SAFARI IN STYLE
FROM THE EDITOR
by Kathy Saunders
BAY IN BLOOM inside
Summer is my favorite season. I was born on the first day of summer, and I thrive when the temperatures soar and the sun shines until late into the evening.
Recently, I got the bonus gift of new blooms on two plumeria trees I transported to the yard of my new home last year. The white blooms on one tree and the pink flowers from the second planting radiate sunshine and remind me of the plumeria-filled neighborhoods of my childhood.
We are featuring a lot of blooms in Bay this month. Designer Jeanne Houlton shares her passion for ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement. She recently demonstrated her talent during the Art in Bloom fundraiser presented by The Margaret Acheson Stuart Society and the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. We also attended the fundraiser’s Garden of Roses Luncheon, featuring guest speaker, floral designer and author Danielle Dall’Armi Hahn, who owns the Rose Story Farm in California.
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10 TRAVEL
Sherry Wheatley Sacino shares her tips for embarking on a South African safari.
18 BOOKS SCENE
St. Petersburg author Lori Roy is back with her gripping seventh novel, “The Final Episode.”
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22 PROFILE
Barry Shevlin is the founder of FlyUSA, a Tampa-based company that offers private plane services for local customers.
26 ARTS SCENE
Find eye-catching exhibits at Florida CraftArt, the Duncan McClellan Gallery and The Ringling.
30 FOUND IT
Design consultant Karen Post covers home hardware trends, from colorful cabinet handles to custom collections.
36 RECIPE
Sweltering summer days are almost upon us. Cool down with this delicious lemon gelato recipe.
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38 HOBBIES
Learn about the traditional art of Japanese flower arrangement from local specialist Jeanne Houlton.
40 SOCIAL SCENE
ON THE COVER and ABOVE: Chalkley Treehouse at Lion Sands.
A TI ME LESS LEGACY ALON G
TH E BAY
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ARTIST CONCEPTUAL RENDERING
A MAGAZINE OF THE TAMPA BAY TIMES
Bay is published 11 times a year 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. 5
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
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Nina Yankowitz, Draped Impotent Squares, c. 1969, Acrylic spray on canvas
Luxury
onsafari TRAVEL
BY SHERRY WHEATLEY SACINO
A safari in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park in South Africa, is an almost guaranteed way to see the Big Five — lions, elephants, African buffalo, leopards and rhinos. Photos courtesy of More Family Collection.
Looking to embark on a safari? Sherry Wheatley Sacino shares her travel tips and experiences from her recent visit to South Africa.
outh African safaris to see the Big Five — lions, elephants, African buffalo, leopards and rhinos — are on many people’s bucket lists, and the logistics are well worth figuring out.
I recommend making South Africa’s Sabi Sand Nature Reserve your first stop. This reserve is a two-hour flight from Cape Town and is the destination for game viewing. It is the privately owned section adjacent to the Kruger National Park where the accommodations are luxurious, the food is James Beard Award-worthy and the guides and trackers are natives.
On my most recent eight-day, seven-night trip, we visited two lodges — Lion Sands for three nights and Leopard Hills for four nights. I had visited Leopard Hills on a solo trip and wanted to return with my husband, Ron, for our 40th wedding anniversary to enjoy the accommodations, hospitality, food and guides/trackers. Each day began with a knock on our door. Within 30 minutes, we were in the safari vehicle as the sun was just waking with its morning stretch. The smell of dew on the grasses and leaves was nature’s thank-you note for making the trip.
In the mornings, the animals were up and looking for breakfast. The lions and leopards had been up all night hunting, and we found big cats lying next to their prey, fresh blood still on their whiskers. Before long, they groomed each other and slept, as the hyenas and vultures awaited their cleanup duty. The trackers made a note of the sighting so they could return in the afternoon to see if anything was left.
Lions standing their ground on one of the game drives on a safari in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve in South Africa.
Safari meals are James Beard Award-worthy and include dishes like fresh hummus with pitas, samosas, plantain chips, chicken skewers, vegetables and homemade cake for dessert.
We watched a herd of elephants frolicking like kids in the freshly filled lake after the previous night’s rain. They sprayed water from their trunks and held one another under the surface like big brothers do. As the older ones would get out of the water, the younger siblings would coax them back.
No two game drives are the same; there is always something new to discover. Drones or any artificial means of looking for animals is not allowed. It ruins the “hunt” — the intended purpose of the safari. In the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, we saw the Big Five on almost every game drive. In the Kruger National Park, which offers a range of accommodations from camping to local motels, visitors and guides are required to stay on paved roads. But guides in the privately owned Sabi Sand are permitted to go off road, increasing the chances of more animal sightings.
