Bay Magazine December 2023

A MAGAZINE OF THE TAMPA BAY TIMES

DECEMBER 2023

HOLIDAY SPARKLE

SMITH IS HOME

Your neighborhood experts since 1969

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DECEMB ER ISSU E

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18 FOOD

Sweet or savory, put your spin on blinis and elevate your holiday entertaining menu.

12 FROM THE EDITOR

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Current and past members of the Bay team reflect on their first holiday season in Florida.

15 COLLECTING

Japan was once the primary maker of Christmas items, and these decorations can still be found today.

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24 ART

Imagine Museum in St. Petersburg takes visitors on a journey through contemporary glass art with a wide variety of exquisite works.

50 HOMES ▲ Explore one of the first grand houses of Tampa’s Bayshore Boulevard inside and out.

56 FACES 28 FASHION ▲ Stunning looks for the season sparkle on location at Imagine Museum.

Ever wanted to charter a yacht?

Michelle Gadient of Personal Paradise Charters can help.

42 TRAVEL St. Augustine is worth a visit year-round, but the nation’s oldest city really shines in the wintertime.

46 EVENTS Enchant, the holiday-themed light maze adventure, finds its way back to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.

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60 SHOPPING ▲ Celebrate the Tampa Bay area with ornaments and other gift items perfect for people near and far.

64 SOCIAL SCENE

CHARLIZE THERON NAVITIMER FOR THE JOURNEY

PR EM I E R

P R O P E RT Y S P E CIALISTS

EXECUTIVE HOME IN GRAND HAMPTON

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Each office is independently owned and operated.

Michelle Cline 727.424.1108

Carolyn Gomez 727.346.3314

The Art Gallery you’ll remember.

The art you can’t forget!

EDITOR Susan Taylor Martin smartin@tampabay.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Nikki Life nlife@tampabay.com COPY EDITOR Dawn Cate FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER Brian James, brian@brianjamesgallery.com Bay is published eight times a year by Times Publishing Co. and delivered to Tampa Bay Times subscribers in select neighborhoods in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

Copyright 2023. Vol. 16, No. 8 Chairman & CEO Conan Gallaty Editor & Vice President Mark Katches Assistant Managing Editor/Features, Visuals & Production Ellen E. Clarke Vice President of Sales & Marketing Bruce Faulmann Marketing Director Kerry O’Reilly National/Major Senior Advertising Manager Kelly Spamer Pinellas Advertising Manager Jennifer Bonin Automotive & Real Estate Advertising Manager Larry West North Suncoast & Hillsborough Advertising Manager Jessica Petroski Operations Manager, Prepress & Digital Production Gerald Gifford Imaging & Production Brian Baracani, Danielle Lazaro, Gary Zolg Regional Home Delivery Managers Diann Bates, Rob Jennings FOR A PRINT OR DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION TO THE TAMPA BAY TIMES,

Shop for beautiful, unique and SURREAL holiday gifts.

art • glass • jewelry Tues-Fri 9:30-5 • Sat 10-3 247 Main Street, Safety Harbor • 727-725-1808

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Happy Holidays

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

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

A T N A S S WITH

P HO T O W - D E C . 24 NO

Discover the Magic and Tradition of the Holiday Season at International Plaza.

Step inside Santa’s 22 foot-tall sleigh, experience the magical snowfall and meet Santa in this one-of-a-kind interactive experience.

Skip the line and reserve online.

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DON’T MISS OUR OTHER HOLIDAY EVENTS! Visit shopinternationalplaza/events to learn more.

International Plaza and Bay Street

FROM THE EDITOR

FIRST FLORIDA HOLIDAY

Bay editor Susan Taylor Martin made these ornaments out of origami paper 51 years ago.

Photo by Susan Taylor Martin

FROM BAY EDITOR SUSAN TAYLOR MARTIN Not long after I graduated from college, my family moved from New York to Sarasota. That first Christmas in Florida I didn’t have a job, didn’t have much money and didn’t know many people locally. What I did have was plenty of time, so I made Christmas ornaments from a pack of origami paper I found at a garage sale. A half century later some of those ornaments still hang on our tree. Here’s what other members of our Bay team, past and present, remember about their first holiday season in Florida.

MARY JANE PARK, Bay editor from 2007 to 2015: Several evenings before Christmas 1983, my roommate and I planned to join friends who organized a caroling venture throughout several nearby neighborhoods. I got a head start on the holiday beef bourguignon, cutting X’s into the root ends of pearl onions. The paring knife slipped and sliced into my hand. I was unable to stop the bleeding. My roommate drove me to Bayfront to get stitched up. We shivered the way over and back. It would get colder: Christmas Day was a Sunday, the coldest on record for the Tampa Bay area. The National Weather Service recorded the low in Tampa at 20 degrees and the high at 38.

AMY SCHERZER, social events, features: I joined a women’s club when we moved here in 1978 and we did an annual fundraiser where we would holiday gift-wrap outside a big store on Hillsborough Avenue every day the week before Christmas. It was hectic and busy and I was a very inexperienced wrapper but it was so fun.

KATHY SAUNDERS, Bay editor from 2019 to 2021: My first Christmas in Florida was in 1970 when we arrived back to the United States from Germany. My father was stationed at MacDill Air Force Base and I was entering the fourth grade. We were assigned an apartment in base housing and lived near Tampa Bay. We thought we were in paradise. On our first Christmas, we spent the day at the base beach. The water was brown and the beach was pretty bleak, but we loved every second of it. Neither me or my younger sister and brother could swim, as our memories of Germany were more about outdoor ice skating and gummy bears, but we were thrilled to wade waist high in the mucky water on that Christmas Day. After four years at MacDill, we learned to swim, thankfully, because our next move was to Hawaii.

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ELLEN CLARKE, assistant managing editor/features, visuals & production: My first Christmas in Florida was in 2000, just a few months after arriving in St. Petersburg after graduating from Kent State in Ohio. I was 22 and had never been away from my family for the holidays before — and certainly didn’t have any decorations for my apartment. My late grandmother guessed how I was feeling and sent me a huge box containing a little tree and Frosty and Santa stuffies from her house that I’d always loved. They still come out every year and are now favorites of my son, too!

KATHERINE SNOW SMITH, former Tampa Bay Times reporter, Bay editor from 2015 to 2019: We spent our first Christmas in Florida the year (daughter) Olivia was born. Adam’s parents gave her the Ernie Sing and Snore doll. My parents, an English teacher and a newspaper editor, were horrified when the toy said to lay down. Proper grammar is lie down. I ended up doing a story on it and interviewed Mattel and Sesame Street and it was my first front page story.

TIM CREAGAN, fashion/shopping: As kids, my brother and I would open gifts when we woke up Christmas morning, even before our parents got up. On my first Florida Christmas, in Tampa, my young nephew woke me up at 6 a.m. so we went down to open a few gifts under the tree. My sister-in-law walked in moments later with a look of horror on her face. I learned that with my new family, everyone got up, ate breakfast, then all walked in together for the gift presentation by the fire (even if it was 80 degrees outside). I quietly rewrapped the gifts and waited until 10:30 a.m.

PEGIE STARK, Bay creative director from 2015 to 2019: On Christmas Eve I heard very loud music and singing coming from somewhere near Coquina Key. I looked out on the water and saw a large, beautifully decorated sailboat. A Santa and his crew were singing, waving and sending good cheer. But it was not just the one boat — there must have been at least 30 boats following it, fully decorated with lights and Santas and elves, forming a Christmas boat parade. I later found out it was a beloved tradition. Instead of bundled-up carolers knocking on my door on a cold wintry night, I had boat carolers, in the sparkly waters, palm trees swaying, balmy weather snuggling me. I was sold! Christmas in Florida is where I wanted to be!

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COLLEC TING

SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM JAPAN

F

STORY AND PHOTOS BY SUSAN TAYLOR MARTIN

rom artificial Christmas trees to icicle lights to giant inflatables, China produces the vast bulk of the holiday decorations bought today. But from the end of World War II to the early ’60s, Japan was the primary maker of Christmas items, many of which survived and are beloved by collectors.

Perhaps most recognizable are those cute little cardboard houses and churches with glitter “snow” on their roofs. They’re sometimes referred to as Putz houses, after a German word that means to decorate or adorn. The original ones were made in Europe, but the Japanese added a hole in back so they could be lighted by inserting a small bulb. China is now reproducing the houses by the millions, so if you want the real thing make sure it’s stamped “Japan” on the bottom.

