“Bash of the Titans” EPIC
SUMMERTIME SOCIALIZING inside
BY NANETTE WISER
Summer is a sensational time for catching up with friends and family at meals fit for the gods! Hence our cover, “Bash of the Titans” epic summer entertaining, starring beloved local actors Matthew McGee (Zeus) and Heather Baird (Thetis/Medusa), seen here. This freeFall Theatre musical indulgence runs through Aug. 2 with Dionysus serving drinks.
Unleash your inner goddess style with home entertaining tips, recipes, and simple party ideas from our Tampa Bay hosts and our Bay team. Find those recipes and bonus content online at tampabay.com/bay.
Discover delicious recipes for iconic all-American foods and new wines for your next party. Our Shop Local feature spotlights the latest gadgets, foods and backyard bash accessories.
Want to be a part of our new Bay Voices feature? We want to know about your biggest summer splurge for your home. Send your idea, first name and neighborhood to wiser86@gmail.com.
In June’s profile, we talk to notable Tampa Bay leaders, artists and nonprofit organizers about how they celebrate Juneteenth. In Havens, Cindy Stovall tours philanthropist Liz Dimmitt’s home, which is filled with art and whimsy, not surprising from the FloridaRAMA co-founder and arts leader.
Enjoy the Bay lifestyle by doing something new this summer. Start a book club (Kerry O’Reilly’s “Book Club Bros”), visit our museums and galleries (Maggie Duffy’s Arts Scene), or see “Bash of the Titans” at freeFall Theatre. Do a good deed by supporting an upcoming charity event or volunteering (Amy Scherzer’s Social Scene). And find places to relax and connect in my new feature, Let’s Go. Make this summer the best Bay day yet!
THE JUNE ISSUE
▲ 12 HOME ENTERTAINING
Tampa Bay tastemakers share their sensational summer party ideas.
8 SHOP LOCAL
Discover home entertaining essentials, from sips to savories.
16 BOOKS SCENE
Meet a local men’s book club sharing fiction and friendship, one page at a time.
17 DRINKS
Serve these perfect red, white or blue beverages at your next soirée.
▲ 18 FOOD
Whip up one of these iconic allAmerican recipes, reimagined.
24 HAVENS
Tour FloridaRAMA CEO Liz Dimmitt’s art collection and historic home.
▲
28 ARTS SCENE
Discover exciting exhibits at the Museum of Fine Arts, plus a hilarious freeFall Theatre musical.
32 COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS
Learn how notable leaders in the Tampa Bay area honor Juneteenth.
36
LET’S GO
Relax and connect in these Tampa Bay “third places,” both casual and serene.
38 SOCIAL SCENE
ON THE COVER: FreeFall Theatre’s Matthew McGee and Heather Baird.
Photos by Brian James. Cover charcuterie: boarderie.com
Photo by Kyla Fields.
Photo by Genevieve Hanson.
Bay is published monthly by Times Publishing Co. and delivered to Tampa Bay Times subscribers in select neighborhoods in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties. Copyright 2026. Vol. 19, No. 6.
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Buying & Selling Luxury
Home entertaining essentials
BY NANETTE WISER
season your summer parties with these sips, savories, sizzling gadgets and backyard bars. Soft serve, anyone?
Tiki talk
Light the tiki torches, turn up the Jimmy Buffett island tunes and entertain effortlessly with this weather-resistant Berlin Gardens outdoor island bar with room for an ice bucket. Add a blue cool stool for a bartender perch! Bronze Lady Home Furnishings, 15222 Municipal Drive, Madeira Beach. bronzeladyhome.com
Fish fun
Ward’s Seafood Market is a Neptune’s bounty of black or red grouper fillets, live blue crab or Maine lobster, Blue Point oysters, Prince Edward Island mussels, caviar, smoked salmon, and seafood platters. Ward’s Seafood Market, 1001 Belleair Road, Clearwater. wardsseafood.com
Seasonal stars
Good meals start with curated spices that can double as a hostess gift, such as The Spice & Tea Exchange’s mini grinder trio (Italian street fair, herbal garden and kahuna garlic) or the griller’s sampler with smoked barbecue and hickory rub spice blends. Perk up salads and veggies with Kalamazoo Olive Company’s Tuscan herb olive oil or lemon white balsamic vinegar. The Spice & Tea Exchange of John’s Pass, 110 129th Ave. E., Madeira Beach. spiceandtea.com. Kalamazoo Olive Company, 1008 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. kalamazooolive.com
Cold charmers
You’ll scream for ice cream and other frozen delights when you whip up sundaes and smoothies with your Ninja Swirl by CREAMi soft serve and ice cream maker, perfect for family get-togethers. With just one touch of a button, you can transform summer fruits into sorbets and your heart’s desire into ice cream, soft serve and more. Crate & Barrel, 2201 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa. crateandbarrel.com
Sip-ly sensational
Tampa Bay’s Florida-flavored brews, like guava India pale ale, pair well with tropical barbecue skewers. Stock the cooler with local crafts, such as 3 Daughters Brewing’s Key lime hard cider, RetroChill vodka and sodas (with flavors like root beer float or orange cream), or their Little Sammy’s Big Brew golden ale, made just for Mazzaro’s Italian Market. 3 Daughters Brewing, 222 22nd St. S., St. Petersburg. 3dbrewing.com. Mazzaro’s Italian Market, 2909 22nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg. (Also available at their St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport location.) mazzarosmarket.com
Sizzle style
Carnivores crave wagyu, rib-eye and tomahawk steaks from Meat N’ Bone and bacon-wrapped beef and pork sliders from Wild Fork. Meat N’ Bone, 4042 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. meatnbone.com Wild Fork, 2801 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg, or 824 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. wildforkfoods.com
Perfect summer parties
Tampa Bay tastemakers share their summer entertaining secrets.
BY NANETTE WISER
ummer staycations and home entertaining go together like caviar and toast points. Enjoy friends at a wine tasting, book club, outdoor barbecue or patio soirée. Plan a family get-together with a movie and game night or be inspired by freeFall Theatre’s “Bash of the Titans” cover stars Matthew McGee (Zeus) and Heather Baird (Thetis/Medusa) for a retro tiki toga backyard spectacular.
