S E R V I C E · U N PA R A L L E L E D C O N TA C T S S U P E R I O R R E S U LT S

T h e O N E S t . Pe t e r s b u rg , #1 4 0 3

T h e S a l v a d o r, P e n t h o u s e # 4

1140 Monterey Boulevard NE

5 1 2 2 3 9 t h Av e n u e S

DOWNTOWN ST. PETE Offered at $2,450,000

SNELL ISLE Offered at $2,599,999

DOWNTOWN ST. PETE Offered at $3,600,000

MAXIMO MOORINGS Offered at $799,000 l Sold for $865,500

R EBECCA & F RANK M ALOWANY B R OK E R- A S SO C IATE S

TOP 50 TEAMS IN TAMPA BAY! 1100 4th street n, st. petersburg

DIRECT

(727 ) 593 -4699

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November/December 2023

LIVE

inspired

Artist’s Rendering

N OW R I S I N G I N T H E H E A RT O F D OW N TOW N ST. P E T E

Infused with the vibrant mosaic of arts and culture that surrounds it, Art House offers a uniquely seamless and sophisticated setting for life — with everything you need right at home, and all the best of downtown just steps in every direction.

From the developers of Saltaire and ONE in St. Petersburg, Hyde Park House Tampa, and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Sarasota.

NEW LUXURY CONDOMINIUM RESIDENCES FROM $1 MILLION Sales Hosted by Smith & Associates Real Estate 330 Beach Drive NE | St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-240-3840 | ArtHouseStPete.com

PRESENTED BY

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.

Looking For A New

New Price: Stunning Estate and Sanctuary on Tierra Verde

2007 Bayview Drive Remarkable 4 bed / 3.5 bath / 6,404 sf gated waterfront estate with 9-car garage & boat dock on 1+ acre.

Offered at $3,400,000

Gorgeous New Listing on 24th Floor at Parkshore Plaza

300 Beach Drive NE #2404, Downtown St Pete Completely remodeled 3 bed / 3.5 bath / 2,736 sf condo with stunning views of Tampa Pier, St Pete Pier & Albert Whitted airport Offered at $3,200,000

• Over $194 Million In Sales • Top 1% of REALTORS® in Pinellas County • #1 Residential Smith and Associates Agent in St Pete Office for 2021 and 2022 • 4th Highest Sale in Tampa Bay in 2022

For all your real estate needs, call Liz!

Liz Heinkel, REALTOR® 727.239.5623 LHeinkel@SmithandAssociates.com

Home For The Holidays?

Pre-Construction Sales Hard Hat Tours Available!

Luxurious New Listing in Exclusive SALTAIRE*

301 1st Street S #1401, Downtown St Pete Water-facing 3 bed / 3.5 bath / 2,712 sf condo is the largest non-penthouse with amazing views of Tampa Bay, Albert Whitted airport & Tampa Bay Rowdies soccer field.

Offered at $3,200,000 *Photo has been virtually staged

Fully Furnished Listing in Bliss Condominiums

176 4th Avenue NE #602, Downtown St Pete Masterfully decorated & furnished by Rob Bowen Design Group, this 3 bed / 2.5 bath / 2,120 sf turnkey residence is being offered with all furnishings, fixtures, accessories & treatments.

Offered at $2,000,000

Happy Holidays!

The Nolen, Downtown St Pete 3 bed / 3 bath / 2,156 sf residences with no shared walls Starting at $2,374,900

Quiet Cove on Tierra Verde 455 Pinellas Bayway South 4 bed / 3 bath / 2 car garage 3,126 sf condos with 50” boat slips Starting at $2,550,000

Call Liz Heinkel today to schedule your tour!

727.239.5623

SPL LIVING

A Look at

2023 Photos/Mark Rapien

MAX SANSING / Trinity Lutheran Church, 401 5th St. N.

SARAH SHEPPARD / New Dawn Coffee Co., 2336 5th Ave. S.

CHRIS DYER / Stewart Moving & Storage, 2875 7th Ave. S.

MICHAEL VASQUEZ / Little Philly, 2063 Central Ave.

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November/December 2023

ANDREA WAN and assistant receive lunch from SPL Editor Marcia Biggs/ 155 17th St. S.

SPL LIVING

THE PATH WE CAME (Bright Spot) / Lanmännen Unibake, 1927 4th Ave. S.

BUNNIE REISS / MTBH Studios, 2700 Central Ave.

HANNAH EDDY / CASA, 1019 Arlington Ave. N.

SHINE staff and volunteers

ARTIST JONES / PSTA Ticket Office, 350 2nd Ave. N. November/December 2023

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NEWS BRIEFS

Cross Bay Ferry Announces New Departure Location The popular Cross Bay Ferry began its seventh season in St. Petersburg, and across Tampa Bay, on October 15, with a big change starting this year — riders will now depart St. Pete from The Port St. Pete, 250 8th Ave. SE. The vessel formerly departed from a temporary dock near the Vinoy Yacht Basin.

North Basin has always been considered temporary. The new St. Pete Pier was eyed for a permanent home, but that plan was eventually scrapped and the ferry’s docking permit expired. Port St. Pete is a deepwater harbor so capable of accepting a vessel the size of the Cross Bay Ferry.

The ferry offers residents and visitors a fun, affordable, and congestion-free transportation option between downtown St. Pete and downtown Tampa in a 50-minute voyage. A parking lot adjacent to the ferry is available free to anyone with a ferry ticket. The free Downtown Looper will include a stop at the Port St. Pete, 850 2nd Ave SE, after 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and all day Friday-Sunday..

The City and HMS Ferries Inc., the operator, have also announced an additional month with service through June 2024.

Since beginning operations in 2016, the ferry terminus in the

Parking Tip: To find the FREE parking for all riders located just past The Port building turn right into the lot after passing 250 8th Ave SE. Weekend overflow parking is available in USF Lots nearby for a flat rate of $5 through the Park Mobile App. Cross Bay Ferry offers indoor and outdoor seating and will run Wednesday through Sunday. Adult fare is $12 one way or $24 roundtrip; youth ages 5-18 are $10 one way or $20 roundtrip; discounts for senior, military and college students with ID. For schedules, to reserve tickets, and more information, visit thecrossbayferry.com.

Tis The Sea-Sun To Be Jolly Half Page Ad

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NEWS BRIEFS

Walking History Tours With cooler temps here, a stroll around downtown St. Pete sounds like a great way to get fit and even learn a thing or two. A Saturday series of local walking history tours with local historian Monica Kile might be just the ticket. Organized by I Love the Burg, tours are $25 and held Saturdays at 10 am and 1:30 pm. Topics rotate, but all focus on city history: The Grand Tour of Downtown highlights St. Pete’s notable history from the oldest hotel to the famous St. Pete Shuffleboard Club, the historic Pier, and the story of early African American residents. The two-hour twomile walk is a great introduction for locals and tourists.

Beyond Downtown: The Edge and More is an indepth look at other parts of the city such as the rapidly growing EDGE District, the Gas Plant District and Methodist Town. This 1.5- hour tour digs deeper into the immigrants and cultural aspects of the city’s beginnings.

The Wonderful Waterfront tour visits the picturepostcard waterfront to study its evolution from a small fishing village to the highly regarded pedestrianfriendly promenade it is today. This tour explores the importance of urban planning, waterfront parks and the history of Spring Training.

Millions of Luxury Real Estate

Sold & Served

NEW YORK, NEW YORK | ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA

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For more information and tickets, ilovetheburg.com/walkingtour-st-pete/

Elite Excellent Effective Channing Shettle

Real Estate Advisor 727.424.4920 | cbs@ivyunited.us

Jing Chen

精通中⽂

Real Estate Broker 212.281.0222 | jing.chen@ivyunited.us Ivy United Real Estate Brokerage 360 Central Ave. FL8, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

November/December 2023

StPeteLifeMag.com

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HOLIDAY EVENTS

Holiday Happenings

The holidays are right around the corner! Plenty of festivities are on tap from family-friendly events like Snowfest to the 25th Annual Old Northeast Holiday Home Tour and much beloved performances of Christmas classics like The Nutcracker and St. Pete Opera’s Holiday Sparkle. The enormous Enchant Christmas experience takes over Tropicana Field opening November 24 and continuing through December 31.

Big news is the return of First Night St. Petersburg! The annual downtown family-friendly alcohol-free New Year’s Eve celebration was canceled last year due to numerous roadblocks including a lack of funding and volunteers. This year, the Tampa Bay Rays organization has signed on as the presenting sponsor for a scaled-down “Art in the Park” First Night event at North Straub Park.

Take a stroll along the waterfront to see thousands of holiday lights and decorations in North Straub Park, South Straub Park, Pioneer Park, and the St. Pete Pier. It’s a Florida-style Winter Wonderland!

City Events

Sponsored by the City of St. Petersburg and the St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation Department. For more information on these events, go to stpeteparksrec.org/holidayevents/ or call (727) 893-7326.

Dec. 9 – Movie in the Park, 6 pm at Crescent Lake Park. TASCO will be showing a free holiday film at Huggins-Stengel Sports Complex along with family fun activities.

Nov. 25 – Santa Parade starts at 6:30 pm at Albert Whitted Park and moves along the waterfront to 5th Ave. NE where the annual Tree Lighting takes place in North Straub Park with Mayor Ken Welch.

Dec. 9-10 and Dec. 15-23 – Santa in the Park, 6-9 pm in North Straub Park, bring the family for a meet-and-greet with Santa perfect for photos.

Dec. 2 – Snowfest, 9 am to 2 pm. in North Straub Park, toboggan slides for adults and children, inflatables, arts and crafts tents, food trucks and more. A $5 wristband includes all activities.

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Dec. 15-16 – Cookies with Santa, 5:30-8:30 pm at the pole barn at the Pinellas Pioneer Settlement, $5 per child, parents/ guardians free. Decorate gingerbread cookies, meet Santa and his elves, and purchase small gifts (all items $5 and under). Free gift wrapping. Reservations only, must register online.

HOLIDAY EVENTS HONNA Candlelight Tour of Homes

The Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association (HONNA) marks 25 years of the Candlelight Tour of Homes with a “Silver Splendor” theme on Sunday, December 10, from 3 to 8 pm. The eight houses on the self-guided tour will range from historic, 100-year-old homes to new builds that mimic their historic neighbors.

According to Nick Bell, president of HONNA, this year’s tour will include Prairie Style, Colonial Revival, Craftsman, traditional four-square, and Coastal Farmhouse. “With this being our 25th anniversary, we worked hard to line up some extraordinary houses that showcase the array of

Old Northeast architectural styles,” Bell explains. “The sizes range from 3,000 to 5,000 square feet. And because we have eight large homes this year (as opposed to last year’s six homes), we encourage guests to plan on spending several hours on the tour.”

Participants should look for a Refreshment Station at the cordoned off block of Cherry Street between 19th and 20th Avenues NE for a selection of light food and beverages for purchase along with live seasonal music. Tickets are expected to sell out so advance purchase is recommended for $35 online at www.honna.org and at Marion’s (1301 4th Street N.), Sunken Gardens (1825 4th Street N.), and Old Northeast Rally (2131 4th Street N). Cash or check only.

In the ‘Hood

Dec. 17 - “Winter in the ‘Wood,” noon to 5pm at Seminole Park, 2952 3rd Ave. N. in Historic Kenwood; a family-friendly winter celebration with arts and crafts, gift vendors, activities for children and adults, a visit by Santa, live music and more. kenwoodartistenclave.org/winter-in-the-wood

Christmas” contest. The walk-through light display is set on half an acre of land and features 500,000 lights, model trains, inflatables, giant Christmas trees, a bubble machine and a 150-piece manger scene. Tour participants are invited to walk though and take photos. Reservations for the 90-minute tour are required; tours begin Nov. 29 and continue through Dec. 28. Departures at 6 pm and 9 pm; days vary. Cost $49, plus tax and fees.

Star Trolley’s Holiday Lights in the Garden tour provides festive transportation to the Florida Botanical Gardens’ annual “Holiday Lights in the Gardens.” Board the trolley with a complimentary drink and holiday tunes as you are whisked to the Botanical Gardens in Largo where over 1 million LED lights are spread throughout the grounds. Guests are free to wander the gardens, admission to the garden is by donation.

Reservations required; depart at 6 pm for the 90-minute excursion. Cost is $49, plus tax and fees (does not include admission to the garden); days vary.

Go to star-trolley.com/tours for more information.

Rolling Into the Holidays Star Trolley is rolling out some new public tours for the holidays perfect for families, date nights and small groups.

Christmas Lights & Bites trolley tours return after a successful season last year, offering passengers a fun and relaxing ride around downtown visiting holiday light displays and stopping at a couple local eateries for delicious bites and sips.