Head vases, made in the shape of a woman’s face with an opening at top for a small bunch of flowers, were popular in the late ’40s and the ’50s.

Napco and other companies produced Christmas versions, often with a cute child’s face. Other ceramic items included figurines and an entire line of serving and dinnerware made by Lefton in a green and red holly berry style.

Holiday decorations made in Japan from the 1940s to the 1960s include cardboard houses and churches, serving pieces, ceramic figurines and velvety reindeer.

Around 1960, the R. Dankin company imported Dream Pets — whimsical reindeer and other figures made of a velvety material with bells and other adornments. These can be harder to find in good condition because the fabric often got stained or torn.

Even if you’re too young to remember them, these made-in-Japan items can add a cheerful touch to almost any holiday decor. Find them in antique malls, thrift stores and at garage sales. Happy hunting!

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S P O N SO R E D CO N T E N T

Coins & bullion – Give the collector in your life a piece of history!

There has never been a better time to collect coins and precious metals.

From the budding child collector to a seasoned numismatist, we have coins for every budget and interest level. David Reynolds Jewelry & Coin, 4009 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. (727) 327-2646. davidreynoldsjewelryandcoin.com.

Celebrate!

An Exciting New Season of

Holiday Gifting

From whimsical stocking stuffers to unforgettable experiences, Holiday 2023 bursts with unique and spirited gifts for everyone on your list — and maybe a few for yourself as well.

Spa Manufacturers has been building high-quality swim spas and hot tubs in Clearwater for over 42 years. Our large inventory of spas and hot tubs includes more than 25 different designs that set the standard for quality, engineering and craftsmanship! We offer the very best spas at the very best prices! Starting at $1,995 complete with cover, free delivery and one of the best warranties in the industry! Buy factory direct from Spa Manufacturers. We’re worth the drive to Clearwater. Spa Manufacturers, Inc., 6060 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater. (727) 530-9493. spamanufacturers.com.

S P O N SO R E D CO N T E N T

An Intimate Evening with David Foster & Katharine McPhee – Feb. 17. Don’t miss GRAMMY® Award-winning musician, songwriter and producer David Foster and acclaimed singer, television and Broadway star Katharine McPhee as they return to Ruth Eckerd Hall with their fan-favorite hit show.

The 16-time GRAMMY® Award-winning writer/producer performs songs that he wrote or produced from his four decades of hits and includes fascinating storytelling about the songs, artists and moments of his life.

Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. (727) 791-7400. Tickets available at https://www.rutheckerdhall.com/events/ detail/foster-mcphee.

Dancing with the Stars Live 2024 – Feb. 20.

America’s favorite dance show returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall for Dancing with the Stars: Live! - 2024 Tour. See the ballroom brought to life in this brand-new production featuring your favorite Dancing with the Stars pros, PLUS special guest stars! With dazzling routines in every style, jaw-dropping talent and nonstop entertainment, it’s sure to be an unforgettable night full of all the magic of the TV show and more. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater.

(727) 791-7400. Tickets available at https://www.rutheckerdhall.com/events/ detail/dancing-with-the-stars.

Give the perfect experiential gift: a Fun Boat Club membership from Pirates Cove Marina and Boat Club of Dunedin!

Just minutes from Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands, you’ll have access to brand-new inventory every year with none of the hassle. Craving a Cuban with an icecold beer? There’s even a café on-site.

Come join the fun. Call (727) 303-3999.

Pirates Cove Marina and Boat Club Dunedin. 2400 Bayshore Blvd., Dunedin. www.FunBoatClub.com. $299/month.

The Gold and Diamond Source is Tampa Bay’s Jewelry Supercenter, with high-quality pieces starting at $149 with our Emilique collection. Their wide selection of museum worthy Juleve pieces, fashionable dainty gold, birthstones, citizen watches, Pre-Owned Rolexes, Diamonds and so much more; are all under one roof! Give a gift that will be passed down for generations, only at the Gold and Diamond Source. It’s beyond jewelry, it’s love! Follow us: @TheGoldAndDiamondSource.

The Gold and Diamond Source, 3800 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater. (727) 573-9351. goldanddiamond.com

Small pancakelike blinis provide a great base for a variety of toppings. You can go sweet, with s’mores blinis like these, or savory.

Photo courtesy of Scott Keeler

FOOD

BLiNiS AND buBBLy S

BY KATHY SAUNDERS

orry, fancy cheese-and-cracker board, the trendy shine has dulled. It’s time to bring back versatile blinis for the holiday party. The mini pancakelike discs are a blank canvas for toppings ranging from savory to

sweet and pricey to practical. And you can still have cheese — the spreadable kind.

With the help of Janet Keeler, a former Tampa Bay Times food editor who now teaches at Eckerd College, I prepared six varieties of blinis as a test run for a recent dinner party.

Blinis, also called blins in the Eastern European kitchens where they originated, are generally made with a combination of buckwheat and all-purpose flours. Unlike traditional pancakes,

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blinis include yeast and are a bit more delicate in texture.

They are easy to make, and even easier to buy online or at specialty grocery stores.

I purchased packs of 2-inch French blinis from caviarstar.com at $7.50 for 16. I also found Sasanian Mini Blinis at Whole Foods for $10.99 for a pack of 16. The blinis were warmed on a baking sheet in the oven for just a few minutes before assembling the appetizers.

There were 22 guests at the dinner party, so we prepared plates of 12 to 18 blinis with each topping. Inspiration came from browsing recipe websites. We tweaked to suit our tastes.

Matthew Villeneuve, the dining room captain at Tampa’s Bern’s Steak House, suggested Whole Foods for Sasanian caviar, our luxury offering. We selected a mid-range priced Siberian Osetra sturgeon caviar ($36.99 for .5 ounces). The pearls were dark gray and delicate with a creamy texture and a bit of nutty flavor.

Caviar is the traditional topping for blinis, along with sour cream and dill. We blended some fresh chopped dill in the sour cream and added a dollop to each blini. The caviar pearls went on top.

One of our caviar-savvy guests said the roe reminded him “of the second meeting between George Peppard and Audrey Hepburn in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ because it was elegant, stylish and yummy in the mouth.”

Instead of the traditional sliced smoked salmon topping, we opted for salmon caviar, also from Whole Foods. Sasanian Fresh Alaska Salmon caviar ($15.49 for .5 ounces) tasted like it just jumped out of the salty ocean. The bright orange pearls were especially attractive on the blinis that had been topped first with creme fraiche, then the salmon roe and drizzled with fresh lemon juice.

To that option, the same guest said, “The

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Try this hummus and mushroom mixture on your blinis. Photo courtesy of Scott Keeler

creme fraiche pronounces the caviar very nicely before it retreats on the palate.”

Another option, designed by Keeler, included hummus spread on the blinis, topped with sauteed mushrooms and garlic and garnished with julienned scallions, green part only. Mushroom melange should be at room temperature. If it’s hot, it will make the hummus loose enough to slip off the edge of the blini.

One guest said, “I could make a meal of that.” Another said, “It’s perfect. It tastes like Martha’s Vineyard.”

Keeler also assembled blinis with coffeeflavored yogurt and raspberry Bonne Maman Four Fruits Preserves (a mix of strawberries, cherries, red currants and raspberries), topped with slivered almonds — a delicious version with both savory and sweet notes.

on top. To that layer, more white and dark chocolate was drizzled and then garnished with graham cracker crumbs. Some recipes included adding kiwi to the second layer, but that seemed too much to us. Guests said they liked the addition of the strawberry, giving the blinis a bit more texture.

Salmon and caviar blinis are often served with Champagne, and we poured plenty of bubbly for the event. Any sparkling wine will do — prosecco (Italy), cava (Spain), cremant (France outside of Champagne) or the traditional French variety from the Champagne region. And there are American versions too, simply labeled sparkling wine.

The blini platters were emptied before the main course. It was fun to experiment with different toppings.

Another plate featured blinis capped with goat cheese, a tiny slice of crisp, green apple, a bit of bacon, a drizzle of honey and fresh ground pepper. This was a crowd-pleaser.

One note for hosts: Blinis can’t be assembled too much in advance or the toppings will make the base soggy. We gave ourselves the hour before the party started to construct them and were just finishing up when the first guests arrived.

The final version was a sweet dessert blini crafted like a campfire s’more. Store-bought Marshmallow Fluff, melted white and dark chocolate and a thin slice of strawberry were layered on each blini with another blini placed

It’s a good idea to have the recipes and ingredients ready to go once the blinis are warmed in the oven. And, when it comes to ideas for blinis, the world is truly your hors d’oeuvre.