Each day there were two three-to-fivehour game drives, one at sunrise and the other at sunset. Both included drinks and sometimes a meal in the bush, either a bush breakfast or a “boma,” a bush dinner. The morning drink of choice was a “bush mix,” a combination of coffee, hot
chocolate and Amarula, which is a liqueur made from the elephant-favorite marula fruit, similar to Baileys Irish Cream. In the evening, the drink of the most seasoned safarigoers was the G&T, a gin and tonic featuring a local craft gin, such as my favorite, Mandarin gin mixed with Fitch & Leedes Indian Tonic.
One evening, a private guide collected us from the bush and drove us to a special landing spot — a treehouse overlooking a river where the animals took turns drinking water. We noticed animals rarely drink at the same time as their natural enemies.
The treehouse was a raised platform about three stories in the air, constructed with wood. Solar power and batteries provided light as the sun set, and romance rose. A small table was elegantly set with china and silverware. Our hot food was in warming pots and our cold food was kept cool in an ice chest. A double bed with crisp sheets was canopied with a mosquito net that gestured invitingly as the wind blew gently.
As the darkness approached, the sounds of Africa increased: the frogs, the birds
and the ruffling branches of climbing animals. Nearby, we heard the grunting of hippos that had left the water to hunt for food by moonlight. We were assured we would not become their dinner, but they still sounded close enough to leave us concerned.
Even the pre-prepared meal was wine paired. Appetizers included fresh hummus with pitas, samosas and plantain chips. We chose chicken skewers and vegetables for our main meal and homemade cake for dessert. All of it went well with the South African chenin blanc, ice cold for the steamy hot African night.
The sun said good night as it slipped behind the tall trees. In the blackest of skies, the sounds of the wild world ignited into a wildlife concert as it has for millions of years.
Sherry Wheatley Sacino operates the nonprofit Youth Empowerment Alliance Inc., which provides books for Indigenous children in their native languages. She has worked in Africa since 1986 and has been on more than 25 safaris. She lived at a private game reserve near Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown), South Africa, while completing her internship in child rights law.
A meal stop in the bush during a game drive.
Sherry’s travel tips
For the best safari experience, work with a seasoned travel agent based in South Africa. I chose African Safari Group (africansafarigroup.com) and worked with Ronell Joubert. She handled all the park fees and transportation, and she was able to find exactly what I wanted — a high-luxury trip with a unique twist. She suggested Ivory Sands for the Chalkley Treehouse experience. The month prior to our trip, Ivory Sands experienced a fire, and we were relocated to a sister property, Lion Sands, where we were still able to have the treehouse experience. For more information, visit more.co.za.
This trip cost about $25,000 for two people, including visits to the two game parks, transfers to and from the airports and park fees. It did not include flights from Tampa to Cape Town or stays in Cape Town.
Ron Sacino celebrates 40 years of marriage with his wife, Sherry, on a safari in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve in South Africa. Photo by Sherry Wheatley Sacino.
Suites in the Lion Sands and Leopard Hills lodges offer plush accommodations, privacy and personalized service.
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BOOKS SCENE by Colette Bancroft
TRUE-CRIME TELEVISION
Now that the weather is getting steamy, how about a read that will send chills down your spine? St. Petersburg author Lori Roy, a two-time Edgar Award winner, is back with her gripping seventh novel, “The Final Episode.”
It begins with every parent’s nightmare: the disappearance of a child. Francie Farrow is a 10-year-old girl with an array of medical issues, including allergies and asthma so severe she rarely leaves the house. Her parents, Beverly and Robert, are fiercely protective, and Beverly has more or less quit working as a psychiatrist to maintain a rigorous program of housecleaning and homeschooling to keep Francie safe.
One night, the family invites Nora, the daughter of their housekeeper, Lily Banks, for a sleepover. A couple of years older than Francie, she’s the closest thing the isolated girl has to a friend. In the morning, a dazed Nora wakes Beverly with the words, “Francie’s gone.”
Thus begins a frenzy of law enforcement interviews, searches and vigils. But Francie has vanished.
The description of all this is presented as an episode in “Inspired by True Events,” a true-crime TV series taking place in the present — when Francie has been gone for 20 years.
The series also recreates a parallel story about another family, real estate agent Paul Jones and his daughter, Jennifer, whose mother died in childbirth. They live in the same part of Southwest Florida, on the edge of the Everglades, and Jenny is the same age as Francie, although the two never met.
But Jenny is haunted by the news of Francie’s
disappearance, even more so when the Banks family moves in down the street and Jenny and her friends, twins Tia and Mandy, start hanging out with Nora.
The book shifts between those memories recreated by the TV show and the present-day lives of Jenny and Beverly, which remain intertwined. Francie’s mother, still consumed by grief, stalks Jenny, sure she must know something about the disappearance. As the TV series moves toward releasing its last episode, rumored to reveal new information about Francie’s fate, the tension between them intensifies.
