St Petersburg Downtown Newsletter

Transcription

JANUARY / 2015 ISSUE 30
REMEMBERING THE BLACKTHORN
35 Years Ago This Month
When someone mentions the USCGC Blackthorn wreck, many people
think you mean the great dive site off the coast of Pinellas County.
Most people do not realize there was an actual accident and what the
circumstances were that lead up to it, which at the time, was the worst
Coast Guard maritime disaster in non-wartime history.
The USCGC Blackthorn was a 180-foot buoy tender that had been
brought to Tampa for repairs. January 28, 1980, a Monday night, it
left the Port of Tampa in route home to Galveston, Texas.
On the way out of Tampa Bay, it passed under the Skyway Bridge and
began overtaking the Russian cruise ship Kazakhstan. Some say the
bright lights of the cruise ship may have been a factor in the
impending accident. Coming the other way was the the SS Capricorn,
a large 605-foot oil tanker carrying 150,000 barrels of oil.
Those who know the channel, know that there is a severe “S” shaped
curve in the main section of the channel, just west of the Skyway. In the
1980s, it was even more extreme than today. Rules of navigation call
for all ships to pass port-to-port (left side to left side). That means, as
the USCG Blackthorn pulled out and began to pass the Russian ship, it
found itself heading head-on into the SS Capricorn.
At 8:21 pm, in near total darkness, they collided. Half the crew on the
USCG Blackthorn were down below; some were sleeping. The actual
wreck itself did not sink the USCG Blackthorn, what followed did.
Since it was entering Tampa Bay, the SS Capricorn had its anchors in a
ready position. Upon collision, the port anchor, weighing 13,500 lbs.,
dropped to the water hitting the USCG Blackthorn on its port/forward
side ripping a large hole in the side of the smaller ship. When the
crew of the SS Capricorn attempted to withdraw the anchor and pull away from the helpless USCG Blackthorn, it dragged
the ship, causing it to go into a roll.
Luckily, none of the SS Capricorn’s cargo of oil spilled into Tampa Bay, but the USCG Blackthorn’s fuel did. Sailors who had
been called to the deck were thrown into the cold 54-degree water, now full of the USCG Blackthorn’s gas and oil.
23 crewmen died. Most of the sailors who died were below the main deck because many of them never made it to the top
deck. 27 were crewmen were rescued.
The accident took less than three minutes from start to finish. Dispatched rescue boats rushed to the scene and plucked the
Coast Guardsmen out of the water. Some were found clinging to the Skyway Bridge’s bulkheads. The next morning, Navy
divers searched the ship, at that point in 40 feet of water and found no survivors.
Officially, it was labeled an accident. Both ships were faulted for being too near the center of the narrow channel. Lt. Cmdr.
James Sepel, Captain of the USCG Blackthorn, was transfered to another ship and retired eight years later.
On the ship that night was young Seaman Apprentice William Flores. Down below, he rushed to the storage area and
spent his last minutes dispensing life jackets to fellow crewmen. Twenty years later, he was honored posthumously with the
Coast Guard Medal. In 2010, a new Sentinel-Class fast response cutter was named the Flores, in his honor.
Changes were made as a result of the disaster. A special Coast Guard class for ship commanders was created - The
Command and Operations School at the New London, Connecticut Coast Guard Academy. Every Coast Guard officer
responsible for the navigation of a ship must attend the two week class.
The Coast Guard raised standards for emergency training and equipment aboard vessels. Improvements were made to
shipping channel navigational aids and it led to a better system of tracking vessels traveling through busy channels. In
Tampa Bay’s Channel, range lights were added to help
incoming and outgoing channel traffic.
A memorial was erected at the north end of the Skyway
Bridge Causeway to honor and remember the 23 seamen
who died that night. On Wednesday, January 28th a
ceremony will be held for the 35th Anniversary. Part of the
rememberance includes the ringing of a ship’s bell while the
names of the crew members who died are read.
By Bob Griffin, Publisher
Or Current Resident
CREDITS
ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER
This newsletter is published by
GRIFFIN PRODUCTIONS, Inc.
and is mailed to many occupied
residences in Downtown St.
Petersburg’s zip code 33701 and
33704. We are not associated
with the City of St. Petersburg.
PUBLISHER
Bob & Becky Griffin
ART DIRECTION
Becky Griffin
SALES
727-517-1997
CONTACT INFO
P.O. Box 1314
Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785
517-1997 ~ 517-1998 FAX
StPeteDowntownNewsletter.com
We would like to hear from you. Is
there something you would like to
see included in this newsletter?
Tell us what you think at
bob@griffindirectories.com
© 2015 Griffin Productions, Inc.
ST. PETERSBURG
DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER
We are always trying to include
more of your news. People who live
downtown, plus the Snell Isle and
Old Northeast areas want to know
what is happening in their area.
That is why, if you have news or
events, please contact us.
This newsletter survives on local
advertising. Please tell your home
suppliers such as pool companies,
lawn care, electricians, etc about us.
If you are a resident of our mailing
area and advertise, you will receive
a discount.
We produce similar newsletters in
four other areas: Indian Rocks
Beach, Clearwater Beach and
Belleair. You can read this and other
issues online at
StPeteDowntownNewsletter.com.
SEE YOU
AGAIN IN
MARCH!
CITY NUMBERS
CITY HALL. . . 893-7171
175 Fifth Street North
www.stpete.org
MAYOR OFFICE . . . . . . . . . . . 893-7201
MAYOR - Rick Kriseman
CITY COUNCIL - Vice Chair Steve Kornell •
Wengay "Newt" Newton • Chair Bill Dudley
• Charlie Gerdes • Jim Kennedy • Amy
Foster • Karl Nurse • Darden Rice
CITY COUNCIL ADMIN. . . . . . . 893-7117
Terri Lipsey Scott
INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . 893-7111
BUILDING PERMITS . . . . . . . . 893-7231
BUSINESS SUPPORT LINE . . . 893-7000
CITY CLERK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 893-7448
CODES COMPLIANCE/ASSIST. 893-7373
ENTERTAINMENT HOTLINE . . 892-5700
LEISURE SERVICES. . . . . . . . . . 893-7207
MIRROR LAKE LIBRARY . . . . . 893-7268
PLANNING & ZONING . . . . . 893-7471
SANITATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 893-7334
UTILITY ACCOUNTS . . . . . . . . 893-7341
EMERGENCIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1-1
FIRE DEPARTMENT . . . . . . . . . 893-7694
POLICE NON-EMERGENCY. . . 893-7780
POLICE TEXT MESSAGE . . . . . 420-8911
POLICE TIP VOICE LINE . . . . . 892-5000
------------------------------------------BREAKFAST OPTIMISTS . . . . . 522-6143
First Friday Street Party
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE . . . 821-4069
COUNCIL OF NEIGHBORHOODS ASSN
Michael Gulley . . . . . . . . . . . . 244-8374
DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSN 823-4394
Meeting: 3rd Wed of each month (8AM)
DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOC.