BLiNiS

pose flour 1 cup all-pur salt ¾ teaspoon er baking powd ½ teaspoon milk tablespoons ¾ cup plus 2 1 large egg lted butter melted unsa 1 tablespoon ter unsalted but 1 tablespoon l. der in a bow d baking pow an lt sa , ur to the flour flo Combine bowl. Mix in e at ar p se a er in butter togeth bined. g and melted eg , r is fully com ilk te m at b sk e th l Whi ti un re heat. Cooking mixtu medium-low er ov et ill the sk a large a time, onto oon butter in blespoon at sp le ta b e ta on 1 d t r, an te ea H p bat utes. Flip at a time, dro , 1 ½ to 2 min rm fo s a le several blinis b ub Move to . Cook until b inute more. heated skillet n, about 1 m w ro ter. b l ti b un ss g in up exce ut continue cook to help soak te la p ed in -l paper towel batter. the remaining Repeat with pes.com Source: allreci

S’MORES Put two blinis on a plate.

Top each with a teaspoon of Marshmallow Fluff. Top with a slice of fresh strawberry. Drizzle on melted dark chocolate and melted white chocolate.

Top with another blini and drizzle with white and dark chocolate. Garnish with a half teaspoon of crumbled graham crackers.

HUMMUS & SHIITAKE MUSHROOM 1 cup fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed 1 large clove garlic, minced 2 teaspoons olive oil

YOGURT & BERRY JAM Spread about a tablespoon of vanilla yogurt on blini. (Skyr Icelandic Provisions’ “thick & creamy” variety works well; if the yogurt is too thin it will run off the edge of the blini.) Top yogurt with good-quality berry jam or even sour cherry. For garnish and crunch, top with two or three slivers of toasted almonds. Another good topping is chopped chocolate-covered almonds.

SALMON ROE Spread creme fraiche over blini.

Top with salmon caviar and drizzle with lemon juice.

Kosher salt Traditional store-bought or homemade hummus Chives or green part of scallions, cut in thin strips, for garnish Saute mushrooms in dry medium-hot skillet for about 5 minutes. Stir frequently so pieces don’t stick. When their liquid is released, add garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in olive oil and season lightly with kosher salt.

Let cool to room temperate before assembling blinis. (If the topping is hot, it will loosen the hummus and possibly make it spread over the sides of the blinis.) Spoon a tablespoon of hummus onto blinis and top with about same amount of mushroom mixture.

Top with two or three sticks of chives or scallion.

GOAT CHEESE Spread goat cheese on the blini and top with a thin slice of green apple and a piece of cooked bacon. Drizzle with honey and top with fresh ground pepper.

CAVIAR Combine sour cream and dill and add a dollop to each blini. Top with caviar and garnish with a sprig of dill.

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Artist’s Rendering

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

LIVE

inspired

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

Artist’s Rendering

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

NEW LUXURY CONDOMINIUM RESIDENCES FROM $1 MILLION

Artist’s Rendering

PRESENTED BY

Sales Hosted by Smith & Associates Real Estate 330 Beach Drive NE | St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-240-3840 | ArtHouseStPete.com

Broker participation is welcomed and encouraged. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE SELLER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES TO BE FURNISHED BY A SELLER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. Prices, terms and availability are subject to change at any time without notice. Images are artist’s renderings and may not represent the final building. Furnishings and fixtures are for display purposes and are not included with the residence. Actual improvements, including, recreational facilities and amenities, may vary from those shown and views may not be available from all units. The project has been filed in the state of Florida and no other state. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy the condominium units in states where such offer or solicitation requires prior qualification.

Artist’s Rendering

N O W A CC E PT I N G CO N T R AC TS

A New Standard of Excellence has Arrived in Downtown Tampa

Artist’s Rendering

ONE Tampa’s sleek 42-story tower rises in the heart of Downtown Tampa, offering an unmatched location and spectacular skyline and water views. Every designer-finished residence features an open, flow-through floorplan, and opens to a deep-gracefully curved terrace. An impressive, multi-level amenity menu offers indoor and outdoor private, resort-inspired services that elevate every moment spent at home.

NEW LUXURY CONDOMINIUM RESIDENCES FROM $1 MILLION PRESENTATION GALLERY NOW OPEN Artist’s Rendering

PRESENTED BY

100 E. Madison Street, Suite 100 | Tampa, FL 33602 813-686-7188 | LiveONETampa.com Broker participation is welcomed and encouraged. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE SELLER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A SELLER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. Prices, services, terms, and availability are subject to change at any time without notice. Images are artist’s renderings and may not represent the final building. Furnishings and fixtures are for display purposes and are not included with the residence. Actual improvements, including, recreational facilities and amenities, may vary from those shown. The project has been filed in the state of Florida and no other state. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy the condominium units in states where such offer or solicitation requires prior qualification.

ART

HEART OF GLASS

BY SUSAN TAYLOR MARTIN We tend to take glass for granted, forced to think about it only when wiping off a dirty window or sweeping up the remnants of a shattered vase. But in creative hands, glass can be beautiful, provocative and awe inspiring. Imagine Museum is proof.

Opened in 2018 near downtown St. Petersburg, the museum showcases outstanding examples of contemporary glass art in almost every imaginable shape, size and color. There is blown glass, cut class, etched glass, engraved glass, laminated glass and — a personal favorite of mine — optical glass with its brilliant clarity and smoothness. There are huge pieces that fill much of a gallery, like the organic blue-green forms of “If a River Could Tell a Story.” And there are small pieces, like the exquisitely detailed glass bakery with its shelves of tiny cakes, pies and macarons.

Along with the Chihuly Collection and the Duncan McClellan Gallery, Imagine has made St. Petersburg one of the foremost glass centers in Florida if not the entire Southeast. It also made a striking backdrop for the fashions shown in this month’s issue.

A tour of the museum, either with a docent or self-guided with headphones, starts with a brief history of glass that includes an actual drinking vessel made in Roman times. From there it is gallery after gallery of jaw-dropping art. With the exception of Dale Chihuly, perhaps the

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Lino Tagliapietra’s “Concerto di Primavera” is pictured at St. Petersburg’s Imagine Museum.

Holid

“I created this installation because I strongly believe our entire world is in dire need of great compassion and understanding of another’s viewpoint,” reads a quote on the wall by Duggan.

Choose your fa

“Portal Icosahedron” by Anthony James is on display. Photos by Dirk Shadd (2022)

world’s most famous living glass artist, there are few familiar names, but that does not lessen the impact of their work.

Some were students of Chihuly at the Rhode Island School of Design, others come from internationally renowned glass centers like Murano, Italy.

Imagine was founded by Trish Duggan, an entrepreneur, philanthropist and glass artist who lives in Clearwater and has a studio in St. Petersburg. The collection includes pieces done by Duggan in collaboration with other artists, while some pieces, like the Blue Madonna series and “1,000 Prayers for Compassion,” were made by Duggan herself. The latter consists of 1,000 Buddha-like figures in a dimly lit gallery.

Indeed, many works in the museum invite quiet contemplation mixed with amazement at the artist’s skill. One such piece is Anthony James’ “Portal Icosahedron,” 20 identical one-sided mirrors lined with LED lights and welded together. Gazing into this is like looking into the infinite realms of the universe.

Throughout the galleries, films explain how certain works were made. Almost all are displayed in an “open environment” without protective covering, enabling guests to get unusually close, though signs warn: “Do not touch.”

In addition to the main collection, Imagine has special exhibits and Tuesday night events like stand-up comedy, silent films and artist lectures. There is also a gift shop with items ranging from magnets, marbles and long-stemmed glass cherries to sizable glass sculptures costing hundreds of dollars.

Imagine Museum, at 1901 Central Ave. in St. Petersburg, is open Tuesday to Sunday.

For more information, visit imaginemuseum. com.

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FA SHION

GLASS& GLITTER PHOTOS BY BRIAN JAMES • STYLING BY TINA JACKSON

The holidays are the time when all the world seems aglitter, with sparkling reflections everywhere you look. What better place to photograph this month’s fashions than St. Petersburg’s Imagine Museum with its stunning collection of contemporary glass art.

Jovani sequin multicolored blazer dress, $700. Cult Gaia Bloom nano embellished bag, $371.