If you’re a newbie, consider hiring a caterer; getting preprepared platters or dishes (from specialty grocers, Sekushi at the Plaza, Whole Foods or Tampa’s Chef & the Baker); procuring spectacular desserts (from Frida’s Café & Bakery, Nothing Bundt Cakes or The Cake Girl); or
David Downing loves to entertain at home. Photo by Terri Hall.
Sparrow St. Pete executive chef Tony Van Hang’s Cantonese salt-and-pepper shrimp. Find the recipe at tampabay.com/bay. Photo courtesy of Sparrow St. Pete.
throwing a glam backyard party with The Picnic Boys. Feeling fearless? Take the home entertaining plunge with these cool concepts.
Fresh from Florida
Sip sip hooray for Dalia Colón’s summer drink (basil lemonade) and appetizer (tortilla chips with mango salsa) from her recipe collection, “The Florida Vegetarian Cookbook.” The author and WUSF “The Zest” podcast host loves to entertain.
“Set the tone by greeting guests with a fun wreath at your front door,” Colón said. “Stick to light hues with décor and a pop of color, such as a citrus bowl on the table, and (a) small terra cotta pot of fragrant herbs at each place setting that can double as a take-home party favor.”
Grilled to perfection
Celebrity chef and philanthropist Robert Irvine loves to have people in the backyard while he gets dinner ready.
“Nothing (is) better than sharing a beer or cocktail while you grill up steaks for some friends and family,” he said.
When Irvine’s serving a main course of red meat, he prefers something bright and fresh to start, like an endive salad with a light vinaigrette, pork belly lardons and grated feta.
“After that, (I’ll serve) a fresh burrata with a hazelnut pesto and blueberry vinaigrette served with grilled bread. Steaks are then served with chimichurri,” he said.
His favorite side? “Brussels sprouts tossed with a pork belly ranch dressing, caramelized onion, toasted breadcrumbs and shaved Parmesan, along with grilled asparagus,” Irvine said.
Finish up with small-bite desserts, such as warm chocolate chip cookies with salted caramel sauce and build-your-own strawberry shortcake with fresh Florida strawberries and homemade mascarpone whipped cream. Learn more about his veteran nonprofit: robertirvinefoundation.org
Effortless entertaining
Radio host and influencer Alexia Gonzalez and her husband, Mike Snyder, recently refreshed their dining room so she could
entertain more with the little time she has. Her secret weapon for hosting? “Keep it elevated but easy: hand-held bites that feel luxe without the fuss, caviar-topped blinis, oysters on ice and a locally sourced charcuterie board that guests can graze (on) throughout the night. Champagne, shake or stir your own martini, and mocktails galore. It creates a flow, keeps things social and instantly makes your dining room feel like a curated experience, rather than a formal sit-down,” said Gonzalez, whose attire often matches her décor.
“One of the simplest ways to elevate any gathering is (by) swapping out paper or plastic for real glassware and crystal. It doesn’t have to be overdone. Beautiful stemware, textured plates and layered linens instantly transform the vibe and make even the most casual night feel like an occasion. Let your tablescape speak to the summer season,” she added.
What is she serving this summer? “We love caviar on hot dogs, charcuterie from Grater Boards, and executive chef Tony Van Hang’s Cantonese salt-and-pepper shrimp
ABOVE: Celebrity chef and philanthropist Robert Irvine grills some steaks for guests. Photo by Ian Spanier.
LEFT: Radio host and influencer Alexia Gonzalez and her husband, Mike Snyder, enjoy their recently refreshed dining room. Photo by Sandrasonik.
recipe from Sparrow restaurant’s new Asian fusion menu. We’re big fans of a subtle theme moment, too, like Italian aperitivo nights, coastal-inspired dinner parties or even a chic ‘rosé all day’ brunch situation,” Gonzalez said.
Simplicity is beautiful
“Oh Yeah?! Show” host and musician David Downing loves to cook and is happiest when serving drinks to friends on his wraparound terrazzo balcony off North Shore Park, then moving inside for dinner and phone-free conversation.
“(I love) a no-fuss dish prepped ahead, a couple of wines, one easy cocktail, (and) something cold and sparkly. I use the same white pasta bowls for everything — just a quick in-sink wash between courses — and Ikea wineglasses,” Downing said.
“Curate the guest list like flowers — contrast, balance and just enough unpredictability. At the table, aim for one shared conversation — no politics, and pets are always safe,” he added. Throw a curveball into the party, just for the fun of it: “I’m a pianist and a provocateur, so my favorite dinner party is ‘Sing for Your Supper,’ where at some point, everyone must sing a song for the group — (guests are) always notified (in) advance, by the way. Anything at all — even ‘Happy Birthday’ will do. It always starts with hesitation and ends with encores.”
Oenophiles
For a wine tasting, sommelier Sharon Mahoney pours her heart into every event. The cofounder of Savoir on Central, she suggests starting with a simple theme — maybe a region, grape or style — and keep it to five or six wines so it stays fun, not overwhelming.
“Pour the small 1.5 ounces of wine in a lightto-bold/full-body order and serve at the right temperature (whites chilled, reds just below room temp),” Mahoney said.
“Talk about it where it’s from, why it tastes the way it does, and encourage guests to smell, sip and say what they notice. Most importantly, relax — good wine is about enjoyment, not perfection.”
Cheers to simple snacks such as cheese (soft, creamy ones for whites; aged cheese for reds), crackers, gourmet olives, grapes, and for dessert, dark chocolate sea salt almonds. Cheese knives, glassware, cheese boards and a jazzy playlist make it perfect.
Family fun
Create an outdoor movie theater in your backyard and add s’mores, Salty Sisters gourmet popcorn, homemade ice cream made in your Pampered Chef machine or gourmet pizza baked in an outdoor Alfa Forni oven. When Dr. Iain and Holly Brodie host a summer backyard barbecue on their beautiful terrace overlooking the water, Holly Brodie makes sure the kids are entertained with crafts, a candy station, games, fishing off the dock or cannonballing into the pool.
Friends and family hang out on their gorgeous outdoor kitchen patio, while indoors, the party guests enjoy ocean-scented candles, quaffs from their Bartesian professional cocktail maker, chilled Veuve Clicquot in ice buckets and beautiful tables adorned by Lucy Watkins’ Florafête Bouquet Bar seasonal flowers.
