A FAMILY RECIPE
FROM THE EDITOR
by Kathy Saunders
SOCIAL SEASON
At Bay, we set aside space in each issue to highlight some of the amazing philanthropists throughout Tampa Bay. In our social pages, we spotlight the events that bring donors together to support the needs of our communities, from food programs to cancer research, education funding and arts promotion.
We have world-class museums, thanks to the volunteers who help promote and pay for the exhibits. We have cutting-edge hospital technology, thanks to the fundraising efforts of those who may never need the equipment. And we have volunteers who give countless hours to local causes, from helping victims of abuse to providing clothing and toys to needy children and raising future guide dogs for individuals with vision loss.
In October, we will publish our annual Charity Register with information about some of the charitable organizations in our area and the particulars of their upcoming fundraising events. We still have time to list more events and hope you will send us the details of your passion projects and how the community can participate through financial support or volunteering.
To include your events in our upcoming Charity Register, submit them at newskeepsake.com/ products/tampa-bay-charity-register.
14 ARTS SCENE
American artist Heide Presse translates Western history through paintings and drawings.
▲ 18 DRINKS
St. Petersburg’s Pluma Lounge offers liquors from bygone eras through its vintage spirits program.
▲ 8 FOOD
Giuliano Hazan shares the making of “Marcella,” a new documentary about his late mother.
Cover photo by Brian James.
▲ 22 TRAVEL
Journey with us to Monte Carlo, a must-see along the French Riviera.
28 BOOKS SCENE
Randy Wayne White’s new book, “Tomlinson’s Wake,” continues the adventures of Doc Ford.
30 SELF-CARE
Need to find some Zen? Local spas have some splurge-worthy offerings.
34 SOCIAL SCENE
EDITOR KATHY SAUNDERS | ksaunders@tampabay.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR NIKKI LIFE | nlife@tampabay.com
Photographer BRIAN JAMES | brian@brianjamesgallery.com
Copy Editor Erin Feitsma Imaging & Production Brian Baracani TO ADVERTISE
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is published monthly by Times Publishing Co. and delivered to Tampa Bay Times subscribers in select neighborhoods in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties. Copyright 2025. Vol. 18, No. 7 To purchase a copy of Bay magazine, visit bit.ly/baymagazine or scan this code.
Nina Yankowitz, Cantilevered Painting X Marks the Spot, 1997, Acrylic and cotton on wood Courtesy of the Artist and Eric Firestone Gallery. © 2025 Nina Yankowitz / Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY
Luxury
a family recipe
BY KATHY SAUNDERS
From the heart of his Sarasota home, the kitchen, Giuliano Hazan is continuing his mother’s legacy. There, the only child of famed chef Marcella Hazan prepares her legendary meals in a new documentary, “Marcella.”
Giuliano Hazan prepares one of his mother’s recipes in his Sarasota kitchen. Photo by Brian James.
The film details the life of the Italian answer to Julia Child. Written, produced and directed by Peter Miller, an Emmy and Peabody award-winning filmmaker, “Marcella” recently won the James Beard Award for Best Documentary.
It features her remarkable story as told by her son, husband, friends and former students, as well as famous chefs and television personalities. In one clip, while welcoming Marcella Hazan on an episode of “Good Morning America,” former co-host Charles Gibson told his audience that she is to Italian cooking “what Muhammad Ali is to boxing — the champ.”
Marcella Hazan moved to New York in 1955 and taught herself to cook to please her husband, Victor, who came home for lunch every day from work. She learned English by watching the Brooklyn Dodgers on television, and she sourced Italian products from day trips to the city from their apartment in Queens.
After injuring herself in a fall as a child, her right arm remained bent in a 90-degree angle. She taught herself to
write, chop and cook with her left hand.
Giuliano Hazan, 66, often referred to by his late mother as her primary taste-tester, continues to teach her recipes to students in his home in Sarasota and at three villas in Italy: Veneto, Tuscany and Piedmont.
Miller, a filmmaker for the past 30 years, has been preparing Marcella Hazan’s recipes a few times a week for as long as he can remember.
“I often return from the local farmers market with fresh ingredients, and as we arrive in the kitchen to make dinner, I ask, ‘What would Marcella do?’”
The idea for the film came to him about six years ago while he was preparing Marcella Hazan’s ravioli recipe.
“As a filmmaker, I’m drawn to stories of fascinating people who changed our world for the better,” he said. “I couldn’t imagine a better protagonist for a film than Marcella. Marcella is not a household name — yet! I’m so pleased that my film is introducing her to viewers everywhere.”