The tour ends with a visit to the Christmas Spectacular House in the Oakdale neighborhood, voted No. 1 in HGTV’s “All Out

November/December 2023

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HOLIDAY EVENTS

Holiday Sparkle in the Park

On Stage

Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts Mahaffey Theater: Nov. 21 – Cirque Dreams Holidaze, 7:30 pm Dec. 2 – Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, 7:30 pm Dec. 9 - Handel’s Messiah with Florida Orchestra at 8 pm, Michael Francis conducting along with The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay Dec. 15 – A Very Broadway Christmas, 4 pm and 8 pm Dec. 16 – Holiday Pops with Florida Orchestra, 2 pm and 8 pm Dec. 17 – The Illusionists present Magic of the Holidays, 6 pm Dec. 19 – Il Divo – A New Day Holiday Tour, 8 pm Dec. 20 – Ericka Dunlap presents A Christmas With Soul, 7 pm Dec. 30 – Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet; noon, 4 pm and 8 pm *** Nov. 19 – Pinellas Youth Symphony Holiday Orchestra Concert at The Palladium, 3 pm Nov. 24-Dec. 24 – Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play at freeFall Theatre. Original songs and arrangements by Jon Lorenz; times vary.

Il Divo

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Dec. 1 – 3 – The St. Petersburg Ballet Company’s production of The Nutcracker, featuring students from the Academy of Ballet Arts, Inc., at The Palladium, times vary.

Dec. 9 - Clara’s New York City Christmas, a timeless classic re-imagined featuring the Gulf Coast Dance Theater at The Palladium, 11 am (children), 2 pm and 7 pm Dec. 10 – Holiday Sparkle in the Park, presented by the Holiday Sparkle Singers of St. Pete Opera, North Straub Park, 3 pm, VIP seating $35 per person; or bring your own folding chair or blanket and pay what you can.

Dec. 16-17 - Holiday Sparkle presented by St. Petersburg Opera. A Holiday Pops theme promises an array of holiday favorites from the opera’s talented cast members. Shows will be performed at The Palladium on Dec. 16 at 7 pm and Dec. 17 at 2 pm.

Dec. 21 - Candlelight Concert Holiday Special featuring The Nutcracker and other holiday classics performed by Listeso String Quartet at 6:30 pm. First Baptist Church of St. Petersburg; tickets only available in advance at feverup.com Dec. 22 – Candlelight Concert Jazz Holiday Classics performed

by Fil Lorenz Little Big Band at Coastal Creative, 6:30 pm and 9 pm.; tickets only available in advance at feverup.com

Straub Park

HOLIDAY EVENTS Fairs and Fests

Dec. 31 - First Night St. Petersburg, 4-8 pm at North Straub Park. The Tampa Bay Rays and Hines (developers for the Gas Light District) have stepped up to the plate to sponsor a smaller outdoors-only version of the annual First Night celebration, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Enjoy free family festivities including street performers, a peace flag project, sea creature puppet procession, interactive games and a sing-along, a drum circle, interactive art projects, a Bubble Stomp and more. firstnightstpete.com/event-info/ Nov. 18-19 - Tampa Bay Holiday Market at The Coliseum, 10 am to 5 pm, free admission, free parking. Local vendors provide unique holiday gifts including home essentials, handmade gifts, cosmetics, holiday decor, food, apparel, accessories, and more.

Nov. 25-26 - Shopapalooza Festival at Vinoy Park, 350+ local makers and small businesses present annual shopping extravaganza; food, beer and wine, live entertainment and children’s activities all weekend long. Free admission.

Nov. 24-Dec. 31 - The Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo presents the annual Holiday Lights in the Gardens featuring over 1 million LED lights and other holiday themed decorations.

5:30-9:30 pm nightly; admission by donation.

This listing may be incomplete due to advance deadlines for publication.

First Night, St. Petersburg

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SCAN HERE! StPeteLifeMag.com

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SPL EVENTS

Enchant Christmas

Enchant, the World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze, returns for its fourth year to light up Tropicana Field November 24 to December 30. This year, Enchant debuts a new light maze, Reindeer Games, that includes newly unveiled light sculptures, immersive walkthroughs, and over 4 million twinkling lights illuminating an aweinspiring winter wonderland complete with holiday trees over 100 feet tall.

IF YOU GO

Ticket prices vary by week and day (prices go up Dec. 16), starting at $34 for adults and $25 for ages 3 -17; family 4-pack, military, late night (after 9:30 pm), and senior pricing is available. VIP tickets are an additional $25 per adult, $15 per child. Add-ons include ice skating ($15 over 18/$10 17 and younger) and a parking pass $15. Special events include Military Night on Dec. 7, Ladies Night on Dec. 14 and Dec. 21, College Student Night Dec. 15 and Dec. 28.

For more information or to book your visit, go to enchantchristmas.com/st-petersburg-fltropicana-field/ You will be asked to select a date and time when purchasing tickets.

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The new maze-quest and scavenger hunt adventure Reindeer Games invites guests to wander in search of Santa’s missing sleigh bells. In addition, visitors can ice skate through a forest of Christmas lights, shop for holiday arts, crafts and other gifts at a Christmas Village, sip on hot chocolate while enjoying live musical performances, and even visit Santa for that special holiday family photo. Tiny tykes can keep busy at the Little Elves Play Place with story-telling

by Mrs. Claus and fun games.

Enchant Christmas is produced in seven cities across the country; St. Pete is the only one in the Southeast so booking tickets in advance is highly recommended.

Kent Rodahaver

One Of The Best Minds In Tampa Bay Real Estate

“I know that trust is earned through consistently delivering exceptional results and that my success is defined by your success.”

Kent

Unparalleled Personal Service Exceptional Global Reach

Call or Text 727-301-7300 CASAN Collection Luxury Certified Institute for Luxury Home Marketing Top 1% Realtor in the Nation

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Bayway Isles

7600 Bayshore Drive, Unit 1101 | 2 BD 2 BA 1510 SF $1,380,000 | Treasure Island Pet Friendly | Corner Unit | 80 ft. Wrap Balcony Gated Community | RV1510 & Boat Trailer Storage SF $1,450,000 | Treasure Island 7600Around Bayshore Drive,|Unit 1101 | 2 BD 2 BA

7600 Bayshore Drive, Unit 1101 | 2 BD 2 BA 1510 SF $1,450,000 | Treasure Island

Friendly | CornerSqFt Unit | 80 ft. Wrap AroundSqFt Balcony | Gated Community | RV & Boat Trailer Storage 6199Pass-A-Grille 54th St. S. | 5 Beds | 5.1 BathsPet | 7,114 heated - 13,632 Total | offered for $7,750,000 Island Pet Friendly | Corner Unit | 80 ft. Wrap Around Balcony | GatedTreasure Community & Boat Trailer Storage open Water views | Gated Community | Beautiful Sunsets| RV | Elevator | Generator

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7600 Bayshore Drive, Unit 1101 | 2 BD 2 BA 1510 SF $1,450,000 | Treasure Island Pass-A-Grille Treasure Pet Friendly | Corner Unit | 80 ft. Wrap Around Balcony | Gated Community | RV & BoatIsland Trailer Storage 7600 Bayshore Drive, Unit 1101 | 2 BD 2 BA 1510 SF $1,450,000 | Treasure Island

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Treasure Island 7600 Bayshore Drive, Unit 1101 | 2 BD 2 BA 1510 SF $1,450,000 | Treasure Island Pet Friendly | Corner 80 ft.$649,000 Wrap Around Balcony | Waterfront Gated Community | RV & Boat Trailer Storage 555 Gulf Way, Unit 1S | 1 BD 1 BA Unit 890| SF | Outdoor Entertaining | Tiki Hut | Corner Lot Hurricane Rated Windows and Doors | Great Investment Income 885 115th Ave | 2 BD 2 BA 1903 SF $1,150,000 Treasure 885 115th Ave | 2 BD 2 BAIsland 1903 SF $1,150,000 1 BA 890 SF Pass-A-Grille | $649,000

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Clam Way,H Unit Waterfront | Tiki k e y Madeira W e s Beach t S t y l e w a t e r f r o n t Clam PHurricane o555Bayou oGulf lBayou o1Sm| 1 BDe |1 BAO890fSFf$649,000 ered fo r885 115th $| Outdoor 1Ave , 9| 2Entertaining 8BD52 BA , 01903 0 0Hut | Corner Lot SF $1,150,000 Rated Windows and Doors | Great Investment Income 5,000 + total Sqft | 10,000 lb boatMadeira lift Beach | Close to John's Pass &Clam steps Bayou to the Beach

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Cont act us toto day to find the p erfect place to Cont act us to day to find the p erfect place to Cont act us to day to find the p erfect place to Cont act us to day to find the p erfect place CLHMS, CHMS, CNE, SFR C ont ac t u s t o d ay t o fi nd the p e r fe c t pl ac e to 688 Delmar Ter S. | Offered for $625,000 memor ie s and create your own traditions! make memor ie s and create your ownmake traditions! make memor ss and create own make memor ie and create own traditions!

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is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice.

Compass is a licensedCompass real estate broker. material is intended for informational purposes and is compiled from butHousing is subject toPhotos errors, No statement is made as to the All accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage).

This is notonly intended to solicit property already listed. sources No financial ordeemed legal advice reliable provided. Equal Opportunity. may beomissions, changes virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

Scan For Properties in price, condition, sale,More or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit Compass is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice.

No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property listed. No or legal advice provided.Equal Equal Housing Opportunity.

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Housing Opportunity. may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions. virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

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Compass is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice.

No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

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No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

Compass is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice.

SPL EVENTS

Light My Fire: A glowing review for Candlelight Concerts

BY MARCIA BIGGS Who doesn’t love candles and music? It must be one of those laws of the universe that everything, or at least most everything, is better by candlelight.

a search for local events.

Targeted for smaller venues that provide a more intimate atmosphere, Candlelight Concerts were born in 2019 in Spain and have experienced phenomenal growth. They are now performed in more than 100 cities around the world with over 3 million attendees to date. Fever, a data-driven entertainment platform based in London and Spain, is too complicated to explain here. But for those who love classical music, or wish to dip their toes in, these concerts serve as ideal introductory courses.

Candlelight Concerts by Fever combine the magical glow of thousands of candles in an intimate setting with a live musical program that results in a decidedly delicious experience. The main downside is the shortness of the show – 65 minutes seems much too short once you become mesmerized by your surroundings. And you will.

If you haven’t heard of Candlelight Concerts, you’re probably in the majority. Marketing is done entirely online via social media and an app, so you may come across it, like I did, while doing

The concerts immerse the audience into a warm celestial universe of golden flickering candles (don’t worry they are all batteryoperated). In the middle of a stage are the performers – typically a string or jazz quartet, but sometimes a soloist – who present a

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November/December 2023

SPL EVENTS lively program of music to enlighten and entertain audiences of all ages. Each concert has a theme or genre from traditional holiday music to tributes to contemporary artists from Taylor Swift to Beyonce, ABBA and Queen.

In October, I attended my first Candlelight Concert - A Halloween Tribute at the First Baptist Church of St. Petersburg. With its massive stained glass windows and high arched ceiling as a backdrop, the historic church was the perfect setting to get in the Halloween mood. The program promised scary classics from legendary horror movies, creepy TV shows and renowned composers from centuries ago. The Listeso Quartet introduced themselves as musicians from a number of Tampa Bay professional orchestras such as Florida Orchestra and Sarasota Symphony.

One viola, one cello, and two violins may not sound like much, but they were able to capture the audience of around 300 people with their astounding instrumental prowess that filled the venue.

The concert kicked off with Thriller by Michael Jackson, then delved into a number of dark pieces by Russian composers, followed by the eerily familiar Theme from The Exorcist, the theme to Stranger Things and Beetlejuice and The Addams Family, and even that famous prelude in the Psycho movie. Each piece was no longer than about four minutes which kept the momentum going.

Finally, we ended the program with the Medley from The Nightmare Before Christmas by Danny Elfman, and In the Hall of the Mountain King by Edvard Grieg.

I reached out to the Fever corporate office asking how the Candlelight Concerts got started. Here’s the e-mail replay I received: “Back in 2018 and 2019, Fever was in conversations with several traditional cultural institutions in Europe, and all of them raised the same doubts, “how could we connect with younger audiences?” It was then when we decided to start testing concepts that we realized audiences were keen for closer and more intimate experiences.

“When we launched the Candlelight Concerts, Fever was already hosting more traditional classical music concerts. However, we saw the need to make this genre more accessible, aiming to reach a new demographic with a fresh approach that speaks to several senses and is tailored to the modern consumption patterns. When in a Candlelight Concert, guests are not only surrounded by thousands of candles, but the experience is lived in venues that are noted for their historic nature or unique character to the city. … With the musicians speaking directly to guests, the connection with the artists and the music is much stronger.”