Gary Grooms, President. . . 404-667-3970
stpetedna.org
DOWNTOWN RESIDENTS CIVIC ASSN
Marion Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 894-9491
DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP. 821-5166
100 Second Ave., Suite 150
FRIENDS OF SUNSHINE CENTER 821-2323
FRIENDS MIRROR LAKE LIBRARY
Wayne Finely, President . . 813-767-5503
HISTORIC OLD NE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSN
Peter Motzenbecker President . 342-0653
GWFC ST PETE WOMAN’S CLUB 822-4982
40 Snell Isle Blvd N.E.
NORTHEAST EXCHANGE CLUB528-3828
NORTHEAST LITTLE LEAGUE. 526-9602
ROTARY OF ST. PETERSBURG 898.6744
Paula Adams, Ex Sec. SPRotary.org
SNELL ISLE HOMEOWNERS
Scott Youngblood, President . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ST. PETE COLLEGE . . . . . . . . . 341-4249
SUNSHINE CENTER. . . . . . . . . 821-2323
UNIVERSITY SOUTH FLORIDA 873-4873
------------------------------------------PINELLAS COUNTY INFO . . . . 464-3000
COMMISSION OFFICES. . . . . . 464-3377
Ken Welch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464-3614
STATE:
Senator Jeff Brandes . . . . . 727-395-2512
Republican, District 22
3637 Fourth St. N., Suite 101 St.
Petersburg
Brandes.Jeff.web@flsenate.gov
Representative Dwight Dudley . 552-2747
Dist. 68 - 3637 4th Street N., St. Pete
Dwight.Dudley@MyFloridaHouse.gov
Governor Rick Scott
Rick.Scott@myflorida.com
FLORIDA UNITED STATES SENATORS:
Marco Rubio . . . . . . . . . . . 202-224-3041
www.Rubio.Senate.gov
Bill Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202-224-5274
www.BillNelson.Senate.gov
AREA UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE:
Kathy Castor. . . . . . . . . . . . 727-873-2817
511 Second St. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33701
www.castor.house.gov
-------------------------------------------
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
AMERICAN STAGE . . . . . . . . 823-1600
FLORIDA HOLOCAUST MUSEUM 820-0100
FLORIDA ORCHESTRA . . . . . 892-3331
GREAT EXPLORATIONS . . . . 821-8992
JANNUS LANDING . . . . . . . 896-2276
MAHAFFEY THEATER. . . . . . . 892-5798
MUNICIPAL MARINA. . . . . . . 893-7329
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS. . . . .896-2667
MUSEUM OF HISTORY . . . . . 894-1052
PALADIUM THEATRE . . . . . . 822-3590
SALVADOR DALI MUSEUM. . .823-3767
ST. PETERSBURG OPERA. . . . 823-2040
STATE THEATRE. . . . . . . . . . . 895-3045
STUDIO @ 620. . . . . . . . . . . 895-6620
SUNKEN GARDENS. . . . . . . . 551-3100
CHIHULY COLLECTION . . . 822-7872
THE COLISEUM . . . . . . . . . . 892-5202
TAMPA BAY RAYS. . . . . 800-FAN-RAYS
TROPICANA FIELD . . . . . .
825-3137
St. Petersburg at night
Did You Know...
WALKATHON Southeastern
Guide Dogs’ Walkathon is
February 28, 2015 in Vinoy
Park. This 3K Walkathon
appeals to the whole family,
because you can bring your
dog. Create a team and if it
raises $5,000, you can
name a new guide dog
puppy. Visit
guidedogswalkathon.org to
sign up, raise funds, and set
up or join a team. Call
941-729-5665, for
information. This is their main
fundraiser for the school that provides guide dogs at no
cost to the visually impaired.
___________________________________________________
FREE PARKING Muvico 20 has agreed to extend free
parking for their patrons. Theater customers who park at
the Sundial Garage (117 Second St. N.) will show the
movie theater cashier their Sundial Garage parking
ticket while purchasing movie ticket(s) and receive $1 off
a movie ticket purchase. Upon exiting the garage,
patrons will pay $1 for up to four hours of parking.
___________________________________________________
RUN FOR THE BREWS A downtown running club meets
three times a week and runs various distances in locations
around town. They end most jaunts at a local pub. Check
them out at www.RunningForBrews.com for their times an
locations.
_________________________________________________
NEED ANOTHER COPY OF THIS NEWSLETTER? Pick
one up at the UPS Stores at 200 2nd Avenue S. and in
the Old Northeast area at 204 37th Street N. While you
are there check out their range of products and services
including printing, packing, shipping, and mailbox.
_________________________________________________
REALTORS GIVE BACK The Pinellas County Realtor
Organization, Affiliate Business Partners (PRO) presented
All Children’s Hospital with a $10,000 check in
December. The money was raised at PRO’s Fall and
Wine
Festival.
_________________________________________________
LIBRARY TO TURN 100 THIS YEAR Mirror Lake
Library is one hundred years old this year. The official
opening date was December 1, of 1915. It was built
originally with Carnegie funds. The Library is located at
280
Fifth Street North, just north of City Hall.
___________________
HAVE YOU TRIED
SHUFFLEBOARD
LATELY? The St Pete
Shuffleboard club
meets at 7pm every
Friday at the City’s
Shuffle Board courts,
559 Mirror Lake
Drive N. They play
and socialize from 7
to 11pm. Visit
www.StPeteShuffle.com
or call 822-2083, for
information.
___________________
OUR NEXT ISSUE IS MARCH Read this, as well as
other issues, online at stpetedowntownnewsletter.com
and More...
HAPPY HOUR
WITH THE
HISTORIAN
This lecture series,
sponsored by the
St. Petersburg
Museum of History,
features an evening of wine, words and wisdom every
other month. The next one, March 12, features Dennis
Schrader: From Marilyn to Madden - Baseball and the
Sunshine City. The evening begins at 6:30 pm and
admission is a $5 suggested donation and includes
viewing Museum of History’s exhibits after the speaker.
The museum is located at 335 2nd Avenue NE on the
approach
to The Pier.
___________________________________________________
NO DOCKS Do you use the free docks next to Fresco’s
Waterfront Bistro? They are closed now through the end
of February while the city rebuilds the seawall. However, if
you need to dock nearby, call the City’s Municipal
Marina at 893-7329. They may be able accommodate
you
at the transient dock, if space is available!
___________________________________________________
BOAT DRIVERS NEEDED Clearwater Community Sailing
Center has three major regattas the first week in February.
To be able to host these regattas,18 safety boat driver are
needed for the week of Feb. 5 – 8. You can sign up for just
the days you are available. Ideal boats are 13- 14 foot
RIB's, or 16-21 foot center console outboards. They will
have a training day and a meeting before the regatta. Call
Rich White at (727) 517-7776, if interested.
_________________________________________________
GARDEN HELP DESK UF/IFAS Extension provides
solutions for all types of questions concerning garden,
lawn and landscape care. Visit the help desk at 12520
Ulmerton Road, Largo, Monday - Friday, 8 am. to 5 pm.
___________________________________________________
RECYCLE PLASTIC Americans throw away 2.5 million
plastic bottles every hour. Five recycled plastic bottles
provides enough fiber to create one square foot of carpet
or enough fiber-fill to fill one ski jacket. Recycling one ton
of plastic bottles saves the equivalent of the amount of
energy used by a two person household for one year.
___________________________________________________
DIVE SITE The USCGC Blackthorn was sunk as an
artificial reef, about 20 miles off the Pinellas shoreline in
about 80 feet of water. The wreck has attracted marine
life including Goliath grouper, snapper, mackerel and
even some whale sharks. The coordinates are LAT 2752.570
N. at LONG 083-11.166 W.
_________________________________________________
DO YOU HAVE A DOWNTOWN PO BOX? If you are
a PO Box owner, this may be the first time you have
seen this newsletter. For the first time, the Downtown St
Pete Newsletter, now in our
fifth year, is being mailed
to the PO Boxes at the St.
Petersburg Open Air
Station. We attempt to
reach 100% of the nearby
downtown market and now
have a circulation of
approximately 13,000
households, businesses and
box holders. Enjoy!
HAVE A FAVORITE CHILI RECIPE?
Join The Second Time Arounders Marching Band with
your best chili recipe at the 7th Annual Chili Cook-Off
on January 31, at Ferg’s Sports Bar, 1320 Central
Avenue – it’s shaping up to be the best yet! Enter your
favorite recipe and try for a chance to win fabulous
prizes including weekend getaways, valuable gift cards,
or local sports team items.