Neiman Marcus. Deepa Gurnani Carolina crystal heart earrings, $125. Open Edit imitation pearl beaded bracelets, $21. Steve Madden iridescent stiletto boots, $169. Nordstrom.

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Chandelier beaded mermaid gown, $3,800. International Bridal Boutique, International Plaza and Bay Street, Tampa. Zulasurfing daisy green iridescent flower ring, $99. Imagine Museum, St. Petersburg. Moody Mystic crystal drop earrings, $54. Anthropologie Hyde Park, Tampa. Rafe Sofia two-tone straw clutch bag, $450. Neiman Marcus.

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Balmain off-shoulder knotted knit top, $1,990.

Valentino Garavani Rockstud anklestrap sandal, $1,190.

Neiman Marcus. By Anthropologie silk organza pants, $178.

Beaded knot shoulder bag, $108. Anthropologie.

Ginkgo leaf drop earrings, $35. Nordstrom.

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Zac Posen pleated tulle midi dress, $695. Neiman Marcus. Lele Sadoughi crystal lily earrings, $168.

Tory Burch mini velvet handbag, $348. Valentino Garavani patent T-strap pointed-toe pumps, $1,190. Nordstrom. Creations in Paradise Fantasy Vine Necklace, $250. Imagine Museum.

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Cinq a Sept Kandice Mon Amour embroidered poplin top, $345. Alice & Olivia Everly Drama lace blazer, $795. Alice & Olivia Elba Disco knit pants, $350. Balenciaga logo rhinestone pumps, $2,400. Neiman Marcus. Kurt Geiger London Shoreditch cross-body bag, $285. Zulasurfing cutout design ring, $89. Delores Barrett Atomic/Lava Earrings, $125. Imagine Museum.

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Cinq a Sept Cheyenne embellished sequin and feather blazer, $695. Cinq a Sept Brianna pants, $345. Cinq a Sept Nikki sequin crop top, $225. Neiman Marcus. Crystal frame pearl drop earring, $35. Anthropologie. Steve Madden Party ankle-strap sandals, $100.

Kurt Geiger London mini party clutch, $99.

Nordstrom. Floral embellished eyeglasses, $200. International Bridal Boutique.

RIGHT: Herve Leger ruched puff peplum gown, $1,690. Sofia cashmere cape with faux fur, $1,495. Cult Gaia mini top-handle bag, $428. Rene Caovilla Sanke wrap sandals, $1,660. Neiman Marcus. Restored Vintage Collection charm bracelet, $54.

Anthropologie. Deepa Gurnani Genesis crystal earrings, $80. Nordstrom.

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CREATIVE TEAM PHOTOGRAPHY Brian James IG: @brianjamesgallery brianjamesgallery.com Téa Bremner, assistant IG: @tea.bremner.photography

FASHION STYLING Tina Jackson IG: @Tinajstyle Style Attic, tinajstyle.com

HAIR & MAKEUP Jess Marie IG: @jessmariemakeup

MODEL Delaney Heinz IG: @delaneyheinz Modern Muse Models

FROM THE COVER: Bustier organza and chiffon flower train gown, $5,000. International Bridal Boutique. Triple-layer crystal necklace, $30.

Anthropologie. Crystal bracelet set, $85. Cubic zirconia eternity bracelet, $42. Gold crystal stud earrings, $89. Nordstrom.

Dania Perry

TAMPA BAY’S PREMIER LUXURY AND WATERFRONT REALTOR Dania has sold more than $150M in luxury and waterfront homes in 2023.

SAMPLE OF DANIA’S RECENT 2023 SALES ACTIVITY Status

City

Location

Heated Area

Sold Sold Sold Sold Sold Sold Sold Sold Sold Sold Sold Sold Sold Sold Sold Sold Sold Sold Pending Pending Sold Sold Sold Sold Sold Sold Sold

St. Petersburg St. Petersburg St. Petersburg Tierra Verde Redington Beach Seminole Treasure Island Gulfport Tierra Verde Treasure Island St. Petersburg St. Petersburg St. Petersburg Indian Rocks Beach St. Petersburg Tierra Verde Tierra Verde St. Petersburg Indian Rocks Beach Treasure Island Belleair Beach Odessa Belleair Beach St. Petersburg Clearwater South Pasadena Treasure Island

Direct Tampa Bayfront Bayway Isles Bay Shore Direct Gulf front Beachfront Bayou Club Capri Isle Pasadena Yacht & CC Collany Key Isle of Palms Bayway Isles Broadwater Bayway Isles Waterfront Old Northeast Sands Point Grand Canal Waterfront Saltaire Intracoastal Waterway Waterfront Intracoastal Waterway Lakefront Intracoastal Waterway Vinoy Place Belle Harbor Waterfront Serena Bay

6,050 4,657 6,484 6,001 5,616 6,087 4,683 4,429 2,852 3,992 3,956 3,844 3,846 3,135 3,412 3,848 3,222 2,036 2,392 3,125 Vacant Lot 6,554 Vacant Lot 1,959 1,742 2,210 2,850

Beds

Full Baths

Half Baths

5 4 7 4 5 5 4 5 3 4 5 4 4 3 5 4 5 2 4 3

6 4 7 4 5 5 3 4 3 5 4 4 3 3 4 3 4 3 3 3

1 1 2 1

5

6

1

2 3 4 3

2 2 2 3

1

1 1 1 1 1 1

1

1

Price $6,750,000 $6,395,000 $7,500,000 $5,995,000 $5,350,000 $3,495,000 $3,295,000 $3,250,000 $3,275,000 $3,200,000 $3,295,000 $3,495,000 $2,900,000 $2,600,000 $2,650,000 $2,499,000 $2,450,000 $2,292,138 $2,195,000 $2,195,000 $2,495,000 $2,150,000 $1,950,000 $1,795,000 $1,795,000 $1,750,000 $1,699,000

Delivering the Best Luxury Home Sales Results in Tampa Bay!

Dania Perry

Luxury & Waterfront Specialist

727-215-2045

dania.perry@gmail.com • www.DaniaPerry.com

Independently Ranked One of Florida’s 10 Best Real Estate Agents

THE #1 CENTURY 21 AGENT IN THE WORLD FOR THE 9th TIME! TH Dania has sold more than $150M in Luxury and Waterfront Homes in 2023.

Brightwaters Blvd. NE – St. Petersburg

Bayou Grande – St. Petersburg

Located on a wide, oversized lot with beautiful open water views of Tampa Bay, this unique 5-bedroom, 4 ½-bath, 8,031-total-sq.ft. mid-century modern estate boasts a majestic 17-ft.-high, 660-sq.ft. waterfront great room and deep protected water for your 70-plus-ft. yacht. Dazzling views, day and night!

Offered for $5,500,000.

Extensively updated and upgraded in the last three years, this remarkable 5-bedroom, 5-bath, 9,970-total-sq.ft. coastal waterfront estate boasts a brilliant custom floor plan and dazzling contemporary finishes throughout! Towering ceilings, 1,175-sq.ft. covered entertainment deck and sweeping open water views.

Offered for $4,900,000.

Brightwater Beach Estates – St. Pete Beach

Collany Key – Tierra Verde

This uncommon 6,877-total-sq. ft. waterfront estate represents the best of boating and the beach! Soaring 20-ft.-high, 520-sq.ft. entry foyer opens to a dynamic 720-sq.ft. U-shaped entertainment deck overlooking pool/spa, with stunning panoramic open water views. Easy walk to beach, easy boat to Gulf.

Offe Of fe Offered for $4,495,000.

Nestled within a private, 18-acre gulffront enclave, this dazzling 3-bedroom, 3½-bath upperlevel residence enjoys dazzling panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico. Exceptional amenities, an extraordinary natural beach and wonderful marine life deliver an unforgettable waterfront living experience!

Offered for $3,195,000.

The Dania Difference – The Professional Difference – The Real Difference in Real Estate CENTURY 21 JIM WHITE & ASSOCIATES

TAMPA BAY’S PREMIER LUXURY AND WATERFRONT REALTOR R Dania has sold more than $1.75 Billion in Luxury and Waterfront Homes throughout the Tampa Bay Region. n.

Cordova Blvd. NE – St. Petersburg

Bahia Shores – St. Pete Beach

Nestled within a gorgeous Snell Isle community of multimilliondollar estate homes, this elegant 4-bedroom, 4,912-total-sq.ft. residence enjoys gorgeous views of the renowned Vinoy Golf Course. Lavish kitchen, lovely and large open spaces, exquisite woodworking and built-in finishes.