“I always order caviar with the fixings and count on the cheese, charcuterie and dessert platters from Boarderie,” Holly Brodie said.
Book lovers
Why not turn your next book club gathering into a feast? Author and memoir coach Kerry Kriseman shares her recipe for success: “When I host, I set a themed table and surprise each guest with a wrapped banned book, complete with a bookmark and pen. My go-to recipe from Bon Appétit is a penne with two cheeses casserole, (a) large salad and bread. The guests bring an appetizer, and my talented baker friend (brings) a chocolate cake with cupcakes for everyone to take home,” she said.
Mango Salsa
Adapted from Dalia Colón’s “The Florida Vegetarian Cookbook”
2 cups peeled and diced ripe mango (about 3 mangoes) 1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and chopped ¼ cup chopped red onion ¼ cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped ½ small jalapeño, seeded and minced (more or less, depending on your taste)
Juice of 1 large lime ½ teaspoon salt
• Combine all the ingredients in a medium nonreactive bowl.
• Refrigerate for 15 minutes or up to 2 hours before serving.
Dr. Iain and Holly Brodie enjoy both stylish soirées and casual family pool parties. Photo courtesy of the Brodies.
Photo by Chip Weiner.
Book club bros
BY KERRY O’REILLY
In June 2020, when the world was gripped by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mark Howerton had an idea. An avid reader, Howerton suggested to a group of guys in St. Petersburg that they start a socially distanced book club.
They began with a plan: The group would pick a theme, and one member would pick the book and purchase enough copies for the other members. They would meet every six weeks at the book selector’s home to discuss the book and enjoy a meal, drinks and connection. Then, the next member would pick a book on the theme and host the group. The pattern continued for six years with one significant change: In 2023, Howerton died of cancer at age 63.
Even though they were physically distanced for the first few years, the group grew very close. Group members David Ellis, Greg Feldman, Kurt Lenz and the Rev. Ryan Whitley were among the pallbearers at Howerton’s funeral. When I attended the club’s April get-together, sans Pinellas Park firefighter Lt. Bill Weaver, who was unable to attend that evening, the group agreed that Howerton’s absence had left a void.
“It was difficult for all of us when he passed,” said Lenz, a former attorney and now a stay-at-home dad. “We were reading the book he picked when he died,” Feldman, a retiree, said. “We all agreed that we were going to keep (the
Book Events
June 23: “In Every Possible Way”: The Launch Event with Alicia Thompson. 7 p.m. Tombolo Books. tombolobooks.com
club) going. I think Mark would’ve wanted that.”
Although only Howerton knew each of the members before they formed the club, they’ve all become very good friends, despite their differences. “The (club’s) mix of different backgrounds and perspectives works really well,” Feldman said.
The members’ different literary tastes have also enhanced the experience. A lover of horror fiction, one member joked that Whitley, an Episcopalian priest, is responsible for picking the most disturbing books they’ve ever read. “Sometimes the best discussions are when somebody doesn’t like the book, or it’s split down the middle,” Whitley said.
Despite their different tastes in books, there’s one thing the members all agree on: They’re grateful Howerton brought them together. “He was the glue,” Feldman said. And that glue has helped them stick together.
From fishing trips to baseball games, “We find ways to do other things (together) outside of book club,” said Ellis, a financial representative. “This group has become very important to me,” Whitley said. “I don’t mind saying that at all.”
Here are the guys’ tips for a successful book club: Limit the number of book club members and have a good mix. Make reading the book and showing up monthly a priority. Make it fun; don’t
June 25: “Riptide”: An Evening with Enid Shomer. 7 p.m. Tombolo Books. tombolobooks.com
force it if there’s not a lot to discuss about the book.
Book pick: “Florida Man”
“Florida Man” by Tom Cooper is set in the Sunshine State in 1980 and although the Florida island where the main character, Reed Crowe, lives is fictitious, many of the locations in the book are real. The group agreed that as Florida residents, they could connect with the book in ways outsiders may not.
“The book got better as it went,” Whitley said. The author’s use of short, descriptive sentences helped the reader envision the scene. “He painted with words,” Whitley said.
With a cast full of colorful characters, Cooper surprised the guys with some unexpected twists that gave them a deeper appreciation of his writing style. In the same vein as books by Florida authors Randy Wayne White or Carl Hiaasen, “Florida Man” taps into the unique “thisness” that defines our state.
June 28: Eliza Knight with Sarah Penner: “Lost in the Summer of ’69.” 3:30 p.m. Oxford Exchange. oxfordexchange.com
Mark Howerton.
Photo by Joni James.
David Ellis, the Rev. Ryan Whitley, Greg Feldman and Kurt Lenz. Photo by Kerry O’Reilly.
perfect pours
BY NANETTE WISER
Discover spirited sips and ideas for your summer soirée.
air your party playlist with the perfect pour for your guests in red, white, sparkling or a blue frosé for the United States’ 250th birthday bash. What’s trending? Top off your bubbly with St-Germain’s elderflower liqueur or mix it with Stirrings’ peach Bellini mix. Perfect for summer, whip up a frosé for a luxurious day poolside. To make your frosé, choose a full-bodied, dark-colored rosé. Throw some frozen strawberries or blueberries in a blender, pour in the rosé, and blend till smooth. Add a smidge of sugar or simple syrup to amp up the sweetness. Sip sip hooray!
California
Ferrari-Carano fumé blanc and Matanzas Creek sauvignon blanc are light and lively. The Central Coast’s pinot noirs from Calera and Castle Rock or California’s Meiomi pair well with grilled seafood and meats.
Portugal/Spain
Paco & Lola albariño effervescence tickles the taste buds, while Spanish tempranillo, like Emilio Moro Malleolus Ribera del Duero, wows the senses for a sunset of cheese and fruits.
Italy
So many wines to choose from, but the La Scolca Gavi dei Gavi black label and
CURATED
France
Sancerres are our go-to summer sip, but our friends at Stella’s Sundries in Gulfport recommend this “wildly drinkable red from Château Fontanès. The 2022 Pic SaintLoup rouge is packed with juicy blackberry fruit, cracked pepper, smoky herbs and that unmistakable Mediterranean charm. A blend of syrah, grenache, mourvèdre, cinsault and carignan, this biodynamically farmed wine is rustic in all the right ways while still staying fresh and elegant.”
