Bay Magazine November 2020

A MAGAZINE OF THE TAMPA BAY TIMES

NOVEMBER 2020

HOLIDAY AT PLAY

SMITH IS HOME. In times of change, we are always here.

SUNSET PARK NEW CONSTRUCTION 5005 W Homer Avenue 5 Bed | 5/2 Bath | 5,616 SF | $2,400,000 B-G Holmberg 813.220.0643

OPEN BAY VIEWS 5010 Bayshore Boulevard #2 3 Bed | 3/1 Bath | 2,916 SF | $939,000 Mary Pond & Ed Gunning 813.690.7902

DAVIS ISLANDS 58 Bahama Circle 7 Bed | 8/8 Bath | 21,796 SF | $29,000,000 Stephen Gay 813.380.4343

HARBOUR ISLAND 1002 S Harbour Island Boulevard #1609 3 Bed | 2/1 Bath | 1,611 SF | $499,500 Traci Burns 813.833.7510

THE OAKS ESTATE 12321 Fort King Highway 8 Bed | 12/14 Bath | 36,361 SF | $17,500,000 Dina Sierra Smith, Ed Gunning & Mary Pond 813.294.8867

PARKLAND ESTATES 2506 W Parkland Boulevard 5 Bed | 5/1 Bath | 4,748 SF | $2,125,000 B-G Holmberg 813.220.0643

OLD NORTHEAST 516 17th Avenue NE 4 Bed | 2/1 Bath | 2,563 SF | $1,250,000 Debbie Momberg & Lee Stratton 727.560.1571

BEACH PARK 416 S Shore Crest Drive 4 Bed | 3/1 Bath | 3,717 SF | $1,339,000 Jacquelyn Reina 813.230.7526

PASS-A-GRILLE 2304 Sunset Way 4 Bed | 4 Bath | 3,800 SF | $3,950,000 Traci Burns 813.833.7510

TEMPLE TERRACE 919 N Riverhills Drive 3 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,769 SF | $625,000 The Wood Team 813.957.3941

ALTURA BAYSHORE Starting from low $1Ms | 2,176 - 3,575 SF Altura Bayshore Sales Team 813.492.2420 alturabayshore.com

BEACH PARK NEW CONSTRUCTION 4207 W Beachway Drive 5 Bed | 5/1 Bath | 6,243 SF | $2,599,000 Ed Gunning & Mary Pond 813.294.8867

THE VIRAGE 2900 W Julia Street #1202 2 Bed | 2/1 Bath | 2,415 SF | $1,599,000 Mary Pond & Ed Gunning 813.690.7902

HARBOUR ISLAND 450 Knights Run Avenue #103 3 Bed | 3/2 Bath | 2,850 SF | $1,099,500 Traci Burns 813.833.7510

LOCAL ♥ GLOBAL REACH TAMPA | ST. PETERSBURG | CLEARWATER | BEACHES | LONDON | 813.981.7270 | SMITHORANGE.COM/TAMPABAY

Our Global Partners

EDITOR Kathy Saunders ksaunders@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 2020. Vol. 13, No. 8.

THE TAMPA BAY TIMES CHAIRMAN AND CEO Paul C. Tash PRESIDENT Conan Gallaty EXECUTIVE EDITOR Mark Katches BAY EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Ellen E. Clarke VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES AND MARKETING Bruce Faulmann RETAIL SENIOR ADVERTISING MANAGER Mark Shurman National/Major Senior Advertising Manager Kelly Spamer Pinellas Advertising Manager Jennifer Bonin Automotive & Real Estate Advertising Manager Larry West North Suncoast Sales Manager Jessica Petroski

FULFILLMENT MANAGER Gerald Gifford IMAGING AND PRODUCTION Brian Baracani, Greg Kennicutt REGIONAL HOME DELIVERY MANAGERS Diann Bates, Rob Jennings Standing Horse (detail), China, Han Dynasty (206 A.D.–220 B.C), Earthenware with traces of pigment, Gift of Dr. David and Enid Owens

To view the magazine online, visit tampabay.com/bay.

To advertise in Bay magazine, call 800-333-7505.

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MAY THE HOLIDAY SEASON FILL YOUR HOME WITH JOY! Home is where it all starts. It’s where we wake up during the Holiday Season and think through old memories. It is about family, food, and love. Memories of the Holiday season always include time shared at home with family and friends...

Whether it’s with family celebrating traditions, or coming together with friends for a special meal or even gathering just to celebrate some holiday cheer, home is the stage for these memories. When it comes to your home, RE/MAX Luxe Agents understand how important it is to you. So if you are looking at selling your home or finding the perfect place to start a new chapter; look no further.

Our Luxe Agents are here to serve you.

RE/MAX Metro’s Luxe Agents and all of the RE/MAX Metro Family Wish You

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

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Hellen Driggers

Julie Jones

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Joey and Tina Romanik

150 Second Avenue North, Suite 100, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Each office is independently owned and operated.

COMMUNITY FIRST

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT When you shop International Plaza and Bay Street this holiday, you support your local community and those that live and work in it.

International Plaza and Bay Street and our 3,200 employees are honored to be part of the Tampa Bay Community and offer our gratitude this holiday season for supporting us.

SHOP NEARBY THIS HOLIDAY With over 175 stores open, we’re ready With over 175 stores open, we’re ready for you to start your holiday shopping for you to start your holiday shopping whenever you are. whenever you are.

EXTENDED HOURS: With our extended holiday hours, EXTENDED With our extended holiday hours, there’s more HOURS: time to shop. there’s more time to shop.

DOING OUR PART: We are committed to enhancing critical DOING OUR PART: are committed enhancing critical health safeguards to We ensure you are safetowhile you shop. health safeguards to ensure you are safe while you shop.

PARK & STAY: Enjoy delivery directly to your car withour PARK & STAY: Enjoy delivery directly tostores your car Park and Stay Program at participating andwithour restaurants.

Park and Stay Program at participating stores and restaurants.

PICK-UP IN STORE: Avoid the hassle of delayed deliveries PICK-UP STORE: the hassle of delayed deliveries when youIN shop onlineAvoid and pick up in store at participating when youPick shop and pick up in store at participating retailers. uponline and go! retailers. Pick up and go!

BY RESERVATION ONLY: We’ve reimagined our Santa photo BY RESERVATION ONLY: We’ve our Santa photo experience into a reservation only,reimagined socially distant photo. experience into a reservation only, socially distant photo.

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©Disney

THE HOLIDAY ISSU E

GET INTO THE SEASONAL SPIRIT FROM BAY EDITOR KATHY SAUNDERS While the fashion world continues to try to navigate its future in this pandemic, what we’ve seen for this fall and the holiday season has made us confident about one trend: Animal prints are always in style.

Fashion magazines of the 1920s, during the Spanish flu pandemic, were filled with leopard-inspired designs for dresses, coats, wraps and shoes. The trend has continued to remain in vogue through the decades.

While we at Bay are strongly opposed to any clothing featuring real animal fur, we wanted to celebrate the animals that inspire our fashions. We were grateful to the managers and trainers at Busch Gardens, who invited us to visit the animal habitats for our photo shoot. We were especially delighted to meet Devi and Kita, two magnificent hippos who beckoned us to their underwater home.

16 ALL SET FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Guests will soon be seated at Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and Christmas tables.

26 PETS

Our furry friends have helped us a lot, and they deserve to be rewarded.

We got started early on our holiday hosting plans. Thanks to Julie Overton-Newland of Gulfport and Sara Sher of Tampa, who set their Thanksgiving and Hanukkah tables for us. I assembled a Christmas dinner party.

52 FOUND IT

Gift-giving needn’t be sidelined this season. What to give? We have ideas.

Our Bay team also ventured out to visit four Florida hotels where readers can relax and recharge.

58 FACES

Local author Lisa Unger adjusts to changes in the book business.

We are excited about the virtual Times Festival of Reading (Nov. 12-14). We talked to author Lisa Unger about the new, virtual world of book promotions.

Our “Found It” items this month are some of the “thank-you” and “thinking-of-you” gifts we will be sending to our friends and associates this holiday season.

Finally, we pay homage to our pets in this issue. We share a few items for pets to love and for those who love them.

In February, we will publish our magazine on the theme of “Love.” Have safe and happy holidays, and we look forward to a healthier 2021.

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62 GETAWAYS 36 FASHION

Take a walk on the wild side at Busch Gardens, where our models struck a pose (many poses) against the backdrop of the Tampa theme park’s animal habitats.

If you’re looking for the perfect place to unwind, these hotels deliver.

68 CIAO!

A family trip to Italy over Thanksgiving satisfies the stomach and the heart.

76 SOCIAL

BAR LOUIE • BAZILLE • BRIO ITALIAN MEDITERRANEAN CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN • THE CAPITAL GRILLE THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY • DOC B’S • OCEAN PRIME • THE PUB ROCCO’S TACOS & TEQUILA BAR • SEKUSHI • WHISKEY CAKE

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

SET FOR THE HOLIDAYS:

THANKSGIVING Julie Overton-Newland plans to celebrate Thanksgiving in the backyard of her Gulfport home. She decorated her table for eight with terracotta pots painted cream, green and copper and filled with green succulents. She paired the centerpiece with copper chargers and used dishes from her mother with gold tones as well as plates from a friend’s great-grandmother, a Wedgwood Queensware pattern with raised leaves and fruit designs from the 1890s.