The Chili Cook-Off is the Band’s largest fundraiser
raising funds for the University of Tampa band camp
scholarships…and it is a LOT of fun with all the chili you
can eat, a DJ, dancing, plus great raffle prizes! You can
enter the cook-off for $25 and that gets you all the chili
you can eat and drinks! If you just want to eat, we need
eaters too - the cost is $10 for all the chili you can eat.
Find out all about the Band, how it works and meet
some of the members at the New Member Orientation
immediately prior to the Chili Cook-Off at 11am - also
at Ferg’s on January 31.
If you’ve ever marched in a high school, college, or
military marching band, please consider joining the
Rounders! If you enjoyed it then, join them today and do
it all over again! The Second Time Arounders Marching
Band was started with you in mind…33 years ago!
For additional information on the Chili Cook—Off,
e-mail Shelly Anderson: shelly.anderson12@yahoo.com.
For information on the New Member Orientation, call or
e-mail David Jamieson at 727-421-0520 or
communications@secondtimearounders.org.
OPEN YOUR HEART” FASHION
SHOW AND LUNCHEON
The 12th Anniversary “Open Your Heart” Fashion Show
and Luncheon will be Thursday, February 26, 2015 at
10 am, in the Inverness Room, Innisbrook Resort & Golf
Club, located at 36750 U.S. Hwy 19 N, Palm Harbor.
This signature event in support of The Arc Tampa Bay,
the new name for UPARC, will feature a choreographed
high energy fashion show presented by Georgette Diaz
of Georgette’s Boutique. Audiences will be wowed by
celebrity models wearing exquisite fashions from
Georgette’s Boutique set to music and a light show.
Guests can shop for fashions, shoes and accessories
before and after the show and purchase items made by
the individuals served by The Arc Tampa Bay.
The doors open at 10 am to allow guests time to shop,
enter the Chinese Raffle with thousands of dollars in
prizes and to enjoy the ambience and libations with
friends in Inverness Hall. A gourmet lunch and a 50/50
raffle hosted by The Arc’s Hunks make the day
memorable while raising money for a great cause.
The “Open Your Heart” Fashion Show and Luncheon, is
a popular event, frequently sold-out with a waiting list.
Tickets may be purchased individually for $80 or tables
of ten may be reserved at $800. Sponsorships beginning
at $500 are available.
For reservations or information, contact The Arc Tampa
Bay Foundation at (727) 797-8712 or e-mail
madison@thearctbfoundation.org or visit
www.thearctbfoundation.org
“ST PETERSBURG THROUGH
TIME” A BOOK BY JAMES SCHNUR
Book Review by Bob Griffin, Publisher
Just when I thought I knew it all…
I read a lot of local history books.
Anything written about St Petersburg,
the Pinellas County area and even
Florida interests me. I love visiting out
of the way bookstores where I might
find a new book on local history.
Eckerd College History professor
James Schnur, who is also the
President of the Pinellas County
Historical Society, recently released St
Petersburg Through Time, which gives
a new perspective on our area’s
history.
Most of the time, I am reading about things I already know,
including Indians, the Spanish, and British explorers, early
American settlers, the development of the railroad which
led to the development of our state, county and city. This
book though, brings history to life with many sets of photos,
one showing an early photo, paired with a second photo of
how it looks today.
The book is very easy read with its many pictures and
extensive photo captions. Most of the pages are laid out in
the then-and-now format, in categories including The
Waterfront, Downtown, and Nearby Neighborhoods which
are areas not necessarily downtown, but are included in a
chapter named “Short Drives”.
I enjoyed the Introduction, which covered the Ice Ages about
which little has been written, the early Indian years, the
Spanish occupation and early life in 18th century Florida.
But I most enjoyed the old photos of places I drive by daily.
You can pick up a copy St Petersburg Through Time at the
Barnes And Noble bookstore on the USFSP campus,
Haslam’s Book Store on Central Avenue, the St. Petersburg
Museum of History on 2nd Ave North and other local
bookstores or you can order a copy on Amazon.com.
Proceeds go to the USF Foundation to support the USFSP
Digital Archive of the USFSP Poynter Library.
BOCCE BALL TOURNAMENT
The Downtown Waterfront Parks Foundation is planning
their inaugural Bocce Ball Tournament Saturday, March 7,
from 5 – 9 pm at Elva Rouse Park (North Shore Drive
between 10th & 13th Avenues NE.)
The Downtown Waterfront Parks Foundation was created in
2012 to raise funds to supplement the City’s budget for
maintenance and beautification of our downtown waterfront
parks. Its mission is to support preservation and
enhancement of the waterfront parks for residents and
visitor’s enjoyment. The Foundation is volunteer driven, with
a governing board and an active advisory board.
This Foundation fundraiser will feature an elimination bocce
tournament, with open courts for recreation play as
elimination progresses. Food trucks and a cash bar will be
available, with a portion of food & beverage proceeds
being donated to the Foundation.
Tickets are $25 for either players or spectators. Register
online at www.bocceballstpete.com. Sponsors are needed.
Contact Don Howe dhowe@smithandassociates.com or
727-422-5205. Visit WaterfrontParksFoundation.org.
PURE NATURAL NAIL LOUNGE OPENS
St. Petersburg’s newest
all-natural nail lounge
and spa, Pure Natural
Nail Lounge, founded by
nail industry experts Coy
Bentley, wife Tutu, sister
Lan Pratt also a
healthcare professional,
and brother-in-law Tim
opened in December. The
spa raises the bar on sanitization, serenity, and customer
service. From the jet-less pedicure baths that prevent
backflow bacteria to disposable, medical-grade equipment,
the owners hand selected the very best in the nail salon
industry to go above and beyond the standard for
sterilization and cleanliness.
Pure Natural Nail Lounge is a refreshing change. Each client
is greeted with a smile, a warm hand towel and revitalizing
lemon water. The wine and beer menu includes craft beers
from local breweries and non-sulfide, organic wine.
Pure Natural Nail Lounge uses only organic products and is
cognizant of what they use on a client’s skin and nails. They
offer waxing, massage, facials and make-up application,
and their Sparitual SLOW BEAUTY® manicures/pedicures
are the ultimate spa experience.
“In my healthcare career, I’ve seen the damaging effects of
stress and harsh chemicals on overall health,” Lan says.
“We want to help restore client’s well-being by providing a
natural and healthy environment where they can de-stress
and rejuvenate.” There is a private room for couples, also
popular for mother daughter retreats. The party lounge
comes with a party planner for stress-free planning for
brides, birthdays and groups. Pure Natural Nail Lounge, at
101 1st Ave. N., is a welcomed addition to St. Petersburg!
Visit PureNaturalNailLounge.com or call (727) 914-7655.
SECOND THURSDAY ON THE PLAZA
The Mahaffey Theater's year-long 50th anniversary
celebration began this month with their first of many
Second Thursday on The Plaza events. During the free
outdoor concert, food trucks will be available between the
Mahaffey Theater and the Dali Museum. During Second
Thursday events the Mahaffey will offer tours through the
corridors of the theater to areas rarely seen publicly. Dates
for the next two events are Feb 12 with The Greg Billings
Band and March 12 with Come Back Alice. All events are
6:30pm to 9pm.
HELP FOR HOMELESS WOMEN
St. Petersburg Free Clinic celebrated the ground breaking
of the new Virginia and David Baldwin Women’s
Residence, a 50 bed facility replacing the current 20 bed
home that receives over 200 inquires per month from
homeless women seeking help. The future residence is at
814 4th Avenue N.
Established in 1989, St. Petersburg Free Clinic Women’s
Residence provides a safe place to stay as well as support
services to single homeless women as they work toward
self-sufficiency. Residents stay from six to twelve months,
while working to save money, set goals and build life skills.
More than 70% of women who join the program
successfully transition to self-sufficiency and stable housing.
Last year, Free Clinic Women’s Residence provided shelter
and support to 66 women. This will allow the Free Clinic to
more than double that number. Private donors are
providing all of the funding to make this dream a reality.