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Form, Func tion, Intention.
Terre di Talamo Vento vermentino Maremma Toscana elevate an outdoor pool party.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
1½ cups kimchi
¾ cup Kewpie mayonnaise
4 tablespoons butter
1 pound bacon
1½ pounds 70/30 ground beef
4 Martin’s potato rolls
Dash of salt and pepper
8 slices white American cheese
ROASTED KIMCHI SMASHBURGER
Tampa restaurant Mighty Fine is known for its smashburgers, and chef Nate Hardin’s version with roasted kimchi is an absolute standout. The buttery, rich kimchi complements the meaty crunch of its crisp patties. It’s a unique, savory spin on a summertime classic.
• Combine ½ cup of kimchi with Kewpie mayonnaise and blend with an immersion blender to achieve chunky texture. Set aside.
• Heat a pan to medium-high heat and add the butter until it’s almost browned. Add the rest of the kimchi and roast until fragrant and caramelized, about 4 minutes. Set aside.
• Cook the bacon until crispy and set aside.
• Portion ground beef into 3-ounce balls. Heat outdoor griddle or cast-iron pan
until very hot, about 425-450 degrees.
• Lightly toast potato rolls, then slather with a healthy amount of kimchi mayonnaise.
• Place two balls on the griddle and smash them to about ¼-inch thickness. Lightly season with salt and pepper.
• Cook on one side for 90 seconds before carefully scraping them off of the griddle and flipping.
• Add one slice of cheese per burger and top the double-patty burgers with roasted kimchi and bacon strips.
Roasted kimchi smashburger. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.
Tropical shrimp and fruit skewers.
Photo by Kyla Fields.
dishes iconic
HWhip up the U.S.’s favorite recipes, reimagined!
BY KYLA FIELDS
ere are five chef-approved recipes that put a summertime spin on American classics. Sometimes classic barbecue foods (think burgers or hot dogs) can become predictable, but there’s always a creative way to help make these dishes feel brand new. All recipes feed approximately four people.
TROPICAL SHRIMP & FRUIT SKEWERS
(opposite page)
This is a bright, fruity spin on a traditional barbecue food, which highlights the summertime seasonality of mango and pineapple. These Asian-inspired skewers boast sweet, savory and smoky flavors.
Skewers
½ pound shrimp, cleaned and deveined
1 orange bell pepper, cut into 2-inch chunks
½ bunch scallions, cut into 3-inch pieces
1 mango, cut into large chunks
1 cup of pineapple, cut into large chunks
Marinade
½ cup orange juice
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 tablespoon gochujang
Pinch of black pepper and salt
Dash of Tajín for garnish
• Soak wooden skewers in water to avoid splintering.
• Combine marinade ingredients and mix well.
• Use about half of the liquid to marinate shrimp for 30-45 minutes.
• Take shrimp out of marinade and assemble skewers, alternating between ingredients.
• Cook skewers on a hot grill for about 2 minutes on each side, until there’s a nice char.
• Baste with remaining marinade as they cook.
DILL PICKLE POTATO SALAD
Chef John Harrell, who runs food truck Offset Sandwich
Exchange with his wife, Amy, shares a recipe for his dill pickle potato salad. It’s bright, tangy and fresh.
1½ pounds medium-sized potatoes (Yukon Golds preferred), sliced into ¼-inch pieces
⅔ cup Duke’s mayonnaise
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon white sugar
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup celery, diced finely
½ cup diced onion
½ cup dill pickle juice
⅓ cup yellow mustard
½ cup diced dill pickles
¼ cup chopped fresh dill
• Add potatoes to a large pot and cover with cold water, bringing them to a boil over medium- high heat. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender (about 10 minutes). Drain and cool potatoes, then add them to a large mixing bowl.
• Add the rest of the ingredients, besides the fresh dill, into the bowl and mix well.
• Gently fold in the dill. Adjust salt to taste.
Dill pickle potato salad. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
FLORIDA BLUEBERRY COBBLER
Recipe courtesy of Fresh From Florida
Celebrate the U.S.’s 250th anniversary with blueberry cobbler served with vanilla and cherry ice cream!
1 stick unsalted butter
4 cups fresh blueberries, rinsed and drained
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 cup self-rising flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup milk
Scoops of vanilla and cherry ice cream
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Melt butter and pour into an 8-inch square baking dish.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine blueberries with 1 cup of sugar and the lemon juice. Mix well.
• Add blueberry mixture to baking dish; do not stir.
• Combine the flour, 1 cup of sugar, vanilla extract and milk in a small bowl and mix.
• Pour over the blueberry mixture.
• Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Serve with scoops of vanilla and cherry ice cream, if desired.
Papaya salad
1½ teaspoons grated ginger
2 cloves garlic
1 bird’s eye chile
1 tablespoon tamarind paste
6 tablespoons light brown sugar
6 tablespoons fish sauce (unsweetened if possible)
1½ cups lime juice
1 large green papaya
1 large carrot
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 cup green beans
Sprinkle of crushed peanuts and cilantro for garnish
PAPAYA SALAD HOT DOGS
Chef Kevin Johnson of the St. Petersburg-based sausage pop-up Crooked Johnson shares a recipe for his papaya salad-topped hot dogs.
Johnson usually makes his own hot dogs and bao buns — but the crunchy, salty, sweet, tangy, funky papaya salad is the star of the show.
• Blend the grated ginger, garlic cloves, bird’s eye chile, tamarind paste, light brown sugar and fish sauce with a food processor until the sugar dissolves.
• Combine with lime juice and set aside.
• Clean and peel the papaya and carrot.
• Cut into thin sheets using a mandoline and julienne into 4-inch-long strips.
• Cut cherry tomatoes in half and cut green beans into bite-sized, inch-long pieces.
• Combine vegetables with the dressing.
• Mix salad well with gloved hands; squeeze and bruise the vegetables to mimic the effect of a mortar and pestle. Chill for an hour.
• Add the papaya salad to a grilled hot dog. Garnish with crushed peanuts and cilantro.
Florida blueberry cobbler. Photo courtesy of Fresh From Florida.