Offered for $2,750,000.

Located in the heart of St. Pete Beach, this lushly landscaped and well-updated 3-bedroom, 3 ½-bath waterfront home features 3,069 sq.ft. of rich, elegant living area!

Terrific, open-concept modern kitchen, fabulous elevated dining and an exceptional multipurpose waterfront living area transitions to a beautiful pool deck and waterfront. Offered for $2,250,000.

Silver Sands – St. Pete Beach

Venetian Isles – St. Petersburg

Located directly on the pristine sands of St. Pete Beach, this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2½-bath corner-unit residence provides a surprisingly large 2,365 sq.ft. of living area! There are 60+ linear feet of private beach access, a covered beachfront balcony and superb world-class amenities.

An exceptional living experience! Offered for $1,895,000.

Extraordinary top-to-bottom luxury renovation! Beautiful materials and superb craftsmanship throughout this 3-bedroom, 2-bath, 2,792 total sq.ft. home.

Dazzling gourmet kitchen, elegant full baths, terrific covered outdoor kitchen, large swimming pool and 10K lbs. boat lift with easy access to the bay. Offered for $1,550,000.

Delivering the Best Luxury Home Sales Results in Tampa Bay!

Dania Perry

Luxury & Waterfront Specialist

727-215-2045

dania.perry@gmail.com • www.DaniaPerry.com

Independently Ranked One of Florida’s 10 Best Real Estate Agents tss

TR AVEL

Visitors can learn about more than 500 years of history at the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum.

Photos courtesy of FloridasHistoricCoast.com

Storied St. Augustine I

BY KRIS HUNDLEY

The nation’s oldest city, which dates back to the 16th century, is especially lovely during the holidays.

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t might seem strange that Florida, a state enamored with the new and quick to bulldoze the old, is home to the nation’s oldest city. And when you visit St. Augustine, you might wonder how its centuries-old buildings escaped the wrecking ball. Thanks to preservation efforts that began in the late 1800s, St. Augustine, founded in 1565 by Pedro Menendez, retains much of its authenticity today. When you

explore its iconic fort, walk the Old Town or marvel at the hotels from the Gilded Age, you are immersed in the past. St. Augustine is the real deal.

Of course, that authenticity has its drawbacks. A city designed for Spanish settlers on horseback can be strained with the weight of millions of visitors a year. But with a bit of patience, good walking shoes and a willingness to ditch your car at the earliest opportunity, St. Augustine offers a unique getaway less than four hours from Tampa Bay. The city and private operators have provided lots of parking, trolley and small-tour options, as well as an abundance of clean public restrooms. There may be no better time to visit than now, when the historic district is decked out in millions of sparkling white lights for a Nights of Lights festival that runs through Jan. 28.

You won’t go hungry or thirsty in St. Augustine. There’s even a whiskey distillery.

The city’s centerpiece is the massive coquina stone fort that dominates the waterfront as you enter downtown. Completed by the Spanish in 1695, the Castillo de San Marcos withstood repeated attacks by pirates and the British, then housed British loyalists during the Revolutionary War. Later, its impenetrable walls imprisoned several Indigenous tribes, including the Apache chief Geronimo. National Park Service rangers and volunteers in period dress are on hand to share stories about the fort; on weekends, they may even fire off cannons or muskets.

Across the fort’s broad lawn and busy A1A Highway, you pass through the imposing coquina block city gates onto St. George Street, the main pedestrian thoroughfare in the historic district. Packed with boutiques, souvenir shops and restaurants, the street also is usually packed with tourists. But step back from the crowd or detour down a quiet side street. Several bars offer music and shaded balconies for people-watching.

One gem hidden behind white plaster walls

The city shines brightly during the annual Nights of Lights festival, which runs through Jan. 28.

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along St. George Street is the family- and petfriendly Colonial Oak Music Park, which has live entertainment outdoors Wednesdays through Sundays.

At the corner of St. George and narrow Treasury Street, you can get a sense of what everyday life was like for past residents by touring the Peña-Peck house. The first level was built in 1750 for the settlement’s royal treasurer, Juan Esteban de Peña. There you can see where Peña’s family lived and where he doled out pay to Spanish soldiers in rooms secured with massive iron padlocks. Upstairs, on a second floor added by a New England doctor in 1837, docents give you insights into the lives of Dr. Peck and his descendants, who resided there for nearly a century. The home is owned by the Woman’s Exchange of St. Augustine and tours are free. But donations and gift shop purchases help maintain the property and provide scholarships to local women over 30.

For more opulent housing, a block west of the Plaza de la Constitución, you’ll find the spectacular Gilded Age hotels built in the 1880s by oil and railroad magnate Henry Flagler. For $4,000 a season, wealthy Northerners arriving on Flagler’s train could winter at the Ponce de Leon, which had electricity before the White House, and party at the Alcazar’s 24-hour casino. The Ponce de Leon is now owned by Flagler College, which offers tours of the property, including the dining room with 79 Tiffany windows.

Reservations are highly recommended. The Alcazar now houses the Lightner Museum, founded in 1948 by Otto Lightner, the publisher and editor of “Hobbies” magazine.

Its three floors are stuffed with a dizzying array of art, antiques and oddities like shrunken heads and the “Little Museum of Toasters.”

Next door to the Lightner and offering luxury accommodations to visitors today is the Casa Monica Resort and Spa. Among other high-end hotel options: The Collector Luxury Inn and Gardens, a few blocks south of the Plaza, and waterfront bed and breakfasts like the Bayfront Marin House and Bayfront Wescott. Relax over a meal at Harry’s or

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The Casa Monica Resort and Spa is among St. Augustine’s grand hotels.

River & Fort along the water, or local favorites like Michael’s or Catch 27 in the historic district. For Tampa Bay residents wanting a taste of home, the Columbia Restaurant has a spacious location on St. George Street. A few blocks west of the Lightner, enjoy local libations at the San Sebastian Winery and nearby St. Augustine Distillery.

Once you’ve rested, stroll along the waterfront to the St. Francis barracks, built by Franciscan friars in 1755 and now headquarters of Florida’s National Guard.

Around the corner is the Oldest House Complex which, oddly enough, includes a museum of local surf culture. On Aviles Street, the nation’s oldest street, you’ll find specialty shops like Bouvier Maps & Print as well as Ximenez-Fatio House, an 18th century boardinghouse with spooky after-hours tours by candlelight. At the nearby Spanish Military Hospital Museum an adults-only tour called

“Quackery: The Dark Side of Medicine” is offered Friday and Saturday nights.

If you add a day or two to your stay, drive across the Bridge of Lions onto Anastasia Island, site of the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. The island ends at Matanzas Inlet, where you can take a free ferry to Fort Matanzas, completed in 1742 to protect the southern entrance to St. Augustine. Or head north out of town on AIA to see the site of Fort Mose, the nation’s first legally sanctioned community of freed slaves.

Nothing remains of the original fort, but there are plans to break ground on a replica in 2024. Construction will be funded in part by proceeds from an annual jazz and blues festival held on the grounds each February.

For reservations and more information on tours, hotels, restaurants and events, visit floridashistoriccoast.com.

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ENCHANTED AGAIN

BY SUSAN TAYLOR MARTIN

O

nce again, Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg has been transformed into a winter wonderland spread over more than 10 acres. Enchant, which is billed as the world’s largest light event experience, is back with a new light maze called Reindeer Games, an ice skating trail, live entertainment, interactive games, Santa visits and a holiday marketplace.

Since it began seven years ago, Enchant has drawn millions of guests in major cities throughout the U.S. and Canada. (Other locations this year are Kansas City, Kansas; Las Vegas; Milwaukee; San Jose, California; Scottsdale, Arizona; and Washington, D.C. ) Each season features an immersive concept based on an original story.

In this year’s tale, forest animal friends of Santa’s reindeer thought it would be fun to get the reindeers’ magic sleigh bells — and they did. Guests wander the World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze in search of the missing bells in a bid to save Christmas.

The roots of Enchant go back to 2008 when two Canadian teenagers, Kevin Johnston and Cam Walker, began putting up lavish lighting displays around Vancouver.

Several years later, Walker’s wife mentioned something about a light maze and Johnston made a prototype — a fence strung with lights and packaging from a stereo system. The Enchant concept of a holiday-themed adventure was born, and Johnston assembled a team of professionals and close friends to bring it to fruition. The first Enchant opened in Vancouver in 2016 and, despite freezing temperatures and torrential rains, was a huge success. The Texas Rangers baseball stadium hosted the first U.S. Enchant, which drew more than 250,000 visitors.