During her life, Marcella Hazan published six cookbooks; “Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking,” published in 1992, was listed by The New York Times as one of the 25 most influential cookbooks of the century. For all of her books, she handwrote the recipes in Italian in a spiral notebook. Then, her husband translated them into English.
Giuliano Hazan didn’t start cooking until he left home and got hungry. He has since written five of his own cookbooks based on his mother’s techniques. He doesn’t have a favorite recipe, but, he allowed, if he goes a few days without pasta, he starts to crave it.
Marcella and Victor Hazan moved to Longboat Key after living and teaching in New York and Italy to be closer to her son, his wife, Lael, and their two grown daughters, Gabriella and Michela. Marcella Hazan died there in 2013.
We visited Giuliano Hazan on a recent morning. He was cleaning up from a private cooking class at his home the night before. Later that day, he drove to Longboat Key to make lunch for his dad,
Giuliano Hazan gives an interview for the documentary, “Marcella,” about his late mother. Photo courtesy of Peter Miller, Willow Pond Films.
now 96: spaghetti with scallops from his cookbook “Thirty Minute Pasta: 100 Quick and Easy Recipes.”
In addition to teaching and hosting, Giuliano Hazan has been attending numerous film festivals and events to promote the film he partially narrates. The Hazans gave total control of the film to Miller, handing over boxes of Marcella Hazan’s handwritten recipes, photos and reels of old family footage.
“Getting to know Giuliano been a great joy,” Miller said. “Giuliano has a rare combination of being enormously knowledgeable and deeply soulful. The stories he tells of his mother are steeped in emotion and love, and his gift as a raconteur and a teacher makes him a perfect guide to Marcella’s story.”
The family was happy with the film, Giuliano Hazan said. Miller communicated with them and previewed rough cuts. “He really wanted to make sure he got it right.”
Much of the material is now in the hands of the Smithsonian National Museum of
American History, where the documentary premiered in April. Next year, when the museum celebrates the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary, Marcella Hazan’s copper pot will be part of a special exhibit.
In the meantime, Giuliano Hazan is busy hosting classes in his considerable Sarasota kitchen, named villa felice, or “happy villa.” In contrast, his mother’s kitchens were always small, though well-equipped. The documentary details her quest to find quality ingredients wherever she lived and bring out the best flavors in everything she prepared. One of her most famous recipes is her basic tomato sauce, where the onion is removed before the sauce is eaten.
Google “Bolognese” and hers is one of the first recipes to pop up.
In the film, viewers are treated to renowned chefs preparing that sauce, along with Marcella’s other famous recipes, including roast chicken with lemons.
“We always ate well, but I was used to
that,” Giuliano Hazan said.
In addition to his current schedule of promoting the documentary and hosting cooking classes, Giuliano Hazan is developing recipes and planning to lead future cooking programs on cruise ships.
Those recipes, in homage to his mother, will be simple, with the freshest ingredients on hand.
“The lessons she has to offer go beyond how to prepare Italian food,” Miller said. “Marcella was a master teacher and demanding taskmaster whose lessons taught not just kitchen technique, but a broader understanding of tradition, generational knowledge and the power of a beautifully lived life.”
“Marcella” is available on the PBS app for PBS Passport members as well as on other streaming platforms, including Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.
For more information about Giuliano Hazan’s classes locally and abroad, visit giulianohazan.com.
Marcella Hazan, credited with introducing Italian cooking to the United States, meeting in Venice with her friend, Julia Child, who taught Americans how to prepare French meals. Photo courtesy of Peter Miller, Willow Pond Films.
Victor, Giuliano and Marcella Hazan prepare and enjoy a meal together in the documentary, “Marcella.”
Photo courtesy of Peter Miller, Willow Pond Films.
Spaghetti with Scallops, Fresh Tomatoes and Basil
From “Thirty Minute Pasta: 100 Quick and Easy Recipes” by Giuliano Hazan
1½ pounds fresh tomatoes
1 medium clove of garlic
teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Salt
1 pound sea scallops
1 pound spaghetti (linguine is also good)
12 fresh basil leaves
Fill a pot for the pasta with about 6 quarts of water, place over high heat and bring to a boil.
Peel the tomatoes and coarsely chop them. Peel the garlic clove and finely chop it.
Put the garlic, hot red pepper flakes and the olive oil in a 12-inch skillet and place over medium-high heat. As soon as the garlic begins to sizzle, add the tomatoes. Season with salt and cook until the liquid the tomatoes release has evaporated, 10 to 12 minutes.
While the tomatoes are cooking, cut the scallops into ¼-inch dice.