Papaya salad hot dog. Photo courtesy of Kevin Johnson.
RE DI NGTON SHOR ES
The home’s gallery features art by Esmaa Mohamoud, Adam Parker Smith, Raheem Fitzgerald, Ashley Dunkin and Nikki Pike.
Liz Dimmitt in the Yellow Room with art by iBOMS.
The downstairs bathroom displays work by Paul LeRoy Gehres and Ya La’ford.
ARTFUL LIVING
Liz Dimmitt, CEO of FloridaRAMA, shares the art collection housed in her historic home.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CINDY STOVALL
In 1916, before the incorporation of Belleair, three stately homes were built directly across from Henry Plant’s grand golf resort, the first in Florida. It was early in the effort to attract a residential community around what was then the largest wooden structure in the state — Plant’s 400,000-square-foot Belleview Hotel, which opened in 1897. These homes were lovingly called the “Three White Ladies,” and for generations, they presided, like royalty, over the growing community around them. Today, only one of the “ladies” remains, and Liz Dimmitt calls it home. Like the house, her family has a long history in the community.
The Dimmitt name has been synonymous with auto dealerships for 102 years. Dimmitt, a fourth-generation family entrepreneur, is the current managing partner at Dimmitt Chevrolet in Clearwater, and she is also the CEO and co-founder of FloridaRAMA, the
innovative and eclectic art emporium in St. Petersburg.
Dimmitt grew up in Tampa Bay, departing for the Big Apple for New York University and a brilliant corporate art career in New York City. In 2017, after a tragedy and desire to be near her family, she returned to the bay area with her husband, Piers Davies, and they purchased their historic Belleair home that year. Now, they and their 3-year-old son, Hundley, call the White Lady home.
We chatted with Dimmitt in her historic home about the life she has built with her family within its walls, as well as the personal art collection that decorates that life and embellishes almost every inch of her artfully adorned space.
What would you call the style of your home?
It has the classic charm of the era, and it
retains the historic white, but a series of renovations over (the) years (has) opened up the space and given it a contemporary air. I call the house a “big, white box” and the now-sprawling living room space “the gallery.” The landscape is natural Florida xeriscape. It surrounds the property and provides privacy.
Your background involves cultivating art in corporate spaces, and you manage a successful art space. Tell us about your personal passion for collecting.
What I really love is identifying emerging talent — and where I can, I collect their art, follow and promote their careers, and hopefully see them grow to the point where I can no longer afford their work. For a number of artists represented here, that hope has become a reality.
I gravitate toward artists with a
The living room mixes eclectic furnishings with art by Yvette Mayorga, Noelle Nolan-Rider, Kalup Linzy and Gio Swaby.
contemporary bent whose work has political impact, artists of color and women artists. Some of my favorites are Jake Troyli, iBOMS, Rhys Meatyard, Latonya Hicks and (Paul) LeRoy Gehres.
My husband, Piers, is a dealer of early European works and those of the Old Masters. The styles may differ, but our love of art is shared, and represented throughout the house. Our philosophy is that quality objects go with quality objects.
What is your style of entertaining?
We entertain often — family gatherings, corporate events and arts gatherings, too. The furnishings in “the gallery” are intimate groupings to facilitate many conversations. When it comes to food, I am all about charcuterie and small apps. I want my guests to move easily throughout the space, be able to enjoy the art and mingle. In the end, it’s all about living. It is abundantly clear that a home filled with love and art makes for a sweet little life, and the family legacy is clearly safe in the hands of 3-year-old Hundley. He is already an avid art collector — of cars.
The master bedroom features early European works curated by Liz Dimmitt’s husband, Piers Davies.
BELOW: “Nothing is Up But the Rent” by Patrick Martinez.
LEFT: Liz Dimmitt’s sunny yellow front door and love of foliage are part of the home’s charm.
ARTS SCENE by
Maggie Duffy
Magic at the MFA
Have you noticed the enormous pink-and-white carriage in front of the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg? It’s titled “Magic Grasshopper” and is the creation of Chicago-based artist Yvette Mayorga. The work pays homage to ’90s nostalgia (see the Hello Kitty backpack) and Mexican American lowrider culture (peep the carriage’s tricked-out gold rims), while also “carrying critical narratives of migration, feminized labor and colonial histories,” according to the museum’s website. It’s truly Instagrammable and, as Klaudio Rodriguez, the museum’s executive director and CEO, said, proves
that art should be fun and engaging and accessible and open to everyone.
Rodriguez has plans to continue to bring more artwork to the museum’s grounds. “This is just the beginning,” he said. On view through July 26. 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg. mfastpete.org
Explore the written word
If “Magic Grasshopper” is any indication of a new era at the museum, the exhibitions inside also bolster that idea. The cardboard installation, “The Last Library IV: Written in Water,” by artists Ward Shelley and Douglas Paulson, is a
critical fake archive of banned books and boxes of files labeled with categories like “fake news home runs” and “server wipes — scented.”
It’s a stinging reminder of the weight the printed word used to carry, now at risk of being lost in an era of fake news and artificial intelligence. On view through July 12. 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg. mfastpete.org
Enjoy Ali Banisadr’s work
Bask in a riot of color and an inventive style in the museum’s next gallery with “Ali Banisadr: The Alchemist.” The Iranian
Yvette Mayorga’s “Magic Grasshopper.” Photo courtesy of the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg.
One of the wheels of Yvette Mayorga’s “Magic Grasshopper” carriage. Photo courtesy of the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg.
American artist fled Tehran, Iran, during the Iran-Iraq War when he was 12 years old. Banisadr was academically trained as a painter, and his style was influenced by the Old Masters, including Hieronymus Bosch, and subsequent movements throughout art history. He remixes it with
the chaotic view of the world he experienced in Tehran during the war; he also experiences synesthesia, attaching colors to sounds.
Through paintings, printmaking and sculpture, Banisadr makes figures that are
“in between turning into other elements,” he said in a video on the museum’s website. “That’s why the show is called ‘The Alchemist,’ because alchemy is the art of transmutation,” he explained. On view through July 12. 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg. mfastpete.org
“These Fragments I Have Shored Against My Ruins” by Ali Banisadr. Photo by Genevieve Hanson.
Ward Shelley and Douglas Paulson’s “The Last Library IV: Written in Water.” Photo courtesy of the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg.