2015 CALENDAR OF LOCAL EVENTS
JANUARY
Home Show Tropicana
23-25
American Stage Night Radio Golf
23
The Pier: Short List Determined
23
Home Show Tropicana Field
23-25
State of the City Mayor Kriseman
24
Heritage Village Folk Festival
24
Dali Museum Fuzion Dance Artists
24
Merle Haggard Mahaffey Theater
27
Ballroom with a Twist Mahaffey Theater 28
Seniors Expo Coliseum
28
Florida Legends Rock & Roll Coliseum 30
Gasparilla Invasion
31
Chili Cook Off, Grand Central District 31
Chili Cook Off Ferg’s Sports Bar
31
AWAPS Young Eagles Albert Whitted 31
Little League End of Registration
31
Dinner with Alex Cobb Tropicana Field 31
Fine Arts event in North Straub
31-1
FEBRUARY
Super Bowl Sunday
1
Ground Hog Day
2
*Florida State Fair Opens
5
Wine Weekend Museum of Fine Arts 6-8
First Friday
6
Flea Market on Grand Central
7
*LOCAL-TOPIA Williams Park
7
MFA Founders Day Free Day at MFA
7
MFA Monet to Matisse
7
The Pier Presentations Coliseum
11-12
Second Thursday on The Plaza
12
Trade Joe’s Opening
13
Valentine’s Day
14
Valentine’s Day 5K Run Downtown
14
Big Band Valentine Dance Coliseum 14
NOOD Regatta St Pete Yacht Club 13-15
Wild Kratts Live Mahaffey Theater
15
Bridal Show, Coliseum
15
President’s Day
16
Schools closed
16
Mahaffey Theater Rhythm of Dance
17
Lent Begins
18
Diana Ross Concert Mahaffey Theater 18
Chamber’s Business Expo Coliseum 19
Kids and Cubs vs Mayor’s Team
21
Rays Fan Fest Tropicana Field
21
Luxury Living Lifestyle Expo
21
Coastline Festival Vinoy Park
21
Paul Reiser at Palladium Theater
21
Girls Night at Palladium Theater
27
SE Guide Dogs Walkathon Vinoy
28
Little League Opening Day
28
Zootastic Fest at Great Explorations
28
MARCH
Rays Spring Training opens
5
First Friday
6
Mahaffey Theater Pink Floyd Experience 6
Flea Market on Grand Central
7
Annual Bocce Tourn North Shore Park 7
Awakening Lifestyle Festival Straub Park 7-8
Festival of Speed Vinoy Park
8
Santana Concert at Mahaffey Theater 8
Daylight Savings Time Begins
8
Sing Off Live Mahaffey Theater
11
Jr Sungoddess Finals St Pete Yacht Club 11
Second Thursday on The Plaza
12
Boat Show Tropicana Field
13-15
Walk to Defeat ALS Northshore Park 14
Great American Clean Up
14
Public Schools Closed
16
St Patrick’s Day
17
Mahaffey Theater Night of Queen
19
Spring Begins
20
Pier Final Plan Selection
20
Antiquarian Book Fair Coliseum
20-22
Suncoaster’s 5K Run North Straub Park 26
Illuminated Grand Prix Night Parade 26
Clothes 2 Kids Luncheon Coliseum
26
Grand Prix 5K Run Vinoy Park
27
Firestone St Pete Grand Prix
27-29
Gluten Free for Life Expo Coliseum 28
Public Schools Spring Break Begins
30
Rays Spring Training Ends
31
IT'S SO GOOD TO BE LOVED BY A DOG
by Bob Clark, Belleair Christian Science practitioner
On a recent flight I was happy to find my bulkhead seat
neighbor was a black Lab. He was trained to anticipate and
respond to his owner's seizures. The response part seemed
natural, but the anticipate part was new to me. I asked the
owner how it works. She had no idea but confirmed her dog
always knew before she did and would let her know if a
seizure was imminent and help her through it. Amazing.
Reminds me of a Bible passage I've sometimes wondered
about: "Ask now the beasts and they shall teach thee" (Job
12:7). Is it possible that there is a lot more about health that
doesn't have to be invented as much as discovered?
Researchers are still asking questions about how dogs can
anticipate seizures and how reliable the ability is. But there
was no question in the owner's mind. If she were headed
toward a seizure her dog was on it and led her through it.
Dogs are getting a lot of attention for their ability to love us
through our health challenges. Colleges and universities,
from Yale to Eckerd, are bringing in therapy dogs to reduce
student stress. Veterans struggling with PTSD are finding
comfort and healing with canine therapy.
"As the Army struggles to address the broad swath of stress
disorders and mental health problems brought on by more
than a decade of war, one of the biggest hurdles is getting
soldiers to seek treatment," Fox News reported. Dogs really
shine here. Even the most battle-hardened warriors tend to
melt in the presence of a wagging tail.
Ron, a 3-year-old golden retriever-Lab mix, holds the rank of
a one-star general and his designated military occupation is
a "psych tech." He's trained to bring tissues to distressed
patients and put his head on a person's lap who is stressed.
After the Newtown, Conn., tragedy, Tim Hetzner of the
Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs team, traveled
there with nine specially trained golden retrievers and their
volunteer handlers from the Addison, Ill.-based group.
"A lot of times, kids talk directly dogs," Hetzner says. "They're
like counselors with fur. They have excellent listening skills, and
demonstrate unconditional love. They don't judge or talk back."
According to scientists who study this healing phenomenon,
dogs' unconditional love stems from the fact that they are one
of the only species that does not generally exhibit xenophobia,
the fear of strangers. Instead, dogs are xenophilic, meaning
they tend to love strangers.
So is it the dog that has this therapeutic effect? Or the love
expressed by the dog? If it's the dog's message (I love you no
matter what!) as much as the messenger, what's the larger
message to us about the healing power of unconditional
love? And where does this love really come from?
My father, who grew up attending Christian Science Sunday
school, often wondered about three words on the church
wall: "God is love" (I John 4:8). Much later, as he lay dying
from a machine gun wound in the South Pacific during World
War II, those words came strongly to thought as something he
could hang on to and believe in. He credits his survival to
actually feeling the power of that love. It may be that dogs
just naturally have a way to tap into that huge love and offer
it to us without conditions or constraints.
I expect we'll keep learning about dogs' natural ability to love
without expectation or condition. Maybe that learning will
help us see how to love more unconditionally, too. More
divinely. Our "best friend" can help us find that healing ability
and its infinite source in ourselves.
Read Bob Clark’s blog at simplyhealthyflorida.com.
CHURCH’S STAINED GLASS WINDOWS
by Ginny Sexton, First United Methodist Church Docent
St. Petersburg’s emergence as a center for the arts may seem recent to many
unaware of First United Methodist Church’s ten magnificent, “Tiffany-Style,”
American stained glass windows. They are mostly interpretations of well-known
religious paintings depicting important events in the life of Jesus Christ from birth
to his ascension.
The Gothic revival style church, built in 1926, stands majestically on the corner of
2nd Avenue and 3rd Street North, in the heart of downtown. Placed on the
National Register of Historic Places in 1990, it offers an exquisite look at a piece
of St. Petersburg history and the glorious work of American glass artistry.
The windows are blown glass and were produced by one of the oldest American
studios, the George Hardy Payne Studio of Paterson, NewJersy. Nine windows,
each forty by sixty-three inches, adorn the east and west walls of the sanctuary.
The centerpiece, dominating the south wall of the narthex, is a ten by eighteen
foot interpretation of Leonardo da Vinci’s painting, The Last Supper. The original
painting is on the north wall of a Dominican Convent, the Santa Maria del
Grazzi, in Milan, Italy. Even with the change of medium from a painting to glass,
the integrity of the original is maintained. Leonardo intended to show real people, acting like real people, through
their body language and emotions. The glass artists captured that feeling so viewers can become part of the
experience. Special interior lighting affords a remarkable view to those who pass by the window at night.