When the tomatoes are ready, add about 2 tablespoons salt to the boiling pasta water, add the spaghetti and stir until all the strands are submerged. Cook until al dente.
Shred the basil leaves and add them to the pan with the tomatoes. Raise the heat to high and add the scallops. Cook until the scallops are done, 1 to 2 minutes, then remove from the heat.
When the pasta is done, drain well, toss with the sauce and serve at once.
Tomato Sauce
From “Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking: 30th Anniversary Edition” by Marcella Hazan
1 28-ounce can whole tomatoes, no salt or herbs added
5 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small white onion, peeled and cut in half Kosher salt
To serve: Cooked pasta
Shaved Parmesan cheese
Black pepper
Place the tomatoes, butter, onion halves and a pinch of salt in a large saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook, stirring and crushing the tomatoes lightly with the back of a spoon occasionally, until droplets of fat appear on the surface of the tomatoes, about 45 minutes.
Remove and discard the onion halves.
Serve over hot pasta with Parmesan cheese and black pepper, if desired.
Photo by Mary Herrmann.
Photo by Joseph De Leo.
Longboat Key
Craving a Tranquil Escape?
Discover the quiet charm of Longboat Key, where coastal elegance meets relaxed luxury, just a short drive away.
Nestled between the Gulf and Sarasota Bay, this serene barrier island offers 12 miles of pristine beaches, chef-driven dining, boutique shopping, and endless ways to unwind. Whether it’s paddleboarding at sunrise, exploring nature preserves, or enjoying sunset waterfront dining, Longboat Key is your perfect getaway for a romantic weekend, solo retreat, or luxurious extended stay.
Reconnect with what matters.
Take advantage of off-season summer rates. Your peaceful escape is just around the corner.
Le Gardénia Bleu Zota Beach Resort
The Pointe on Boca Ciega at Marina Bay
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Discover Marina Bay in St. Petersburg, a hidden gem tucked away on Boca Ciega Bay, where 60 acres of lush tropical landscaping, lakes with dramatic water features and abundant wildlife blend to form this vibrant community Just six minutes to downtown St Petersburg and St. Pete Beach, the new Villas, Estate Homes and Pointe Condominiums on Boca Ciega redefine both luxury and resilience by building to FORTIFIEDTM - Gold standards. Visit Marina Bay, next to Eckerd College, to tour our new models.
ARTS SCENE by Maggie
Duffy
ON THE TRAIL
Art often offers glimpses into other places and times, but it’s rare to see an artist dive into history and then recreate it incredibly vividly. That’s the case with the exhibition at The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art in St. Petersburg. In “Perseverance: A Woman’s Journey West,” American artist Heide Presse details a family’s journey west in the 1840s. Working from the highly descriptive journal of Keturah Belknap, Presse translates the trek from Ohio to Iowa and the eventual move to Oregon via the famous Oregon Trail in luminous paintings and intricate drawings.
With the added bonus of excerpts from the journal, the exhibition has a literary, narrative quality. Presse heavily researched the items and clothing of the era, working with historical reenactors and using them as models. She also learned to make the clothing; some examples are in the show. But the way Presse has rendered them in paint gives the show the authenticity that took me on a fascinating voyage. On view through Sept. 28. 150 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-892-4200. thejamesmuseum.org.
Don’t miss an immersive experience at the Straz
There are mixed reactions when it comes to immersive digital art experiences. For the record, I think they’re cool. If they
might be someone’s first interaction with art, that’s also a good thing, and why I’ll be checking out “Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet” at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa. It features beloved works from the post-impressionist and impressionist artists set to an original score. It’s on now through Sept. 14. 1010 N. Macinnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827. strazcenter.org.
On view at the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
Get yourself to the Museum of Fine Arts,
St. Petersburg, for the must-see exhibition, “Nina Yankowitz: In the Out/Out the In.” The retrospective of the New York-based artist spans six decades and a staggering variety of media. Her series of sound paintings was created by correlating color to sounds. A few have an audio element only heard when standing in the right place. A great deal of the show features textiles that have been wonderfully pleated and draped into sculptures.
Yankowitz was a founding member of the feminist Heresies Collective that was active from 1976-1993, and through her
“Everything in its Place” by Heide Presse is on display in “Perseverance: A Woman’s Journey West” at The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art in St. Petersburg. Photo courtesy of Heide Presse and The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art.
work illuminates overlooked female figures throughout history. Her art is spread throughout the museum, including in the Great Hall and in an intimate gallery just off the hall. There, you can play her interactive “Criss-Crossing the Divine/Spiral Vortex Paint Game,” which culls text from Scriptures from the Bible,
the Hindu Vedas, the Quran and Buddhist texts that are prompted by the player’s word selections. The point is their similarities, rather than the differences that tend to divide us. That’s just one
example of the nuanced, exciting experience that awaits. On view through Sept. 21. 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg. 727-896-2667. mfastpete. org.