See “Bash of the Titans”
Freefall Theatre is throwing a party this summer, and you’re invited. It’s “Bash of the Titans,” a musical parody of the 1981 film “Clash of the Titans,” which is loosely based on the Greek myth of Perseus. (“Bash” is meant as a cheeky double entendre.)
The original production is written by freeFall’s artistic director, Eric Davis; resident music director, Michael Raabe; and director of marketing and communications, Matthew McGee. The Gen X trio bonded over their
shared nostalgia for the film, McGee said, and the result is a fun send-up with an ’80s jukebox soundtrack played by a live band with lyrics changed to fit the show. McGee plays Zeus, and throughout the 75-minute show, bar service will continue, served by characters like Dionysus.
“It’s just a fun night at the theater,” McGee said. On June 24, the theater will screen the original movie. Runs through Aug. 2. 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. freefalltheatre.com
“Things Fall Apart” by Ali Banisadr. Photo by Jeffrey Sturges.
“Bash of the Titans” artwork. Photo courtesy of freeFall Theatre.
Honoring Juneteenth
Notable Tampa Bay artists, advocates and leaders share how they celebrate Juneteenth.
uneteenth (short for “June nineteenth”) is recognized as a national holiday that commemorates the emancipation of the last remaining enslaved people and the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth marks the day federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people would be freed.
The first celebration of emancipation in Tampa even precedes that of the first recorded Juneteenth. Today, more than ever on both sides of the bay, celebrations ring out at museums, churches, organizations and in neighborhoods in many ways.
Spreading awareness
As a proud preserver, presenter, educator and celebrator of African American history, The Woodson African American Museum of Florida honors the legacy of emancipation through its annual Jazzy Juneteenth Jubilee. This signature, twofold event both commemorates the freedom of those once enslaved and serves as a vital fundraiser to expand and enrich the museum’s educational programming.
Said Terri Lipsey Scott, Woodson’s executive director: “As a descendant of individuals whose lives were constrained by the cruelty of enslavement, I stand in reverence of those who were lost, while drawing strength and inspiration from the resilience of those who endured. Their legacy compels us to pursue greater opportunities, to
uplift one another, and to strive for excellence in all that we do.”
During the month of June, WEDU-Ch. 3 broadcasts local and national PBS programming honoring the significance of Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day, and collaborates with local organizations like the Tampa Museum of Art.
Joyce Cotton, WEDU’s director of marketing and community partnerships, said that creating awareness about the historic and cultural significance of Juneteenth is important to her, both professionally and personally.
“The holiday is important to me personally because I am a descendent of slaves whose history dates back to the cotton fields of Arkansas. My parents were sharecroppers,” Cotton said.
BY NANETTE WISER
Cotton looks forward to the annual events she attends with family, including the Juneteenth celebration at the Tampa Museum of Art (June 20); African dance, music and drumming circles; as well as the Jazzy Juneteenth Jubilee at The Woodson African American Museum of Florida (June 21).
“Juneteenth celebrations for me begin with attending church services at Beulah Baptist Institutional Church, the oldest African American Baptist church in Tampa,” she said.
“(This year,) the church’s Arts & Cultural Ministry will present a program featuring spiritual songs and dances to commemorate our ancestors, who were slaves. The congregation is encouraged to wear Black or African American attire, and the service is focused on the historical significance of Juneteenth and Black history. Following the service, a fellowship held in the A. Leon Lowry Center next door will feature soul food and music. This year’s Woodson event encourages guests to choose Juneteenth colors — red, black, green or yellow — to honor the emancipation of African Americans in the United States and the ongoing pursuit of true equality for all,” Cotton said.
A musical legacy
Alvinette Downing McCleave is the president of the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association and daughter of the late Al and Bunny Downing, who founded the association in 1981 to ensure that the history (recorded accounts of past events) and the heritage (the traditions, values and cultural practices passed down through generations) of jazz would not be forgotten.
“Growing up in Florida, Juneteenth wasn’t as emphasized, but when I moved to Duncanville, Texas, I really learned about and celebrated Juneteenth,” Downing McCleave said.
“We had neighborhood barbecues and parades, much like (a) July Fourth celebration. I love the fact that it is a federal holiday — as it should be.”
Her father, Al Downing, was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in 2025, and preserving his legacy grows more important every year, especially as the annual Al Downing Honors ceremony approaches.
Said Downing McCleave: “As president of our organization, I never want us to forget the history and evolution of Black music that was birthed through the tribes of the African continent, the horrors of American slavery, the celebration of freedom and the resilience it resonates.”
Raising voices for freedom
Afro Opera founder and musician Maiya Stevenson celebrates Juneteenth this year with her “Songs of the Soil, Songs of the Soul: An Afro Opera Experience” performance at the Tampa Heights Community Center June 14, taking the audience on a musical journey through the African diaspora, which includes spirituals performed by Stevenson, followed by a celebration of liberation, featuring the Kuumba Dancers and Drummers.
“As a performer, Juneteenth is an opportunity to use my voice as a tool for storytelling, education and cultural preservation,” Stevenson said. “Through my
work, especially with Afro Opera, I strive to highlight the beauty and depth of Black musical traditions while connecting them to classical and operatic forms. It allows me to bring communities together, celebrate our history, and create spaces where people can feel seen, heard and inspired through music.”
Community advocates
Nikki Gaskin-Capehart, president and CEO of the Pinellas County Urban League, shared her memories of the late Jeanie Blue, lovingly known as Ms. Juneteenth, who was one of the first planners of Juneteenth festivities in St. Petersburg and a pioneer who worked with Congress to pass legislation making Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021.
“She was a wonderful, strong, joyful and deeply spiritual woman who raised three children as a single mother,” GaskinCapehart said. “Her legacy is one of service and helping keep the spirit and significance of Juneteenth alive here.”
This year, PCUL’s annual Juneteenth celebration, the Sankofa Freedom Conference, kicks off June 19-20, featuring a festival of music, Southern food and dancing at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve June 19, with brunch, a chef demonstration and workshops June 20 at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg.
The importance of community
For Quenita Oats, CEO of Community Tampa Bay, Juneteenth is about passing down not just history, but experience — ensuring that the next generation feels rooted in community, pride and purpose.