Hollywood memorialized the window when Ron Howard featured it as the background for the wedding scene in his
movie Cocoon.
All the windows are known for their color, dimension, opalescence and detail achieved by the generous use of several
layers of glass, drapery glass and frit. Drapery glass results from a process used to create ripples and folds which
give depth and dimension. Frit is the combination of glass crushed into a fine powder and mixed with an oil as
common as olive oil. It is “painted’” onto a character to create details such as hair, beards, etc. When it is refired, the
oil burns off, while the glass “paint” adheres to the glass.
Through the years, many visitors have appreciated the beauty of these uniquely American windows. That opportunity
continues today. Tours led by knowledgeable docents are offered every Wednesday morning at 10 am. Special group
tours can be scheduled by calling the Church Office at 894.4661. For information on the First United Methodist
Church docents, you can reach Ginny Sexton at 894.3182.
TOAST THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
The MFA’s 50th Anniversary in 2015 will be truly golden.
The Museum and The Margaret Acheson Stuart Society are
bringing art and wine royalty to the community. Monet to
Matisse - On the French Coast (February 7-May 31)
spotlights masterworks from some of the world’s greatest
museums, and Wine Weekend St. Pete 2015: Cheers to 50
Years! (February 6-8) some of the world’s glorious wines.
In addition to Monet and Matisse, other artists in this
landmark exhibition include Renoir, Signac, Bonnard, and
the talented brothers, Raoul and Jean Dufy. The exhibition
also features two paintings by Picasso from the 1930s.
Works are coming from the Metropolitan Museum of Art,
the Brooklyn Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, and The
Phillips Collection, as well as from noted private collections.
Cheers to 50 Years! will open the exhibition and is taking
Wine Weekend to a new level. The guests of honor, JeanCharles Boisset and his wife Gina Gallo, are in the
stratosphere of the wine world. Patricia Rossignol and John
William Barger III are the chairs. The Stuart Society, the
Museum’s service and fundraising organization, initiated the
Wine Auction five years ago. This is the third Wine Weekend,
which has become the premier such event in the area, and
the second chaired by Mrs. Rossignol and Mr. Barger.
The celebration begins with a black-tie “Evening at
Maxim’s” on Friday, February 6, begins at 7 p.m. in the
Marly Room for major sponsors. Tickets are $2,500 per
couple and $1,250 for individuals. Jean-Charles Boisset is
the guest of honor for the evening, which will feature a sixcourse dinner of French cuisine prepared by Tyson Grant,
Executive Chef of the Parkshore Grill, and Michel Cornu,
Director of Cuisine and Hospitality for Boisset Family
Estates. The wines will be
selected by Mr. Boisset.
Cheers to 50 Years!
International Wine Auction on
Saturday, February 7 begins
with a wine-tasting/auction
preview will at 2:30 p.m. under
a big tent on the Museum’s
north lawn. The live auction
starting at 4 p.m. Jeffrey
Henri Matisse (French, 1869Burchard will be the auctioneer, 1954)
Girl by a Window (1921)
assisted by Elizabeth Flower
and Tom duPont, publisher of the duPont Registry luxury
magazines. Russell Rhodes, the popular co-anchor of Good
Day, Tampa Bay on FOX 13, will be the emcee. A fourcourse French-themed dinner starts at 7:30 pm at the “Café
Montmartre” in the Mary Alice McClendon Conservatory.
The dinner, prepared by Tyson Grant, will include Burgundy
and Napa wines from the Boisset Collection. Michel Cornu
will create a special dish. Tickets to both the auction and
dinner are $285 per person. Dress is resort casual.
The weekend concludes Sunday, February 8, with a
sumptuous Anniversary Brunch from 11 am-2 pm. There
will be wine and champagne tastings, international culinary
delights, and live music. Visitors can also enjoy Monet to
Matisse on its opening weekend and the Museum’s own
stellar collection. Tickets are $100 and the attire is once
again resort casual.
The events are all at the Museum of Fine Arts and salute the
Belle Époque. Order tickets by calling 727.753.WINE
(9463) or online at can be www.WineWeekendSt.Pete.org.
ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER
Business Briefs...
ABC NOW OPEN
One of the largest
liquor stores in the
area, ABC Liquors
has reopened at
3535 4th Street N.
after a complete
remodel, both
inside and out. Liz
Holland is the
manager. Stop in
and say hello.
_________________
TRADER JOE’S
OPENS NEXT MONTH While still under construction in
the 2700 block of 4th Street N., they are planning a
February 13th opening. The store is accepting applications
in person Monday-Friday, 8am to 5pm, through January
31st. Positions pay $10-$12 an hour for most jobs. Visit
TraderJoes.com for employment information or to
download an application.
___________________________________________________
COMING SOON The large New York company, iQor is
relocating their headquarters to downtown St Pete. More
than 100 of their employees are expected to transition
here with the move into the Tower at One Progress Plaza.
The move comes after months of negotiations and tax
incentives. “This shows that the county is rich in talent to
support tech businesses,” says Karen Seel, County
Commissioner. Mayor Rick Kriseman said iQor liked the
city’s strategic location, airport, and overall quality of life.
He said, “It is the exact kind of business that we need to
attract to downtown near the innovation district.” Any new
jobs are expected to pay about $84,000.
___________________________________________________
ST. PETE CLEARWATER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
(PIE) FLIGHTS For those wanting to skip Tampa Airport,
Silver Airways is adding service to Fort Lauderdale and Key
West from PIE. They now have two flights a day, Monday
through Friday, to Fort Lauderdale and one flight per day
on weekends. Flights to Key West are being offered daily
starting at $119, with no service on Sundays.
___________________________________________________
NEST This new furniture and décor store was recently
opened at 1545 4th Street North by Shannon Sharp. They
are located in the shopping center just south of Bob Lee’s
Tires.
___________________________________________________
NEW SKYLINE The Kolter Group of West Palm Beach
and The Edwards Group have broken ground on a new
41-story mixed use building in the vacant lot east of
Jannus Landing. The $300 million project will include 253
condos, plus a 173 room hotel. There will also be retail
on the ground level. The average size of the future condos
will be between 1,800 and 1,900 square feet. 25% of
them will have three bedrooms. The Kolter Group is also
building the Water Club in Snell Isle.
___________________________________________________
NEW NAME The apartments complex being built at 430
Third Avenue S. changed its proposed name from The Sol
to Beacon 430. They plan to have 326 apartments
ranging from studios to three bedroom units and still
expect to be open by the end of the year.
___________________________________________________
CLOSED Radio Shack in North East Plaza, next to Publix
closed last month
CAN PEOPLE CHANGE?
by Professor Abné M. Eisenberg
While a life threatening illness might cause some people to
make a change in their lifestyle, most of them prefer to
keep things as they were. If a six-year old child displays
inconsiderate behavior, chances are that it will be a fiftyyear old inconsiderate adult. Perhaps the adage, “The more
things change, the more they remain the same “ has some
validity.
Although people do make changes in their job, residence,
relationships, or eating habits, these changes seldom alter
their basic character or personality. Only those that are
deeply-rooted resist change.
There are givers and takers. These individuals aggressively
resist being changed. Their actions are reluctantly tolerated
by their family, friends, and social relationships.
Change usually involves some degree of risk. Most people
prefer to keep things the way they are. Going from the
known to the unknown is not an inviting option.
According to Ken Blanchard, a management consultant,
there are several dynamics of change. When you ask
people to either think, feel, or do something different, you
disrupt their habitual way of doing things. They have
difficulty abandoning old ways and adopting new ways, for
example, learning how to use a new computer program,
driving a new car with a dashboard that presents twelve
different options, or figuring out how to set the alarm of a
high-tech time piece. It takes time to change to new ways. A
quick and unexpected change can be overwhelming. It can
make a susceptible individual mentally or physically ill.