Heide Presse’s “Not an Idle Minute” is on display in “Perseverance: A Woman’s Journey West” at The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art. Photo courtesy of Heide Presse and The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art.
“Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet” runs through Sept. 14 at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. Photo courtesy of Paquin Entertainment Group.
Nina Yankowitz’s “Dilated Grain Reading with Gestural Underscorings,” 1975. Extruded acrylic and Flashe on linen. 49 x 119 inches. Photo courtesy of the artist and Eric Firestone Gallery, New York.
CA PT IV A ISL AN D, FL ORI DA
VINTAGE SPIRITS
At St. Petersburg’s Pluma Lounge, get a taste of rare liquors from bygone eras.
BY MICHELLE STARK
ngi Sigurdsson pulls a bottle down from one of the shelves at Pluma Lounge, a cocktail bar that opened last summer on Beach Drive. It’s a French liqueur called D.O.M Bénédictine, but this particular bottle is not destined for use in the bar’s various drinks. It’s green, with a red seal stamped in the center and a tattered label that looks like it’s been stained with tea. The bottle has permanent dust and a handwritten tag saying it’s from the 1950s.
It’s one of between 30 and 40 vintage bottles here, part of a vintage spirits program that the Pluma Lounge team has been honing for months. Sigurdsson became the beverage director for Pluma Lounge and sister restaurants Allelo and Juno & The
Peacock last summer too, and he brought this passion with him.
Sigurdsson started working with vintage spirits in Chicago as the bar director for the Alinea restaurant group. That’s where he learned how to differentiate spirits based on era. Is the bottle smooth on the bottom, or does it have little ridges added in the manufacturing process to try to prevent so many from overheating on production lines? Is there a blue-and-white tax strip, which was required until the 1980s, running down the side? Does it have a metal ring around the neck or a plastic one?
Most of the alcohol in these bottles — and at Pluma Lounge, they’ve got all varieties of liquor: gin, whiskey, amaro — doesn’t change much over time. It’s not like wine, where age can enhance the flavor. It’s more about experiencing what that spirit tasted like
Photo courtesy of Pluma Lounge.
years ago. “It’s trying to capture the flavor of what it was back then,” Sigurdsson said. “What was the pollution like in the 1960s? The trees we were using for oak barrels? What was corn like back then? All these little things that go into the making of a spirit that you may not think of.”
Some liquors do change drastically over time. A drink like vermouth has volatile compounds in its bottle that can alter the quality of the spirit.
Sigurdsson takes down two bottles of Cordial Campari, a product made by the aperitif brand decades ago. These are essentially identical spirits, both made in the 1950s in Milan, Italy, but they look and taste completely different. There’s a smaller bottle that has a nearly clear spirit inside and a larger bottle missing part of its label that contains a much darker, amber-colored liquid. “This one got cooked and stored improperly,” Sigurdsson said.
These spirits are priced per ounce, and the idea is to drink them that way. But you could mix them with anything the bar offers if you want. Sigurdsson has put together a booklet detailing each vintage spirit currently available at Pluma Lounge, with some background information and tasting notes for each one.
There’s a bottle of Old Grand-Dad, a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey with a bright orange label and a little picture of a man’s head. It was considered bottom-shelf whiskey at the time, but Sigurdsson said that that reputation has changed. To him, Old Grand-Dad products from this era are the best whiskeys in history.
“Some of my favorite American whiskeys are from the 1960s, ’70s, ’80s,” he said. “There was more of an art to it back then, a touch that doesn’t exist now.”
There’s a bottle of vintage Jameson, tall and green with a torn label and a dark red top. This product was part of a rebrand for the company, which was a fledgling business in the 1970s. In an attempt to save the reputation of Irish whiskey, Jameson switched to a different distillation method and opened a new distillery. This particular bottle was made during a rare time: after the new method was in place but before the brand left its original distillery.
“There are a lot of collectibles out there,” Sigurdsson said. “But vintage spirits, they actually get consumed because they’re made to be consumed. And then they’re gone forever. You’re drinking history.”
Do n’ t mi ss yo ur bi gg es t fun dr ai si ng op po rt uni ty of th
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A panoramic view of Monte Carlo. Photo by Shutterstock.