Although Francie’s case remains unsolved, we learn early on that Jenny’s father is in prison, and Roy reveals the reason why slowly. It’s just one of the many twists she times with such skill you won’t want to stop reading.
The novel’s setting also keeps things creepy. It’s not sunny, shiny beach Florida; it’s swamp Florida, complete with breathtaking heat, terrifying thunderstorms and a resident gator at the end of the block.
Young Jenny isn’t just obsessed with the vanished Francie; on the cusp of her own 11th birthday, she believes she’s about to come into the power of second sight common to women in her family. Her maternal grandmother, Delphia, has it, and she tells Jenny to look for a sign: a ghost orchid, a vanishingly rare flower found only deep in the swamp. But the swamp seems too ominous for a young girl to explore.
Roy has always been adept at creating a sense of growing dread around her engaging characters, and with “The Final Episode,” she levels up.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Roy will discuss and sign copies of “The Final Episode” at 7 p.m. on June 24 at Tombolo Books, 2153 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg. Tickets are available at tombolobooks.com/events-book-clubs/events.
BOOK PICKS: SWAMP SCARES
Here are four more novels in which Florida’s wild swamps serve as a weird and sometimes scary setting.
“Swamp Story” by Dave Barry
“Hell’s Bay” by James W. Hall
“The Cypress House” by Michael Koryta
“Florida Hustle” by Paul Wilborn
Author Lori Roy. Photo courtesy of Lori Roy.
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PROFILE
JET SET
Barry Shevlin began FlyUSA in Tampa in 2020. Earnings for the company, which offers private plane services for customers, are projected to reach $70 million by the end of the year.
Photo by Brian James.
We have to make sure our clients have a consistent, luxury experience . . . It’s all about that white-glove service and making sure that is a seamless process.
BY KATHY SAUNDERS
Barry Shevlin knows his customers. His business caters to clients with a net worth of $10 million or more. They are company owners and leaders and frequent travelers who demand luxury service. That’s what they get when they sign on to FlyUSA, a Tampa-based company that offers private plane services for regional, national and international travel. Customers call FlyUSA when they are looking for private flights; the company arranges the plane and pilot based on the client’s requirements.
Shevlin, the company’s co-founder and CEO, manages the planes on behalf of their owners. Some owners put their planes in the charter pool to help offset their fixed expenses. Others are owned by different companies.
Shevlin, 54, who said college didn’t agree with him, grew up in Queens, New York, and moved to Clearwater at age 20. He worked for a cable company and later got his pilot’s license. He had his own plane but spent most of his time working as the CEO of Vology, an information technology company that he founded in 2002 and grew to a $175 million business. When a private equity firm acquired Vology in 2019, Shevlin founded CAVU Capital to provide support to technology companies.
He began FlyUSA in 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic when flying commercially was not an option for many customers. At that time, FlyUSA would buy a charter at cost and sell the trip to clients at retail prices. The first year, Shevlin said the company made several hundred thousand dollars. His reported revenue for the first quarter of 2025 is
$15 million and the company is projected to make $70 million by the end of the year.
FlyUSA is a technology-fueled business.
“We built our digital presence on helping people solely get from point A to point B,” Shevlin said. “We have over 1,500 clients that buy retail charters from us, and we are adding about 10 a week, so by the end of next year we will have 2,500. That is still the largest part of our business.”
But the business has expanded to include storage, maintenance and management of private planes. Shevlin recently acquired two charter companies, bringing the fleet of planes he manages to 28. The aircraft range from Pilatus PC-12 turboprop planes seating up to eight travelers to jets capable of taking 10 or more passengers on a trans-Atlantic flight at speeds faster than commercial planes. If he doesn’t have the plane a client needs in his own fleet, he can arrange for an aircraft from another company.
In the summer, his pilots are busy taking passengers to vacation destinations like Aspen and Vail in Colorado; Bozeman, Montana; and Martha’s Vineyard. FlyUSA also arranges frequent flights to Tennessee and North Carolina, where many Floridians have second homes. Around the Masters golf tournament, FlyUSA was arranging three to five flights a day between Tampa and Augusta, Georgia.
The base cost to operate a small, eight-seat plane is about $3,000 for his clients. Shevlin said the costs for the larger planes can increase to $10,000 an hour.
Customers also pay fees for hangar use, insurance and subscriptions for things like
navigational and Wi-Fi systems. On days they fly, customers pay a day rate for the pilot plus fuel fees and airport fees.
FlyUSA is based out of Signature Aviation, an international terminal operator adjacent to Tampa International Airport. Shevlin’s fleet is housed in Tampa where most of his clients live, although he plans to expand his presence in Texas where a growing percentage of his customers are based.
Mike Connor, the 63-year-old founder of Paradise Ventures Inc. in St. Petersburg, owns planes but prefers to be a member of FlyUSA for its convenience and dependability. He doesn’t have to worry if his planes are in the maintenance hangar when he needs them.