“Juneteenth is deeply meaningful to me as both a celebration of freedom and a reflection on the resilience and legacy of Black Americans. Growing up, it was always a community-centered experience — attending local celebrations (and) being surrounded by music, food, storytelling and a shared sense of pride and connection. Those moments helped shape my understanding of culture, history and belonging,” said Oats, who continues that legacy with her children.
“Food remains a meaningful part of that tradition — honoring the dishes I grew up with while creating new ones together that carry forward the spirit of the day,” she said.
Why Juneteenth matters every day
Community conversations about the importance of honoring Juneteenth and those past and present who continue to shine a light on the Black experience would not be complete without an homage to poet Maya Angelou:
“Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.”
Afro Opera founder and musician Maiya Stevenson. Photo courtesy of WoodWorkz Media LLC.
Nikki Gaskin-Capehart, Pinellas County Urban League president and CEO, mentors student reporters. Photo courtesy of the Pinellas County Urban League.
Joyce Cotton, Priscilla Mobley and Diane Callahan. Photo courtesy of Joyce Cotton.
LET’S GO
Third places
BY NANETTE WISER
eeling rootless and lonely?
Discover “third place” community spaces where people gather informally to build a sense of belonging and overall well-being. Reverse social isolation and living online at home (a first place) and work (a second place) by unleashing your soul’s kraken! Mental health experts agree; we need third places now more than ever as we yearn to create casual connections and reclaim our authentic selves.
Oddly, this 2026 trend is a throwback to Ray Oldenburg’s 1989 book “The Great Good Place.” Lucky for us, Tampa Bay’s third places are everywhere we work, live and play, including cafés, libraries, parks, places to volunteer, crafty clubs, wellness gatherings, bookstores, weekend walking groups or afterwork running clubs on St. Petersburg’s Central Avenue. Explore these Tampa Bay third places and see for yourself.
Silent reading
At Book + Bottle, everyone’s head is buried in a book, with some patrons sipping cappuccinos in cozy armchairs and others sitting at the intimate bar or outdoor tables while nibbling on Marcona almonds and hummus instead of scrolling through phone texts. Author talks, writers’ happy hours, craft classes, eclectic events and wine tastings attract dozens to the boutique bookshop, which also offers Sip + Stitch gatherings on Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. as well as several book clubs. 17 Sixth St. N., St. Petersburg. bookandbottlestpete.com
Green space
Find your posse at local community and botanical gardens, where you can volunteer, take free classes, learn to cook fresh seasonal bounty and get your hands dirty, including
Discover serene spots to relax and connect.
helping out at St. Petersburg nonprofit Daystar Life or enjoying a community dinner at Meacham Urban Farm in Tampa.
On Saturdays from 9:30-10:30 a.m., take a one-hour immersive tour of St. Petersburg’s 15th Street Farm and learn about the regenerative farming practices that keep their soil healthy. Or enjoy one of the organization’s frequent farm-to-fork themed dinners, like their Ikigai Communal Dinner and “Mind Seeds, Mind Weeds” conversation, where guests come together to set the table, serve dishes family-style and clean up, as if at an informal friends’ gathering. 342 15th St. N., St. Petersburg. 15thstfarm.com
Communal tables
Thanks to Counter Culture owner and chef Jeannie Pierola, small-town America small talk is back in South Tampa with a bay view and curated cocktails. The Happening Hour, held Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m., sparks conversations between sips of bubbly, or as the resto likes to brag, “barstool kinship between the diners and the kitchen.” 2909 W. Bay to Bay Blvd., Suite 100, Tampa. cc-tampa.com
Tell us your third place. Email Nanette Wiser at wiser86@gmail.com.
Patrons enjoy cocktails, eats and “barstool kinship” at Counter Culture in Tampa. Photo courtesy of Counter Culture.
Books, wine, coffee and friendship abound at Book + Bottle in St. Petersburg. Photo courtesy of Book + Bottle.
Visitors enjoy St. Petersburg’s 15th Street Farm. Photo courtesy of 15th Street Farm.
SOCIAL SCENE
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art Jamboree at The James
Local artists created instant works of art to auction at Jamboree at The James, an annual benefit for The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art. For this year’s theme — a Route 66 road trip — Azura, Jay Coachman, Selena Ferrer, Drew Haynes, Tracey “Artist” Jones, Brian Kostar, Cristi López, Zulu Painter and Myiah Pink painted their visions of the iconic highway, which stretches over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, California. The 175 guests explored the galleries and danced to music by The Danny Bub Combo on April 11 as event co-chairs Mary James and Carol Fisher drove support for the museum’s accessibility programs. Text by Amy Scherzer. Photos by PamElla Lee Photography.
Hunt James, Leslie Minder, Don Howe, Molly James and Greg Minder.
Artists Myiah Pink, Brian Kostar, Tracey “Artist” Jones, Zulu Painter, Jay Coachman, Drew Haynes and Azura.
Gary and Selena Holmes.
Mary and Tom James.
Gary Quick and Amanda Johnson.
Court and April James.
The Pointe on Boca Ciega at Marina Bay
Waterfront penthouse condominiums
With only three units per building – each commanding an entire floor –The Pointe Condominiums ensure the ultimate luxury – privacy. The penthouse-style, 4 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom residence offers over 3,800 sq ft of living space, and nearly 1,000 sq ft of wrap-around terrace overlooking breathtaking panoramic views of Boca Ciega Bay and the Skyway Bridge. Featuring dual master baths, a whole-building gas generator, and a private, oversized 2-car garage for each unit.
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.
SOCIAL SCENE
Alzheimer’s Association
Inspire, Imagine & Hope Gala
Tearful yet joyful, the annual Inspire, Imagine & Hope Gala honored Tampa neurologist Dr. Susan Steen for her 40-plus years advancing brain health education and leading clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. Gala co-chairs Lyle Fogarty and Dr. Shannon Moroney shared the personal impact of Alzheimer’s on their families, noting that Florida has the nation’s second-highest number of seniors living with the disease. Tracy and Tom Hayes offered insights from both sides of the illness — first losing her mother and now facing Tom’s diagnosis together. The March 27 gala, “Making Waves for a Cure,” netted $780,000 in support of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Florida Gulf Coast chapter. Text by Amy Scherzer. Photos by Tacy Briggs-Troncoso Photography.