Interested in a Candlelight Concert? Coming to St. Pete in December are a Holiday Classics Concert at First Baptist Church (Dec. 21) and Holiday Jazz Classics (Dec. 22) at Coastal Creative. Other Candlelight Concerts are offered in Tampa including A Candlelight Ballet featuring Tampa City Ballet (Dec. 15, Centro Asturiano) and The Best of Zelda (Dec. 20, Centro Asturiano).

To find Candlelight Concerts and purchase tickets, go to feverup.com/ en/st-petersburg-fl/candlelight

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November/December 2023

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Make the dream a reality on 115 ft. of protected waterfront in St. Petersburg on Eden Isle, a premier island neighborhood of Snell Isle close to downtown St. Pete.

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Dolphins appear daily. The southern exposure of the home looks upon the St. Pete skyline and provides unobstructed views of every sunrise and sundown on the shimmering water.

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ART BRIEFS

Of All Ages by Rhonda Care

DRV Fine Art Gallery, 5401 Gulfport Blvd., presents an exhibit by local artist Rhonda Care Nov. 3-25. Every first Friday, Evening at the Gallery, a social drop-in will feature live music with Jim Gilmour & Friends from 6 to 8 pm. On Nov. 16, the Jeremy Carter Quartet performs jazz from 7 to 9 pm; tickets $25 and doors open at 6 pm.

For more information, go to drvgallery.com.

Gulfport’s annual ArtJones Open Studio Tour is set for December 2-3 with a growing emphasis on emerging artists and the inclusion of more creators from the greater St. Petersburg art community. The self-guided tour allows visitors an intimate look inside the working studios of some 28 artists at 11 stops who represent a variety of artistic mediums; painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography, jewelry, fiber art, and mixed-media art.

recipient of the Larry Enlow Emerging Artist Scholarship. Also joining the tour is talented illustrator Riley Pitzen, sponsored by Kathleen and Peter Forde, and sculptor Ashley Rivers, sponsored jointly by Brenda McMahon Gallery, Jill Rice from Zayia ArtiZen Market, and Echo Bartlett.

Hours are Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 am-5 pm and Sunday, Dec. 3 from 11 am-4 pm. For more information on the artists and to download a map of this year’s ArtJones Open Studio Tour, visit ArtJonesStudioTour.com and follow updates on Facebook @weareartjones Also in Gulfport: Brenda McMahon Gallery at 2901 Beach Blvd. is featuring Tactile & Textural, an exhibit by fiber artists Anna Sandoval and Zoe Quinn Kelly and jeweler Diana Hirschhorn.

ArtJones is an independent artist-run collective with a rotating list of artists selected by invitation annually. Of the 28 participating artists in this year’s event, nine are making their ArtJones debut. Silversmith Ashley Wix will be making her debut, having been selected as the Humpback and Calf by Ray Domingo

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ART BRIEFS On Stage Dalí & the Impressionists: Monet, Degas, Renoir & More will be on view Nov. 18 -April 28, 2024 at The Dali Museum, St. Petersburg.

The museum is partnering with Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), which owns one of the preeminent collections of French Impressionism in the U.S. The exhibit will juxtapose early works by Dali with Impressionist works from the MFA and other 19th and early 20th century artists including Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edouard Manet, Edgar Degas, Paul Gauguin, Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse and others to demonstrate the range and depth of the artist’s engagement with the movement. mfastpete.com American Stage takes the show on the road Nov. 2-19 with White Rabbit Red Rabbit by Nassim Soleimanpour. In this special production, a different actor steps on stage in each performance with a script they’ve never seen before. The actors only have one chance to win over the audience. No rehearsals.

No director. White Rabbit Red Rabbit has been performed in over 20 languages, all over the world. In Tampa Bay, 13 actors perform on stages at pop-up locations including Historic Bethel AME, The Factory, The Woodson and WADA ArtsXchange in St. Petersburg.

Check dates, times and locations at americanstage.org.

Back on the theater stage from Nov. 21-Dec. 17, American Stage presents Acts of Faith, a new screenplay by David Yee, directed by Patrick Arthur Jackson. The subversive and witty plot follows a young woman named Faith who gets mistaken for a prophet. When

a revered religious leader attempts to take advantage of her plight, she begins using her “gift” to right wrongs and punish the wicked. *** St. Pete writer/author Bill DeYoung expands his Vintage St. Pete book series with Vintage St. Pete & Vintage Pinellas, Volume 3 (St. Petersburg Press). The newly released tome features 25 all-new chapters about community traditions, legendary restaurants, beloved TV and newspaper personalities, movies made in the area, hometown heroes, artistic endeavors and more.

Available in both hardcover and softbound, Volume 3 is illustrated with archival photographs, memorabilia and press clippings. The new volume moves outside the boundaries of St. Petersburg to include vintage tales of Clearwater, Gulfport, Tarpon Springs, Treasure Island and Pinellas Park. Fun reads include the stories behind Kapok Tree Inn, Lenny Dee, Gulfport Casino, Tarpon Springs, and much more.

Look for it at Tombolo Books, the St. Pete Chamber Store and the St. Petersburg Museum of History.

2023

7th Annual Studio Tour & Sale

Unique 3D Art on Canvas

by Zhanna Thomas

Saturday, Dec 2: 10am–5pm Sunday, Dec 3: 11am–4pm

Half Page Ad Gulfport’s free annual 6634 Central Ave St. Pete FL 33707 727-610-7221 www.ZTgallery.com www.ZhannaThomas.com @zthomasart

ArtJonesStudioTour.com 727.454.0453

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November/December 2023

@artjonesgulfportfl StPeteLifeMag.com

Art: Ray Domingo

self-guided tour of professional artists’ studios.

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ARTS & CULTURE

The James Museum delves deep into the culture of the Chinese who inhabited the American frontier.

BY MARCIA BIGGS Leave it to The James Museum to present the Western Art genre in a worldly perspective, and simultaneously bring an often overlooked period of America’s history into focus. From Far East to West: The Chinese American Frontier immerses visitors in a captivating journey through time, culture and identity, showcasing the remarkable contributions of early Chinese Americans in transforming the landscape and character of the American West.

to expand on the works by Chinese American artists already in our collection and engage with Chinese American art and culture in a thought-provoking and visually captivating manner,” she said.

From the Gold Rush and the Transcontinental Railroad to the development of Chinatowns and Angel Island, the contemporary work of Chinese American artists Hung Liu (1948 – 2021), Mian Situ (born 1953), Jie Wei Zhou (born 1962), and Benjamin Wu (born 1961) transports the viewer back in time to gain insight into what life was like for early Chinese immigrants who helped build the American West.

The Westward expansion of European American settlers during the 19th-century is a well-known chapter in American history. However, From Far East to West reveals a parallel development of the West Coast, catalyzed by the discovery of gold in the mid-1800s. Chinese immigrants, drawn by the allure of opportunity, played an integral part in the population boom that ensued. Their journey, resilience and contributions are eloquently portrayed throughout the exhibit.

An additional section spotlights Chinese American artist Z.S. Liang (born 1953), whose fascination with the history of his adopted country led him to a career painting 19th century Native American life.

The exhibit is a treasure trove of original documents, photographs, artifacts and paintings, and all descriptions have been painstakingly translated to Chinese alongside the English text. Curated by James Museum Curator of Art Emily Kapes and in consultation with the Suncoast Association of Chinese Americans of Tampa Bay, the exhibit was two years in the planning stages. Kapes partnered with ten lenders, including museums and private collectors, to bring the art and objects together for this exhibition. “It was an opportunity

This is not an exhibit to be breezed through; plan to spend time taking in this history lesson. There is much to read and absorb. It is estimated that 12,000 to 20,000 Chinese laborers spent more than five years clearing land and laying track through the Sierra Nevada during construction of the Transcontinental Railroad in the 1860s. More than 1,200 perished. Blasting a Route Through the Sierra Nevada by Mian Situ is a strong portrayal as it is paired with a 7-minute PBS video.

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ARTS & CULTURE We see many original photos and documents from the time including original identification papers and collections of small artifacts such as herbal medicine bottles, hand embroidered lotus shoes and an antique mah-jongg chest.

The mesmerizing paintings by contemporary Chinese American artists are fascinating as they portray untold stories and a cultural narrative rooted in resiliency and self-determination. They are snapshots in time – Toy Peddler of Dupont Street shows a common scene on a San Francisco Chinatown street. Dragon Parade by Jie Wei Zhou portrays a joyous evening from the Lunar New Year in 1904 in Chinatown.

In the end, this is a highly emotional journey – one of pain and sadness, yes, but also strength and determination. It’s a journey that should not be missed.

From Far East to West: The Chinese American Frontier, continues through January 28, 2024, at the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art. Programming to accompany this exhibit can be found at thejamesmuseum.org/events/ Dragon Parade (2012) by Jie Wei Zhou

The Good Team (2009) by Jie Wei Zhou

Supply Station (2015) by Benjamin Wu from private collection of Steve and Debra Rowley./ Photo by Krista Steed-Reyes November/December 2023

StPeteLifeMag.com

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SPL EVENTS PHOTOS/FESTIVALS OF SPEED

Vintage auto enthusiasts and luxury car aficionados will have the opportunity to view a extensive display of vintage and contemporary Bentley automobiles celebrating the 100th anniversary of Bentley Motors’ legendary triumph at the 1924 24 Hours of Le Mans during the 2024 Festivals of Speed. Set for January 21 at Vinoy Park on St. Pete’s waterfront, the 20th annual Festivals of Speed is hosting special guest David Berndt, chairman of the Bentley Drivers Club of North America, as part of the festivities. “Our goal is to have 100 Bentleys there for the 100th anniversary,” said Berndt. “They will be new and vintage … and some will be really rare.”

Attendees can expect a colorful day of more than 250 exotic, luxury and classic cars, both vintage and contemporary, along with muscle cars, motorcycles, and collector’s vehicles of all makes and models.

Festivals of Speed, which is presented by Porsche Clearwater, is always a crowd pleaser, attracting enthusiasts and car clubs from across the Southeast.

Visitors can experience new and vintage autos by Porsche, Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, AstonMartin, BMW, Mercedes, McLaren and many more.

Awards are presented near the end of the afternoon in various categories. Space is still available for individuals to display.

Festival hours are 11 am to 3 pm; advance tickets are $20 general admission, or $125 VIP, which includes an exclusive section featuring food, open bar with highend spirits, and seating. Children 12 and under are free.

Go to festivalsofspeed.com and click on St. Petersburg for more information.

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If you are looking to BUY, SELL or INVEST we are the team to take care of you!

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SPL FASHION

EnnYe brings African fashion, art to St. Pete PHOTO/MARCIA BIGGS

EnnYe owner Matipa Mutsemi debuted her downtown storefront boutique in August. It includes a gallery of African-influenced sculptures and art.

BY MARCIA BIGGS Entrepreneur/fashion designer Matipa Mutsemi is bringing a splash of color and unique style to downtown St. Petersburg with EnnYe, a new Africa-influenced boutique. The 1,300-square-foot space, which is named after Mutsemi’s mother, officially opened in early August featuring her custom-designed fashions and home accessories, all made from 100 percent cotton fabric in a multitude of traditional African prints that she personally selects and imports from Africa.

teamed up with with her sister who owns a storefront in San Franciso to create the EnnYe Collection in 2016.

In addition, Mutsemi set aside a portion of the space as a sculpture gallery in which she features African stone art, all created by artists from Zimbabwe, her native country. Her husband Vini Mutsemi is the gallery curator. “The word Zimbabwe means ‘house of stone’ which comes from the Shona people who create art from the various types of stones that come from the region,” she explains. A featured artist is Dominic Benhura, a world-renowned sculptor in Zimbabwe, who supplied numerous striking pieces for the EnnYe collection. His work is in public spaces and galleries around with world, with EnnYe the exclusive gallery in Florida.

Inspired by African patterns, the EnnYe collection highlights vibrant prints and modern silhouettes from short unstructured dresses to sexy gowns that billow in the breeze. One of her staples is what she calls a Circle Dress, a loose-fitting dress that can be worn on all body types. Her short shirt dress is a popular and versatile piece, too, that can be worn on its own or as a statement jacket or kimono over pants. Add a matching clutch and large necklace, bracelet and earrings and you have a look that will turn heads.

Mutsemi moved to the United States in 2001, settling in the Dallas area where she studied finance; she eventually moved to San Franciso. She never lost her love of traditional African fashion, however, and was inspired to design her own clothing incorporating fabrics brought back from trips home to visit her parents. She

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It was only after moving to St. Pete in 2020 that she decided to share her unique line with the public by opening EnnYe. “I liked the small businesses here and the emphasis on locally made,” she offered. Her sister in San Franciso is a co-owner.

Each fabric is generally used for only one or two dresses, with remnants used for purses or pillows, then retired. “I find fabrics and colors I like and let them inspire me,” says Mutsemi. “I never know what it will be when I purchase the fabric, I let it speak to me.”