ON THE MENU Butternut Squash Soup Brined and Roasted Turkey Mashed Sweet Potatoes Mushroom and Onion Stuffing Turkey Gravy Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Cheesecake with a topping of whipping cream blended with brown sugar, butter, cinnamon and toasted walnuts

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Photo by Scott Keeler

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SET FOR THE HOLIDAYS:

HANUKKAH Artist Sara Golding Scher set a colorful Hanukkah table with fused glass dinner and salad plates, serving bowls and platters she made at the Roberta M. Golding Visual Arts Center at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC. Golding Scher and her late mother, artist and philanthropist Roberta Golding, created the cake centerpiece of millions of tiny glass beads topped with beaded flowers. The silver menorah, a nine-armed candelabra that holds eight candles plus one “shamash,� or helper candle, is lit at nightfall during Hanukkah to commemorate the miracle of a tiny vial of oil lasting eight days during the rededication of the holy temple in Jerusalem in 165 B.C. Every night, another candle is added so on the eighth night all are burning bright.

ON THE MENU Chopped Israeli Salad Chicken Matzo Ball Soup Brisket Latkes served with applesauce and sour cream Sugar Cookies

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Photo by Martha Asencio Rhine bay / 19

SET FOR THE HOLIDAYS:

CHRISTMAS Bay editor Kathy Saunders decorated with Lennox Christmas patterned china, an embroidered linen tablecloth and napkins, Lennox napkin rings, salt and pepper shakers and drinking glasses. She used garnet wine and water glasses and adorned each place setting with Christmas crackers by Caspari. Flowers were designed by Hayes Florist of Pinellas Park.

ON THE MENU Peppercorn Roasted Beef Tenderloin With Port Wine Gravy Mashed Potatoes Honey Glazed Carrots Steamed Broccolini Yorkshire Pudding Decorated Chocolate Cake Ina Garten’s Souffle a L’orange

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Photo by Scott Keeler

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CENTURY 21 – The #1 InternationalBrandinRealEstate Monterey Blvd NE St. Petersburg

This wonderful 5 bedroom, 4 bath, 5564 total sqft coastal country home in exclusive Snell Isle offers a huge back yard and a grand, wide waterfrontage. Lovely kitchen, fine casual waterfront dining, private office/den, large media/game room.

Fabulous master suite with private balcony. Gorgeous pool, boat dock and lift.

Offered for $2,250,000.

Luxury & Waterfront Specialist

727-215-2045

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

Dania Sold $130M+ in Luxury and Waterfront Real Estate in 2020 and More Than $1 Billion Throughout Tampa Bay!

Isle Of Palms - Treasure Island

Columbus Drive - Tierra Verde

Located directly on the intracoastal waterway at the edge of the Gulf of Mexico rests this beautifully updated 4 bedroom 3.5 bath, 4988 total sqft coastal contemporary home! Dazzling finishes, exquisite Wolf/Subzero kitchen, lavish baths, gorgeous pool, 16,000 lb boat lift, spectacular water views throughout.

Offered for $2,195,000.

Brand new luxury waterfront construction located just a few minutes walk from the powder soft sands of Treasure Island Beach. Fabulous 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath, 5615 total sqft home boasts stunning coastal contemporary finishes in a lavish Euro-style minimalist appeal.

Offered for $1,599,000

Bayshore Dr NE - St. Petersburg Brilliant artisan-quality workmanship with extensive use of cast stone/ marble/granite and cherry wood, combine to deliver a plush, lavish living experience throughout this 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath, 5000sqft estate.

Soaring 22ft ceilings, superb luxury kitchen, spacious media room, elegant office, gorgeous family/living rooms, wonderful outdoor entertainment area. Offered for $1,500,000.

The Dania Difference - The Professional Difference - The Real Difference in Real Estate CENTURY21 JIM WHITE & ASSOCIATES

World

for the 7th Time!

Dania Perry – Delivering the Best

Luxury Home Sales Results in Tampa Bay!

Dania has sold $130M+ in Luxury and Waterfront Real Estate in 2020 and More Than $1 Billion Throughout Tampa Bay!

Brightwaters - St. Petersburg

Willadel - Belleair, FL

Beachfront - Redington Beach

Belleair Beach, FL

The pinnacle in waterfront luxury and a rare opportunity in Tampa Bay. Astonishing 554ft of water frontage with deep, protected sailboat water. 10 bedrooms, 10 full baths, 4 half baths, 8-car garage and 26,383 total sqft. ‘Villa Terranova,’ nationally awarded the U.S. custom home of the year, is complemented by ‘Amanyara,’ a lavish contemporary guest home. Offered for $19,995,000.

Located on a deep, wide private beachfront lot in one of Tampa Bay’s finest beach communities, this astonishing 5 bedroom, 5.5 bath, 11,622 total sqft coastal Tuscan estate with separate guest house boasts extraordinary design, craftsmanship and luxury. Magnificent features and finishes throughout. Offered for $6,894,000.

Resting high above the intracoastal waterway on an impressive 1.82 acres, this palatial 15,000+ total sqft estate delivers sensational open water views! Towering ceilings, grand living spaces, steam room, sauna, spectacular pool/cabana, separate guest house, private tennis court, deeded boat slip/dock and so much more.

Offered for $6,995,000.

Enjoy sweeping intracoastal views from this spectacular double lot with an amazing 256 feet of seawall! Located in one of Tampa Bay’s premier communities, this 3245sqft home features a sumptuous kitchen and exquisite living spaces. Updated seawall, composite dock, 35K lift, dual jetski platform & much more. Offered for $2,990,000.

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

CENTURY 21 – The #1 InternationalBrandinRealEstate 727-215-2045

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5795 sqft, 6 bedroom, 7 bath private estate with beautiful grounds.

Offered for $1,649,000.

Sunset Dr – St. Petersburg

2892 sqft, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath waterfront home with wide waterviews.

Offered for $1,450,000.

Massachusetts Ave – Venetian Isles

3202 sqft, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath waterfront pool home with rich finishes.

Offered for $1,349,000.

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4171 sqft, 4 bedroom, 4 bath waterfront pool home.

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Capri Isle – Treasure Island

Richly remodeled 3306 sqft, 4 bedroom, 4 bath beachfront home.

Offered for $1,699,000.

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Bella Vista Dr – St. Pete Beach

1335 sqft, 3 bedroom, 2 bath beachfront home.

Offered for $1,850,000.

Sunset Beach – Treasure Island

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Coffee Pot Riviera NE – Snell Isle

4509 sqft, 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath waterfront home with a wide waterfrontage.

Offered for $1,895,000.

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4390 sqft, 5 bedroom 3.5 bath luxury waterfront pool home.

Offered for $1,750,000.

Carolina Ave NE – Venetian Isles

Lovely, spacious 3829 sqft, 5 bedroom, 4 bath waterfront home. Offered for $1,995,000. $1,

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Paradise Island - Treasure Island

2900 sqft, 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath waterfront home with beautiful finishes.

Offered for $1,925,000.

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New 2721 sqft, 3 Bedroom, 3.5 bath luxury Gulf front condominium.

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3081 sqft, 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath luxury condominium with stunning water vistas. Offered for $2,075,000.

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3836 sqft , 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath luxury beachfront condominium.

Offered for $2,150,000.

Sample of Homes Sold By Dania in 2020

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Burning Tree – Seminole

Private 4449 sqft, 3 bedroom, 3 bath pool home with large lot & water access.

Offered for $1,395,000.

The Dania Difference - The Professional Difference - The Real Difference in Real Estate CENTURY21 JIM WHITE & ASSOCIATES

World

for the 7th Time!

Dania Perry – Delivering the Best

Luxury Home Sales Results in Tampa Bay!

Dania has sold $130M+ in Luxury and Waterfront Real Estate in 2020 and More Than $1 Billion Throughout Tampa Bay!

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4564 sqft, 4 bedroom, 4 bath, open water pool home.

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2 beach cottages total 1847 sqft on very private beach lot.

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2886 sqft, 5 bedroom, 3 bath beachfront pool home.

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Offered for $2,395,000.

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6805 sqft, 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath pool home with brilliant open water views.

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Sands Point – Tierra Verde

Fabulous 7366 sqft, 5 bedroom, 5 bath home with huge open water views.

Offered for $3,100,000.

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Dazzling 3894 sqft, 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath waterfront pool home.

Offered for $2, 875,000.

Luxurious 5072 sqft, 4 bedroom, 5 bath waterfront pool home.

Offered for $2,650,000.

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7509 sqft, 5 bedroom, 5.5 bath waterfront pool home.

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Exquisite 4752 sqft, 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath home with stunning open water views.

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4407 sqft, 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home on 3 lots with 311 of waterfrontage.

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Well-finished 3608 sqft, 4 bedroom, 3 bath beachfront pool home.

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Harrison Ave – Belleair Beach

5063 sqft, 5 bedroom, 5 bath pool home on a large wide waterfront.

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Redington Grand – N. Redington Beach 5200 sqft, 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath luxury beachfront condominium. ominium.

Offered for $2,100,000.