“It’s a lot of peace of mind,” he said. “It’s not going to be cheap, but the fact that you don’t have the hassle or the worry is a huge deal.”
FlyUSA offers various levels of memberships with perks similar to the frequent flyer programs of commercial airlines. In May, the company launched an app for booking and managing flights.
“Once we acquire that customer, we have to make them happy,” Shevlin said. “We are in the aviation business, and we have to deal with the same weather the airlines deal with, the same air traffic control issues and the same holiday weekends.
“We have to make sure our clients have a consistent, luxury experience whether they are on someone else’s plane or our plane. It’s all about that white-glove service and making sure that is a seamless process.”
For more information, visit flyusa.com.
ARTS SCENE by Maggie Duffy
BY THE BOTTLE
Summer is a great time to stay indoors, soak up some AC and take in great art. Florida CraftArt has a fun option for just that: “99 Bottles.” The juried exhibition showcases work by artists from around the country who interpreted the deceptively simple object in a multitude of media. Jorge Vidal, Florida CraftArt’s CEO, said the idea for the show was planted some time ago and has now come to fruition. The show was juried by Rachel Rearick, the executive
director of Contemporary Craft in Pittsburgh, so it’s intrinsically prestigious. It’s always interesting to see what artists outside of Tampa Bay are working on and shows like this make wonderful introductions. North Carolina-based artist Michael Tracy explored the many meanings of bottles in his torchworked glass “Black Berry Bottle.” Tracy finds their duality fascinating. He writes in his artist’s statement, “The work I create takes inspiration from the history of glass,
referencing elaborate designs seen in perfume bottles, Bohemian glass, pilgrimage bottles and elsewhere. I also draw heavily from fantasy ideas, considering these as storage vessels for elements unknown to us. What would a bottle meant to hold a spirit look like?” The show is up through July 12. 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. floridacraftart.org.
Enjoy glass art at the Duncan McClellan Gallery
I was recently at a party at the Duncan McClellan Gallery and checked out “Scattered Thoughts,” a new body of work made by John Brekke, a Brooklyn, New York-based artist. I was immediately drawn to his intricate use of text in some pieces and animal motifs in others. He creates narratives based on overheard conversations and his own ruminations. Other recurring motifs come from drawings he’s made, creating a personal iconography steeped in a Dadaist, DIY spirit. Brekke’s work is displayed in collections across the country, including in the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery, the Corning Museum of
“DIY Brooklyn” by John Brekke uses the graal technique. Photo courtesy of John Brekke.
“Ava Muntell — The Woman With a Million Eyes,” early 20th century. Hand-painted photo collage. Collection of Tony Oursler. Photo courtesy of Oursler Studio.
Glass and the Museum of Arts and Design. But Brekke also has a major connection to St. Petersburg’s active glass scene. McClellan said that Brekke was his most important teacher in New York when there was no one to teach him certain methods locally. He would fly there to learn techniques like graal, an overlayover-carved-glass procedure. It was during that time that he met Chuck Boux, another pioneer of St. Petersburg’s glass movement. Brekke will tell anyone who will listen how vital McClellan and Boux were to making St. Petersburg’s glass art scene what it is today. See his work while paying homage to them. 2342 Emerson Ave. S., St. Petersburg. dmglass.com.
A variety of exhibits awaits in Sarasota
You can always make a day of it at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota. A varied selection of exhibitions awaits this summer.
“Conjuring the Spirit World: Art, Magic and Mediums” explores the art and objects that were vital to the Spiritualism movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It’s on through July 13.
“Robert Rauschenberg: A Centennial Celebration” celebrates the influential artist’s 100th birthday (he died in 2008) through a contemporary lens. See it now through Aug. 3.
“Embodied: Highlights from The Ringling Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art” focuses on the human figure and is on through Oct. 12.
“Yoshida Hiroshi: Journeys through Light” opens June 21 and showcases the renowned Japanese artist’s expert use of “light, mist and glowing color” in pieces based on his world travels. It runs through Jan. 11, 2026. 5401 Bay Shore Road, Sarasota. ringling.org.
“Preview”
by Robert Rauschenberg from the “Hoarfrost Editions,” 1974. Offset lithograph, screen print transfer and paper bag collage on silk chiffon and silk taffeta. Photo courtesy of The Ringling Museum of Art.
“Sphinx — Night” by Yoshida Hiroshi, from the series “Europe,” 1925. Woodblock print; ink and color on paper sheet. Gift of Charles and Robyn Citrin. Photo courtesy of The Ringling Museum of Art.
ALL NATURAL: Natural elements like leathers and metals can create a casual, distinctive style. From $9. makelinedesigns.com.
courtesy of Makeline Designs.