Conversely, there are those who welcome such a change
and see it as an exciting challenge.
Change of any kind does not occur in a vacuum, but in a
given context. There has to be a readiness and a
willingness to accept change. Some of the consequences
associated with change are blame, praise, shame or guilt.
History is replete with the negative and positive side-effects
of change.
Every day, millions make an effort to stop smoking, lose
weight, stop drinking or gambling. and become more
tolerant of culturally or racially different people. To be
successful, each of these aspirations demand will power
and determination.
Few things are more emotionally gratifying than making a
change that works. When successful, it provides the
confidence to take future risks. Unsuccessful attempts
discourages future risk-taking. A rich and rewarding life
encourages a willingness and readiness to embrace change
and to responsibly accept its consequences.
Without change, civilization is on a slippery slope –
backwards. Change should never be viewed as a board
game where the number of correct choices declares the
winner. Each change must be judged on its own merit and
in a specific context.
Reinhold Niebuhr’s prayer provides us with an emotionally
moving perspective on change: “God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to
change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the
difference.”
GET INVOLVED
This time of year, many make New Year’s
Resolutions promising to lose weight, exercise
more, stop smoking, travel more or just do
something different. Why not make that something
different volunteering somewhere?
Many local attractions and events would not exist
without volunteers working behind the scenes
donating sometimes hundreds of hours of their
time and expecting nothing in return except the
personal satisfaction of helping others.
Are you ready to become a volunteer? The first
step is to decide where you want to donate your
time. Pick something you are good at and like to
do. Do you like animals? Call Pet Pal Animal
Shelter or the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
History? Call Heritage Village. Want to help
people? There are endless places needing help
such as Meals on Wheels, Habitiat for Humanity,
St. Pete Free Clinic and more.
Consider doing something different this year and
give of yourself. You will be glad you did!
TOP 10 BENEFITS
#10: It's good for you. Volunteering provides
physical and mental rewards.
#9: Saves resources. The estimated value of a
volunteer's time is $15.39 an hour
#8: Volunteers gain professional experience. You
can test out a career.
#7: It brings people together. As a volunteer you
assist in uniting people from diverse backgrounds
and building camaraderie and teamwork
#6: It promotes personal growth and self-esteem.
#5: Volunteering strengthens your community. It
supports families, improving schools, supports
youth and beautifies the community
#4: You learn a lot.
#3: You get a chance to give back.
#2: Volunteering encourages civic responsibility.
#1: You make a difference. Every person counts!
WHO USES VOLUNTEERS
AMERICAN RED CROSS
The American Red Cross is always looking for
volunteers to help fulfill our mission to prevent
and alleviate human suffering during
emergencies. It is through the time and care of
ordinary people that we do extraordinary things.
Red Cross volunteers respond to local disasters
including home fires and large disasters, such as
hurricanes and tornadoes all over the U.S.
Volunteers staff shelters and provide care and
comfort in times of disaster. Some drive
emergency response vehicles serving meals and
distribute cleaning supplies. Our volunteers
support military families and work with patients
in VA hospitals. Volunteer teach lifesaving skills
like CPR and first-aid. Some work in volunteer
administration supporting new volunteers or
answering phones. Training is free. Background
checks are required. For information, visit
www.RedCross.org/Support/Volunteer.
ALL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
FLORIDA HOLOCAUST MUSEUM
The warmth and touch of a human hand can be
beneficial to a newborn. Rocking babies with a
lullaby is one of the many valuable services our
dedicated volunteers at All Children’s Hospital
provide. They also assist with our popular Pet
Therapy Program which brings trained dogs into
hospital rooms and the library (Paws For
Reading) to help kids cope with their illnesses.
Approximately 500 volunteers greet visitors and
work in 40 departments throughout the hospital,
donating over 30,000 hours of volunteer service
per year. To become a volunteer, e-mail Brittany
Circharo, Volunteer Resourses Coordinator at
Brittany.Circharo@JHMI.edu or call 767-8671.
The Florida Holocaust Museum has more than
70 active and semi-active volunteers fulfilling
multiple roles. Many are young students.
Volunteers of all ages work in administrative
areas, the gift shop, admissions, as gallery
guardians and security assistants, and as event
greeters. Volunteers also serve as docents in the
Museum. Many Holocaust survivors volunteer
their time to speak to visiting groups. Volunteers
are an invaluable part of the foundation of the
museum. New docent training begins soon. If
you’d like to become a docent or a volunteer,
call 727-820-0100 or e-mail
INFO@FlHolocaustMuseum.org.
Volunteers are the backbone of the Ronald
McDonald House of Tampa Bay, with over 250
volunteers in St Petersburg alone. In our three St
Petersburg houses (and one in Tampa), shift
volunteers are needed to help families check-in
and out. Other volunteers assist in areas such as:
dog therapy, serving meals, donation pick-ups
and meal preparation. We have teen volunteers,
too. Visit www.RMHCTampaBay.com.
The Pinellas County Courthouse needs volunteers,
called Ambassadors, too. Ambassadors are often
your first contact when you enter, as they staff the
Information Station in the Courthouse lobby at 315
Court Street in Clearwater. They assist people with
directions, information and answer questions
concerning County Departments. The
county also operates a facility
at 1st Avenue North,
downtown.
RONALD McDONALD HOUSE
GREAT EXPLORATIONS
Our many volunteers range from high school
students to senior citizens. Since our
mission is to stimulate learning
through creativity, play
and exploration, many
volunteers engage
directly with museum
guests, although some
work behind the scenes
running our museum. To
volunteer, visit
www.GreatEx.org or call
821-8992.
SUNSHINE CENTER
When you come to the
Sunshine Center, you are welcomed by one of
over 60 volunteers on our roster. They run our
Thrift Store, Garden and Greenhouse, the Fitness
Center, two reception desks, a café, Wii Bowling
Team and more. We could not have the Sunshine
Center without them. All our volunteers are
seniors 55 and over, but most are in their 70s.
They love coming to the Center to help; it gives
them a sense of community, purpose and a
reason to get up in the morning. For many
seniors staying home creates loneliness,
isolation, depression and physical ailments.
Getting out and being useful can eliminate all
these conditions.
NORTHEAST LITTLE LEAGUE
The Little League is a great place to volunteer.
Volunteers have an opportunity to impact the lives
of about 500 kids every season. We have very
active parents and wonderful players. All Little
League tournaments require volunteer umpires.
Current, the Little League District 5, to which we
belong, has a shortage of volunteer umpires. We
offer them training. Northeast Little League is a
great place to start. Come out to Opening Day on
February 21st to see what we mean.
PINELLAS COUNTY COURTHOUSE
TAMPA BAY
WATCH
Tampa Bay Watch, a non-profit
organization, is dedicated to protecting and
restoring the Tampa Bay estuary’s marine and
wetland environments through scientific and
educational programs. They have a small staff of
only 15, so they are forced to rely on volunteers
to accomplish habitat restoration projects. Tampa
Bay Watch’s efforts to restore and protect the
bay’s habitat through stewardship and
community awareness provide effective long term
improvements to the bay. Volunteers and staff
participate in salt marsh plantings, oyster reef
construction, coastal cleanups and storm drain
markings to help restore the bay. Tampa Bay
Watch sends out an e-mail weekly announcing
their up coming volunteer opportunities. E-mail
Rachel Arndt at RArndt@TampaBayWatch.org or
call 867-8166 to receive those e-mails
BROOKWOOD FLORIDA
Brookwood Florida provides a home for girls,
diverted by abuse, neglect or family dysfunction.