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

PAWS FOR CELEBRATION

BY KATHY SAUNDERS

A

nimal shelters emptied out as fast as Clorox wipes flew off grocery store shelves when the pandemic hit in March. Many of us adopted pets to keep us

company and to keep us sane. Those of us who already had pets surely cherish them more now that we have enjoyed their close companionship while working at home. They have motivated us to move and walk more, helped us get out of bed on those mornings we didn’t think we could, and, they gave us the endless snuggles we have needed to cope. Pet store owners say their customers are grateful for their pets and have spent plenty of money and time trying to show their appreciation.

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Opposite page: Wesley Snipes isn’t sure whether to run from or pounce on the feline-friendly tree decorated by his owner, Julie Overton-Newland.

Susie Kupfer, owner of Pet Food Warehouse in St. Petersburg, said she has sold lots of puzzle games as well as long-lasting chew toys, including elk and deer antlers, for dogs. “They can chew on those for hours,” she said. Cat owners are looking for climbing trees and shelves, toys that move and catnip, lots of catnip.

The Saunders family Labrador retrievers, Luna, Hillary and Blue, pose reluctantly for holiday card photos alongside their dog-themed tree.

Photos by Scott Keeler

New leashes and collars are other hot items as we are walking our dogs more often. Strollers for smaller dogs are popular for those that can’t keep up with their owners’ newfound need for exercise.

Colleen Brown, owner of St. Petersburg’s Fuzzies and Furries, said she has been giving cat owners lessons on how to string up toys from their ceilings to keep their cats occupied. “I would hang things like little toys and feathers and the cats will lay on their backs and whack on them and play for a long time,” she said.

Like many of their owners, pets have been gaining weight during the pandemic. Brown said she recommends limiting treats and using mostly healthier, meat-based goodies as rewards. “One of the best things you can do for kitties is to hide little meat treats throughout the house,” she said.

“They will hunt it down.”

Kupfer said she also has been selling a lot of comfy, furniturelike pet beds. “Just like us, they are anxious right now and in need of a lot of comforting,” said Kupfer. It’s worth it, she said, “Because, really, where would we be without them?”

HELPING OUT Local animal charities could use donations this season. Here are a few options: SPCA Tampa Bay (spcatampabay.com): The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a nonprofit animal welfare agency that annually cares for more than 9,500 animals and injured wildlife at its Largo shelter, according to its website. The agency provides immunizations, medical care, behavior training, enrichment, public veterinary services and adoptions. Dogs, cats, pocket pets, exotic animals and livestock are sheltered by the SPCA Tampa Bay. Friends of Strays Animal Shelter (friendsofstrays.org): The no-kill shelter in St. Petersburg was founded in 1978. Through outreach, advocacy and services, it aims to

ensure that animal companionship is accessible to all. It sponsors pet adoptions and focuses on lifesaving programs promoting pet retention, community empowerment and humane pet ownership education, its website says.

Society provides shelter and lifesaving care for animals to prevent animal homelessness. The organization provides adoptions, vet services and spaying and neutering as well as services to help keep individuals and their pets together.

Pet Pal Animal Shelter (petpalanimalshelter. com): Pet Pal’s mission, according to its website, is to rescue dogs and cats from shelters where they would otherwise be euthanized. It is dedicated to education on pet overpopulation and the importance of spaying/neutering and responsible pet ownership. In St. Petersburg, Pet Pal has an animal shelter, vet clinic and thrift shop.

Southeastern Guide Dogs (guidedogs.org): Southeastern Guide Dogs trains and provides seeing eye dogs for the blind as well as service dogs for veterans and disabled children in need of companionship. The Palmetto-based organization has matched more than 3,200 guide dog and service teams since it was founded in 1982 and has more than 1,200 dogs in its breeding, raising and training programs. The dogs from the nonprofit agency are offered free of charge to handlers throughout the country.

Humane Society of Tampa Bay (humanesocietytampa.org): The Humane

bay / 27

Hangman Pets Wall Mounted Cat Shelf, $65. The floating shelf can be installed on any type of wall and is designed to give cats a peaceful perch for escaping other pets and viewing their surroundings from a safe distance. Pet Food Warehouse, 1830 61st Ave. N, St. Petersburg. 727-521-6191. petfoodstpete.com.

TREATING OUR PETS We did a little shopping to find a few gifts to show appreciation to our furry friends and those who love them.

Originally based in St. Petersburg in the 1970s, Glo-Marr of Lawrenceburg, Ky., has a line of scented shampoos, conditioners, colognes and health care products with names like Barktini Blends, Daquiri Dog, Margarita Mutt, Cosmopolitan Canine and Pina Colada Pooch. “Hair of the Dog” Conditioner tames unruly manes and softens fur, and Party Fowl water additive calms “howl-a-tosis,” according to national sales manager Steve Nicolosi. The products, available at glomarr.com, range in price from about $7 to $13.

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Furbo Dog Camera and treat-tossing toy, $199. The camera allows owners to see their dogs and expel treats from the device through a computer or phone app. The Furbo makes a sound, which can be personalized with the pet owner’s voice, to signal the delivery of the treats. amazon.com.

Southern Living’s Holiday Labs in a Truck accent plates are perfect for a holiday dessert buffet. $24 for two. dillards.com.

Litter Robot 3, $449. This self-cleaning litter box for cats is WiFi-enabled and sifts the litter after each use, depositing the waste clumps into a drawer for easy disposal. litter-robot.com.

Dog & Cat luncheon napkins $7, and cocktail napkins, $5.

Casa di Mazzaro. casadimazzaro.com.

The dog sofa by Snoozer Pet Products, $400, is greyhound Kai’s favorite bed for stretching out and relaxing while his owner works at home. The bed has a fully washable mattress and can be upholstered with a number of custom fabrics. snoozerpetproducts.com.

Louis Vuitton Dog Carrier, $2,910.

Because they’re royalty to us. us.louisvuitton.com.

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The Rustic Look of Wood yet the Durability & Longevity of Granite.

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Located just moments from the open Gulf, this home comes complete with an extra large boat slip on deep, protected water that presents the possibility for a multitude of conďŹ gurations. It also features two private garages.

The stunning open kitchen and great room look through a wide spread of windows and sliding glass doors, bringing the waterfront feeling inside, blending it perfectly with the high-end interior styling in a way that will make every day of living here an elegant, enjoyable experience.

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‘Tis the sea-son to gather round the table and share what you’re tank-ful for.

For us this year, it’s all of you. Swim over and let us show our love the way we do best; E\ VHUYLQJ XS IHVWLYH FRFNWDLOV DQG GLVKHV IRU \RX WR HQMR\ QH[W WR RXU ȴVKHV

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Artist’s Rendering

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Now rising to take its place at the pinnacle of sophisticated city living, Saltaire offers the luxuries of a private covered entry, personalized services and elevated amenities. Larger oorplans feature walls of glass, expansive terraces, and impressive owners’ suites – with sweeping city and bay views in every direction. The ideal 1st St. South location puts you in the heart of everything that makes this walkable waterfront downtown the place to be.

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Artist’s Rendering of Azure South Residence

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, terms and availability are subject to change at any time without notice. Actual improvements, LQFOXGLQJ IXUQLVKLQJV Č´[WXUHV UHFUHDWLRQDO IDFLOLWLHV DQG DPHQLWLHV PD\ YDU\ IURP WKRVH VKRZQ DQG YLHZV PD\ QRW EH DYDLODEOH IURP DOO XQLWV 7KLV LV QRW DQ RÎ?HU WR VHOO RU VROLFLWDWLRQ RI RÎ?HUV WR EX\ WKH FRQGRPLQLXP XQLWV LQ VWDWHV ZKHUH VXFK RÎ?HU RU VROLFLWDWLRQ UHTXLUHV SULRU TXDOLČ´FDWLRQ )RU 1HZ <RUN 5HVLGHQWV 7+( &203/(7( 2))(5Î&#x2013;1* 7(506 $5( Î&#x2013;1 $ &36 $33/Î&#x2013;&$7Î&#x2013;21 $9$Î&#x2013;/$%/( )520 7+( 2))(5 25 )Î&#x2013;/( 12 &36 .7 6W 3HWH %D\IURQW //& VW 6WUHHW 6RXWK 6W 3HWHUVEXUJ )ORULGD 7KLV DGYHUWLVHPHQW LV D VROLFLWDWLRQ IRU WKH VDOH RI FRQGRPLQLXP XQLWV LQ 6DOWDLUH &RQGRPLQLXP 1- 5HJLVWUDWLRQ ([FOXVLYH 6DOHV 0DUNHWLQJ E\ 'RXJODV (OOLPDQ 'HYHORSPHQW 0DUNHWLQJ

FA SHION

PHOTOS BY BRIAN JAMES

Holidays may be scaled down this year for our safety, but no need to play it safe with fashion. We looked to the outdoors for inspiration for our outfits this season. Alongside the majestic animals on the Serengeti Plain of Busch Gardens in Tampa and up close in their park habitats, our models were connected to nature from head to toe.

Stylist Tina Jackson used animal prints, floral patterns and earthly colors to blend the whimsical with the wildlife.

ANIMAL ATTRACTION

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Vegan leather beaded dress, Zhivago, $554. Revolve. revolve.com. Pink fringe druzy feather earrings, Sugarfix by Baublebar, $15. Target.

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Twisted bow jumpsuit with convertible skirt, Alexia Maria, $1,391. Saks. Red flower crystal earrings, Lele Sadoughi, $165. Nordstrom.