BY KAREN POST
cabinet hardware has come a long way from being a pure utility item to adding elevated design, art and purpose. Be it for kitchen cabinets, a bathroom vanity, an appliance or a luxury closet, hardware trends span from using interesting and colorful materials to larger profile pieces, and for personalization, custom collections feel more like commissioned art than a knob or a pull. Big, bold and symmetrical no more.
Photo
HAUTE HARDWARE: Daniel Arsham, a New York-based visual creator, collaborated with design powerhouse Kohler to create the Landshapes collection. Inspired by water droplets on a windowpane, the oversized decorative glass Landshapes pieces bring a jewelry-like touch to the any space. Beyond vanity or cabinet knobs, the collection includes faucet handles, lighting and sinks. Embrace a stunning look with knob positioning as fluid as the water drops. From $60. Available at kohler.com or locally through fergusonhome. com. Photos courtesy of Kohler.
CATCH THE COLOR: Are you looking for statement style with color for your kitchen, bath, closet or appliances? Interior designer Jessica Davis and Nest Studio Collection present Miami modernism with the Geo collection. Embrace bold looks of style and sophisticated luxury and choose from tomato, navy, mint or grey or your custom color to complete your space design. From $125. Available at neststudiocollection.com.
Photo courtesy of Nest Studio Collection.
A CLEAR RESURGENCE OF
LUCITE: Acrylic glass debuted in the mid-20th century. The look surged in popularity during the mid-century modern design movement. Today it remains a classic style known for its clean lines, simplicity and emphasis on functionality. Art & Forge offers many stunning acrylic and metal collections made in gold, brass and silver. From $21.95. Available at fine hardware stores and at artandforge.com.
Photos courtesy of Art & Forge.
SELECTING YOUR HARDWARE
Choosing the right hardware is essential for both appearance and functionality. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting quality knobs, pulls and hinges to deliver the best form, function and flair.
CUSTOMIZED TO ANY SURFACE OR IDEA: For a complementary hardware look for your room, the Australian company Handles by Mood offers a variety of custom products using the same material used on your countertops or cabinets for your handles and knobs. Once you select the design, they provide the specs, and you get your local fabricator or craftsperson to supply the inlays. From marble to wood, you can now get a perfect match. They also make a large selection of beautiful styles in leather, horn and bone, and ship anywhere in the world. From $39. Available at fine hardware stores and handlesbymood.com.
● Consider the aesthetic and style: Matching hardware to your overall design creates a cohesive outcome. Sleek bar pulls in matte black or brushed nickel work well for a modern and minimalist vibe. Ornate knobs in brass or bronze finishes translate to a more traditional and classic result. Mixing modern lines with classic finishes creates a transitional look. Consistency with other home fixtures like faucets, lighting and appliances ensures a nice harmony in the spaces.
● Select high-quality materials: Some of the finest materials for hardware include solid brass, stainless steel, zinc alloy and bronze. Avoid plastic or hollow metal, which can feel cheap and wear down quickly. Remember, durable finishes like PVD coating will resist tarnish and corrosion.
● Focus on comfort and ergonomics: Always test the feel of hardware. It should be comfortable to grip and pull. Avoid sharp edges or overly intricate designs that may catch on clothing. Ensure sufficient clearance for fingers to fit behind handles.
● Ensure proper functionality: Choose soft-close hinges and smooth drawer slides for a high-end experience. Opt for full-extension drawer slides for better access to storage and try antimicrobial finishes for kitchens and bathrooms to prevent bacteria buildup.
Photos courtesy of Handles by Mood.
NE W LU XU RY LI VE S HE RE
RECIPE
THE SCOOP ON GELATO
June is the perfect time for frozen desserts, and I love a good gelato. I gained a new appreciation for gelato a few years ago while visiting my then-college-age daughter during her semester abroad in Florence, Italy. She knew every gelato shop in Tuscany, and we sampled them all. • This year, I have taken my gelato passion to new heights. • During a recent neighborhood cooking demonstration I attended with friends, chef Patrick Scully shared his recipe for homemade lemon gelato. Since that evening, gelato-making has become a new avocation. • I purchased an ice cream bowl and attachment for my KitchenAid mixer ($49.99 from Amazon) as an early gift for my June birthday. The bowl must be chilled in the freezer for a day beforehand. When I start dinner, I add the ingredients to the bowl and turn on the mixer for about 40 minutes. I love the recipe Scully provided, and I have been experimenting with flavors, adding different fresh fruits. Mango was a big hit with friends. So, go ahead, try something new and treat yourself! — Kathy Saunders
LEMON GELATO
This recipe requires an ice cream bowl and attachment designed to fit a KitchenAid mixer.
Ingredients
½ cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice (about 3 lemons) ¾ cup granulated sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup whole milk
Strain the lemon juice through a strainer to remove any seeds or peels.