EnnYe is located at 300 Beach Drive, Suite 111, in downtown St. Petersburg. Hours vary; call (727) 219-0305 to inquire.

SPL FASHION

Making Spirits

Bright

Colorful Africa-influenced fashion is perfect for the holidays.

All fashions/photos from EnnYe, St. Petersburg, FL

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SPL FASHION

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SPL FASHION

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SPL LIVING

Protecting Our Parks

The Waterfront Parks Foundation keeps a watchful eye on St. Pete’s coastal park land.

BY MARCIA BIGGS It was almost no surprise this past summer when Forbes named St. Petersburg one of the “Best Places to Travel in 2023.” Heck, those of us who live here know we are living in paradise.

With a pedestrian friendly downtown and a dozen waterfront parks, who hasn’t taken a stroll along Bayshore or visited the striking Bending Arc sculpture at night? We walk our dogs and take our kids to the playgrounds, spend a balmy evening at American Stage in the Park at Demens Landing or Florida Orchestra Pops in the Park at Vinoy Park. Annual events like Mainsail Art Festival and Reggae Rise Up help grow tourism and, often as a consequence, bring new year-round residents.

With 137 parks and 7 miles of preserved downtown waterfront, St. Petersburg boasts the third largest waterfront park system in North America. That’s a lot of land to love. While the city’s Parks and Recreation Department is ultimately responsible for maintaining them, the waterfront parks have a special guardian angel in the Waterfront Parks Foundation (WPF).

Since 2012, the non-profit has worked to preserve, protect and promote St. Petersburg’s waterfront parks system. Spearheaded by a team of devoted board members and supported through the City and the generosity of local supporters such as the Majeed Family

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Foundation, waterfront parks continue to flourish as a welcoming beacon to residents and visitors alike.

At the helm is WPF President Logan DeVincente, whose dedication to the city runs through his veins. His great-great-grandfather was William Straub, a prominent civic figure in the city’s history who served as the editor of the St. Petersburg Times, now the Tampa Bay Times, for 38 years. He crusaded to convert St. Pete’s waterfront into a public park, which is now named in his honor, and was known as a positive champion for the region.

“I’m proud of my heritage and my mission to protect the waterfront,” says DeVincente, who served on the WPF board for six years before becoming president two years ago. “We try to bring public knowledge to what we do and be a stakeholder when it comes to city park land.”

In addition, WPF engages with and supports the work of other organizations that protect outdoor assets, including the City of St. Petersburg’s Parks Department, St. Petersburg City Council, Preserve the Burg, Tampa Bay Watch and various neighborhood associations.

SPL LIVING Local landscape architect Phil Graham Jr. is credited with launching a campaign to keep waterfront parks maintained, which eventually led to the founding of the Waterfront Parks Foundation in 2012.

“Going back to 2008, Phil knew that the parks needed help and city funding was lacking because of the economic downturn,” DeVincente explains. “His idea was to form a group of concerned citizens who could be a ‘voice for the parks.’ They would monitor parks and note when upgrades or beautification, like adding seasonal flowers, were needed.”

Graham met with the Parks and Recreation Director Mike Jefferis to discuss the establishment of a Parks Foundation that could assist the City in the preservation and enhancement of parks.

Jefferis was enthusiastic about the idea and offered his support.

Soon a 501(c)(3) foundation was established, and a board of dedicated community members was formed.

Today, colorful floral gardens at many city parks are a sign of pride for foundation members. Perhaps the most prominent can be found at North Straub Park at the foot of 4th Street N. and Bayshore Dr. “It’s the first welcome to downtown when you come off the interstate and see the waterfront so very important to us to keep those flower beds looking beautiful,” says DeVincente.

“We are trying to raise money to form an endowment that can in perpetuity pay for these flowers, no matter who the city leadership is.”

The City is fully responsible for the flower purchases, installation and upkeep of park landscaping. But the foundation is ever a watchful eye for concerns that may be just starting or challenges that lie ahead such as needed park signage, utility line blight, waterfront cleanups and shoreline restoration, land use and improved safety such as night lighting.

Oyster Dome Reef at Lassing Park

Waterfront Parks

Flora Wylie Park (11.4 acres), 13th Avenue NE and North Shore Dr. NE (site of new Bench Swing) Elva Rouse Park (6 acres), North Shore Dr. between 10th and 13 Avenues NE North Shore Park (33.2 acres) 901 North Shore Dr. NE Vinoy Park (11.6 acres), 701 Bayshore Dr. NE N. Straub Park (4.8 acres), 400 Bayshore Dr. NE S. Straub Park (7.3 acres), 198 Bayshore Dr. NE Coffee Pot Park, 1st Street between 30th and 31st Avenues NE Pioneer Park (1.8 acres), Central Ave. and 1 Avenue S. at Bayshore and Beach Drive Demens Landing Park (14.7 acres), Bayshore Drive at 2nd Avenue S. Albert Whitted Park (4.87 acres) 480 Bayshore Dr. SE Poynter Park (2.1 acres) 1000 3rd Street. S Lassing Park (14.2 acres), Beach Drive between 15th and 22 Avenues SE

Last year, Phil Graham Jr. discovered a bench made of composite material, which could save the city thousands of dollars a month in cleaning and maintenance costs for the many wooden benches scattered throughout the parks. This summer, the Parks Department installed several composite benches in North Straub Park along Bayshore Drive NE. Earlier this year, a modern bench swing was installed at Flora Wylie Park through the cooperation of the City. It was designed by Phil Graham Jr. and funded through the Majeed Family Foundation.

“We plan to put five more of the swings in the park system,” added DeVincente.

In late 2021, WPF rounded up volunteers to work with Tampa Bay Watch to stabilize one of the last remaining undeveloped shorelines in St. Petersburg at Lassing Park. Some 250 oyster reef balls were installed to shield 700 feet of shoreline which was suffering from erosion.

Pioneer Park

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SPL LIVING “The City Parks Department are big supporters,” says DeVincente. “They listen to us not only about the landscaping but when we have bigger issues like seawalls. Some are in poor condition so we advocate for maintaining them. We are keeping an eye on the city marina, too.”

Next up: The Waterfront Parks Foundation is organizing a Picnic Land fundraiser set for November 18 at Flora Wylie Park along Tampa Bay in downtown St. Petersburg. The family-friendly event will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for Longest Picnic Blanket. The goal is to connect 800 picnic blankets at one time. “This is really a way to bring the community together for a day at the park and to bring awareness to the foundation and our mission to preserve, protect and promote the city’s waterfront parks,” said DeVincente. “Our goal is to share the message that we are here.”

Come Out for Picnic Land Nov. 18 Waterfront Parks Foundation invites the community to join together for a fun and family-friendly afternoon during Picnic Land on Saturday, November 18, from 3 to 6 pm at Flora Wylie Park, 13th Avenue NE and N. Shore Dr. NE. Adjoining picnic blankets will extend the entire length of the park in an attempt to set the Guinness Book of World Records for the World’s Longest Picnic Blanket.

Each $40 ticket provides you with admission for four and a souvenir blanket large enough to seat all of you. Select your seating area by blanket color and alert your friends to join you.

The event will be fun for all ages, featuring activities, food trucks, professional story tellers, and live music. You can bring your own picnic or purchase food at the park or online from Lolita’s Charcuterie Boxes when registering. Order tickets at www.picnicland.org. The more who attend, the longer the blanket!

All proceeds will support the work of the Waterfront Parks Foundation.

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SPL LIVING

Tiny Winter Wonderland A local family shares holiday cheer(s) with an annual display at 3 Daughters Brewing.

BY MARCIA BIGGS What started out decades ago as a family Christmas display in Bruce and Pat Harting’s St. Petersburg garage, now has a life of its own as a starring attraction at one of the city’s largest craft breweries. Every holiday season for the past decade, 3 Daughters Brewing has hosted the Harting’s massive North Pole Winter WonderLand, drawing multi-generational visitors from near and far.

Each year the sprawling animated Christmas village with six running model trains, some 340 homes and churches and other buildings, and close to 400 miniature people and animals, takes over two months to erect in the brewery’s main tasting room. To be honest, Bruce confesses he has pretty much lost count of his collection at this point. “We get donations all the time,” he admits, “from a couple pieces to a couple hundred.”

The Hartings have a great relationship to the owner of 3 Daughters who is happy to provide space and manpower for building and storing the display, after all he’s their son Mike Harting who came up with the idea of displaying the village soon after the brewery opened in 2013. “After 3 Daughters opened, Mike said let’s do it, let’s move it here,” says Bruce, “so we built two tables and it drew attention. Every year it just got bigger and bigger.”

The Christmas village was spread out on two 4x8-foot plywood boards, but as the years went by and more pieces were added, it expanded to four, then six, then eight boards. Now it wraps around the side and back of the tasting room, allowing plenty of space for visitors who often pack the place on weekends, from aging Baby Boomers looking for a bit of nostalgia to young families who view it as a magical playstation from the past.

PHOTOS/MARCIA BIGGS

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SPL LIVING Expanding themes As the collection grew over the years, so did the themes. There is a sprawling Alpine Village with snow-covered churches and moving ski lifts with little skiers. In the sky, air balloons fly and on the ground, a Ferris wheel spins while trains whiz by. There is an entire section devoted to Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus complete with a cast of performers on the trapeze and the high wire, tiny animals and bleachers under the big tops filled with tiny people.

More recently, the Hartings were thrilled to add a complete “Field of Dreams” scenario with a miniature baseball field situated in a cornfield. The stands are filled with spectators as the teams play out on the grassy field. “That was meaningful because Mike told us two years ago that we can’t do any more tables, Dad, there’s just no space,” relays Bruce with a mischievous smile. “But one night we were watching ‘Field of Dreams’ and we thought, hey, we can do this. If you can build a baseball field in the middle of a cornfield, we can fit this in – and we did! We designed a special board that would fit it.”

placed strategically in the proper section. Lights must be tested and trains should run according to schedule, of course. It all leads up to the Grand Opening of the North Pole Winter Wonderland, which this year is expected to be November 10.

The Hartings beam with pride as they describe the months of preparation and work involved.

“Our focus from the beginning was always getting people to talk to each other,” says Bruce. “That’s what 3 Daughters is all about.

I love it when you hear people talking about their own Christmas memories of having a model train or decorations like these.”

3 Daughters North Pole Winter Wonderland is open during normal brewery business hours through the first week in January. Groups are welcome with advance notice. 3 Daughters Brewing, 222 22nd St. S, St. Petersburg, opens at 11:30 a.m. daily. Closing hours vary. 3dbrewing.com (727)-495-6002

Bruce found miniature baseball teams, fans for the bleachers and even 213 rows of corn which he planted by hand around the exterior of the field.

A family affair Over the last decade, the building of the Christmas village has become a much-anticipated labor of love for both the Harting family and the staff at 3 Daughters. Fork-lifts are used to haul the sections from the back warehouse to the tasting room where they are unwrapped from their shrink-wrap cocoons. Then the work begins with Pat at the helm and grandchildren providing much needed assistance.

This year, the first boards were brought out in early October. “We’re going to wash every piece,” insisted Bruce. After washing, each piece needs to be inspected for touch-ups or electrical issues, then

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SPL LIVING

Ester Venouziou LocalShops1, Founder

SPL

SPL

People To Watch

Ester Venouziou started the annual Shopapalooza festival in 2010 to give a boost to small businesses. It’s grown to some 350 vendors this year.

BY CINDY COCKBURN When she walks down Central Avenue in the heart of downtown, shop owners smile and wave and step out of their stores to greet Ester Venouziou as if they are getting ready to host the Mayor of St. Pete or the Chamber President.

Yes, she’s that popular.

Year after year, the woman with the low-key profile and big smile devotes her time, energy and talent to helping small businesses succeed. She may be shy in front of the camera but is known and loved by hundreds of local store owners all over Tampa Bay. Ester Venouziou has come a long way since she arrived in St. Pete by way of New Jersey and Ft. Lauderdale with an idea that became a mission - support and preserve the uniqueness of the city’s small businesses.

That mission became LocalShops1. Fifteen years later, it is successful and growing. On August 24, she threw what she calls “The Party of the Year” at the Floridian Social and was surrounded by hundreds of grateful and happy business owners applauding her to celebrate the anniversary.

She credits her parents, entrepreneurs who had a successful, international fabric and linen business in Brazil, for her work ethic.

When the family relocated to the United States, Venouziou became interested in journalism. She lived and worked in several places

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in Florida, eventually landing at what was then the St. Petersburg Times.

While continuing to work at the newspaper, Venouziou started to post a list of local stores, restaurants and attractions. A one-stop place for locals and tourists to find one-of-a-kind places to visit, shop and eat. In 2011, Venouziou was laid off from her job at the newspaper, which provided the opportunity to focus more full-time energy on LocalShops.