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Belted leopard print linen dress, Samantha Sung, $850. Saks. Black faux leather gloves, DooWay, $20. Faux leather beret, WETOO, $18. amazon. com. Mod Reflection drop earrings, Lizzie Fortunato, $195. Nordstrom.

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Spellbound tiered dress, Alice & Olivia, $895. Latch combat boots, Steve Madden, $121. Crimson feather fan earrings, Baublebar, $50. Nordstrom. Rattan bucket cross-body bag, A New Day, $37. Target. Oversized straw hat, Villay, $27. amazon.com.

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Floral draped tier-ruffle gown, Raisa Vanessa, $3,250.

Saks. Chanel drop diamond earrings, $250. Jackie Z Style Co., St. Petersburg. jackiezstyle.com. Silver Gisela embellished pump, Badgley Mischka, $168.

Nordstrom.

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CREATIVE TEAM PHOTOGRAPHY Brian James IG: @brianjamesgallery brianjamesgallery.com FASHION STYLING Tina Jackson, lead stylist Style Attic tinajstyle.com Daisia Jackson, assistant MAKEUP Monique McLaughlin IG: @moemakeup moemakeup.com HAIR Jackie Cupples IG: @lilsoldierjack FB: Shear Freakz MODELS Aubri Ebony Benz Talent & Model Agency IG: @aubriebony

ON THE COVER Faux peacock gown, Sherri Hill, $1,198. Georgetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boutique, Tampa. georgettesfashion.com. Peacock earrings, ASOS, $50. asos.com.

Natasha Gabriela Peitersen Fenton Model Management New York IG: @natasha.peitersen

A SPECIAL THANKS

Faux snakeskin blazer, Danielle Bernstein, $100. Faux snakeskin pants, Danielle Bernstein, $100. Macyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Linen vest, Chelsea 28, $100. Nordstrom. Off-white ruffle sleeve blouse, Paige, $179. Eye Party chain clutch bag, Kurt Geiger, $120. Vintage Gold Holland statement earrings, Kendra Scott, $118. Nordstrom.

We are immensely grateful to the staff and trainers from Busch Gardens for their tireless and expert assistance in coordinating our photo shoot. Even the animals woke up early to help us pull off the session before the park opened. Thank you, Rebecca Romzek, public relations and communications director; Nevar Campbell, event sales and services director; and trainers Ken Dockum, Justin Garner, Jason Green, Phil Hillary, Susie Krzyzanowski, Sam Meinke, Samantha Postich, Sean Ramsdell, Pandy Sokol, Amber Wisler, Laura Wittish and Vickie Zavosky.

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The former Hospitality House at Busch Gardens, which was the go-to spot for free samples of Anheuser-Busch products, is today known as the Garden Gate Cafe. Early visitors to the Tampa park would ride the “Stairway to the Stars” escalator to the roof of the Anheuser-Busch brewery to embark on a tour. Times file photos

REVISITING BUSCH GARDENS HISTORY

BY SHARON KENNEDY WYNNE

W

hen it opened in 1959 in Tampa, Busch Gardens was just a beer garden that featured free admission, bird shows and a devotion to the products of then-owner AnheuserBusch. After 60 years, the theme park is now the coaster king of Florida. It is spread across 300 acres and contains one of the country’s premiere zoos with thousands of animals representing more than 200 species.

But back in 1959, there were just four employees and four parrots. Free beer samples were handed out after the brewery tour. To reach the brewery, guests ascended the “Stairway to the Stars.” The 86-foot escalator, billed as one of the tallest in the world, transported guests to the observation deck on the roof of the brewery to begin tours.

The park’s new Iron Gwazi roller coaster, set to open in the spring of 2021, occupies the space that was once the brewery. Instead of a thrilling escalator, the steel and wood Iron Gwazi will be the tallest hybrid roller coaster in North America and the steepest and fastest hybrid roller coaster in the world. Next door to the Iron Gwazi, however, there is still a taste of Busch Gardens’ midcentury roots and architecture at the Garden

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Gate Cafe. Back when the brewery tours first started, guests visited the Hospitality House for free samples of Anheuser-Busch products. That building, which has a seven-sided roof and cantilevered deck overlooking the lagoon, was renamed the Garden Gate Cafe and is still in use as a seasonal dining location for many of the park’s special events. It is next to the “original” Busch Gardens, the area now called the Bird Gardens area.

Just like its beginning, it still has lush tropical gardens and exotic birds, along with more recent additions like the Australian-themed Walkabout Way area.

The park’s mission as a zoo is also steeped in its early years. In 1965, it was expanded to include a vast 29-acre enclosure where animals could roam. This was revolutionary at a time when zoo animals were more likely put in cages for display. The multispecies enclosure that was named the “Serengeti Plain” became the largest free-roaming enclosed habitat outside of Africa. To allow guests to see the animals, a monorail was added, leading to Busch Gardens adopting the motto “Where people are caged and animals run free.”

The new concept was a big hit with the public, and by 1968 Busch Gardens was the top tourist attraction in Florida, drawing 3 million visitors a year. A few years later, Mickey Mouse moved in up the road on

Interstate 4 and stole Busch Gardens’ crown when Walt Disney World opened in 1971.

Although the facility still offered beer tastings and brewery tours, Busch Gardens began charging $1.25 for admission in 1970 to offset the cost of the attractions it was starting to add. By 1987, it was $17.95, and it is now more than $100 for a single-day ticket.

These days, the park boasts of the accreditation awarded by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the independent accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and eight other countries. The association does a rigorous review of the park’s animal care, keeper training, safety and educational programs, conservation efforts and more.

The Serengeti Plain animal habitat that opened in 1965 has expanded from 29 acres to 65. It is home to zebras, antelopes, the reticulated giraffe, AnkoleWatusi, addax, impala, ostriches, marabou storks and white and black rhinos, including a 200-pound baby white rhino named Winnifred who was born there in 2017. Other sections of the park also have freeranging animal habitats that include tigers, cheetahs, lions, orangutans and hippos. There are some 12,000 animals in all.

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430 BLUFF VIEW DR | BELLEAIR BLUFFS | $10,900,000 Kerryn Ellson | 727-408-4888

1047 VICTORIA DR | DUNEDIN | $3,499,000 Kerryn Ellson | 727-408-4888

435 BUTTONWOOD LN | BELLEAIR BLUFFS | $2,500,000 Kerryn Ellson | 727-408-4888

182 BRIGHTWATER DR #5 | CLEARWATER BEACH | $1,895,000 Tara Beheshti | 727-417-6620

2452 CHANNING CIR | CLEARWATER | $819,000 Scott & Amy Ferguson | 727-744-0993

1208 E KENNEDY BLVD #716 | TAMPA | $365,500 The Wertz Group | 813-951-6151

GRAMERCY CT | DUNEDIN | NEW CONSTRUCTION | LOW $500,000â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Roberta Celiberti & Doug Bevis | 727-488-1235 or 813-310-4454

W W W.C OA S TA L P G I .C O M

B E L L E A I R | C L E A RWAT E R | C L E A RWAT E R B E AC H | D U N E D I N | E A S T L A K E / PA L M H A R B O R | I N D I A N R O C K S B E AC H | I S L A N D E S TAT E S N O RT H R E D I N G TO N B E AC H | OZO N A | S T. P E T E B E AC H | S T. P E T E R S B U RG | TA M PA | T I E R R A V E R D E | T R E A S U R E I S L A N D

OVER $1 BILLION IN SALES FOR 2019

FO U ND IT

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GIVING THANKS While we at Bay aren’t quite ready to do much in-person shopping just yet, we are eager to send some “Thinking of You” and “Thank You” gifts this holiday season to recognize the people who have helped us during the pandemic and to celebrate those we’ve come to appreciate even more. We are sharing a few of our favorite finds this month, all of which can be mailed or delivered to friends and family. Local store owners will be happy to ship any of the items or place them in the car for drive-up service.

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1) Mackenzie Childs, known for the checked patterns of polyresin pieces, offers up an 11-inch-tall Courtly Harlequin Medium Pumpkin ($98) that’s perfect for a Thanksgiving table or fall decoration. The collection is available at Marion’s, 1301 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. 727-821-2345. marions4thstreet.com.

2) Dough Bowls are two gifts in one. The wooden bowls, in various sizes, are filled with scented candle wax. When the candle is completely burned, the bowl can be used for doughs or bread rolls of any kind. We liked the Italian Linen fragrance candle and 9.5inch wooden bowl ($34). Available at Marion’s, 1301 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. 727821-2345. marions4thstreet.com.

3) Named for the lush, Pampas grain belt in Argentina, gifts by Pampa Bay are available at KT Janes Occasions in Tampa. This beautifully boxed set featuring a gold-trimmed porcelain dish and spoon ($34) is among many of the options of scratch-free, food-safe and dishwasher-safe pieces for sale. Find it at KT Janes, 2120 S Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. 813-251-5090.

4) An August Morgan set of four “Down the Hatch” hand-embroidered, linen cocktail napkins comes in a sweet gift box. The delicate, 6-square-inch napkins ($40) are designed by Kate Hersch. The online store offers a number of patterns and holiday designs. augustmorgan.com.