Pour the strained juice into a larger container, add the sugar and stir.
Add the heavy cream and then the whole milk. (Make sure the heavy cream and milk are cold when you add them to the lemon and sugar mixture.)
Mix thoroughly with a spoon until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Pour the mixture into the cold basket of the ice cream bowl with the attachment. Lock the mixer in place and turn it on medium-high for about 40 minutes (the time may vary depending on the model of the mixer).
Serve immediately. Remaining gelato can be frozen.
Optional: Add up to 2 teaspoons of lemon extract and/ or lemon zest to enhance the flavor.
Recipe provided by Patrick Scully, national manager of food, beverage and culinary experience at Esplanade by Taylor Morrison.
Shutterstock photo.
HOBBIES FLOWER
POWER
Ikebana is the traditional art of Japanese flower arrangement. Here, local ikebana specialist Jeanne Houlton shares her passion for the art form.
Gladiolas threaded through a vase. Arrangement and photo by Jeanne Houlton.
BY KATHY SAUNDERS
kebana specialist Jeanne Houlton, 78, was a featured guest during the recent Art in Bloom exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. She demonstrated the delicate art of Japanese flower arrangement while the museum’s chief curator, Dr. Stanton Thomas, shared the connections between ikebana and “Kimono: The Triumph of Japanese Dress,” an exhibition continuing at the museum through June 8.
Houlton began taking ikebana lessons 54 years ago in her hometown of Honolulu and has participated in Art in Bloom for the past 27 years.
She fell in love with the ancient art of flower arrangement after her first class and vowed to continue her passion when
she retired from her career in international fashion merchandising.
Houlton began learning the techniques from the Sogetsu School in Tokyo but later trained with the headmaster of the Ichiyo School and transitioned to that method of arranging flowers. The Ichiyo method encourages personal interpretation and balancing materials rather than tying them down to create arrangements.
“It’s more delicate,” Houlton said. “When something looks like it might fall — it’s more exciting. But it’s not going to fall.”
She continues to study with Ichiyo headmaster Naohiro Kasuya and belongs to the Ichiyo School of Ikebana — Florida Chapter Inc.
“I don’t have a favorite flower because I learned all flowers have beauty in them
and it’s not the flower — it’s what you do with it,” Houlton said. “To make good ikebana, your mind has to be totally focused on what you are doing. So, everything else goes away. Only nice flowers remain.”
Houlton, who has reached Junior Executive Master status as an Ichiyo ikebana arranger, has taught the art form in St. Petersburg since 1999. She recently attended the Ikebana International 13th World Convention at the Kyoto International Conference Center, joining more than 1,000 ikebana artists from across the world to celebrate the practice. She was accompanied on the trip by Susan Thorpe, president of the Ikebana International chapter No. 65, which represents St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay area.
For information about ikebana locally, visit ikebanastpetersburg.com.
St. Petersburg resident Jeanne Houlton, a Junior Executive Master of ikebana flower arranging, demonstrates the Japanese art. Photo courtesy of Jeanne Houlton.
SOCIAL SCENE
The Stuart Society/ Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg Art in
Bloom: “Garden of Art”
You know spring has arrived when The Margaret Acheson Stuart Society and the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, present their annual Art in Bloom fundraiser featuring local floral designers’ imaginative interpretations of artworks in the museum’s permanent collection. Co-chairs Nancy Westphal and Nancy Rutland welcomed guests to Flowers After Hours on April 10, a “Midnight in the Garden” cocktail party with jazz vocalist Sierra Amora performing. The next day, Danielle Dall’Armi Hahn, author of “The Color of Roses,” wowed with her Rose Story Farm varieties at a sold-out luncheon at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. The series concluded April 13 with Conversations with the Designers, where makers shared their creative processes, from inspiration to blooming display, with museumgoers. Text by Amy Scherzer. Photos by Elise Elsberry.
Lauren and Robert Krawczyk.
Design by Shari Schwartz of Random Acts of Flowers Tampa Bay.
Floral dress by Erica Holland of The Roaming Petal.
Lucas DeVicente and Rachael Russell DeVicente.
Dimity Carlson, Katie Eckelbarger and Iveta Mitrevics. Photo by Maggie Duffy.
Sue Knipe, Elizabeth Skidmore and Dr. Kanika Tomalin. Photo by Maggie Duffy.
Lauren Razook and Kendall Phillips. Photo by Maggie Duffy.
Emilie Hernandez and Klaudio Rodriguez.
Mary Jane Cartier.
Guest speaker Danielle Dall’Armi Hahn.