Due to the nature of the program, opportunities
to volunteer directly with the girls are not always
possible, however, there are several other ways
including: Improvement Projects - typically one
time, group-oriented projects, Clerical, and help
with Special events, big and small, that raise
money to support Brookwood. Call 822-4789 or
visit www.brookwoodflorida.org
HERITAGE VILLAGE
With only three paid staff members, our 400
volunteers allow us to provide programs and
services we would not otherwise be able to offer.
They are the heart and soul of Heritage Village.
In addition, our maintenance and grounds
volunteers help us preserve our 30 historic
structures and 21 acres of land, while keeping
the site safe for visitors. Last year, our volunteers
contributed over 32,000 hours of service. That
number included hours from our tour
guide/docents, museum greeters, receptionists,
historic craft demonstrators, junior docents,
historic house caretakers, grounds and
maintenance volunteers, office assistants,
archives and collection volunteers, gift shop
volunteers, auxiliary rangers and special events
workers. A number of civic and business
organizations also provide days of service to
assist us with special projects.
BAYFRONT HEALTH
ST. PETERSBURG
Bayfront Health St.
Petersburg offers volunteer
opportunities throughout
the hospital. Volunteers
help visitors find their
way around the
hospital, provide
patient assistance or
work in administration
offices. In some cases, volunteers
play an important hands-on role assisting
full-time staff. While volunteers range in age
from 18 to 88, student volunteers find it a great
way to decide on future careers and fulfill
graduation requirements. Senior citizens
volunteer at the hospital because even though
they are retired, they still want to stay active in
the community. Some volunteers work many
hours a week, not only at Bayfront Health St.
Petersburg, but also at other organizations in the
area. They find their time spent very rewarding
and enjoy playing a part in making the hospital
a pleasant experience for staff, visitors and
patients. Volunteer applications are online at:
www.bayfrontstpete.com/about/careers/volunteer
-opportunities or call (727) 893-6161)
WHY THEY DO IT
“I volunteer at the Sunshine Center. I live at
Burlington Towers and take the bus to and from
the Center. I am scheduled on Mondays and
Wednesdays, but sometimes I am there every day.
They joke I should start paying them rent since I
am there all the time. Mainly, they have me answer
the phones, but basically, I do whatever needs to
be done. I like working there because it gives me
something to do, and gets me out of the house.”
Margaret Cross (88), Sunshine Center volunteer
“I volunteer at Great Explorations. When we
volunteer, we typically play with the kids and
clean up after them. I build block buildings so
that they can knock them down, then I help them
build something else. Without us, I imagine
Great Explorations would have less interactivity
with all the kids who visit us daily.” Colin
Mulligan, Great Explorations volunteer
“I am originally from Lima, Peru and have been
volunteering for five years at Ronald McDonald
House East with well over 400 donated hours. It
gives me a great feeling to help others. If there is
any way I can alleviate someone else’s pain, or
help with their needs during a stressful time, I am
happy to do so. Especially to those that don’t
speak English. That can be very isolating.”
Carolina Holtz, Ronald McDonald House volunteer
84 year old Romano Moglia volunteers 10 hours a
week with the St. Pete Police Department. He
started in the Communications Center where they
asked him to create an Excel spread sheet
detailing employee productivity statistics. He then
moved to Accreditation where he has been since
2005. He became a part-time city employee in July
at age 82. He now has the responsibility of
developing the City’s Human Resources
confidential files. Even so, he continues to devote
ten hours a week to the Police Department, but
spliting his time between paid and volunteer work.
Although he is assigned to the Accreditation unit,
Romano volunteers part of his hours in the Fiscal
Division. At age 84, Mr. Moglia is a valued part of
the St Pete Police Department. Submitted by
Melanie Bevan, Assistant Chief of Police
“My husband Dan and I volunteer for the
American Red Cross in different areas. I am a
member of the disaster action team responding
to home fires by driving the emergency response
vehicle, I have dabbled in client casework, the
mass care/sheltering functions and some
government liaison. Dan is more involved with
information technology and communications. We
enjoy interacting with those we help, so the Red
Cross is a good fit. We also like the variety of
skills needed, not to mention that 91 cents of
every donated dollar goes to those who need it.
We both stepped outside of our comfort level to
join the Pillowcase Project that teaches 3rd to 5th
graders about preparing for disasters. Dan and I
also joined Lealman Fire Department Community
Emergency Response Team (CERT) recently.
In addition, Dan and I are passionate about the
environment and volunteer for Tampa Bay Watch.
We also belong to Egmont Key Nature Preserve
and participate in road-side cleanup on Tierra
Verde. Dan also teaches folks how to take the
mystery out of computers and iPads once a month
at the Tierra Verde Community Assn.
Most importantly, what I have learned about
volunteering is to find an organization that is
involved in your passion. It is great way to meet
like-minded people interested in the same things
you are. If you are young, it gives you a unique
experience you won't get in school or work. If
middle-aged, you will make new friends and
demonstrate abilities which may help you later. If
retired, you can share your knowledge and
experiences with others.
My warning though is start slow. There are many
great, worth-while organizations and it is easy to
over-commit. If you find an organization you like,
but don’t find your niche right away, keep trying.
Keep putting yourself out there and you will be
rewarded.” Virginia Harter (50), American Red
Cross volunteer
GOOD HEALTH STARTS IN THE GUT
by Dr. Stacey Robinson
More than 2,000 years ago, Hippocrates said, “All disease
begins in the gut”. Modern medicine often ignores this
organ that is central to our health. Conditions associated
with poor gut health include common gastrointestinal
conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory
bowel disease and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) but also
diseases manifested outside of the gut. These include
osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases, cancer, allergies and
asthma, skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, acne,
neurological conditions such as autism, ADD, dementia,
and depression, and nonspecific symptoms such as
headaches, joint pain and fatigue. Working towards healing
the gut can improve and sometimes cure these conditions.
Proper gastrointestinal function is a complex process that
requires a multitude of hormones, neurotransmitters,
digestive and pancreatic enzymes, cofactors, and good
bacteria. The gut is central to good health and provides
more functions than most people realize:
•Most people appreciate that digestion and absorption take
place in the gut, allowing for breaking down and
absorption of nutrients that are essential to life.
•Few people realize that 70% of our immunity, our ability to
fight infection, lies in the gut. The trillions of “good”
bacteria that should live in our gastrointestinal tract help
control the “bad guys” such as bacteria, parasites, and
viruses from causing disease.
•The gut is integral in detoxification and elimination of the
many toxins we are exposed to daily including pesticides,
preservatives, hormone-like substances, and heavy metals.
If the gut is not healthy and bowel movements are not
regular, then this detoxification process will be hampered.
•The gut has been referred to as “the second brain”
because it contains more nerve cells than the spinal cord
and has a nervous system that functions independently from
the brain. The gut contains as many neurotransmitters as
the brain and 95% of our serotonin which gives us a sense
of well-being. This explains the link between health of the
gut with mood, memory and attention disorders.
Steps to a healthy gut:
1. Avoid high sugar food and refined carbohydrates. These
foods do not promote of health friendly bacteria.
2. If possible, avoid medications that damage the gut
environment, such as anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, acid
blockers, and steroids. Always consult your doctor before
stopping medications. Work on healing the gut, then
tapering off medications under your physician’s supervision.
3. Lower stress with relaxation techniques and/or controlled
breathing. Stress can damage the lining of the gut and can
cause an imbalance of the good bacteria.
4. Eliminate foods which can damage the gut. The most
common food allergies/sensitivities are wheat (gluten), soy,
tree nuts, corn and dairy. Cut these foods out for 4 weeks
then bring them back into your diet every 3 days to see if
these foods cause a problem.
5. Eat a diet high in fiber: veggies, fruits, beans, nuts/seeds,
and whole grains which promote regular elimination and
growth of good bacteria.
6. Certain supplements such as probiotics, Omega-3 fatty
acids, digestive enzymes, zinc, glutamine and herbs can be
used to promote the health of the GI tract.