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5) Hester & Cook designs fun, paper place mats great for dressing up a casual dinner table. We like the “Give Thanks” pad of 24 designed for Thanksgiving ($28). They can be found at Casa di Mazzaro, 3001 22nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg. 727-321-8500. casadimazzaro.com.

6) Tampa Bay Rays fans will appreciate Baseball Park Map Print Glasses. You can get these 16-ounce drinking glasses ($38 for two) and 11-ounce whiskey tumblers ($35 for two) designed with the blueprint of Tropicana Field or any MLB park. uncommongoods. com.

7) This Mask Bundle Set from J. McLaughlin ($58) is one of our go-to gifts this year. The animal print pouch includes a mask and gloves in the store’s safari pattern. Customers can buy clothing to match. jmclaughlin.com.

8) Cotton Colors hand soap dispensers with fabric fastener attachments ($37) can be decorated for all seasons. We like the turkey and the Holiday Topiary ($18 apiece).

Cotton Colors also offers photo frames and serving pieces with fabric fasteners, along with a variety of attachments. They’re available at Marion’s, 1301 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. 727-821-2345. marions4thstreet.com.

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9) Stationery is a useful gift anytime. The personalized, Super Slab notepads at KT Janes Occasions in Tampa ($32 each) can be designed for any individual, group or event.

KT Janes, 2120 S Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa. 813-251-5090. bay / 53

There has never been a better time to sell your property PremierSothebysRealty.com

OLD NORTHEAST 726 19th Avenue NE $3,200,000 Caryn Rightmyer & Judy Holland 727.409.9696

CLEARWATER BEACH 900 Harbor Island $2,400,000 Sharon Skinner 727.515.1532

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WEEKI WACHEE 10492 Pine Island Drive $1,695,000 Diane Swainston 727.688.8875

LAKE ELLEN 3208 Stoneybrook Lane $1,210,000 Mary Renfroe 813.230.7409

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Visit or call us for a private consultation ListWithUsToday.com | 877.539.9865 PremierSothebysRealty.com

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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 fromvarious sources including, but not limited to, county records and multiple listing services, and may include approximations.All information is deemed accurate.

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UNDER CONTRACT IN ONE DAY | PANORAMIC VIEWS OF TAMPA BAY & DOWNTOWN ST. PETERSBURG 123 Bay Point Drive NE, Snell Isle, St. Petersburg Offered at $3,250,000

EXTRAORDINARY ESTATE ON DOUBLE LOT AND INCLUDES WATER LOT WITH DOCK 726 19th Avenue NE, Historic Old Northeast, St. Petersburg Offered at $3,200,000

NEW LISTING | UNDER CONTRACT 7001 Bethel Way South “Pink Streets” Pinellas Point Offered at $850,000

OVER 5,200 SQUARE FEET AND FOUR-CAR GARAGE IN GATED COMMUNITY 1136 Tortuga Circle Northeast | Caya Costa New Price $1,595,000

WATER VIEWS FROM EVERY ROOM 1325 Snell Isle Boulevard NE #712 Snell Isle, St. Petersburg Offered at $910,000

SOLD | FOR 98% OF ASKING PRICE AND UNDER CONTRACT IN ONE WEEK 243 Estado Way NE | Snell Isle Last listed at $1,100,000

$115+ MILLION SOLD | Top 1% of REALTORS® in Pinellas County Judy Holland, CNE, CLHMS, REALTOR®, BROKER ASSOCIATE Caryn Rightmyer, CNE, CLHMS, REALTOR® Tess Mullinax, REALTOR®

727.401.1771 HollandAndRightmyer.com 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.

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FACE S: LISA U NGER

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58 / bay

Photo by Jeff Unger

THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR, WHO LIVES IN INDIAN SHORES, HAS LEARNED TO CONNECT WITH READERS IN NEW WAYS.

BY COLETTE BANCROFT Who would have ever thought that writers would be worrying about their lighting on screen?” Lisa Unger says.

The bestselling author of 18 psychological thrillers — her latest, Confessions on the 7:45, was published in October — Unger finds herself connecting with her readers these days through Zoom and Facebook Live, rather than at book signings at festivals or brick-and-mortar bookstores.

One adaptation she has made to writing and selling her books amid the pandemic is upgrading the technology in her home office. Unger lives with her husband, Jeff Unger, and their daughter, Ocean, in a spacious, beachy townhome in Indian Shores. When they moved in four years ago, Unger says, the “space at the top of the house” became her office.

When the pandemic began, “I started to feel I wanted to pivot from that sense of dread.” So she began doing a Facebook Live interview series called “Three Good Things,” most of them featuring her chats with fellow bestselling authors such as Hank Phillippi Ryan, Tess Gerritsen and Lou Berney. The three good things she asks each one: What are you reading, watching and cooking? (Watch them at lisaunger.com.)

“Like most writers, I consider myself an introvert, and I’m nourished by solitude,” Unger says. “But I’m not a hermit. When I’m out there on the road for book tours, I get to connect and reconnect with friends and authors all over the world.”

“Three Good Things,” she says, “is really for my readers, something you can turn on that’s fun and light. It’s my way of connecting, of spreading some positivity.”

With her new book out in the world, Unger is also adjusting to virtual book events. “I’m not on the road at all,” she says, but she had a full schedule of book events from late September into November. To make all that virtual connecting with readers work, Unger has learned her way around platforms like Zoom and Facebook Live, which she says are “fortunately very user friendly.”

Her office is now “my little Zoom studio” as well as a writing space. “I have a ring light — lighting is super important on screen.

“I have a Snowball mic. I have a standing desk so I can move around. And you have to think about your physical setting, what people can see when you’re on screen.” In her case, that’s a wall of crisp white book shelves and a big, inviting couch.

Unger says that although she misses meeting readers in person, there are pluses to virtual touring. “In some ways you’re reaching more people. A book tour is limited because you’re a physical person. You can only go so many places in so much time.”

For years, Unger says, the last stop for her annual book tours has been the Tampa Bay Times Festival of Reading. That event is virtual for 2020, too, and she’ll be part of it, recording an interview about Confessions on the 7:45. Look for it online on Nov. 12 at festivalofreading.com, and expect her lighting to be perfect.

FESTIVAL OF READING ADAPTS TO THE TIMES As always, the free event will feature talks by more than 30 authors, discussing their books in a wide variety of genres, many of them bestsellers and prize winners.

But this year, it all happens virtually. Most of the interviews with festival authors will be recorded in advance and available for viewing starting on Nov. 12 at festivalofreading.com.

The festival will also feature several live interviews via Zoom: legendary crime fiction writer James Lee Burke (A Private Cathedral) on Nov. 12, the PolitiFact team on Nov. 13, and, on Nov. 14, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Colson Whitehead (The Nickel Boys) and a conversation with former St. Petersburg residents turned bestselling authors Mary Kay Andrews (Hello, Summer) and Kristin Harmel (The Book of Lost Names).

Standout mystery writers include John Grisham (A Time for Mercy), Michael Connelly (The Law of Innocence) and Walter Mosley (The Awkward Black Man).

Among the featured fiction authors are Women’s Prize for Fiction winner Maggie O’Farrell (Hamnet) and National Book Award winner Phil Klay (Missionaries).

Eleanor Crewes (The Times I Knew I Was Gay), Laura Lippman (My Life as a Villainess) and Rick Bragg (Where I Come From) will talk about their memoirs and essays. Nonfiction writers include Jonathan Alter (His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, a Life) and Ariel Sabar (Veritas).

Brad Meltzer (I Am Anne Frank) and Eliot Schrefer (The Popper Penguin Rescue) will talk about their children’s books.

For a complete lists of authors and more, go to festivalofreading.com.

bay / 59

Final Phase Now Under Construction

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© Belleview Place, LLC 2014

At Belleview Place, home feels more like a vacation. With expansive terraces, grand, light-filled floor plans and upscale appointments throughout, our low-maintenance Mid-rise Homes help you relax while giving you more time to enjoy what you love. Yo ur purchase includes a portion of the initiation fee to the prestigious Belleair Country Club and access to resort-style amenities of the iconic Belleview Inn, both located just steps from your door. And, for added peace of mind, no flood insurance is required as our gated community rests atop a 35-foot bluff.

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There are a number of courtyards at the historic Brazilian Court Hotel in Palm Beach. Photos courtesy of Brazilian Court Hotel and Kathy Saunders

MAKE A BREAK FOR IT 62 / bay

Want to get away for a couple of days? Florida hotels would sure appreciate the business. Bay staffers visited hotels in Clearwater Beach, Orlando and Palm Beach to see how they are handling the pandemic and whether we could still enjoy ourselves with social distancing and safety protocols in place. Some of our visits were complimentary, and we paid press rates for others. We found all of the hotels clean, safe and welcoming. We enjoyed the much-needed breaks and we look forward to getting back to these resorts and visiting others in Florida, too.

Cafe Boulud Lounge near Cafe Boulud. The restaurant is chef Daniel Boulud’s first foray outside New York.

BRAZILIAN COURT HOTEL, PALM BEACH It had been 28 years since I had visited the Brazilian Court Hotel in Palm Beach when the management invited me and my husband, Joe, for a two-night stay last month. Tucked into the tree-lined neighborhood two blocks from Worth Avenue, the hotel has a history as vibrant as its Spanish Mediterranean architecture.

Built in 1926, the hotel was and is a favorite of celebrities, media moguls, athletes and socialites.