Clark and Patricia Ricke.
Tom and Tracy Hayes.
Dr. Susan Steen and Dominick Graziano.
Dr. Lyda Lindell and Sharone Fogarty.
Jerry Gironda and Jim Schmitt.
Dr. Shannon Moroney and Lyle Fogarty.
SOCIAL SCENE
Metropolitan Ministries and Joshua House LAMPLighters Fund Hope: “Ruby Jubilee”
With a Champagne toast honoring past presidents, LAMPLighters Fund Hope’s “Ruby Jubilee” celebrated 40 years of lighting the way to brighter futures for hundreds of children and families served by Metropolitan Ministries and Joshua House, a local shelter in Lutz for abused and neglected children. The LAMPS, as the women’s volunteer group calls themselves, and guests — many dressed in ruby red — enjoyed buffet stations with antipasti and fill-your-own candy boxes, along with fun VIP caricatures and dancing to music by the DeLeon Band at Higgins Hall on April 18. Supporters have a lasting impact on homeless and displaced people, said President Debra Palmer and event chair Raquel Merrill, especially children who need it most. Text and photos by Amy Scherzer.
Cheryl Jones and Cynthia Timmons.
Deanne Martel, Laura Maddalon, Raquel Merrill and Dori Solomon.
Debra Palmer, Nancy Leach, Connie Gage, Linda Mills, Tracy Bales, Tina Dumar, Amy Hull and Laura Maddalon. Photo by Tacy Briggs-Troncoso Photography.
Donelda Gallagly and Ivy Peterson.
Dr. Sarah Combs, Tony March, Debra Palmer and Danielle Albanese.
St. Anthony’s Hospital Foundation Gilded in Jazz Gala
St. Anthony’s Hospital Foundation supporters stepped back into the Roaring ’20s while advancing critical healthcare at the Gilded in Jazz Gala, raising $700,000 for medical equipment, patient programs, staff education and clinical research at the St. Petersburg hospital. The Dominic Walker Quartet set a jazzy beat for emcee Flobo Boyce and the glamorous crowd dressed in everything from fedoras to fringe April 18 at The Floridian Social. A moving highlight of the evening: pancreatic cancer patient Ron Buck’s heartfelt testimony about the compassionate care he received at St. Anthony’s. Text by Amy Scherzer. Photos by Radiu Allen.
Robin and Ron Buck and Kendall Buck Nesselrote.
Carmen Luecke, Dr. Claudia Nunes and Courtnie Hagood.
Emery and Burchie Ellinger.
Fotini Allteni and police Chief Anthony Holloway.
SOCIAL SCENE
St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation Heroes Ball
Media and tech entrepreneur Todd Wagner, known for being a “charity disruptor,” is St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation’s 2026 Community Hero, recognized at the annual Heroes Ball for helping nonprofits nationwide raise hundreds of millions of dollars for at-risk children through innovative digital fundraising platforms. Event co-chairs Jordan and former NFL Pro Bowler Kyle Rudolph huddled up to thank 900 guests at the April 11 gala, as auction bids and donor pledges soared to $3 million to equip a new pediatric rehabilitation center at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. A shimmering “Written in the Stars” theme lit up the black-tie benefit at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, where The Miami Beats kept the crowd dancing into the night. Text by Amy Scherzer. Photos by Tacy Briggs-Troncoso Photography.
Kari and Todd Wagner and Jordan and Kyle Rudolph.
Michael and Rebecca Hartnett with their children Mikey and Gracie. Tristan Wirfs, Meredith Sutton, and Jordyn and Anthony Nelson.
Scott Fink, Kate Sawa, Stephanie Conners and Sidd Pagidipati.
Ben Farrell and Nadia Caterina Munno.
The Stuart Society/Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg Art in Bloom: “Curated Beauty”
For its 29th year, The Margaret Acheson Stuart Society hosted Art in Bloom, showcasing stunning floral arrangements created by local designers and hobbyists based on works of the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. Themed “Curated Beauty” and co-chaired by Nancy Rutland and Lindsay Carter, the museum benefit began with the Lessons from the Garden Luncheon April 16 at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, featuring author Holly Heider Chapple of Hope Flower Farm and Winery. The following evening, 300 guests dined, danced and delighted in the artful floral displays at the museum during the Flowers After Hours: “Blooming Galleries Gala.” Text by Amy Scherzer. Photos by Elise Elsberry.
Nancy Rutland, Holly Heider Chapple and Lindsay Carter.
Katherine Ruetz and Emily Upham Will. Photo by Haley Ruetz.
Corrie Stover, Tuesdi Dyer and Mary Reed.
SOCIAL SCENE CALENDAR
by Amy Scherzer
June 21: Jazzy Juneteenth Jubilee, which benefits The Woodson African American Museum of Florida. 5 p.m. The Coliseum. 727-323-1104. woodsonmuseum.org
July 1: Word Play, which benefits Voices of Hope for Aphasia. 6:30 p.m. USF St. Petersburg Student Center. vohaphasia.org/ events/wordplay
July 11: 20th annual Martinis for Moffitt. 7-11 p.m. Armature Works. martinisformoffitt.org
July 30: Gourmet Feastival: “Havana Nights,” which benefits The Centre for Women. VIP: 5 p.m. General admission: 6 p.m. Higgins Hall. thecentre.org
Aug. 27: Rays on the Runway, which benefits the Children’s Dream Fund. 6:30-10 p.m. The Floridian Social. childrensdreamfund.org/upcoming-events
Aug. 27: Starlight Gala: “The Rhythm Within,” which benefits AdventHealth Foundation West Florida. 5 p.m. JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. adventhealth.com/west-florida-foundation/ foundation-west-florida-starlight-gala
Aug. 29: “Island Time” Auction & Casino Night, which benefits Make a Difference Fishing. 6 pm. Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa. makeadifferencefishing.com
Aug. 30: Empowerment on the Runway: “Bold Steps, Bright Futures,” which benefits Dress for Success Tampa Bay. Doors open at 1 p.m. Fashion show begins at 2 p.m. Higgins Hall. dfstampabay.org/events
Contact Amy Scherzer at amyscherzersdiary@gmail.com to have your event listed on the calendar.
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