SOCIAL SCENE
The Hambrick Foundation & Children’s
Dream Fund
Passport to Paris
Parisian chic was the vibe at the newly renovated Sundial in downtown St. Petersburg during Passport to Paris, a fashion show that benefited two local charities. The 250 guests at the May 10 event, hosted by luxury clothing boutique Jackie Z Style Co. and philanthropic tastemakers Booze & Boutiques, enjoyed curated fashions, live music, art, gourmet bites and Champagne along with luxury raffles and a silent auction that included a $30,000 Hermès Birkin bag. More than $100,000 was raised for The Hambrick Foundation, which supports educators and caregivers who serve individuals with disabilities, and the Children’s Dream Fund, which makes dreams come true for children with life-threatening illnesses. The event was presented by the International Diamond Center. Text by Kathy Saunders. Photos courtesy of Chris Fasick Photography.
Model Janeé Lashawn strikes a pose on the runway while Candice Anderson performs live violin music alongside DJ Xplicid.
Grant recipients Kyla Smith, Eckerd College; Lauren Cook and Debra Micciche, LaVoy Exceptional Center; Julie Brecher, LiFT; and Amy Shore, R’Club Child Care Inc.
Excellerated Teaching Academy receives a grant from The Hambrick Foundation. Shown here are Elizabeth Hasbrouck, Excellerated Teaching Academy; Bobby Hambrick, The Hambrick Foundation; Beth McAuley, Excellerated Teaching Academy; and Holly Tatum, The Hambrick Foundation.
Natassia Isadora, Jackie Zumba and Angela Miller Kumar.
The Sundial plaza’s newly renovated St. Petersburg courtyard awaits guests of Jackie Z Style Co.’s Passport to Paris fundraiser.
SOCIAL SCENE
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
AquaGala: “Disco Under the Sea”
Guests sipped Champagne and cocktails alongside rescued dolphins, then dove into dinner, an auction and awards at “Disco Under the Sea,” the Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s annual AquaGala. ABC Action News reporter Sean Daly emceed as aquarium CEO Joe Handy presented Randy Ware with the Frank Chivas Positive Impact Award and honored Bridget Starr with the Winter’s Hope Award on April 26, celebrating their dedication to marine conservation and community education. Dancing with glittering disco queens lit up a splashy after-party with the Street Spirit Band. Text by Amy Scherzer.
Photos by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Disco lady.
Joe Handy, Kathy Perrott and Randy Ware.
Cindee Braciak, Bridget Starr and Joe Handy.
Sean Daly and Erin Maloney.
Antonio Souchet and Dr. Cruz Faña-Souchet.
FATHER’SDAYSUNDAY , JUNE15TH
SOCIAL SCENE
Make-A-Wish Southern Florida Wishmaker’s Ball: “Southern Soirée”
2008 Make-A-Wish recipient Marina Diez arrived from Düsseldorf, Germany, to host the 15th annual Wishmaker’s Ball, helping Make-A-Wish Southern Florida raise $1 million to support the wishes of bay area children with critical illnesses. Recalling her wish to attend Wimbledon when she was fighting cancer, Diez introduced Quinton Swett, 8, whose wish to meet YouTube’s Bucket List Family in Hawaii helped him through leukemia treatment. He dashed through the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street ballroom April 26 to hug donors, starting with “Southern Soirée” co-chairs Dr. Angela and Chris LaFace, whose $120,000 gift will fund 15 new wishes. Singer-songwriter Edwin McCain entertained during dinner; Darius Rucker brought thrilled fans rushing to the stage. The generous vibe continued at the rooftop after-party. Text and photos by Amy Scherzer.
Darius Rucker.
Dr. Angela and Chris LaFace and Trevor and Erin Baldwin.
Lisa Chillura, Dr. Lauren Companioni Strahan, Hayley Tolbert, Anjuli Davis and Lindsey Taylor.
Greg Grabau and Todd Cummings.
Marina Diez and her brother, Max Diez.
Joseph and Lorna Swett and sons Quinton, left, and Theodore.
SOCIAL SCENE
Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg Five Fabulous
Females
Supporters of Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg gathered on May 8 for the 13th annual Five Fabulous Females luncheon, which celebrates local leaders who have made a difference in the lives of the students at the private nonprofit middle school. The event, held at the Island Grand at TradeWinds on St. Pete Beach and presented by the International Diamond Center, honored the following community leaders: Lauren Brigman, a philanthropist, community advocate and co-founder of 100 Women Who Care St. Petersburg; Elise Minkoff, chief operations and programs officer of the Pinellas County Housing Authority; Twanna Monroe, founder and principal of the Infinite Potential Learning Academy in St. Petersburg; businesswoman Lisa Vickers, CEO of the Speer Dream Foundation; and Karen Wanek, owner and co-founder of Superior Fresh, which produces U.S.-raised Atlantic salmon. Each honoree was introduced by an Academy Prep student who shared stories about their mentors and described their own goals for the future (Monroe was introduced by her granddaughter, Malaysjia Cooper). Academy Prep serves low-income students and their families, focusing on strong academics, social skills, careers and life paths. Text by Kathy Saunders. Photos courtesy of Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg.