The Kennedy family used to rent the entire hotel during holidays. “We were almost like their guest house,” said Stacy Lee, director of sales and marketing for the hotel. Lee treated me to a tour of the various fountain-filled courtyards and lushly landscaped enclaves of the historical gem.

She pointed to suites named for some of the most famous guests, including Gary Cooper, Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart.

Designed by New York architect Rosario Candela with a south wing added in 1936 by Maurice Fatio, the hotel materials include stone floors from the Corton region of France with burgundy hues that are actually wine stains where juices seeped into the limestone under the vineyards.

Still undergoing some refreshing, including a renovation of the hotel’s salon, artisans recently uncovered an original black and white marble floor they are planning to restore at the entrance to the hotel’s event space and intimate ballroom.

We stayed in a room on the third and top floor with an outside courtyard to ourselves and we were treated to a fabulous dinner at the hotel’s Cafe Boulud, the first of chef Daniel Boulud’s ventures outside of his flagship restaurant in

This historic floor was recently uncovered.

Manhattan. Following social distancing and safety protocols, we asked to sit outside on the cafe’s fan-cooled porch. The Brazilian Court was the first in Palm Beach to be recognized with the gold standard of accreditation as a safe venue.

Our dinner opened with a turnip vichyssoise with basil and corn bread croutons and a Key West pink shrimp appetizer with French Champagne cocktail sauce. The first course was paired with a dry riesling, Goldatzel 2017. My entree was a Chef Daniel classic, Dover sole with a shallot-infused sauce meuniere. The fish was perfectly flaky and flavorful. My husband opted for the honey-glazed duck breast with sweet potato, swiss chard and green peppercorns. The entrees were served with Font du Vent Les Promesses Cotes-Du-Rhone 2016. We shared our equally splendid desserts of chocolate cake, raspberry sorbets and pistachio mousse, served with a paired port. We both agreed we would happily make the nearly fourhour drive to Palm Beach again for that meal.

Accommodations include this studio suite.

During the visit, we strolled to the fabulous shopping area along Worth Avenue and walked two blocks east to the beautiful Atlantic beaches.

It was nice to sit and hear the waves roll ashore.

The sprawling mansions lining Ocean Drive are among the most expensive in the country.

Rooms start at $300 per night and the hotel offers discounts for Florida residents as well as spa packages. The Brazilian Court Hotel is at 301 Australian Ave. in Palm Beach. thebraziliancourt. com. 561-366-4306.

— Kathy Saunders

Start with Key West pink shrimp at Cafe Boulud. bay / 63

FOUR SEASONS RESORT, ORLANDO When Bay creative director Nikki Life checked into the Four Seasons Resort in Orlando, she was immediately impressed with the service. “Everyone was so welcoming and they all seemed genuinely happy to have us there, from the check-in desk to the employee handing out towels at the pool,” she said. Even though Life visited on a bit of a rainy day, she was able to enjoy the pool and the property of Florida’s only Five Diamond rated resort, from the lazy river and from the balcony of her Lake View Deluxe Suite.

The Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club has an 18-hole course and a practice facility with a driving range. The resort also has Har-Tru tennis courts, wellness trainers who offer safely distanced group or one-on-one sessions and weight rooms with exercise equipment, including Peloton cycles.

Guests also can participate in mixology classes at the Lobby Bar and join a socially distanced cooking class led by executive chef Fabrizio Schenardi from Torino, Italy. Or, how about a class on chocolate making from the hotel’s executive pastry chef Rabii Saber, a 2019 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef?

An aerial view captures the sprawling Four Seasons Resort Orlando. Photos courtesy of Four Seasons

The hotel is offering “Schoolcation” for visitors with children now in virtual classrooms. The hotel staff will supervise study sessions in a quiet, dedicated space and offer “recess” on the 5-acre Explorer Island that features a pool, waterslide, lazy river and areas for outdoor sports.

Life enjoyed a relaxing dinner on the terrace off the hotel lobby. She and a guest shared the Lobby Burger, with Camembert, arugula and bacon jam with fries, and blackened rock shrimp tacos with fennel and cabbage slaw, avocado salsa verde, passion fruit and chipotle aioli. “The chef split the meals before they were brought to our table and the service was first class,” Life said. The hotel offers modern Italian cuisine at Ravello and steaks, seafood and Spanish tapas from restaurant Capa. Both have outdoor terraces and in-room dining as well.

The hotel has implemented the “Lead With Care” global health and safety program, focused on enhanced cleanliness with extra sanitizing and limited contact with staff, according to Dana Berry, director of public relations at the resort.

The dining terrace view goes on forever.

Rooms start at $595 per night. An “Experience More” package available through Dec. 18 includes a $200-pernight credit for a guest room or a $500 nightly credit for stays in a one- or two-bedroom suite. The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World is at 10100 Dream Tree Blvd. in Lake Buena Vista. fourseasons.com/orlando.

407-313-7777.

— Kathy Saunders The Lake View Deluxe Suite is spacious.

64 / bay

Instagram-worthy photo spots abound.

The Sheraton Sand Key Resort in Clearwater Beach boasts a private beach for guests. Photos courtesy of Sheraton Sand Key Resort

SHERATON SAND KEY RESORT, CLEARWATER BEACH Faced with the nonstop pressures of work (one at home, one in the office) and a young child in elementary school, my family needed a getaway a little closer to home. We found it at the Sheraton Sand Key, less than 30 minutes away.

We entered our gulfview room to a stunning sunset vista.

It was hard to break away for our first restaurant dinner in seven months, but we headed down to Rusty’s Bistro. There was no need to be nervous, as the restaurant spaced guests far apart. We enjoyed blackened grouper and steak and crab cake meals with a nice red wine and a relaxing atmosphere.

Dessert was a perfect key lime pie with berry cream and a delicious Godiva chocolate confection.

On Saturday morning, I rose early to enjoy a walk on the beautifully kept private beach and relaxed to read on a hammock on the sand. Beach shelters can be rented for the full day by the water, making it easy to come and go.

Signs plainly decree that masks be worn in public spaces

and distance be kept inside and outside. Employees are meticulously careful, but we found ourselves outside of the comfort zone as some guests chose to ignore the messaging.

When the pool was a little too cold for our Floridian blood, we found the hot tub to be crowded with guests in very close quarters. In the end, it’s all about what you are comfortable with right now. For us, the private beach and fire pits were just right. My husband and son enjoyed a game of giant lawn chess while I went back to reading and enjoying the sun.

A fire pit ringed with Adirondack chairs beckons visitors.

We tried each restaurant at the hotel for our meals, all of which offer tasty “to go” service if you’re not ready to mingle with other guests. Sheraton Sand Key also has a fitness center, two tennis courts and two pickleball courts, along with beach volleyball.

Rooms start at $169 per night. The Sheraton Sand Key Resort is at 1160 Gulf Blvd. in Clearwater Beach. 727-595-1611.

— Ellen E. Clarke

Like this king suite, nearly all the rooms feature a water view. bay / 65

Patio dining is available at signature restaurant Ocean Hai, where the fare includes the Crazy Asian Roll (crab, asparagus, cream cheese, Waygu beef, truffle salt, tobiko, sambal creme, kabayaki). Photos courtesy of Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

WYNDHAM GRAND, CLEARWATER BEACH Sitting on the balcony and watching the sunset over Clearwater Beach from my room at the Wyndham Grand was a nice departure from being home alone and asking Alexa questions just so I can hear another voice. I could pretend I was at a party and either stay on the balcony and enjoy it from above or venture downstairs to the pool and beach and join in. The vibe at the hotel is festive with its beachy boho-inspired furnishings and eclectic array of guests, as evidenced by the poolside music that rotates among pop, country and Latin. I didn’t spend much time in the pool area as guests were a little too close for my comfort. Instead, I headed across the street to the beach to take advantage of the complimentary cabanas and people-watching.

The 343-room hotel overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and sits across the street from the Clearwater Beach Marina. Amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, an outdoor pool and whirlpool spa, and a sprawling sundeck. I did enjoy a relaxing massage at the Pallavi Spa, where treatment offerings include the seaweed detox massage, a salt inhalation therapy or a coconut and sand-infused body scrub.

Children will enjoy a Clearwater Marine Aquarium-themed room.

The property offers dining options including the eSKPades lobby bar with cocktails, snacks, breakfast items and Starbucks coffee. Doc K’s Pool Side Bar & Grill is also an option for more casual fare. I enjoyed the mahi mahi tacos with guacamole served by a very friendly waitstaff. The hotel’s signature restaurant is the award-winning Ocean Hai, which serves Asian-fusion cuisine, including my meal of the Wagyu beef appetizer, Crazy Asian Roll, lobster fried rice and a dessert called the Mikado, with hazelnut dacquoise, chocolate mousse, coffee cremeux and blood orange. Even when the main restaurant is closed, guests can still order limited menu offerings from its patio.

I stayed in a Grand Deluxe Gulf Front room and thoroughly enjoyed opening the balcony door at night and listening to the sound of the waves before falling asleep. Every once in a while that calm was interrupted by the drivers on the street below who were generously sharing their car stereo selections with the rest of the world. But hey, it’s Clearwater Beach and that’s part of its charm, right?

Room rates start at $235 with special rate packages. The Wyndham Grand is at 100 Coronado Drive in Clearwater Beach. wyndamhotels.com.