Enchant is at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg through Dec. 31.

Photo courtesy of 2023 Enchant Christmas, LLC

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Enchant in St. Petersburg runs through Dec. 31. For tickets and more information, visit enchantchristmas.com.

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HOME S

FOR SALE:

TAMPA HISTORY

BY SUSAN TAYLOR MARTIN

I

n the early days of the 20th century, dentist W. E. Dorchester was among Tampa’s most prominent residents. By some accounts, he dabbled in real estate and helped with the development of Davis Islands into what would become one of the city’s most upscale neighborhoods.

But Dorchester made his own home along what would also become a prime location: Bayshore Boulevard. In 1912, two

50 | bay

years before construction on Bayshore even began, he built one of the first grand houses in the area. Since then it has had only a few owners, including the current ones, real estate agent Peter Schneider and his wife, Donna. Now it is on the market for $6.15 million.

“It’s been modernized to the nth degree, but it is still a traditional house,” Schneider said of the Mediterranean Revival mansion, which includes a guest house and overlooks Hillsborough Bay.

This nearly 9,000-square-foot house on Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa is one of the area’s first grand houses. It was built in 1912, two years before construction on Bayshore even began. The five-bedroom house, which has a striking stairway, has large rooms that make it ideal for entertaining.

It’s on the market for $6.15 million. Photos courtesy of Tony Khoury

bay | 51

The Schneiders bought the five-bedroom, eight-bathroom house through a trust in 2020 and spent much of the pandemic period upgrading and restoring it. Despite its age, the basic structure was sound — it had been built with hollow tile construction, a method in which tile is heated at high temperatures and becomes almost as strong and fireretardant as concrete blocks.

The roof was replaced along with a century-old skylight. At one point in the 1980s or ’90s, marble had been substituted for the original heart pine floor in the kitchen. To restore it to its original look, the couple obtained reclaimed wood from Georgia.

Other improvements were made to the saltwater pool with travertine deck and to the plumbing, electrical and climate control systems. The house also has a finished 1,000-squarefoot-plus attic space and a 3,800-square-foot heated and airconditioned basement with some separate rooms and nearly 7 feet of ceiling height in certain areas.

In what has become an increasingly fraught real estate market, the price has dropped dramatically since the house was listed in May. The Schneiders say they feel no big pressure to sell even though they have two other houses, one of which is in Dunedin next to the flamboyant Kellogg mansion once owned by cereal magnate W.K. Kellogg. (It was razed last year.)

“This not the best time to sell,” Schneider said, “but the best time to sell is when you don’t have to.”

The house has a saltwater pool with travertine deck, and there are water views from the living room and most other rooms. It also has eight bathrooms. The floors of the kitchen are reclaimed pine from Georgia.

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READY TO MOVE BEYOND YOUR EXPECTATIONS?

Look No Further

TARPON SPRINGS 898 Cypress Lakeview Court Karen Apa

$2,450,000 727.776.7678

SOUTH TAMPA 3231 West Oakellar Avenue

Luna Brown

CLEARWATER $1,150,000

813.841.6788

BE ACHES OF PINELL AS | 727.595.16 0 4 ST. PE TERSBURG | 727. 89 8 .6 8 0 0

1480 Gulf Boulevard #1004

Rich Rippetoe

MARINA BAY

CLEARWATER

10 Bayfront Court South $3,000,000 Kara Brooks 727.313.1233

1390 Gulf Boulevard PH-2 $2,000,000 Tina Newby 727.835.6801

TREASURE ISLAND

SUNSET PARK

11795 1st Street East $1,635,000 Lisa Story 727.667.3355

HARBOR HILLS $1,075,000

727.902.1437

SO UTH TAMPA | 81 3. 217.528 8

RENTALS | 727.595.16 05

Paul DeSantis

$1,295,000

813.439.4816

BAYSHORE BOULEVARD

3973 Church Creek Point $895,000 Karen Apa 727.776.7678

CLE ARWATER | 727.5 8 5.9 6 0 0

4702 West Browning Avenue

275 Bayshore Boulevard #1001

Paul DeSantis

$869,900

813.439.4816

CONTACT US FOR A CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION

Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations. All information is deemed accurate.

605 18th Avenue NE $5,349,000 Nick Janovsky

INDIAN SHORES

LATITUDES IN THE PARK

18610 Gulf Boulevard #705 $849,000 Michael Perez 727.422.6943

6408 64th Way North $780,000 Tyler Jones 727.452.8497

INDIAN SHORES

RIVERVIEW

19701 Gulf Boulevard #316 $577,000 Roger Hogan 727.460.4329

11952 Brighton Knoll Loop $499,000 Carolyn Tasillo 615.300.6284

ST. PETE BEACH

DUNEDIN

5555 Gulf Boulevard #104 $485,000 Amy Heartsfield 727.415.8747

1902 Briarwood Street $469,999 Jennifer McCormick 727.249.3339

TRINITY 1418 Halapa Way Kelly Ackley

813.391.8291

DUNEDIN

$769,000 727.515.6504

946 Highland Avenue #23 $630,000 Dawn Hulett 727.612.8558

MADEIRA BEACH 538 Crystal Drive Roger Hogan

$2,222,222 727.460.4329

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FACE S: MICHELLE GADIENT

Smooth sailing

BY SUSAN TAYLOR MARTIN

P

ent-up demand for travel and the popularity of the Bravo reality series “Below Deck” have fueled a boom in private yacht charters.

“It’s really exploding,” says broker Michelle Gadient, whose Personal

Paradise Charters arranges trips worldwide for those who “wanna escape,” as its slogan says. Gadient grew up far from the ocean in St. Louis, Missouri, but developed a passion for “all things water” at the Lake of the Ozarks. She crewed on a friend’s catamaran, handled some charters for friends and, after working in pharmaceutical sales and other fields, decided to broker yacht charters full time.

Gadient, who moved from Cocoa Beach to St. Petersburg this summer, recently talked about the business. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What are the most popular places for private yacht charters? All over the British Virgin Islands because of the trade winds and the islands are close together. During COVID and after Hurricane Irma (which damaged those islands), the U.S. Virgin Islands kind of built up the slack, so they have a great itinerary as well. There are a lot of emerging locations — Latin America, the Middle East, Africa. People are really into these experiences now, especially the millennials and the high-net worth individuals.

Who typically rents charters, and what does it cost? Anywhere from two to 10 (guests) is the bread and butter. Most are groups of couples, but I am doing more generational-type things, where the grandfather was a sailor and the whole family comes for a birthday or anniversary.

Most people do seven to 10 days. Typically it’s $30,000 to $70,000. That’s all inclusive with meals and all beverages.

Why charter a yacht instead of taking a cruise on one of those huge ships with so many amenities? A cruise is more

56 | bay

regimented and can only go so many places, while a charter has a lot of flexibility.

Especially when, on a sailing vessel, you can turn off the engines and it’s quiet and beautiful.

Why charter through a broker like yourself instead of directly from the yacht owner?

People are busy working, and it would take a lot of research to figure out which yacht to go to. I go to these shows where I will meet the crews and the company will tell us what’s special about their yacht, what their experience is. I’m unbiased, I’m not tied to any company. I’m kind of streamlining things and I’m really trying to personalize it to you. If you’re a scuba enthusiast I can match you with a yacht that will have scuba tanks on board. Some people don’t want to blow their diets so they want to have food that’s healthy and do yoga. Being the middleman, I’m in charge of getting the contracts signed and I also collect the funds and put them in escrow. The yacht owners pay our commission. I recently became an independent travel consultant so now I can help with airfare and travel arrangements.

Do you watch “Below Deck”? When I tell people what I do, the first words out of their mouth are, “Do you watch ‘Below Deck’?”

They have a little drama on those shows because it’s more the upscale yachts. I’m more into the 50-to-70-foot catamaran.

Both the crew and the guests on those shows can get pretty raunchy. Is it really like that? When I crewed I definitely had some interesting guests. They’re on a trip and they want to be pampered so that’s what you have to give them. They rented the boat and they think they can do whatever they want, but there are some guidelines. It’s easy to smoke pot in the U.S., but if you do it on the boat the boat owner can get the yacht taken away. A friend who owned a yacht said that when he was captain there would be instances of advances being made by women (guests).