A special eyewear purchase from the Chanel boutique in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Photo by Eric Vogt.
Bold and sensual art by Ukrainian-born sculptor Lina Condes at Le Méridien Beach Plaza. Photo courtesy of Lina Condes.
Niçoise-inspired dishes from L’Orange Verte, a casual-chic eatery at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort. Photo courtesy of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer.
24 HOURS IN
MONTE CARLO
BY KAREN POST
Monte Carlo, the car-racing, moviemaking playground of the rich, is one of the French Riviera’s most elegant retreats and a must-see from the south of France. Monte Carlo captured my affection 15 years ago on a solo trip from Paris. But on this short 24-hour visit, I was joined by my husband, Eric Vogt. Watching him fall under its spell was a joy I’ll never forget. We began our journey in Nice, located only a 30-minute drive from the Mediterranean coastline of the country of Monaco and home to the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo and the Monaco Grand Prix.
Arrival: The Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort
Entering Monte Carlo feels like stepping into a cinematic dream. The fashion is beyond glamorous. The air carries a gentle floral hush, and wealth surrounds every corner of the city. Our hotel of choice was the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort — fresh from a thoughtful renovation, the updated rooms now feature a seductive blend of postmodern and art deco-inspired design. Neoclassical archways and colonnades create a sense of majesty, while muted palettes and clean silhouettes evoke serenity and radiance.
Our large, plush room offered all the modern conveniences American travelers expect. Our terrace hovered above the azure Mediterranean, with views of the yachts gliding in and out like diamonds on silk, which we loved.
Poolside dining and Riviera rhythms
After settling in, we headed to L’Orange Verte, a casual-chic eatery nestled next to a lagoon pool. Surrounded by palms and perfumed blooms, we dined on Niçoise-inspired dishes with just enough modern flair.
Design, decadence and delights
As an interior designer, I see the world through form, fabric and flow, and Monte Carlo is a stage set for those who appreciate the extraordinary. The streets are a catwalk — populated by women in Dior and Balmain and men in bespoke linen and an unmistakable air of polished, worldly elegance.
Our afternoon was a carousel of shopping indulgence. I fulfilled
Above left: The newly renovated Café de Paris Monte-Carlo is considered the ultimate grand café with timeless Art Nouveau tributes and references to the brasserie’s over 150-year history. Photo by Eric Vogt.
Left: Rooms in the luxurious Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort feature terraces hovering above the Mediterranean Sea.
The members-only cigar club inside the Casino de Monte-Carlo offers over 35,000 cigars. Photos courtesy of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer.
my Chanel fix at just one of the designer boutiques that lined the promenade, while my husband made his own stylish acquisition — a stunning Audemars Piguet timepiece. Monte Carlo doesn’t whisper luxury; it sings it.
Gastronomy on steroids: Blue Bay Marcel Ravin
The crown jewel of our whirlwind adventure was dinner at Blue Bay Marcel Ravin, the Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by the visionary chef Marcel Ravin. Here, dining transcends the palate. It’s theater. It’s poetry. It’s a four-hour, 22-taste adventure that took us from the Caribbean to Provence in a single seating.
Every course was a story, every bite a revelation — from foie gras with candied yuzu to langoustine with edible blossoms. The wine pairings were perfect, the service was 10-star and the views of the moonlit Mediterranean completed the enchanted evening.
An evening at the opulent Casino de Monte-Carlo
Later, we tried our luck at the Casino de Monte-Carlo, an architectural marvel that’s been dazzling since 1863. Gilded ceilings, Baccarat chandeliers and whispering card shufflers created a rich symphony of risk and elegance. It was a James Bond-rich night out.
Just steps away, we checked out the new members-only billionaire’s cigar club, a private enclave hidden within the casino. The club offers a collection of over 35,000 cigars, encompassing 276 distinct selections from countries like Cuba, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Honduras and Peru for serious cigar aficionados. The interiors of the exclusive rooms were
designed by Bruno Moinard and Claire Bétaille and feature tobacco-toned walls, patinated leather armchairs and a library cloaked in rich Havana hues. Velvet walls, handcrafted humidors and a hum of hushed conversations made this a truly intoxicating finale.
Art, yachts and blooming boulevards
The next day, after a wonderful breakfast at Las Brisas, we took a stroll along the harbor — home to the world’s most jaw-dropping yachts, from futuristic marvels to floating palaces. Art is everywhere in Monte Carlo, and we were lucky to catch an exhibit by Ukrainian-born sculptor Lina Condes at Le Méridien Beach Plaza. Her work is bold, with sensual forms that felt perfectly at home in this city of visual contrasts.