— Nikki Life 66 / bay

You can hear the surf from the Grand Deluxe King Gulf Front rooms.

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SAVORING ITALY

Joey, Julia, Joe and Kathy Saunders in Florence, Italy. Photo by Jennifer Lynch

BY KATHY SAUNDERS

“F

irst we eat, then we do everything else.” I know what legendary food writer M.F.K Fisher meant after a trip to Italy, though I might shorten it to just, “We eat.”

Before COVID-19 sent us into months of navel gazing and planning home-cooked meal menus, my family ventured to Italy. My daughter, Julia, was in Florence for a semester abroad and we joined her for a visit. And to further the food connection, we went at Thanksgiving, gladly trading turkey for tagliatelle.

We hit the highlights of Rome from our hotel base near the Spanish Steps and the upscale shopping area nearby. St. Peter’s Basilica and the Colosseum were memorable, but the highlight was a meal at Ristorante Dilla, a block from our

68 / bay

hotel. We got the tip from Michael Di Girolamo of St. Petersburg, who operates La Cucina Sabina cooking school at a villa he owns about 40 minutes outside of Rome.

Some people swipe through hundreds of landscape photos on their phones. I can’t stop looking at the best carbonara we’ve ever eaten.

The Ristorante Dilla chef prepared it with large tubular pasta, not-too-creamy cheese sauce, obvious flecks of fresh ground pepper and sizable pork lardons. We can still taste it.

From Rome, we took a train to Florence to meet our daughter. Julia was all too happy to leave her room at the pensione she shared with two other students to join us at the Palazzo Vecchietti, walking distance to all of the city’s historic sites.

We shopped for leather from the local craftsmen and jewelry along the Ponte Vecchio. We walked

to the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, where I bought luscious hand soaps and lotions — which are coming in very handy these days — all while grabbing gelato whenever possible. I was hooked on pistachio. But always, there was the pull of more good Italian food.

One of Julia’s professors, an American ex-pat from Boston, lives in an apartment above a local restaurant and pizza parlor, Trattoria Marione. He invited us for a traditional dinner with a parade of large plates of pasta, local fish, pate and wine, lots of wine. I’m sure we polished off a couple of bottles of Chianti Classico Riserva Novecento.

Another evening, we dined with a local family. It was sort of like parents’ day at college — we got to tag along to Julia’s regular Monday night dinner with a Firenze family, where she participated in Gonzaga’s “English for Pasta” program.

The mummified head of St. Catherine of Siena in the Basilica of San Domenico in Siena, Italy.

mummified head of St. Catherine of Siena is enshrined. A lifelong Catholic, I have always wanted to see the remains of the patron saint of Italy, though I have trouble grasping the practice of venerating body parts. We were alone in the church, magnifying the spiritual experience.

Gondolas line the canals in Venice, Italy. Photos by Kathy Saunders

Filippo and Giusy Russo and their three children practiced their English while we ate a sumptuous meal. We were welcomed with pate appetizers, several pasta dishes, including mushroom tagliatelle with truffles and spaghetti Bolognese, plates of beef tenderloin and a finale of chocolate, vanilla and coffee gelato from the shop below their two-story apartment overlooking the city.

The modern apartment with concrete floors and giant, cartoonlike paintings on the walls was a stark contrast to the ancient buildings in view from the dining room. The table was covered with an heirloom white lace tablecloth and linen napkins, and it was large enough for both families.

Giusy used her traditional wedding china.

On a sunny afternoon, we walked from the Palazzo Vecchietti to the Westin Excelsior on the banks of the Arno River to enjoy an espresso from

the hotel’s well-positioned rooftop bar. Taking in the spectacular view of the Florence Cathedral in Piazza del Duomo, I remember being completely happy. I had my family together. We were safe, healthy and laughing. We shared a Champagne toast to capture the moment.

We met friends from Florida who had just arrived after eloping in Venice. The newlyweds also joined us for Thanksgiving dinner at one of Florence’s famed steak houses, Regina Bistecca.

While I couldn’t resist the Potatoes Gnocchi With Roasted Oxtail, the men in our party shared T-bone steaks from Tuscan-bred cattle that would have satisfied Fred Flintstone. They were finished tableside on a portable flaming cart for a little extra pizzazz.

The next day, we took a drive to Pisa and to Siena to see the Basilica of San Domenico, where the

While we were enjoying Florence, many of my daughter’s classmates were spending their week off with their parents in Venice, wading through knee-deep floods, the worst high tides the city had seen in 50 years.

By the time we made it to Venice a week later, St. Mark’s Basilica was dry. We loved it. We did the obligatory gondola rides and bought some lovely Murano glass gifts to bring home. Our hotel was on the lagoon with wide views of the Grand Canal.

We ate seafood risotto flavored and colored with black squid ink for a briny taste that reminded us we were near the Adriatic Sea. Our trip was a lifetime ago now. We don’t know when we will eat pistachio gelato in Florence or pasta carbonara in Rome, or if we will ever enjoy a home-cooked meal in a Florence apartment again. Here, now that our Italian traveler is attending college remotely from St. Petersburg, we have “Pasta for Laundry,” “Pasta for Vacuuming” and “Pasta for Dog-walking.”

We eat. bay / 69

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CHANGE OF PLANS Will COVID-19 put an end to the thrill of the hunt, or can Santaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gift list go digital? Two Tampa womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s organizations will find out as they rely on the internet to stage their signature shopping fundraising events.

The Junior League of Tampa Holiday Gift Market, top, has in years past drawn big crowds to the Florida State Fairgrounds.

Photo courtesy of Marissa Moss Hyman

The Chiselers Market, bottom, is scheduled to return to the 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel, home of the University of Tampa, in May. Photo by Bruce Hosking

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BY AMY SCHERZER

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF TAMPA HOLIDAY GIFT MARKET Junior League of Tampa Holiday Gift Market co-chairwomen Laura Walsh and Hayley Reteneller began monitoring coronavirus risk factors in April, in discussion with city and state authorities, health care officials, vendors, volunteers and Junior League chapters that host similar markets across the country.

“We created a huge document with different scenarios to keep visitors safe in a pandemic,” said Walsh, a professional wedding and event planner who thought they were prepared for anything. Anything but a pandemic.

In July, with some merchants and sponsors voicing health and liability fears, the executive board voted to go virtual to prevent any chance of spreading the coronavirus among the hundreds of people expected at the Florida State Fairgrounds event center. In recent years, the event has filled the entire center, drawing hundreds of visitors a day.

“Of course we’re going to miss kicking off the holidays shopping with our moms and girlfriends,” Reteneller said.

“We’re hoping through all the different virtual events and experiences we’ve planned that friends and family can still have fun together shopping online, wine tasting, baking holiday recipes and more, all while supporting great causes and small businesses.”

Merchants pay a $100 registration fee and 12 percent sales commission. Fans of Tate & Tilly, C Whimsy and Toffee To Go will welcome them back this year, while the Sustainable Market Place, a handcrafted, fair-wage artisan collection, makes its debut as the 2020 Young Entrepreneur grant recipient.

“Canceling was never considered,” said Walsh, citing Metropolitan Ministries, Feeding Tampa Bay and Champions for Children among the local charities that have benefited from the $2 million the market has raised since 2004. “We knew we had to figure out something for the families we serve, who don’t have money for diapers and basic needs.

Now more than ever, with layoffs and decreased work hours.”

Pandemic challenges and the resulting innovations do have an upside, Walsh adds. Now anyone, anywhere can log on and shop on a smartphone, tablet or computer. “I can see a hybrid format for the gift market, both online and in person, in the future,” predicted Walsh.

CHISELERS MARKET Fingers crossed, the Chiselers will safely stage their massive market May 14 and 15, filling the 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel, home of the University of Tampa, with everything from gently used toys and Tupperware to books and bedspreads and crystal stemware and coffee tables.

Until then, shoppers can shop for “amazing finds” at digital warehouse sales, said Teri Willis, president of the 280-member group formed in 1959 to perform hands-on repairs (like chiseling paint off fireplace tiles, hence the name) at the minaret-festooned building. The market has contributed to more than $9 million of professional restoration work.

“This year has been frustrating, overwhelming, heartbreaking and exciting,” Willis said.

Hardly anyone had heard of the coronavirus last March as the women unpacked and displayed thousands of items collected throughout the year.

“At first, we thought if we wore masks and did the right things, we’d be okay,” Willis recalled. “Within a few hours of guests arriving for the preview party, new knowledge opened our eyes to how dangerous this was to public health.”

Everything except the “creme de la creme” pieces pulled aside for the online silent auction was repacked and returned to the warehouse. “We recognize that in a world that can change in a moment, the pandemic came at a time when we can accept these challenges,” Willis said. “It moved us in the right direction quicker than we expected.”

READY TO SHOP? The Junior League of Tampa has embedded 100 vendor links offering apparel, art, accessories and such on the 17th annual Holiday Gift Market website. Early access to holidaygiftmarket.org is available from Nov. 14 to 20 and costs $10 for first dibs on one-of-a-kind gifts, special deals and virtual events, such as Zoom visits with Santa.

The website is free to everyone Nov. 21 to Dec. 13.