LocalShops1 is recognized as Tampa Bay’s most active voice for small businesses. “We foster collaborations and organize events to connect businesses with businesses, as well as businesses with shoppers,” says Venouziou.

The organization’s signature event is Shopapalooza, which over 14 years has become a highly anticipated holiday festival in downtown St. Petersburg. This year, over 350 local businesses will be taking over Vinoy Park on November 25-26. The holiday extravaganza is expected to be one of the largest small business weekend events in the state. It’s co-sponsored by the City of St. Petersburg.

“Shopping local is more critical than ever this year as small businesses are facing economic challenges with staffing shortages and higher cost-of-goods due to inflation, while still recovering from the pandemic’s impacts,” Venouziou said. What’s the vibe like on the biggest shopping weekend of the year? “It’s not about the hard

SPL LIVING sell. People are there because they’re interested in shopping local.”

The start of Shopapalooza The first Shopapalooza was in 2010 at BayWalk (now SunDial St. Pete), with only 30 or 35 vendors, Venouziou says. The following year, it moved to The Pier, with some 70 vendors. With construction underway, the festival moved to South Straub Park where it remained for several years. In 2019, with city sponsorship, Vinoy Park became the festival home and with the extra space, vendors and participants surged.

This year’s Shopapalooza sold out vendor space early, and will feature nearly 350 small businesses including artists, community organizations and non-profits. Special sections and activities include shopping spree giveaways, holiday-themed decor, beer and wine station, food trucks, live music both pop-up and on stage, aerial performances, the Peace Flag Project, White Lounge Seating, a large children’s zone with interactive fun and much more. Santa will be making an appearance both days and on Sunday, there’s a Santa Rampage for kids.

“This will be our third year participating in the festival,” said small business owner Maria Aller. Her company Shapeshifter Fish and

Friends (ssfishandfriends.com) offers a variety of colorful chemical-free sun protective wear for the whole family from toddler to adult. “Shopapalooza is a great chance for those of us who do not have a storefront to meet customers,” Aller says.

Another longtime Shopapalooza vendor, Gopali Imports owner Alex Gopali, has been in business for nine years on Central Avenue in the Crislip Arcade. His customers drop in to learn about sound healing services every Saturday and Sunday at 9 am.

He has hundreds of handmade products from the Himalayas at his store on 645 Central Avenue.

Being a vendor at Shopapalooza has benefits, he says.

“We can meet so many more people during Shopapalooza and introduce them to our store,” he explains. “We have a variety of spiritual items, including bowls for sound therapy. It’s best for local shopping and holiday shoppers. We have many repeat customers.”

Venouziou sums up the festival by saying: “We want to make it fun and easy for people to do their holiday shopping with local small businesses. And we want people to discover new businesses and reconnect with longtime favorites, and help drive traffic back to them year-round.”

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SPL LIVING

Restaurants, non-profit team up in oyster collection effort PHOTOS/TAMPA BAY WATCH

In an era when sustainability often takes a backseat to convenience, Tampa Bay Watch is rewriting the narrative with a program that’s as ingenious as it is impactful. Their “Shells for Shorelines” initiative is more than just a clever name; it’s a blueprint for how communities can turn waste into wonder, all while fortifying an ecosystem in need.

Picture this: You’re at a local fish shack, savoring the last oyster from your plate. Typically, that shell would be destined for a landfill, contributing to our evergrowing waste problem. But under this program, that humble oyster shell embarks on a second life as an environmental hero. Instead of heading to the trash, it’s placed in a designated container, soon to be collected by Tampa Bay Watch.

From there, it’s off to a specialized

curing pad where it’s prepared for its next mission: serving as the foundation for new oyster colonies in Tampa Bay. The brilliance of this initiative lies in its simplicity. Oyster shells are a natural fit for fostering new oyster growth, which in turn benefits the entire marine ecosystem.

“These repurposed shells are more than just waste; they’re the building blocks of a healthier bay,” said Rick Radigan, Oyster Shell Program Manager at Tampa Bay Watch. Oysters are natural purifiers, filtering water as they feed, and their colonies provide crucial habitats for various marine species.

But the benefits don’t stop at the water’s edge. For participating restaurants, this program offers

Rick Radigan, Oyster Shell Program Manager at Tampa Bay Watch, delivers oyster shells to a curing pad.

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SPL LIVING a straightforward way to practice sustainability.

“It’s a great selling point for eco-conscious diners and a tangible step toward reducing the Oyster Bar’s environmental footprint,” said Oyster Bar owner Josh Cameron. “This program has truly been eye-opening for staff and patrons, transforming the act of dining into a form of direct environmental action.”

Restore America’s Estuaries, the program is a shining example of what can be achieved when community, business, and environmental interests align.

Launched just months ago, “Shells for Shorelines” has already made waves, recycling an impressive 102,000 pounds of oyster shells. And this is just the beginning. With plans to expand the program and bring more restaurants into the fold, Tampa Bay Watch is setting the stage for a larger, more sustained impact on the bay’s health.

Funded through a combination of grants and corporate sponsorships, including a significant contribution from NOAA and

In a world where the news cycle is often dominated by environmental doom and gloom, Tampa Bay Watch’s “Shells for Shorelines” serves as a beacon of innovative thinking. It’s a reminder that sometimes the solutions to our most pressing problems are right in front of us, hidden in plain sight. All it takes is a little creativity and the will to make a difference.

Current restaurant partners: Oyster Bar, The Island Grille & Raw Bar, Oystercatchers, Crabby Bill’s Indian Rocks Beach and St. Pete Beach, Coco’s Crush Bar, The Helm, The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions and Bar Fly in Safety Harbor, PJ’s Oyster Bar and Hookin’ Ain’t Easy Seafood Company

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Easy Holiday Cooking

C

ooking up a successful holiday gathering calls for everyone’s favorite recipes. From the centerpiece main dish to fresh salads and appetizers, roasted sides and baked sweets, you can take seasonal gettogethers up a notch by mixing traditional classics with newfound favorites.

Consider this full-fledged menu of flavor to give guests a memorable holiday experience from beginning to end.

With the festive season arriving, bring together family and friends for a traditional holiday dinner such as Cornish Game Hen with Kale Sweet Potato Salad.

We make it easy with a ready-to-eat Sweet Kale Chopped Salad Kit by Fresh Express with a mix of leafy kale, green cabbage, shredded broccoli and Brussels sprouts, as well as pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries, topped with a tasty poppyseed dressing.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

1 package (6 ounces) stovetop stuffing 2 cups chopped apples, divided 4 Cornish game hens (20 ounces each) 1/2 cup butter 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste, divided 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 package (10.9 ounces) Fresh Express Sweet Kale Chopped Kit

Cornish Game Hen with Kale Sweet Potato Salad

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• Heat oven to 350 F. • Prepare stuffing according to package directions. Add 1 cup apples and fluff stuffing with fork; cool 15 minutes.

• Remove anything inside hens, rinse cavity with cold water and pat dry.

In small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder and pepper; mix well. Remove from heat.

• Fill cavity of each hen with apple stuffing.

•Place hens in 13-by-9-by-2-inch baking dish. Tie legs together and tuck wings under.

• Baste with butter mixture. Bake 50-60 minutes, or until thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 165 F and stuffing temperature reads 165 F. • Baste with butter mixture every 1520 minutes.

• In bowl, toss sweet potatoes with remaining Italian seasoning and olive oil. Arrange in single layer on sheet pan.

Sprinkle with salt, to taste.

• Bake with hens 25 minutes, or until tender. Remove from oven and cool.

Tent hens with foil and let rest 10 minutes.

• Place greens from salad kit in large bowl. Add remaining apples and sweet potatoes; mix well. Toss with salad dressing. Add toppings; toss to combine. Makes 4 servings.

SPL LIVING

Perfect Roasted Little Potatoes

Everyone looks forward to potatoes at a holiday dinner so a quick solution can be found in the fresh potato bags from The Little Potato Company. Ready in as little as 5 minutes, they come pre-washed and require no peeling or cutting, making them the perfect time-saving solution for the holiday season.

Although it tastes like you have been in the kitchen all day, this peanut butter pie is a simple-tomake, delightful treat.

20 chocolate cream-filled cookies 1/4 cup butter, melted 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 1 cup smooth peanut butter 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk 3 tablespoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1cup whipping cream Chocolate syrup • Remove cream filling from chocolate cookies; set aside. With rolling pin, finely crush chocolate cookies.

• In medium bowl, combine finely

1 1/2 pounds The Little Potato Company Little Potatoes 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped • Preheat oven to 400 F. • In large bowl, toss little potatoes with oil, salt and pepper until coated.

• Spread potatoes in single layer on rimmed baking sheet lined with

crushed cookies with melted butter.

• Press crumb mixture firmly into bottom and sides of 9-inch pie plate; chill while preparing filling.

• In large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add reserved cookie cream filling, peanut butter and sweetened condensed milk; beat until smooth. Stir in lemon juice and vanilla extract.

• In medium bowl, beat whipping cream until stiff peaks form.

Fold whipped cream into peanut butter mixture. Mix until combined.

• Pour into crust. Chill 4 hours, or until set. Drizzle chocolate syrup over pie before serving.

• Cover leftovers and store in refrigerator.

parchment paper.

• Bake 30 minutes, or until tender.

Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Tip: For extra holiday flavor, add paprika, garlic and fresh herbs.

Servings: 6 Find more festive recipe ideas at Culinary.net. Visit littlepotatoes.com and freshexpress.com for more information and holiday recipes.

Fluffy Peanut Butter Pie

Bon Appétit November/December 2023

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Holiday Cheer The signature Mia & Lucia at Allelo St. Pete is often served at the table where it’s poured. Impress your guests by making this version at home.

Mia & Lucia

2 oz. blanco tequila ¾ oz. lime juice ¾ oz. simple syrup (see below) 1 bar spoon caper brine 3 parsley sprigs with stems 1 slice cucumber 2 grinds black pepper In a tin shaker, muddle parsley, cucumber and black pepper in tequila, make sure to muddle well to extract maximum flavor. Add the rest of the ingredients and shake hard on lots of ice. Double strain (or strain though fine mesh strainer) and pour over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a nasturtium leaf if available or a cucumber slice and parsley sprig.

Simple Syrup 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup hot water Stir until sugar is dissolved.

PHOTO/ALLELO

SPL LIVING

RISING to new HEIGHTS

Ascent St. Petersburg

St. Pete’s housing boom is bringing a new vitality and a changing skyline to downtown living.

BY ANTHONY CLOSE Over the past five years, St. Petersburg’s real estate market has reached new heights with a surge of new construction that has revitalized neighborhoods and reshaped the housing market.

As one of the Sunshine State’s most popular cities, St. Petersburg boasts a unique blend of traditional charm, a vibrant downtown, artistic and cultural attractions, along with an award-winning waterfront park system that stretches along Tampa Bay. It comes as no surprise that the lifestyle St. Pete offers has led to a surge of demand for new residential units.

Downtown St. Petersburg is the beating heart of St. Pete’s development activity with thousands of new residential units under construction and thousands more on the horizon.

The most significant real estate projects underway are Art House, The Julia, Modera St. Petersburg, The Nolen, The Residences at 400 Central, and Reflection. Add those with recently completed projects like Ascent St. Petersburg, Evo, and

Saltaire and you get a rapidly changing skyline.

Here’s a year-end look at the most significant real estate developments in downtown St. Petersburg in 2023, highlighting key projects that have recently taken shape and those poised to make substantial progress in the year ahead.

Ascent St. Petersburg – 225 1st Avenue N. Ascent St. Petersburg is a mixed-use development by Greystar Real Estate Partners that was recently completed. The project contains 357 market rate rental units along with a 172-key AC Hotel by Marriott.

The AC Hotel opened in March and was followed by the opening of the apartments in April.

The 36-story building has 8,200 square feet of ground floor retail space, which will be occupied by OLIVIA, a 5,600-square-foot modern Italian restaurant by James Beardnominee Chef Chris Ponte. The AC Hotel features Cane & Barrel, a Cuban-inspired restaurant and bar located on the rooftop terrace.

Continued on next page November/December 2023

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Modera St. Petersburg will offer one-, two- and three-bedroom homes with den layouts and penthouses. The community will have a sixth-floor rooftop pool as well as a rooftop deck on the 20th floor. Completion is expected in 2024. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Art House – 235 1st Avenue S. Art House is the latest condominium building by Delray Beachbased Kolter Urban, who previously built ONE St. Petersburg, a 42-story condo tower at 100 1st Avenue N., and Saltaire, a 35-story condo tower at 301 1st Street S. Once complete, Art House will soar to 450 feet and will feature 244 units, including 12 penthouse units. The 42-story tower is designed by SB Architects of Coral Gables and will include 6,100 square feet of ground floor retail along Central Avenue and 3rd Street S. Art House broke ground in mid-2022 and is expected to be completed in 2025. Coastal Construction is serving as the general contractor. Smith & Associates is the exclusive broker for the project and pricing starts in the $900,000’s.