Lunch at Café de Paris Monte-Carlo: Where icons dine
Later, we lunched at the newly renovated Café de Paris Monte-Carlo, a destination in its own right. With its Belle Époque façade and buzzing terrace, this is where Monte Carlo pulses. We dined on buttery sole meunière and sipped on chilled Champagne.
Monte Carlo’s streets are in bloom year-round and every detail is intentional. This is a region designed for people who notice — and care. We can’t wait to go back.
Karen Post of Home Frosting is a Tampa-based interior designer, author and Bay contributor. Contact her on Instagram @ therealhomefrosting or at karen@homefrosting.com.
A four-hour, 22-taste adventure in dining at the Blue Bay Marcel Ravin.
The landmark Casino de Monte-Carlo in the heart of Monte Carlo, Monaco.
BOOKS SCENE by Colette Bancroft
MAN OVERBOARD
When Doc Ford last saw his longtime best friend, Tomlinson, the sailor-mystic was leaving Dinkin’s Bay Marina on Sanibel Island aboard his sailboat, the No Más, trying to outrun a monster hurricane.
Ford, the marine biologist and deep-cover employee of an unnamed government agency, who’s been the protagonist of 27 previous bestselling books by author Randy Wayne White, stayed on Sanibel Island through the storm — a life-threatening adventure thrillingly chronicled in White’s last novel, “One Deadly Eye.”
White and his wife, singer-songwriter Wendy Webb, stayed in their home on Sanibel Island in 2022 as Hurricane Ian flooded the area. They watched as the waters lapped their living room balcony 12 feet above ground and washed away White’s pickup truck.
In his new book, “Tomlinson’s Wake,” Ford goes looking for his friend in Honduras, where the No Más has been found, wrecked on a reef off the Mosquito Coast.
Tomlinson isn’t aboard, but Ford follows the rumors and finds him caught up in even stranger doings than he expected — and Ford has learned to always expect the strange with his “Zen Buddhist hipster” friend.
Let Tomlinson explain: “Can’t leave, man. Not yet. I’ve got human traffickers, gangbangers, a shaman and a pickleball-playing shrink hot on my ass.” Also, he notes, “I’ve already died once this month, and my secret life is nearing the expiration date.”
According to him, he did die when the No Más ran onto the reef but was revived by a young Indigenous boy with one underdeveloped arm and the mean nickname Aleto, which means “fin.”
Ford soon discovers that Aleto is a brave and charismatic kid, the leader of a bunch of other homeless children and, according to Tomlinson, the direct descendant of Jacinto Canek, a Mayan revolutionary.
He’s also the target of some very bad people, and some with ambiguous intentions — and sorting them out while keeping Aleto alive becomes Ford and Tomlinson’s task.
Ford has to pry his friend from the clutches of a man Tomlinson calls a guru and shaman, who turns out to be a creepy little guy named Wingo Bogdan, who might be involved in human trafficking and is definitely feeding Tomlinson an alarming amount of psychedelic drugs.
Will Ford and Tomlinson make it back to Dinkin’s Bay Marina alive? Finding out makes for a fine summer read.
Meet the author
Tombolo Books presents a book launch event with Randy Wayne White at 7 p.m. Aug. 25 at Coastal Creative, 2201 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg. Tickets are $35 for one admission and one signed copy of “Tomlinson’s Wake” and $40 for two admissions and one signed book. Visit tombolobooks.com/eventsbook-clubs/events for more information.
BOOK PICKS: HOLA, HONDURAS
Here are a few more books that take readers to the coasts and jungles of the Central American nation.
Randy Wayne White. Photo by Lee W. White.
“Far Tortuga” by Peter Matthiessen
“The Mosquito Coast” by Paul Theroux
“The Lost City of the Monkey God” by Douglas Preston
You don’t have to leave Florida to find your Zen. Treat yourself to a staycation or service at one of these luxurious local spas.
spa-la-la
BY MICHELLE STARK AND GABRIELLE CALISE
The whirlpool at The St. Regis Spa.
Photo courtesy of The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort.
The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club
The statuesque Mediterranean Revival-style hotel celebrates its 100th anniversary this December. Arrive at least half an hour before your spa experience to soak in the century of history and elegance, from the black-and-white photos in the halls to views of the serene waterfront. Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit for a dip in the hot tub or sauna after your treatment.