He did hire a couple of captains who had to go because they were partying with other people. There were some good stories back in the day but most of the guests had a blast and said it was the best vacation of their life or the most relaxing.

Where do the crews come from? They come from all over the world. There are a lot of South Africans because that’s where a lot of the catamarans are made. There are a lot of Europeans, we’ll have some Brits come over. I can match you with a U.S. crew or someone from another country. I have some crews that really like families, others want party people. (Crews) run the gamut from the 20s into the 60s but more on the younger side because it’s a lot of work 24/7. It wore me out.

Why did you move to St. Pete? I had some friends here ... and being passionate about boats, the water is a lot better than on the Cocoa Beach side. I can offer local charters where they’re leaving out of downtown St. Pete and just going around here for three days. You couldn’t do that over there.

Personal Paradise Charters owner Michelle Gadient brokers yacht charters for people.

Photo courtesy of Michelle Gadient

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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.

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S T. P E T E R S B U R G

SHOPPING

FOR THE HOLIDAYS Celebrate the season, and celebrate the Tampa Bay area. These ornaments and other gift items will be a reminder of home for those who’ve moved away — and a reflection of local pride for those of us lucky enough to live here.

Oyster shell ornaments, $15 each. The St. Pete Store & Visitors Center. Photo by Martha Asencio-Rhine Cooking spoons, $7 each. UnlockTampaBay. Photo by Jefferee Woo

Coasters, $17 each, $60 for four. Marion’s. Photo by Martha Asencio-Rhine

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Apron, $84. Marion’s, 1301 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. marions4thstreet. com. Photo by Martha Asencio-Rhine

Debra Ruck resin purses, $60 small, $80 large.

UnlockTampaBay, 202 N Franklin St., Suite 102, Tampa. unlocktampabay.com.

Photo by Jefferee Woo

Wall plaque, $86. Marion’s. Photo by Martha Asencio-Rhine

Pillow, $39. Wine bottle holder, $19.50. The St. Pete Store & Visitors Center, 100 Second Ave. N, No. 150, St. Petersburg. thestpetestore.com. Photo by Martha Asencio-Rhine

Minaret ornament, $28. Henry B. Plant Museum, 401 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. plantmuseum.com.

Photo by Susan Taylor Martin

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Cigar box purses, $90 each.

UnlockTampaBay. Photo by Jefferee Woo

Mug, $16.95. Mini journals, $7.95 each. Bamboo pen, $4.95. Tampa Museum of Art, 120 W Gasparilla Plaza. tampamuseum.org.

Photo by Susan Taylor Martin

Tea towels, $16.95 each.

Tampa Museum of Art. Photo

by Susan Taylor Martin

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Pillow, $15. The St. Pete Store & Visitors Center.

Photo by Martha Asencio-Rhine

Wall plaque, $27. The St. Pete Store & Visitors Center.

Photo by Martha Asencio-Rhine

Coasters, $9.50 each. The St. Pete Store & Visitors Center. Photo by Martha Asencio-Rhine

Board game, $25. UnlockTampaBay. Photo by Jefferee Woo

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SOCIAL

From left, Mary Jane and former Gov. Bob Martinez, Sally Hill and Leslie Jennewien.

American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter Red Cross Angels Silver Coffee Red Cross Angels and friends chatted around a buffet of brunch bites, sweets (Brenda Schwarzkopf’s yummy fudge) and treats (Mary Jane Martinez’s famous nuts) at the annual Silver Coffee, a four-decade tradition begun by charter member Bev Austin to support programs for U.S. Armed Forces, taking a special interest in MacDill Air Force Base.

Sandra and Sandy MacKinnon hosted the women’s auxiliary fundraiser at their South Tampa home on a sunny Oct. 19 morning. On the agenda: Operation Holiday Cheer, which ships personal care items and snacks to troops from Central Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands who are deployed during the holidays. — Text and photos by Amy Scherzer

Sandra MacKinnon, left, and Bev Austin.

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Joan and Richard Rhyne.

Welcome Home for the Holidays Epitome of Luxury Living

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302 Buttonwood Ln | Largo 5 Beds | 4 Baths | 4,474 SqFt | $3,495,000 Kerryn Ellson | 727-408-4888

1180 Gulf Blvd #404 | Clearwater Beach 2 Beds | 2 Baths | 1,427 SqFt | | $1,300,000 Kerryn Ellson | 727-408-4888

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Fully Furnished Beach Home

3515 Casablanca Blvd | St. Pete Beach 2 Beds | 1 Bath | 846 SqFt | $725,000 Dana Ball | 702-595-6727

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SOCIAL

Brittany and Danny Persaud.

The Pepin family: Tanner Pepin, left, Tina, Charlotte, Cassie, Colten, Tom, Lauren, Allie, Bella and Ryley Beaumont.

AdventHealth Foundation Starlight Gala Philanthropists Tom, Lauren and Tina Pepin took center stage at the AdventHealth Foundation West Florida “Heart of Gold” Starlight Gala, filling two grand dining tables with their “Legacy Ambassadors,” 10 family friends pledging $50,000 each to advance cardiovascular treatment at AdventHealth Pepin Heart Institute. “I’m a walking testimonial after four, or was it five, heart attacks,” Tom said, crediting the hospital he established in memory of his father, heart transplant recipient Art Pepin. Those philanthropy genes are shared with his five daughters and a son as the Pepin family proudly matched every dollar raised in the Mission Moment appeal. A spirited auction after dinner pushed the gala fundraising over $1.8 million before the legendary Motown band The Commodores performed a private concert for the 900 guests Oct. 1 at the JW Marriott Water Street in Tampa. — Text and photos by Amy Scherzer

From left, Drew and Christina Aldridge and Ryan and Juliana Basham.

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Chris and Sandi Sullivan.

Clockwise from left, Dick Greco, David Ottati, Dr. Douglas Ross, Arthenia Joyner and Dr. Linda McClintock, seated.

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SOCIAL

From left, Michelle Detweiler, Brian Rothey, “Smile Ambassador” Chris and Copley Gerdes.

Parc Center for Disabilities Time to Shine, Evening of Purpose Gala Official greeter “Smile Ambassador” Chris beamed nonstop while welcoming more than 230 guests to “Time to Shine,” the Parc Center for Disabilities’ 54th black-tie gala to support programs and possibilities for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “Special Needs Community Ambassador” Milosz Gasior never let autism limit his cocktail hour piano performance, and the Inspired Choir more than lived up to its name, rocking the new jingle “We Are Parc.” During dinner Oct. 14 at the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art in St. Petersburg, Parc participant Jono and his mother spoke of his successes over three decades, from immobile preschooler to independent adult. Auction bids, donor appeals and sponsors helped raise $200,000 for the Pinellas County campus before dessert and dancing to the Bay Kings Band capped the joyful evening. — Amy Scherzer, photos courtesy of Krayer Zimring

The Parc Inspired Choir performs at “Time to Shine.”

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Jim Bubser, left, Mary Ann Westmark and Jono Westmark.

Bozena and Marek Gasior with their son, Milosz.

Marion White, left, and Tonya Corder.

Film With Live Orchestra

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Sat, Dec 2, 2 pm & 7:30 pm, Mahaffey Theater Matinee added!

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Ultimate celebration of holiday joy, with the famed Hallelujah Chorus. Michael Francis conducts. Featuring The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay.

Fri, Dec 8, 8 pm, Straz Center Sat, Dec 9, 8 pm, Mahaffey Theater Raymond James Pops

Holiday Pops

The annual tradition with family, friends and very merry music at its very best. Bruce Hangen conducts. Featuring Tampa Oratorio Singers and Lumina Youth Choir.

Fri, Dec 15, 8 pm, Straz Center Sat, Dec 16, 2 pm & 8 pm, Mahaffey Theater – Matinee Sun, Dec 17, 2 pm & 7:30 pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall – Matinee New!

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Holiday Brass Dec 7, 9

Support your Florida Orchestra today

FloridaOrchestra.org/donate

ON VIEW NOW THROUGH APRIL 14, 2024 The Nature of Art looks at the disparate ways humans have engaged in artistic expression to understand our environment, mediate our relationship with nature, and attain a more profound comprehension of our role within the world. For the first time, this exhibition unites our special exhibition galleries with the MFA Collection galleries. The connected ideas generated from The Nature of Art traverse throughout the MFA Campus, sparking conversations with works in the collection and allowing visitors to experience them through a new lens.

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A festive m and pop ix of classical ular h favorite oliday s.