Evo – 334 2nd Avenue S. Evo is a 24-story apartment building that was recently completed by American Land Ventures. Construction began in March 2021 and the building topped out in 2022 with 220 upscale apartments and over 13,000 square feet of retail space. Evo contains a 10,000 square foot pool deck and over 15,000 square feet of other common areas including a co-working lounge with private offices and a clubroom with exhibition kitchen.

Coastal Construction served as the project’s general contractor.

Rental rates start at $2,500 per month.

Modera St. Petersburg – 201 17th Street S. Modera St. Petersburg is an apartment tower under construction

by Mill Creek Residential. The project will feature 383 rental units and 14,098 square feet of ground-floor retail and restaurant space fronting the Pinellas Trail. Construction on the development began in 2022 and topped out in March 2023.

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The Julia – 100 4th Avenue N. The Julia is a 19-story condominium building by the Francis Family and Robert Sherman from MBA development.

The boutique condo building will feature 19 condominium residences ranging between 1,905 to 3,132 square feet with two to three bedrooms. The Julia is branded as a vacation condo building which allows owners to rent their condos for a minimum of 30 days, up to 12 times per year, with management provided

by Vacasa.

Necour Construction is the general contractor for the development and completion is expected in 2024. Ron Platt at Keller Williams Realty St. Pete is sales broker. Pricing begins at $1.6 million.

The Nolen – 126 4th Ave. NE The Nolen is a 23-story boutique condominium tower that will feature 31 residences and will be 288 feet tall. The project is being spearheaded by Tampa-based DDA Development, which is led by Bowen Arnold and John Schilling.

In addition to condominium units, the base of The Nolen will feature a three-story parking structure along with a residential lobby and groundfloor retail space. Construction on The Nolen began in October 2022 and is expected to be completed in 2024. Ellison Construction is serving as general contractor. Smith & Associates is the exclusive broker for the project and pricing for the remaining units begins at $2 million.

SPL LIVING The Residences at 400 Central – 400 Central Ave. The Residences at 400 Central is a mixed-use condominium tower expected to be completed in 2025. The 46-story tower will include 301 condominium residences ranging from one- to fourbedroom units along with 40,000 square feet of Class A office space, and 60,000 square feet of ground floor retail space.

Foundation work began last year, and the development secured a $252 million construction loan in early 2023.

The tower will top out at 515 feet, becoming the tallest building in St. Petersburg and the tallest residential building on Florida’s west coast. The building will also have an exclusive 46th floor Sky Lounge Observatory offering panoramic views of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

Suffolk Construction is the development’s general contractor. The residences are being marketed by Michael Saunders & Company. Pricing starts at $1 million.

Reflection – 300 8th Street N. Reflection is an 18-story condo tower being developed by HP Capital which is led by Fred Hemmer, Angelo Cappelli, Nick Hansen, and Chris Hemmer. The building will have ground-floor retail and an expansive 12,000 square foot rooftop oasis with a resort style pool, sauna, and spa. The building topped out in September.

KAST Construction is serving as the general contractor for the project.

Completion is expected in 2024. The residences are being marketed by KW Developer Services and pricing starts in the $900,000’s.

Saltaire – 301 1st Street S. Saltaire is a 35-story condominium tower that recently opened after breaking ground in April 2020. It features 192 units and 10,000 square feet of retail space fronting 1st Street and 2nd Street. The project was developed by Kolter Urban, who developed ONE St. Petersburg and is also building Art House.

With a height of just over 400 feet, Saltaire is currently the second tallest building in St. Petersburg – only behind ONE St. Petersburg. KAST Construction is the project’s general contractor. Saltaire is sold out.

Belpointe Apartments - 1000 1st Avenue N. Belpointe is under construction near 1st Avenue North and Dr. MLK. Jr. Street with two 15-story towers and a total of 269 apartments consisting of studio, one, two, and threebedroom units. The project will also include 15,500 square feet of commercial space fronting Baum Avenue and 1st Avenue North.

The base will also have a threefloor, 355-car parking garage. The complex will feature a club room, fitness center, and swimming pool. The development also includes the construction of a pocket park on the east side of the project.

JE Dunn Construction is serving as the project’s general contractor and completion is expected in 2025. Pricing has not been announced.

Anthony Close is co-owner of St. Pete Rising, an online urban development publication covering retail, restaurants, and real estate news in St. Petersburg, FL. Find it at stpeterising.com

Renderings provided by: 400 Central - Red Apple Group 1000 1st Avenue North - Belpointe OZ Art House - Kolter Urban Ascent St. Pete - Greystar EVO - American Land Ventures Modera St. Petersburg - Mill Creek Residential Reflection - Hemmer Group Saltaire - Kolter Urban The Julia - Peter Francis and Robert Sherman The Nolen - DDA Development

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Current remodeling trends find kitchens more expansive and a formal dining room less common.

By DOUG KING s we continue to emerge from the devasting supply chain issues created by the 2020 pandemic, home remodeling projects have undergone some radical changes over the last three years due to families consolidating, home schooling and working from home. All of that led to the need for more interior space along with adding or expanding outdoor living features, at least here in our area, such as pools and lanai’s. As of March 2023, according to the Pew Research Center, roughly 35% of American workers are working from home full-time, creating the need for a dedicated office instead of working from the dining room table.

Also, the stay-at-home order back in 2020 created a huge interest in homeowners wanting to update their kitchens and baths in addition to the projects noted above. Obviously, all of this is well known here in late 2023 but these occurrences set the stage for what we are now seeing and what we see on the horizon for remodeling going into 2024.

As families have converged, the ages of household members may vary greatly, with youngsters in their pre-teens sharing common area space with their grandparents. Universal Design has been slowly expanding over the last 10 years but with the recent changes to lifestyles created by the pandemic, it has rapidly become a larger part of the remodeling discussion.

Universal Design affects many components such as kitchen and bath cabinetry, doorway widths, locations of electrical components and passageways into and throughout the house,

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among many other products and household functions.

So, what is hot for the future of home remodeling projects?

I see 2024 as a pivotal year for home transformation that will last for many years, especially for the interior. There are two main reasons; homeowners started remodeling their homes more recently to fit their lifestyle because of the changes Covid 19 created AND because they plan to stay in their home for a longer period of time. Gone is the focus on trying to appeal to the masses for a quick re-sale with the use of the “plain beige palette” as was common starting in the 1980’s and lasting through the 2010’s.

The items that will continue to see growth in a home remodel project include quieter appliances, larger islands and more refrigeration space. The kitchen has always been a focal gathering point for the family and even more so when guests are being entertained, but now the kitchen island must also serve as a place for schoolwork and professional work (when there’s not space for a home office) so noisy appliances are a nuisance and space becomes a premium as we continue the shift away from the traditional dining room. The implementation of air fryers and steam ovens, along with larger refrigerators, is on the rise because of the desire for healthier eating.

Functional lighting in a kitchen (and bath) have always been important but now we now see lighting being used as “layers”

PHOTOS/DOUG KING

Remodel Trends Aim to Accommodate for the Long Term

SPL LIVING to create moods and set a style with accent points using varying degrees of the light spectrum for comfort and to make a “personality statement” with exquisite fixtures.

Smart home technology and home automation products dovetail nicely with the needs of our new lifestyles.

Smart appliances, lighting, temperature control and audiovisual products, once considered a luxury, now provide us with never-beforeseen conveniences that are critical to meeting the needs of the rapid changes of living and working at home.

Open shelving has gained popularity, not only for the neat, wide-open appearance but because they maximize

storage space and create a focal point, showcasing your cool stuff.

Speaking of cool things, color is making a come-back.

While white cabinetry and counter tops still reign high, the addition of bold hues of blues, charcoal and darker stained wood are being used to accentuate interior spaces.

The mixed use of metals such as copper and brass with black fixtures are gaining interest and offer a perfect platform to let your personality flow.

How bold will you go in 2024?

Doug King, CR, UDCP, CGC, MBA is past National President (2020-21) of NARI and owner of King Contracting.

Right, white remains popular for baths but a pop of color adds character and interest.

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SPL PEOPLE

If Promises are Delivered, Stadium District Will Transform St. Pete I saw only a sad sunset to the years-long romance I carried in my heart.

cherish. The memories of Evan Longoria and Carl Crawford, David Price and Blake Snell, Kevin Kiermaier and Carlos Pena would override the idea of the Nashville Rays or the Charlotte Suns. RandyLand would live on in my mind and if I got really lonely, I would google Brett Phillips and watch him airplane around the field after ending Game 4 of the 2020 World Series in dramatic fashion.

I promised I wouldn’t be bitter or hold a grudge. I told myself I would cherish only the good, forget the bad and bid my love adieu without malice. Every time I thought of the end, I heard Whitney Houston singing I Will Always Love You. Over and over, I said I would wish them joy and happiness, and above all that, I would wish them love.

I had steeled my heart for the worst, because the worst seemed inevitable. After years of attendance woes, indifferent fans, waning political will and an owner who dared to kick the tires on every farfetched idea (“Montreal will become our sister city”), I never thought the Rays would find a way to stay in Tampa Bay, yet alone St. Petersburg.

I envisioned looking from a perch somewhere along First Avenue South, maybe Ferg’s, and watching as a wrecking ball tore into Tropicana Field after the Rays packed up one last time and headed for some northern destination. Going, going, gone?

This was to be my love letter to the baseball team I had come to

This is my confession. I never forecast the September celebration the Rays staged to announce it had reached an agreement with the City of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County to build a new stadium. I never saw St.

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SPL PEOPLE Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch standing shoulder to shoulder with Rays owner Stu Sternberg and touting the promise of a new Gas Plant District.

games this year proved an embarrassment, a 30 percent increase in regular season attendance would suggest St. Petersburg has evolved into a city ready to lend greater support.

Yet as 2023 winds down, we appear to be well on our way to a new stadium, a destination district and and an equity compact that promises an unprecedented mix of affordable housing and job creation. Sure, a few more I’s have to be dotted and a few more T’s have to be crossed. The Rays still need final approval from the St. Petersburg City Council and the Pinellas County Commission, and we want and expect our elected officials to do their due diligence.

And, the cloud that hung over this team since the Rays’ 2007 Al Lang Stadium proposal died on the vine has started to lift. I’m convinced all the talk of moving to Tampa, to Montreal, to anyplace else, dented the enthusiasm generated by the Rays’ winning ways.

A commitment to stay will win over the bitter who never could embrace an ownership that seemed to have one foot out the door.

Questions must be answered, but every involved stakeholder speaks with optimism. Welch, the Rays and their partners appear to have crafted a project that balances the zeal of Rays fans, the civic pride of business leaders and the determination of Welch to enliven the neighborhood he once adored.

The people who gave up their homes and churches 40 years ago to make way for the first stadium never saw the assurances of economic prosperity. Welch says making them whole is a personal mission. Cynics remain, but my money is on the policy-driven Welch.

Over in Tampa, residents cry that it’s foolish to build a new stadium on a site that’s already shown itself to be a failed location. I’m not sure that’s accurate. Although attendance for two postseason

It all can be done. Granted, it’s a mission that’s going to cost $600 million in tourist development tax dollars, but if it delivers on its promises, the area will become a focal point of activity, an economic hub and an inclusive point of pride for residents.

Instead of anticipating a sunset, we may be on the verge of a promising sunrise for the fans, the families and the future. If the team and the city stay true to the accountability measures sure to be put in place, we may just all end up in a new stadium singing I Wanna Dance With Somebody.

That’s all I’m saying.

Ernest Hooper is the Senior Vice President for Communications at United Way Suncoast and a former sports writer and editor for the Tampa Bay Times and the Tampa Tribune.

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Acura Integra Makes A Stunning Comeback After 17 Years INTEGRA TYPE S (FWD) Tires: 265/30R19 Wheelbase: 107.7 inches Length: 186 inches Width: 74.8 inches Height: 55.4 inches Weight: 3,219 pounds Fuel capacity: 12.4 gallons City: 21 mpg Highway: 28 mpg Base price: $50,800 Price as tested: $53,785 Web site: www.acura.com

BY NITISH S. RELE Acura debuted globally in 1986 with the two-variant front-wheeldrive Integra hatchback generating a massive bang with motoring enthusiasts. The signature pop-up headlight design literally “popped” eyes out of people’s head with astonishment. Within no time, race-inspired, high-performance versions of the compact car were on-track championship winners. The exhilarating and fun drive continued till the Japanese carmaker retired the nameplate in 2006 (by then it was called the RSX).

After a 17-year hiatus, the Integra has returned! And it is much bigger, more powerful (turbocharged) and truly a blast to take for a spin. Under the hood of our 2024 Integra Type S sits a 2.0-liter turbo inline-4 cylinder cranking out 320 horsepower@6500 rpm and 310 pounds-feet of torque@4000 rpm. Best of all, it is coupled to a 6-speed manual gear box with rev-match capabilities to delight the stick-shift crowd.