Try this treatment: In honor of The Vinoy hotel’s centennial celebration, the spa is offering a Golden Age Body Treatment. This full-body experience starts with soothing aromatherapy before a dry brushing session to promote lymphatic drainage and exfoliation. A rich, self-warming mud mask is applied to the limbs to provide additional detoxifying benefits. Lean back and enjoy a facial massage with hydrating hyaluronic acid and a 24-karat gold eye mask. The treatment concludes with a luxe layer of gold-flecked lotion that will leave you feeling shining and oh, so pampered. Don’t forget the complimentary glass of Champagne at the end!
Try this treat: Stop by Lottie, The Vinoy’s patisserie, in the hotel lobby. The café serves an assortment of bites, from croissants, wraps and salads to macarons and gelato. We love the Lottie latte. Available hot or iced, this sweet drink features oat milk, cinnamon and a hint of orange. It’s the perfect beverage to sip on inside an elegant Old Florida hotel.
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort
A luxe oasis awaits at this hotel on Sarasota’s barrier island, which just opened last summer. It’s by far one of the most luxurious retreats in all of Tampa Bay, with 168 guest rooms, amazing ocean views and a strikingly modern design aesthetic. Spanning 18 acres of beachfront property, this hotel is worth a
visit regardless of whether you’re coming for a spa treatment or a five-night stay.
Try this treatment: The spa, bars and restaurants here are open to the public, and you could easily make a day of it enjoying those amenities. The lobby is pristine and stunning, featuring a handsome bar and an outdoor terrace that overlooks the Gulf and the hotel’s pool. Descend the stairs and find yourself outside, steps away from the beach, or walk down the winding hallway and enter The St. Regis Spa, a tranquil world unto itself.
Treatments range from the 120-minute Well-Being Sea Voyage, which pairs a rejuvenating body scrub (and a soak in a private bathtub drawn with organic seaweed) and a massage for ultimate relaxation, to the Mindful Dreams, a 90-minute Balinese-inspired massage that uses flowing strokes and guided meditation to release tension. After your session, you get access to the spa’s many amenities: elegant snacks like macarons, fresh juice and sparkling wine; an outdoor vitality pool that overlooks the ocean; and a cave-like room featuring a cold plunge pool, a steam room and a shower that shaves flecks of ice over you.
Try this treat: It’s definitely worth your time to arrive a little early or stay after your treatment and head to one of the hotel’s bars. If the weather is right, you can’t beat The Monkey Bar, which offers incredible beach views just steps away from the sand. Order one of the menu’s tiki drinks and a guacamole appetizer and bask in the glow of all this stunning Florida hotel has to offer.
Safety Harbor Resort & Spa
Leave Florida behind at this Greece-inspired getaway. The mineral-laden springs that bubble underneath this spa are said to have wowed explorer Hernando de Soto when he arrived in Old Tampa Bay in the 1500s. You can still take a dip in the healing spring water at the resort’s pools and hot tubs today.
Try this treatment: The spa menu here is filled with classic treatments, from Swedish massages and deep cleansing facials to wraps and mineral baths. For an immersive experience, opt for a full-day package like the Day of Indulgence, which features treatments like a Hungarian herbal mud wrap or coconut mango tropical escape body wrap.
Try this treat: Dive into the flavors of the Mediterranean with the salmon Athena at the resort’s Fountain Grille. This warm and flavorful dish features a sumptuous slab of salmon on top of a bed of lemon, orzo, feta cheese and fresh spinach. It’s hearty enough to sustain you through a day of pampering and can be enjoyed while you wear your spa robe in the dining room.
One of the soothing treatment rooms for couples at The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club. Photo courtesy of The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club.
The Florida Aquarium World Ocean Day Soirée
Hors d’oeuvres were passed and divers splashed at The Florida Aquarium’s annual World Ocean Day Soirée, a celebration of marine beauty and biodiversity. Two breezy sailings aboard the Bay Spirit II whisked guests — coconut mojitos in hand — around Harbour Island on June 7. Disembarking at sunset, partygoers flowed into the aquarium’s waterfront plaza, where lobster rolls, shrimp, sushi and the Sugar Vibe band awaited. Where else but this ocean conservation-inspired fundraiser could a $50 raffle ticket win you a home visit from a penguin or a sloth and help raise more than $170,000? Text and photos by Amy Scherzer.
Jessica Casucci, Stacy Moors and Stephanie Miller.
Marco Gallipoli, Mark Doran, Anthony Colavito, Joe Morande, Jason Manoharan and Chris Lees.
Barbara and Doug March.
Wade Vaughn and Kimberley Beattie.