FloridaOrchestra.org tra org | 727.892.3337 7

Henry Koehler, Lake George, Florida, 1881, Oil on canvas, Gift of Spanierman Gallery

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SOCIAL

Emcees Russell Rhodes, left, and Walter Allen flank Dave Bautista.

Timothy and Brandon Manka-Clemons.

Humane Society of Tampa Bay Tuxes & Tails, Bavarian Nacht Petting and pawing are not only allowed but encouraged at Tuxes & Tails, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay’s annual adoption gala.

Honorary co-chairpersons Cynthia Smoot and Bill Weller hosted Bavarian Nacht, complete with dirndls, lederhosen, spaetzle and beer on Oct. 14 at the Tampa Convention Center. The Fox13 news anchor was happy to hand off emcee duties to her colleagues, Russell Rhodes and Walter Allen, after 15 years at the mic. Amid yelps and meows, the 1,100 guests browsed a huge silent auction before some of the 50 adoptable pets walked the runway with event sponsors and celebrities, including actor and retired wrestler Dave Bautista, who came to advocate for pit bulls. Event Show Productions danced an Oktoberfest number and sang a Tina Turner medley during dinner. The night was a howling success: Every kitten, puppy, dog and two guinea pigs found loving homes, and all the cool cats kept the celebration going at the After Party on the Sail Plaza.

— Amy Scherzer, photos courtesy of the Humane From left, Harvey and Cherie Schonbrun Society of Tampa Bay and Sherry Silk.

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Meredith Balasco, center, and Bill and Cynthia Smoot Weller.

From left, Jan Bado, Scott Savitt and Katie McCarey.

thejamesmuseum.org This exhibition is organized by The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art. Benjamin Wu (b. 1961), Supply Station, 2015, oil on canvas. Private collection of Steve and Debra Rowley. Photograph by Krista Steed-Reyes.

SOCIAL

From left, Bobby Rossi, Larry the Cable Guy, Rondé Barber and Keith Robinson.

Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts Ruth Eckerd Hall Gala

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Comedian Larry the Cable Guy brought his hilarious “Git-R-Done!” act to the Ruth Eckerd Hall Gala, and the catchphrase worked like a charm as guests eagerly and generously funded education programs for the Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts at the Clearwater performing arts center. The theme, “Sowing the Seeds of Love,” reflects the mission of cultivating the arts for future generations. Since opening 40 years ago to the day, they’ve nourished the creativity of 3 million students, noted CEO Susan Crockett, including the alumni performing that night. Honorary co-chairpersons/ founding members Judith and Barry Alpert hosted the Oct. 14 benefit. Their son, auctioneer Jason Alpert, nailed big bids for theater memorabilia and one-of-a-kind experiences, pushing gala proceeds over $460,000 before the band Frequency took center stage. — Amy Scherzer, photos courtesy of Moorman Photographics

Felix Cannela, left, and Dr. Yi-Hwa Outerbridge.

From left, Zeb and Roslyn Atkinson and Judith and Barry Alpert.

Gary and Nikki Ubaldini.

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SOCIAL

Laurel Avery, left, and Alison Avery.

From left, Paul and Suzanne Avery and Janelle and Steve Griggs.

Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance and the USF Ataxia Research Center FARA Energy Ball Phenomenal news at the FARA Energy Ball: Paul and Suzanne Avery, and their daughters Alison and Laurel, shared a life-changing update. The first drug for Friedreich’s ataxia, a rare inherited neuromuscular disease that affects mobility and energy, has been approved, and it slows the progression of the disease. The breakthrough was made possible thanks to the passionate gala guests who have raised a whopping $20 million since 2009 for the Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) and the USF Ataxia Research Center. “FA is relentless and unkind,” said Suzanne as auction bids flew fast and loud across the Tampa Marriott Water Street ballroom Oct. 14, especially from the “Hunters and Liars Club,” 30-plus of the Averys’ closest friends. Two standouts: A trip to the French Open in Paris sold twice for $40,000, and Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon went for $750 per pour. What “a roomful of love,” said Janelle and Steve Griggs, event co-chairpersons for the eighth year. — Text and photos by Amy Scherzer

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From left, Colleen Wyse, Dr. Steve Klasko and Vickie Cachere.

Ron Bartock, left, and Nancy and Charlie Lockwood.

Doug Rothschild, left, and Gavin Southwell.

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Then discover the luxury of Concierge Medical Care For over 26 years, Dr. Zimmer has provided unparalleled care in internal medicine to thousands of patients. The Zimmer Concierge Medical Membership takes the patient experience to the next level, infusing the highest-quality care with first-rate amenities to make your visits comfortable, convenient, and hassle-free.

Michael A. Zimmer MD, MACP

We’re bringing back the idea of the family doctor, and creating physician-patient relationships that are authentic and personal. As a member, you’ll benefit from our premium services while receiving care uniquely tailored to your medical needs.

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Social calendar Contact Amy Scherzer at amyscherzersdiary@gmail.com.

Dec. 8: LAMPlighters Silver Coffee, which benefits Metropolitan Ministries and Joshua House. $50. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Private SouthTampa residence. lamplighterstampa.org or 813-505-0719.

Feb. 3: Annual To Life gala, which benefits The Florida Holocaust Museum. $400. 6 p.m. Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, St. Petersburg. thefhm.org/events/to-life-annual-benefit or 727-820-0100.

Jan. 13: The Bay Area Brotherhood 50th/51st Annual MLK Banquet, with guest speakers Barbara Tripp and Henry C. Washington Jr. $100.

5 p.m. Sheraton Tampa Brandon Hotel. tinyurl.com/3yewa7t9.

Feb. 5: 45th Person of Vision Award Gala, a banefit for Preserve Vision Florida, with honorees Richard Gonzmart and Andrea Gonzmart Williams. $250 and up. 6 p.m. TPepin’s Hospitality Centre, Tampa. pvfla.org.

Jan. 13: Suncoast Animal League, Past, Present & Future Gala, which benefits the Suncoast Animal League. $125. 6 p.m. Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club, Palm Harbor. web@suncoastanimalleague.org.

Jan. 27: Art Festival Beth-El Opening Cocktail Reception. $50 in advance or at the door. 7-10 p.m. (6 p.m. free entry for Purchase Award Patrons). 400 Pasadena Ave. S, St. Petersburg. artfestivalbethel.com.

Jan. 30: 7th Annual Tampa Bay Food Fight, which benefits Metropolitan Ministries. $300, or two for $500. 6-8 p.m. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tampa. tampabayfoodfight.org.

Wanna Escape?

Feb. 8: Philanthropic Women of St. Joseph’s Speaker Luncheon, with Tara Lipinski. $125. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Olympian Tampa Yacht & Country Club. sjhfoundation@baycare.org or 813-872-0979.

Feb. 9: Tampa Bay Go Red for Women Luncheon, which benefits the American Heart Association of Tampa Bay. $250. 11 am. Armature Works, Tampa. tampabay@heart.org, heart.org/tampabaygored or 727-563-8000.

Feb. 10: Evening of Dreams gala, which benefits Academy Prep of St. Petersburg. $300. 6 p.m. The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art, St. Petersburg. stpete.academyprep.org.

Feb. 10: Cove Behavioral Health’s Gala, which benefits substance use and mental health services. $175 and up. 6:30 p.m. JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. covebh.org.

Feb. 15: Be Mine, Don’t Stop Believin’, which benefits Heart Gallery of Tampa. $175. 6 p.m. Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club, Tampa. tinyurl. com/39563jdh or 813-930-5345.

Feb. 17: 29th annual Magnolia Ball, which benefits Moffitt Cancer Center. $1,500 and up. 6 p.m. JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. tinyurl. com/etzzsavw.

Feb. 17: 65th Queen of Hearts Ball, which benefits Wheelchairs 4 Kids and Inspire Equine Assisted Center. $150. 6 p.m. Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront. queenofheartsball.org.

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Feb. 17: Fostering Hope Gala, which benefits A Kid’s Place. $350. 4:30 p.m. The Motor Enclave, Tampa. tinyurl.com/2ub9nv7r.

Feb. 23: Tampa Bay Choice Affair, which benefits Planned Parenthood of Southwest Central Florida. $250. 6 p.m. Hilton Tampa Downtown. tinyurl.com/2tv7j4by.

Feb. 23: Gala Under the Stars, which benefits American Stage and features Tymisha Harris as the legendary Josephine Baker. $300.

6 p.m. The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art, St. Petersburg. americanstage.org.

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