Thanks to the Integrated Dynamics System (IDS), the driver can choose sport, sport+ normal and comfort settings. Valve-actuated adaptive dampers ensure a smoother experience in normal or comfort settings and even more enjoyable in sport modes. A MacPherson strut front and multilink rear suspension absorbs the hits of potholes and broken road surfaces with ease. The dualpinion, variable-ratio electric power steering is forthcoming with instant turn-in.

That this is an Integra, and a Type S too, is evident from their emblems in front and rear fascia. The vented aluminum hood meets up with an eye-catching diamond pentagon grille, flanked by gorgeous four-element, jewel-eye LED headlights. Triple exhaust tips and a decklid spoiler further boost the classy touch.

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The cabin is awash in extravagance with black perforated ultrasuede inserts on red leather seats, a black suede shifter boot and Type S imprinted on the steering wheel and front seatbacks. Audiophiles will instantly take to the incredible 16-speaker ELS Studio 3D premium sound system. The 23.4 cubic feet space behind the 60/40 rear seat leaves plenty of luggage room for a weeklong trip. The 9-inch touch infotainment and 10.2-inch digital instrument clusters are standouts. Other luxuries include dual auto a/c, 12-way power driver and four-way front-passenger seats, head-up display, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes, front/rear crumple zones and parking sensors, side-impact door beams, vehicle stability assist with traction control, lane departure warning and lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitor, road departure/collision mitigation systems, limited slip differential, multi-angle rearview camera, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system are standard.

Welcome back, Integra! We are thrilled that Acura has brought its racetrack winner into the fold once again. Like previous gens, the stylish ride delivers a sports car performance with speedy acceleration and ample power just a throttle away. Gearstick fanatics and heavy lead footers, this one’s been reintroduced specially just for you.

Nitish S. Rele, editor/publisher of Motoring Tampa Bay and Khaas Baat, can be reached at motoringtampabay@gmail.com

SPL HEALTH

Think You Have the Flu? It Might Be Anxiety

BY JONATHAN MITCHELL, Ph.D. Aches, pains, lethargy and headaches might mean you have the flu.

But those symptoms also could be the telltale signs of anxiety.

It is not uncommon for people experiencing anxiety disorders to find themselves with some of the same physical symptoms as those with these more common infectious diseases. That may help explain why the number of adults reporting symptoms of anxiety disorders increased dramatically during the COVID pandemic.

Chronic stress and high stress levels have long been known to cause symptoms similar to influenza, a respiratory illness. In severe cases stress can lead to chest pain, seizures and difficulty breathing.

These symptoms can be turned on by a wide range of external or internal events. With extreme stress, you can become fatigued, have difficulty breathing and experience mental fogginess. At the same time, flu and other infections can cause an inflammation that creates a similar full-system response.

COVID and Anxiety Illness anxiety is a condition experienced by some people who become preoccupied with a perceived physical disease or condition, prompting them to focus excessively on symptoms. The COVID pandemic created a fertile breeding ground for illness anxiety, with so much emphasis on the importance of stopping the disease from spreading. That anxiety was only heightened by the added fear of passing the disease on to a loved one. For many people, that added even more stress and anxiety. Even the onset of mild COVID-like symptoms could prompt the body’s defenses into high alert. In effect, the pandemic primed the pump for anyone who might be prone to anxiety-induced illness.

How Can We Tell the Difference?

The hallmark difference between anxiety and flu symptoms is the achiness – or rather how you feel achy. With the flu, you may feel an all-over discomfort that’s difficult, if not impossible, to pinpoint.

With anxiety, that achiness is going to be more narrowly confined to muscle groups, particularly in your neck, shoulders and chest (the result of all that unrelenting tension and nervous system in overdrive).

Other differences include the way your breathing is affected. With the flu, the classic respiratory symptoms are coughing and difficulty

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breathing. With anxiety, the symptoms are more likely to be rapid breathing and a tightness in the chest.

And when anxiety is in full swing, you may feel shaky or trembly, which could be confused with chills. But with the flu, those chills are more sensitive to temperature changes. And you are likely to feel cold and not just shaky. Among the most common anxiety symptoms: Feeling nervous or tense, Increased heart rate, rapid breathing, trembling, feeling weak or tired, difficulty sleeping, gastrointestinal problems, panic or a sense of impending danger Diagnosis and Treatment Primary care doctors and mental health providers are key to determining when anxiety is the cause of your flu-like symptoms.

A thorough physical examination will be accompanied by an assessment exploring your symptoms, including duration and frequency. One important question to answer is what was happening in your life before the symptoms started.

This can help you understand if something in particular might have prompted the anxiety. Having an objective observer help you look at the big picture can often help identify anxiety as the root cause.

Treatment for anxiety often begins with cognitive behavioral therapy, which identifies patterns in the way we relate to other people and how we live – including work, leisure and home life. The goal is to pinpoint where those patterns break down and then how to break out of a harmful cycle.

When faced with physical anxiety symptoms, the goal of this therapy is to help you find ways to relax your body. Relaxation can change your thought patterns. When you are physically relaxed, it’s less likely that your mind will go a million miles a minute worrying over things. It’s important, however, to remember that anxiety plays a key role in our lives. It’s not something that should be avoided or suppressed. Instead, it’s about recognizing it for what it is, so that you can have more control over it – and not let it control you.

Dr. Jonathan Mitchell is a clinical psychologist with Bayfront Health Medical Group Family Medicine in St. Petersburg specializing in behavioral medicine.

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The Barn at Crescent Lake Uniquely offers the perfect open air outdoor event facility in a beautiful and elegant The surrounding for Weddings, Corporate Privateopen events.

Located on an idyllic acre private lake, Barn at Crescent Lake Uniquely offersand the perfect air outdoor event facility in a20 beautiful and we offer plenty of open air space for social distancing.

Our newly rebuilt air conditioned venue has wall elegant surrounding for Weddings, Corporate and Private events. Located on an idyllic 20 acre private lake, to we offer plenty open space for social Ourwhile newlyproviding rebuilt air conditioned venue hasviews wall towith an wall sliders that openofup forair even more healthdistancing. and safety, amazing waterfront wall sliders that open elegant up for even more health and safety, while providing amazing waterfront views with an chandelier atmosphere. The best of both worlds! elegant chandelier atmosphere. The best of both worlds!

““

The Barn at Crescent Lakewas wasthe thePERFECT PERFECT venue wedding!

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

-Victoria -Victoria

””

We offer Educational Farm Tours to groups and individual families, Kids Birthday Parties, Beautiful Barn Weddings, Corporate,

We offer Educational groups individual families, Kids Birthday Parties, Beautiful Barn Weddings, Corporate, PrivateFarm and Tours CharitytoEvents.

Forand more information visit www.oldmcmickys.com • 813-920-1948 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!

9612 Crescent Dr. Odessa, FL 33556 • We can’t wait to see you on the farm!

Holiday Gift Guide Give the Gift of Wellness with Skinade Drinkable Collagen Holiday Sets! Available in Office NOW! Limited supplies available. Price: $190 Pacholec Center for Weight Loss 150 2nd Ave. N. Ste 510 St. Pete www.DrPacholec.com • 727-502-2000

A perfect every day luxury watch she will cherish forever! This women’s pre-owned Rolex DateJust is 18k gold and stainless steel in a 31mm case. It is accented with a jubilee bracelet and champagne diamond dial. Price: $5,200 Gold and Diamond Center 222 37th Ave. N St. Pete www.gdcstpete.com • 727-896-3000

A great gift idea for anyone who loves The ‘Burg, is a hand-picked assortment of locally sourced products. Decide on a cost (minimum is $75) and you can pick from anything in the shop to fill your basket. Choose from sugar scrubs, baths salts and body lotions to insulated tumblers, t-shirts, art and more.

St. Pete Store & Visitors Center 100 2nd Ave. N. St. Pete 727-388-0686

“There’s Just Something” by Stephen Harlan is available in several sizes on canvas or aluminum.

Please call gallery for pricing details.

Ocean Blue Galleries 284 Beach Dr. NE St. Pete www.oceanblue.gallery • 727-502-BLUE(2583)

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Shop Local This Holiday Season

The Jewelry Supercenter, Gold and Diamond Source, showcases world class, hand-picked diamonds in every size and price range! GDS is known for their exquisite mountings and rare diamonds such as this 5.01 carat perfectly cut round brilliant. Their excellent concierge service tailors your jewelry to your love!

Follow us: @TheGoldAndDiamondSource.

Gold and Diamond Source 3800 Ulmerton Road Clearwater, FL. 33762 www.GoldandDiamond.com • 727-573-9351

Clutches you will be remembered by. Designs that are fun, unique, and reflect your personality and spirit. All hand beaded, only at Pippa Pelure. Price $128 Pippa Pelure Boutique 500 Beach Dr NE. St. Pete • 727-623-0926

Stretch Woven is a modern take on the classic button-up.

Crafted with a combination of polyester and spandex for 4-way stretch, this shirt provides exceptional comfort and flexibility. Moisture-wicking and quick-dry properties make it perfect for outdoor activities and UPF 50+ sun protection ensures you stay covered from the elements.

Sartorial Inc 400 Beach Drive NE Unit # 169 www.sartorialinc.com 727-290-6783

Whitening Special. In-office Phillips Zoom Whitening including custom home use trays. $100 reduction.

Valid until 3/31/24 Roberto Macedo DDS, MS, PhD Smile Designer & Prosthodontist 7801 38th Ave St. Petersburg, FL 33710 www.accdfl.com • 727-345-2064

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Musisi by Deserie Valloreo is available on the ArtJones Open Studio Tour stop number 7 or at DRV Gallery. “The word “musisi” is Indonesian for “musicians”. While visiting Bali, I was amused by the musician dragging his upright bass through the sand. They came up to our table on the beach and started playing. It was a beautiful moment.” Price $500 Art Jones Open Studio Tour Available at www.drvgallery.com

Gold-plated crossbody phone chain with a 100% suede woven throughout. A convenient, lightweight, and fashionable way to keep your phone with you hands-free. Available in multiple colors. Does not interfere with charging. Price $59 .z•aa dress up studio 578 1st Ave N. St Pete, 33701 www.zaastyle.com • 727-239-3644

Sterling silver etched earrings

by Diana Hirschhorn. 24K Gold has been applied in the ancient Korean technique of Keum Boo on a deeply etched one-of-a-kind contemporary pattern.

Price $295 Brenda McMahon Gallery & Ceramics 2901 Beach Blvd. S, Gulfport www.brendamcmahongallery.com 727-454-0453

Go from TV to art! Enjoy your personal art exhibit when you’re not watching TV. With Art Mode, you can display art you’ve subscribed to or purchased from the Samsung Art store. You can also upload and display your own NFTs, personal photos and artwork collection. Price ranges from $1,200-$1,800.

Integral Home Technology www.integralfl.com • 727-559-1265

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Zhanna Thomas/ZT Gallery has a large selection of women’s clothing showcasing her unique & colorful art designs. 20% off your clothing purchase Valid until 3/31/2024.

ZT Gallery 6634 Central Avenue St. Pete www.zhannathomas.com • 859-285-0216

Zero Gravity: The lightest suit in the world The Tmb DNA: Elegance, Lightness and Tailoring. It is the absolute value that derives from the ancient artisan tradition, entirely made in Italy, which for three generations has combined the most advanced technological research on fabrics with the best workers present in this territory. The result is a unique garment, striking for comfort and fit.

Style Clothing 300 Beach Drive #105 St. Pete www.styleclothingfl.com 727-290-4167

The RadRunner 3 Plus raises the bar for what you can expect from an electric utility bike. Featuring a redesigned low-step frame, hydraulic brakes, and our most up-to-date tech, it’s expertly engineered to deliver an unmatched riding experience.

Price: $2,514 Rad Power Bikes 2400 5th Ave S, Units B & C, St. Pete www.radpowerbikes.com • 727-201-2610

This Judith Leiber Minaudiere clutch in Swarovski crystals, with a removable 19’’ drop chain, silver crystal egg, gold-tone comb & mirror. Clasp contains rose quartz & jade.

Price $1,200 Jo-An Frances Art St. Petersburg, FL 33704 https://bit.ly/SwarovskiClutch • 617-921-6880

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SPL SCENE

Fashion Funds the Cure / National Pediatric Cancer Foundation

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NEWS BRIEFS USF Dementia Study Seeks Volunteers

Researchers at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus have received a grant across the next five years from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institute on Aging to continue groundbreaking work in dementia prevention through a clinical research study called Active Mind.

The Active Mind study is looking for volunteers who are aged 65 years or older or who have mild cognitive impairment to join the fight in dementia prevention. Persons who do not have dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease, have not had a stroke or serious brain injury, but do have some problems with memory may qualify. Researchers are especially interested in enrolling African American and Hispanic American participants. African Americans and Hispanic Americans are at an increased risk for dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease.