The annual winter Chiselers Market is postponed until May. In the meantime, the historic preservation club asks bargain hunters to click and buy used furniture, art, home decor and more at online warehouse sales Nov. 27 through Dec. 4 at thechiselersinc.com.

Scheduling online warehouse sales will bring in muchneeded revenue and make room for ongoing donations.

“We Chiselers are capable and will continue to restore and preserve this historic building for our community. Me, personally, I love a challenge. We can do this.”

bay / 73

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SOCIAL

Screen shots show supporters having fun online at the Tampa Cattle Baron’s Ball @ Home. Photo courtesy of the American Cancer Society

American Cancer Society Tampa Cattle Baron’s Ball @ Home A happy herd of buckaroos crossed a virtual frontier into the Tampa Cattle Baron’s Ball @ Home, joining co-chairs Bert McBride and Alissa Kranz, son and daughter-in-law of honorary chairwoman Alex Sink, and American Cancer Society supporters online because of pandemic restrictions. Emcee Tom Cotter and his comedian wife Kerri Louise were a hoot; auctioneer Joe Girvan lassoed bids on fancy dinners, shopping and golf experiences, and 10 cancer “survivors and thrivers” were honored on the inaugural Wall of Courage. VIPs enjoyed dinner and drinks delivered to their homes as $360,000 was raised to fund cancer research and patient services, including a $25,000 gift from the Yerrid Foundation. Save the date, Oct. 9, 2021, to celebrate in person, said ball chairman Adam Johnson Weintraub and his parents, honorary co-chairs Steve and Julie Weintraub.

Feeding Tampa Bay Epic Fork Fight 2020

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and Feeding Tampa Bay CEO Thomas Mantz entice donors to Epic Fork Fight. Photo courtesy of Feeding Tampa Bay 76 / bay

With testimonials as appetizers and entertainment for dessert, Epic Fork Fight gourmet “diners” signed on to a virtual cocktail reception and auction livestreamed by Feeding Tampa Bay, a member of the national Feeding America network. Unable to gather in person due to the coronavirus, guests ordered special to-go dinners from four restaurant partners or cooked up something delicious to eat at home while bidding on a signed Tom Brady Buccaneers jersey, a trip to Napa and more. Each $25 registration fee paid for 250 meals plus the chance to win a jersey autographed by Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Kevin Kiermaier and Stanley Cup-winning Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy. The event netted more than $450,000, enough to provide 4.5 million meals for food insecure people in 10 counties across west-central Florida.

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SOCIAL

Laura Brigman, Amanda Jackson, José Alberto Vázquez, De’Johnea Bianca, Karla Hartley and Danielle Brion.

Photo courtesy of SEN_Imagery

Stageworks Theatre and Tampa Bay Fashion Week Stageworks Stylized, A Fashion Show Tampa Bay designers De’Johnea Bianca, Danielle Brion of the House of Dani.B, José Alberto Vázquez and stylist Amanda Jackson of Wandering Wardrobe whipped up original designs for Stageworks Stylized: A Fashion Show, following a long tradition of collaboration between the fashion industry and theater. Supporters chose from two socially responsible, in-person viewings on the coronavirus-canceled set of 12 Angry Men or a livestream on YouTube. Upcycled gowns, street chic and pret-a-porter — every outfit was inspired by a Stageworks Theatre production, from Psycho Beach Party to The Great Gatsby. Videos described the designers’ creative process during the models’ quick changes. Proceeds from the benefit will help Stageworks continue virtual programming, outreach education and theater maintenance.

Stageworks Theatre’s production of Psycho Beach Party inspired Tampa designer De’Johnea Bianca’s yellow dress modeled at Stageworks Stylized. Photo courtesy of Vision of Zayy

Dress for Success Tampa Bay Celebrating Success

Cher Goodwin, Katie McGill, Elizabeth Urbanski and Diane Howard pose, from a distance, during the virtual fundraiser. Photo by Lauren Prager 78 / bay

Usually a lively fashion show luncheon featuring Dress for Success Tampa Bay clients and volunteers modeling business attire, this year the coronavirus turned Celebrating Success into a Zoom virtual soiree with handbag designer Patricia Nash sharing her success story and how she created her own brand, now sold by Macy’s, Dillard’s and on HSN. Executive director Katie McGill and event co-chairwomen Elizabeth Urbanski and Cher Goodwin thanked the 100-plus supporters online for helping to motivate, educate and empower women seeking employment, especially during a pandemic.

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Shop in our gallery or online at FloridaCraftArt.org

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SOCIAL

Kristen McCall, Lily Conrad, Samantha Greenberg and Lisa Altman of AdventHealth Foundation West Florida traded in evening gowns for blue jeans and polo shirts to stage the Community Care Fund Virtual Auction, which this year replaced the Starlight Gala.

AdventHealth Foundation West Florida Community Care Fund Virtual Auction

AdventHealth Foundation West Florida introduced COVID-19 survivor Charles Thompson, right, and son Christian during the event. He thanked AdventHealth for his care during a 17-day hospital stay. Photos courtesy of AdventHealth Foundation West Florida

Socializing restrictions dimmed the star-studded Starlight Gala this year, long known for big-name entertainment. Instead, AdventHealth Foundation West Florida booked the Academy Prep of Tampa Youth Choir to open and close a livestream of the Community Care Fund Virtual Auction. The program starred COVID-19 survivor Charles Thompson thanking his health care heroes. Four tickets to Super Bowl 55 were auctioned off for $20,000, and there were pledges of $50,000 each from the Glazer family, Lauren and Tom Pepin and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Without leaving home, supporters raised more than $625,000 to provide resources for COVID-19 patients and local AdventHealth team members.

Patel Conservatory student Victoria Huerta, left, sings a virtual duet with Wicked national touring artist Talia Suskauer.

Straz Center for the Performing Arts Broadway Ball at Home

Tampa performer Heather Kreuger sings Everythingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coming Up Roses from Gypsy during Broadway Ball at Home.

80 / bay

Theaters around the world went dark when the coronavirus made its devastating debut, including the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, where ticket sales provided 80 percent of the revenue. With in-person gatherings curtailed, philanthropic patrons embraced Broadway Ball at Home with New York actors and Patel Conservatory students entertaining via Vimeo. Instead of black-tie dining on the Morsani Hall stage, virtual guests texted donations and auction bids, raising $300,000 to support the theater. Photos courtesy of the Straz Center for the Performing Arts

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Michael A. Zimmer, MD, FACP

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.

ON QUALIFYING PURCHASES

SEPT.12– DEC. 7, 2020

Membership Benefits • Always see Dr. Zimmer himself

• Never wait more than the next day for appointments

Blind & Shutter Gallery 2610 4th St N Saint Petersburg, FL

• Unlimited visits

• Appointments are never rushed

• Access to Dr. Zimmer via phone, cellphone, email

M-F: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Sat: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Sun: Closed

Gallery®

Dr. Zimmer is a boardcertified, award-winning doctor of internal medicine.

727-823-2929 www.bsgstpete.com

Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 9/12/20 - 12/7/20 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. A qualifying purchase is defined as a purchase of any of the product models set forth above in the quantities set forth above. If you purchase less than the specified quantity, you will not be entitled to a rebate. Offer excludes HDOrigins? and Nantucket?Window Shadings, a collection of Silhouette®Window Shadings. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim approval. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 6 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. See complete terms distributed with reward card. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2020 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.

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509 Jackson St. N., St. Petersburg bay / 81

Q& A

before we go STEVE CURRALL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA PRESIDENT Steve Currall became president of the University of South Florida in 2019. In his first year, he’s led the school through the consolidation of campuses into one university, community protests that spurred changes at USF and the closing and reopening of the school amid the pandemic. Currall, 61, and his wife, Cheyenne, have lived all over the world but most recently moved from Texas, where he was provost of Southern Methodist University.

How do you think the pandemic will change higher education?

I think it will have some significant impacts on educational delivery. It’s going to be a big nudge — that’s kind of the word I prefer — a nudge in the direction of reliance on more digital technologies. I think that’s real, and I don’t think it’s just temporary. I think the pendulum has swung heavily in favor of online and digital technologies.

USF is now a research 1 institution. What opportunities for research has the pandemic provided and which ones are you most excited about?

We have this initiative, the Pandemic Response Research Network. We did that within a matter of days. I called my senior vice president for research, Paul Sandberg, and I said, “Look, we really need to be responsive.” ... Paul assembled a task force and we identified some funds to put into this initiative and there’s probably two or three dozen projects that we now have going and have been supported. The one that’s probably had the most visibility is the 3D printed nasal swabs.

How many pieces of green and gold attire do you have now?

A lot. And growing. One of the items that is growing the most quickly is the number of green ties. I have a lot of green ties. So I’d say my answer is dozens. Dozens and dozens. (His favorite: a light green one with bulls that look like the Bull statue outside the Marshall Student Center.)

What did you watch during quarantine? Do you have a favorite television show?

I don’t watch a lot of TV because I’m generally working. But we do on the weekends. On Saturday or Sunday nights, my wife and I like to watch movies.

And we’ve been watching this show called The Great on Hulu. The other thing I found recently is this channel called Decades, which has old reruns. And it’s obviously directed exactly at my demographic, because they’re showing the TV shows that I grew up watching … The Andy Griffith Show and The Dick Van Dyke Show. The thing that I love the most are the reruns of The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.

— Divya Kumar

82 / bay

Photo by Monica Herndon

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