Karen Wanek and Niani Grimsley.
Elise Minkoff, Lauren Brigman, Twanna Monroe, Lisa Vickers and Karen Wanek.
Ashley Stamey, Tara Gaffney and Peggy Leclerc. Gaffney won a pair of diamond earrings donated by the International Diamond Center.
Ari Edwards and Lisa Vickers.
Damir Hooker and Elise Minkoff.
Lauren Brigman and Chloe Jordan.
Malaysjia Cooper and Twanna Monroe.
SOCIAL SCENE
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art Jamboree at The James: “Space Cowboy”
Cosmic cowpokes and intergalactic buckaroos roamed at Jamboree at The James: “Space Cowboy”edition. Guests explored the museum’s galleries and enjoyed dinner, country dancing and an auction featuring artwork created that night by local artists Chad Mize, iBOMS, Chad Jacobs, Zulu Painter and Myiah Pink, all inspired by the collection at The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art. A trip to Italy was a hot auction item, selling multiple times, helping the April 5 benefit raise more than $400,000 to support educational programming at The James Museum. Text by Amy Scherzer. Photos by PamElla Lee Photography.
Clay Martin and Sara Thompson.
Everald Colas and Lauren Cockerham.
Jeff and Tracy Lyash.
Tom and Mary James and Paul and Amy Shoukry.
the florida orchestra
JOIN MUSIC DIRECTOR MICHAEL FRANCIS for an exhilarating journey that spans continents and cultures through the universal language of music.
HOUGH FAMILY FOUNDATION MASTERWORKS
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony
Strauss’ An Alpine Symphony
Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto
Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7
Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 and much more.
RAYMOND JAMES POPS
Bugs Bunny at the Symphony The Billy Joel Songbook America 250 Troupe Vertigo Defying Gravity Summer Breeze: Yacht Rock Holiday Pops and much more.
Maximilian Hornung
Michael Francis, Music Director
Jeneba Kanneh-Mason
Lisa Vroman
SOCIAL SCENE
Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement
Framing the Future Gala
Author, auctioneer and “Antiques Roadshow” appraiser David Rago brought charm and expertise to the Framing the Future gala, an annual benefit for the Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement. A specialist in decorative ceramics and porcelain, Rago joined guests previewing the new “Masterworks of American Frame Design” exhibition before dinner April 12, then led a lively auction featuring antique lighting, curated wine selections and one-of-a-kind MAACM experiences. The Hot Club of SRQ ensemble ended the evening on a jazzy note. Text by Amy Scherzer. Photos by Hello Photography.
Dana and Larry Foerster.
Alberto Alfonso, Rudy Ciccarello and Bob Burguieres.
Cathy Gruder and Ray Porcelli.
Larry Larose and Sandy Caughlin.
Marge Holt, Connie Whitehead, Sharon Clayton and Marilyn Hulsey.
St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation Heroes Ball
Father-son Heroes Ball co-chairs Sam and Casey Ellison made history when honoring community heroes Joyce and Ron Wanek, raising a whopping $2.6 million for St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation. Dining on lobster and filet of beef, dancing to music by The Miami Beats and bidding up auction experiences (including $100,000 for a dinner party at Rocca with NFL star Rob Gronkowski), 900 guests at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street on April 5 proved heroes don’t need to wear capes to support the hospital’s Nurse Navigator program, which pairs specially trained nurses with families facing complex pediatric care. Text by Amy Scherzer. Photos by St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Ballroom at the 2025 Heroes Ball.
Sam and Casey Ellison.
Joyce and Ron Wanek.
July 19: Martinis for Moffitt. $350. 6-11 p.m. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. martinisformoffitt.org.
July 20: Empowerment on the Runway fashion show, which benefits Dress for Success Tampa Bay. 2 p.m. Higgins Hall. dressforsuccess.org.
Aug. 7: Gourmet Feastival: “Almost ABBA,” which benefits The Centre for Women. VIP: $150. 5 p.m. General admission: $75. 6 p.m. Higgins Hall. thecentre.org.
Aug. 17: Starlight Gala: “Once Upon a Miracle,” which benefits AdventHealth West Florida hospitals’
women’s and children’s services. Features Postmodern Jukebox. $650 and up. 4:30 p.m. JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. adventhealth.com/ foundation/adventhealth-foundationwest-florida/foundation-west-floridaevents.
Aug. 21: Rays on the Runway: “Dreams Take Center Stage,” which benefits the Children’s Dream Fund. 6:30-11 p.m. Power Design. childrensdreamfund.org/event/ rays-on-the-runway-3.
Contact Amy Scherzer at amyscherzersdiary@gmail.com to have your event listed on the calendar.
by Amy Scherzer
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