The Active Mind study examines whether computerized brain training can reduce risk of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia prevention research takes on increased urgency as no proven treatments exist to cure Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, which affects more than 5 million Americans. The Active Mind study builds on research by the study scientists showing that certain computerized brain training may reduce risk of dementia by 29-48% across 10 years.

Active Mind participants will be asked to complete in-person study visits across two years and complete at least 40 hours of

computerized exercises. Enrolled study participants will receive a free iPad. For more information, or to volunteer, please visit the Active Mind study website or call (727) 873-4090.

Historic Building Goes Golfing

The historic St. Petersburg Tramor Cafeteria building will become a high-end golf simulation complex including an upscale restaurant. Brandon-based GolfSuites Inc. has inked a 20-year lease to open the first and flagship GolfSuites City Club inside the 17,297-squarefoot building at 123 4th Street S., which was most recently the Hofbräuhaus German restaurant.

“With GolfSuites City Club, we are bringing the country club into the city,” Jerry Ellenburg, Chairman and CEO of GolfSuites, Inc., said in a conversation with St. Pete Rising. GolfSuites has hired Clearwater-based Robert P. Resch, III, as the project’s architect and designer. Resch plans to marry the old historic elements of the 1929 Mediterranean Revival building with a new, modern buildout, according to St. Pete Rising.

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SPL SCENE

Dreaming Like It’s 1981 / Children’s Dream Fund

Butterfly Ball / ALPHA House of Pinellas County

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FOOD BITES take a step back in time with a guided tour of the resort’s nearly 100-year history with a visit to the hotel’s History Gallery featuring archival photos and memorabilia dating back to 1925.

Big news on the downtown waterfront —the Mahaffey Theater is opening a new fine dining restaurant. The Sonata, described as “coastal cuisine rooted in Southern hospitality,” is expected to open this fall helmed by Ted Dorsey, former executive chef at The Mill. “I would like to say it’s a local version of Ocean Prime,” Dorsey told the Tampa Bay Times. The menu will focus on fresh seafood, steaks and chops.

The decision to open a restaurant in the Mahaffey seemed like a no-brainer, according to Bill Edwards, chairperson and CEO of Big3 Entertainment, the company that operates the theater (which is owned by the City of St. Petersburg). The space was available and a kitchen had been installed in 2016, but has only been used for special events. The restaurant will occupy two floors when fully completed, with a total of 300 seats.

The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club has brought a historic tour and high tea experience to downtown St. Petersburg, immersing guests and locals in the resort’s rich history. Participants will

Following the hour-long history tour, a luxe high tea will be served on the Mezzanine.

Guests will sip tea and enjoy classic afternoon tea noshes including elegant finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and other sweet treats all served on The Vinoy’s signature historic china.

The History Tour and High Tea experience is offered Thursdays through Sundays from 2– 4 pm. Pricing starts at $109 per person ($55 for children 12 and under) and can be booked by calling (727) 404-5252.

Rococo Steak has hired David Blackmon to become their new executive chef, bringing award-winning skills to the local favorite steakhouse. Chef Blackmon comes to Rococo after serving as the executive chef at Atlanta’s

What is Rotary?

The Rotary club of St. Petersburg turned 100 years old on January 2, 2020. The club was one of the first 200 clubs chartered by Rotary International (today there are over 35,000 clubs worldwide). It was founded by former St. Petersburg Times editor, William Straub and other community leaders.

Do you like to have fun?

Rotary is fun, alot of fun! The club projects are fun.

Social activities are fun. Serving others is fun!

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If you are looking for ways to engage with business men and women committed to serving our community and our world we invite you to become one of the 1.2 million Rotarians around the world by joining the Rotary Club of St. Petersburg, the largest and oldest service club in our community. We invite you to visit us at The St. Petersburg Yacht Club for our weekly Friday meetings at noon. It would be our pleasure to have you as a guest.

Salty Sands 5 and 10k 2023 Ft Desoto Park

If you would like more information, please call Sherri Crouse, our membership chair, 304-416-2097

Visit sprotary.org and come grow with us. Get involved to help our community and the world.

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FOOD BITES Bacchanalia, a New American restaurant that won a James Beard Award under his guidance. His style places a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients, “executed through a modern yet creative presentation,” according to Rococo.

Golden Spoon Awards Florida Trend

Wine Spectator Award of Excellence Wine Spectator Award of Excellence

Sea Salt St. Pete’s new executive chef Margaret LaVetty has been on board since late April. Her extensive background includes top-flight restaurants in New York, Los Angeles, Miami Beach, Nashville and Pacific Grove, CA. Chef LaVetty is overseeing a new elevated Buffet Brunch the first Sunday of the month from 11 am to 3 pm. for $69 per person. Selections include an elaborate smoked fish display, house-crafted pastry station, hot brunch items, cold salads, charcuterie, fruits and cheeses. Reservations requested.

Golden Spoon Awards

The Oyster Bar, known for its seafood menu and happy hour specials since 1999, is moving from its longtime home at 249 Central Avenue to 2245 Central Avenue, a 3,200-square-foot space formerly home to Zoie’s. Owner Josh Cameron is transforming the original space into a unique immersive pop-up bar that changes décor, drinks and food themes according to the season or holiday. The new Oyster Bar was undergoing renovations at the time of publication, but expectations are that it will be open for the holidays.

Reserve Your Holiday Parties Now! Lunch & Dinner Daily • IndoorParties & OutdoorNow! Dining Reserve Your Holiday

Florida Trend

Golden Spoon Awards Florida Trend

Wine Spectator Award of Excellence

Private Party Rooms & Banquets UP TO 100 Lunch & Dinner Daily • Indoor & Outdoor Dining 300 BeachParty DriveRooms NE • Downtown Petersburg Private & BanquetsSt.UP TO 100 727.896.WINE • 727.896.DINE 300 Beach Drive NE • Downtown St. Petersburg parkshoregrill.com 727.896.WINE • 727.896.DINE

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Reserve Your Holiday Parties Now! Lunch & Dinner Daily • Indoor & Outdoor Dining Private Party Rooms & Banquets UP TO 100 300 Beach Drive NE • Downtown St. Petersburg 727.896.WINE • 727.896.DINE

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The excitement is mounting for the grand opening this fall of Foodie Labs St. Pete, located at 515 22nd Street S. on the ArtsXChange campus.

Spearheaded by partners Jim Pachence and Kristin McKinney Zelinsky, the space will offer seven kitchen stations, a professional shared commercial kitchen, main baking station, a professional demonstration kitchen and event space.

Foodie Labs was developed as a way to offer shared licensed commercial kitchen and demo space for the community. A mentoring and marketing program is available for aspiring chefs, food trucks or anyone getting started in the food business. Not ready to take the deep dive into a brick and mortar restaurant? Looking for a space to hold your own pop-up dinner or cooking class? Foodie Labs St. Pete might be just the ticket.

Check social media for updates on the opening or for more information go to thefoodielabs.com; (888) 417-8227.

LUNCH • DINNER • TIKI BAR DOCKS • MUSIC• •TIKI POOL LUNCH • DINNER BAR “ULTIMATE WATERSIDE RESTAURANT” DOCKS • MUSIC • POOL “ULTIMATE WATERSIDE RESTAURANT”

210 Madonna Blvd, Tierra Verde, FL 727.767.0020 IslandRawBar.com 210 Madonna• Blvd, Tierra Verde, FL 727.767.0020 IslandRawBar.com LUNCH •• DINNER • TIKI BAR DOCKS • MUSIC • POOL

November/December StPeteLifeMag.com “ULTIMATE 2023 WATERSIDE RESTAURANT”

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

and Banana Leaf Snapper. 610 2nd Ave NE, (727) 857-8118; 8790 Bay Pines Blvd; St. Petersburg; docfords.com $$$ Sea Salt - Upscale, urban and known for its raw bar and impeccably fresh seafood, this is the place to impress while enjoying a sunset over the downtown skyline. Located at Sundial, the airy and sophisticated eatery specializes in seasonal and organic ingredients, an extensive wine collection and craft cocktails. 183 2nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 873-7964; seasaltstpete. com $$$$ Island Grille & Raw Bar – Expansive waterfront dining focusing on fresh seafood, steaks, pasta, chicken, sandwiches and raw bar. Island Grille attracts a fun crowd of families, boaters and local sun-seekers who gravitate here for the food, tropical drinks and massive outdoor patio. 210 Madonna Blvd, Tierra Verde; (727) 767-0020; islandrawbar.com $$$

are legendary. 809 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach (727) 360-9558; thehurricane.com $$ 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 $$$

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 $$$ Rococo Steak - Fine dining in a sophisticated steakhouse with Executive Chef Jordan Buendia offering a chic twist on classic fare. Outstanding wine selection and service. 655 2nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg (727) 822-0999; rococosteak.com $$$$ Brick & Mortar - Rustic-chic dining in an intimate atmosphere, local foodies gravitate here for healthy American fare that changes seasonally. Dinner only. 539 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 822-6540 $$$

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 $$$ 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 fish tacos to entrees like Cedar Plank Salmon

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RumFish Grill – The ultimate under-the-sea dining experience awaits at RumFish Grill on St. Pete Beach. Indulge in a Gulf coast inspired menu with selections such as Blackened Mahi Mahi with Gulf shrimp, mm, mm. Afterwards, enjoy warm coastal breezes on the deck with live music and an extensive selection of rum cocktails. 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

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

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 $$$

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 $$$

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 $$$

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 $$$$

The Hangar - Watch the runway action at Albert Whitted Airport in the heart of downtown at The Hangar, located on the second floor of the airport terminal.

An extensive breakfast menu features traditional egg, waffle and pancake dishes and an omelette station. Main menu offers a diverse array of sandwiches, burgers, soups and salads, and sharable items including cheese fondue, wings, mussels, shrimp and nachos. Dinner entrees include a seared ribeye, grilled salmon, meatloaf, and wild mushroom ravioli. The comfortable bar is one of the best in town for happy hour drink specials from 3 to 6 pm. 540 1st Street S., St. Petersburg (727) 823-7767; thehangarstpete.com $$ Oaks on 4th - The chic new eatery on 4th Street N. gets rave reviews for its sophisticated ambiance, curated menu of steaks and seafood, and signature craft cocktails. Open for lunch (Tuesday through Friday) and dinner, with an exquisite brunch menu and top-notch service, choose indoor or outdoor seating and relax. You’re in for a treat. 4351 4th Street N., St. Petersburg (727) 502-0060; oakson4th.com

Beau & Mo’s Chicago Style Steakhouse - Although 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 $$$ The Dewey at Berkeley Beach Club - Sophisticated yet casual dining in Pass-AGrille with a curated menu of reimagined beach cuisine, outstanding wine and craft cocktails. Downstairs is the main dining area; but for the ultimate sunset views head to the rooftop bar for an expansive oyster menu and selection of appetizers. 109 8th Avenue, St. Pete Beach (727) 228-1000; berkeleybeachclub.com $$$$ 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) 456-8660 $$$

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 $$

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

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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 $$

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

Bin 6 South - This tiny wine cellar/ restaurant brings intimate dining to a new level with only one 6-top table and bar seating for a total of 12. Fine dining with a chef-driven global menu and sommelier service. Reservations a must; not for the shy. 330 6th Street S., St. Petersburg (727) 498-6735; bin6south.com $$$ Grand Hacienda - Festive atmosphere and a massive menu of authentic Mexican fare that includes vegetarian and glutenfree. Family friendly, there’s something for everyone including breakfast dishes and a Margarita happy hour Monday through Thursday. 399 11th Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 256-9770; grandhaciendarestaurant.com $$

Ethnic/Global

Good Fortune - Trendy dining and high-octane night spot with top-notch Asian-Fusion 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 $$

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$$$

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 $$

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November/December 2023

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

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 $$$

from pizza “pinsas” and charcuterie to pasta, salads and soups. A weekend brunch brings out even more divine specialties..

601 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 623-4505; bonutaverna.online $$$

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 $$$

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 $$

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 $$$

Healthy/Fusion

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 $$$ Bonu Taverna Italiana - Since opening in 2022, Bonu has developed a devout following who come to enjoy the fresh Italian cuisine and friendly service found in this trendy Central Avenue café. Grab a seat at the bar, outside patio or a table in the airy dining room. Specialties range

Cider Press Vegan Gastropub - A longtime locals favorite, Cider Press presents a pub menu of vegan “imposters” from monstrous Beyond Beef burgers to Bang Bang “Shrimp,” Buffalo “Chicken” Mac & Cheese, and “Fish” and Chips. A sleek, modern interior, and a chic bar make this a place even meat eaters will love. 3118 3rd Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 914-7222; ciderpresspub.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 $$$

November/December 2023

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