SOCIAL SCENE
Menorah Life Foundation
Magical Moments Gala
St. Petersburg senior living, rehabilitation and skilled nursing residence Menorah Life celebrated 40 years of loving care and community at its Magical Moments Gala. Carrying the mystical theme through the elegant dinner at the historic Coliseum on May 18, mentalist Brett Barry amazed the crowd with his mind-boggling, mind-reading feats. But the most magical moment of all? Guests’ very generous support for the Menorah Life Foundation will fund upcoming renovations of the first floor of the Samson Nursing Center. Text by Amy Scherzer. Photos by Moorman Photographics.
Leighton and Nicole Spencer, Dr. Steve Warren, Susan and Rob Goldstein and Jim Soble.
Eric, Judy, Ali and Josh Ludin.
Joe and Donna Perryman, Dan Hosmer, Ali Reeder and Ali and Adam Curtis.
Stephanie Stein and Dr. David LeVine.
Dahlia Barancik, Dr. Rebecca Harris Barancik and Ann Soble.
SOCIAL SCENE
Greater Tampa Bay Area Council of Scouting America
Fort Brooke Soaring Eagle Award Dinner
For exemplifying character, initiative and leadership — all core values of the Boy Scouts of America — Tampa police Chief Lee Bercaw received the 2025 Fort Brooke Soaring Eagle Award from the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council of Scouting America at its annual dinner on May 22. Council Commissioner Matthew Cordani welcomed Tampa’s top brass among the 150 guests gathered at the Bob Buckhorn River Center. Hearing eighth grader Noah VillaWright, founder of the nonprofit Change 1 Inc., speak about his project collecting blankets and socks for homeless people presented an outstanding example of how Scouting trains young men and women to “live, lead and serve with integrity, confidence and purpose.” Text by Amy Scherzer. Photos by Fraser Hale.
Noah Villa-Wright.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Tampa police Chief Lee Bercaw, Kelly Bercaw and Matthew Cordani.
Aug. 17: Starlight Gala: “Once Upon a Miracle,” which benefits AdventHealth West Florida hospitals’ women’s and children’s services. Features Postmodern Jukebox. $650. 4:30 p.m. JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. adventhealth.com/ foundation/adventhealth-foundation-west-florida/foundation-west-florida-events.
Aug. 23: Rays on the Runway: “Dreams Take Center Stage,” which benefits the Children’s Dream Fund. $200. 6:30-11 p.m. Power Design. childrensdreamfund.org/ event/rays-on-the-runway-3.
Sept. 6: Eye Ball: “A Roaring ’20s Speakeasy,” which benefits the Lions World Vision Institute Foundation.
Honorees include Sheriff Chad Chronister and Nikki DeBartolo. $250. 6 p.m. Armature Works. 813-289-1200. lwvi.org/ special-events.
Sept. 13: The Fairytale Ball: “A Night at the Oscars,” which benefits My Fairy Godfathers Foundation. $300. 6:30 p.m. Armature Works. myfairygodfathers.net/ the-fairytale-ball.
Sept. 20: 59th annual Ybor City Chamber of Commerce Gala. From $120. 6-9 p.m. Columbia Restaurant, Ybor City. 813-2483712. members.ybor.org.
Water Street. curefa.org.
Sept. 27: Big Gala, which benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. Features Ken Block and Drew Copeland of Sister Hazel. $300. 6-10 p.m. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. 813-7693636. bbbstampabay.org.
Sept. 27: The 1905 Ball, which benefits the Sacred Heart Catholic Church as it celebrates its 120th anniversary. Black-tie attire is optional. $120. 7 p.m. Centro Asturiano de Tampa. sacredheartfla.org/ giving/sacred-heart-gala.
Contact Amy Scherzer at amyscherzersdiary@gmail.com to have your event listed on the calendar. SOCIAL SCENE CALENDAR by Amy Scherzer
Sept. 27: FARA Energy Ball, which benefits the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance. $750. 6 p.m. Tampa Marriott
Securing the Future: Social Security at 90
As So cial Se curity marks its 90 th anniversar y, it remains a cornerstone of economic se curity for millions of Americans, providing vital suppor t for retire es , individuals with disabilities and families who have lost a loved one. However, the program faces signifi cant long -term funding challenges that could impact fu ture generations.
Join the Tampa Bay Times for a communit y conversation with top experts and leaders exploring its histor y, current issues and fu ture solutions.
REQUIRED.
14
p.m. | Community Resources 6-7:30 p.m. | Panel Discussion Feeding Tampa Bay 3624 Causeway Blvd Tampa, FL 33619
Life Changing Vision®
Brandon Rodr iguez, MD
Pit Gills , MD
Jeffrey Wipfli, MD
Rober t Lee, MD