7. If you have any of the conditions listed above, consider
consulting a physician specializing in Functional or
Integrative Medicine. Go to FunctionalMedicine.org or
ABIHM.org for a list of physicians.
Dr. Stacey Robinson, owner of Robinson Concierge Medicine, is a private
physician practicing downtown. Reached her at (727) 329-8859 or via
www.RobinsonMed.com.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
CITY OF ST PETE
•The City of St Petersburg – Cliff Smith, (727) 893-7627
or Aubri Haley, (727) 892-5446,
www.StPete.org/ICAN/docs/VolunteerOpportunties
• Parks & Recreation - Sally Marvin, (727) 893-7190
• Police Department Public Safety - (727) 893-7780
• Sunshine Center - Sally Marvin, (727) 893-7190
ATTRACTIONS
• American Stage - (727) 823-1600
• Morean Arts Center - (727) 822-7872
• Florida Holocaust Museum - (727) 820-0100
• Great Explorations - (727) 821-8992
• The Coliseum - (727) 892-5202
• The Florida Orchestra - (727) 892-3331
• Mahaffey Theater - (727) 892-5798
• Museum of Fine Arts - (727) 896-2667
• Museum of History - (727) 894-1052
• Palladium Theater - (727) 822-3590
• Salvado Dali Museum - (727) 823-3767
• Sunken Gardens - (727) 551-3100
• Tampa Bay Rays Tropicana Field - (727) 825-3137
• St. Pete Chamber of Commerce - (727) 821-4069
MEDICAL
• American Red Cross - Virginia Harter, 727-453-1511
• Bayfront Medical Center - (727) 893-6907
• St Anthony’s Hospital - (727) 825-1445
• All Children’s Hospital - (727) 767-8195
• Ronald McDonald House - Lisa Fields, (727) 767-7600
• St. Pete Free Clinic - (727) 821-1200
PINELLAS COUNTY
• Coast Guard Auxiliary - (727) 469-8895
• Keep Pinellas Beautiful - (727) 533-0402.
• AARP TAX AIDE - Free Training Dan Trembulak,
(727) 242-5603 or Mike Noonberg (703) 915-4438
• Heritage Village (Largo) - Paige Noel
(727) 582-2125 or PNoel@PinellasCounty.org
• Courthouse Ambassadors, Volunteer Services
(727) 464-8477, www.PinellasCounty.org/Volunteer
ANIMALS
• Clearwater Marine Aquarium (727) 441-1790
• Pet Pal Animal Shelter - (727) 328-7738
• Southern Guide Dogs, Puppy Raisers and Walkers –
(727) 498-6582, www.GuidDogs.org
MISC.
• Northeast Little League (727) 526-9602 www.NELL.com
• Mainsail ArtFest - (727) 893-7465
Volunteers@MainSailArt.org
FOOD BANKS/PERSONAL ASSISTANCE
• Brookwood - (727) 822.4789
• 2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares - (727) 210-4233
• HEP - (727) 442-9041
• Shepards Village – (727) 216-1402
• Clothes To Kids - (727) (727) 327-7100
• Alpha House of Pinellas - (727) 822-8190
• ASAP Homeless Service - (727) 823-5665
• Beacon House Men’s Shelter - (727) 823-5780
• Benedict Haven - (727) 525-5205
• CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse) - (727) 895-4912
• Daystar Life Center - (727) 825-0442.
• Mary's Outreach for Women - (727) 323-5100
• Resurrection House - (727) 823-4742
• Salvation Army - (727) 822-4954
• St. Vincent de Paul Society - (727) 823-2516
• YWCA/USF Family Village - (727) 823-2859
Bar & Restaurant News...
LOCALE MARKET
The a 20,000
square-foot
gourmet shopping
store’s much
awaited opening
was last month, in
Sun Dial
Shopping Center
hasn’t
disappointed as a
foodies dream
come true! The
market sells many
ready to eat
meals to take
home or to eat at
tables upstairs and to the left of the Muvico theaters.
The market’s ever changing menu also includes food
made to order at the The Grill kitchen. Shown here is
the St. Petersburger, the signature dry-aged beef burger.
Plans are underway to open a small restaurant with
beer
and wine on the second floor.
___________________________________________________
PIZZA Top This Pie, a new pizza restaurant, located at
1535 4th Street North, opened across from Three Birds
Tavern. They have a nice variety of pizza and they
deliver. Call them at 914-4969.
___________________________________________________
MORE PIZZA POW is still under construction in the
space formerly occupied by Wood Fired Pizza, next to
World of Beer, at 344 1st Avenue North. Principal
Owner Philippe Theodore is also a partner franchisee in
the
World of Beer.
___________________________________________________
HOOKS 2 OPENS Hook’s Sushi Bar and Restaurant
opened a second St Petersburg’s location at 7900
Fourth Street North. This is the former location of Sake’s
Sushi Grill. This new location is larger than the
restaurant on MLK Jr North. It has 102 seats and more
parking
too.
___________________________________________________
STATION HOUSE OPENS This new restaurant, in the
location of the now gone Cafe Alma, featuring an
“American cocktail cuisine” has opened to great reviews.
Their one-page playful cocktail list compliments the
reasonably priced menu of tapas and small entrees.
Visit
them at 260 First Ave. S.
___________________________________________________
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Stillwater Tavern, 224 Beach Drive N.
Hofbrauhaus,
200 4th Street S.
___________________________________________________
NOW SERVING LIQUOR TOO For those that don’t like
beer, World of Beer at 100 Fourth St. S, recently added
liquor to their drink selections. Now in addition to beer
and
wine, you can get favorite cocktail too!
___________________________________________________
CHANGES ARE HAPPENING Two closed area
restaurants have had some construction activity going on
lately, but no one has announced any plans. The first is
the old Lee Chinese Restaurant on 4th Street at 45th Ave.
The
other is Midtown Sundries on 1st Avenue South.
___________________________________________________
CLOSED
DeLuria’s Italian Baker and Café, 119 1st Avenue North
Midtown Sundries, 200 1st Avenue South
Yard of Ale Gastro Pub in Feather Sound
NICK DICEGLIE NEW PINELLAS
GOP CHAIRMAN
It is possible more people know his wife
Erica, a popular local performer, than
him, but people will soon know Indian
Rocks Beach resident Nick DiCeglie as
the new Pinellas County Republican
Executive Committee Chairman (Pinellas
GOP). He was recently elected by a
super majority vote.
DiCeglie was officially nominated by
state Representative Larry Ahern. “I
nominated Nick to revitalize the party
and to recruit the next generation of
party activists,” says Ahearn.
DiCeglie (41) has lived in Indian Rocks
Beach since 1996 with his wife Erica and their two
children. Erica sings professionally, teaches music, and is
the music director at St Jerome’s Catholic Church. He is
President and owner of the family founded waste
management company Solar Sanitation, Inc.
DiCeglie is active in other local organizations including:
• Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council,
• Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Pinellas County Economic Development Council
• Pinellas County Solid Waste Management Committee
• Leadership Pinellas, Board of Directors
From 2010 to 2014, DiCeglie served on his city’s Planning
and Zoning Board and has been active in local politics
since moving here. Before becoming Chairman, he served
as Vice-Chairman for two years.
What does the Chairman of the GOP actually do? The
Chairman serves as the local head of the party representing
registered Republicans in Pinellas County. Currently,
220,000 county residents are registered Republicans.
DiCeglie is responsible for setting strategy, fundraising and
other electioneering duties deemed necessary to support
the GOP mission statement of electing qualified
Republicans to federal, state and local offices.
The Chairman also is responsible for keeping the state
and national party officials informed of the GOP’s status in
Pinellas County. His position includes a position on the
Executive Committee of the Republican Party of Florida.
“Although we won many seats on a national and statewide
level, I was disappointed that we lost Republican control of
the Pinellas County Commission,” says DiCeglie. “One of
my goals is to turn that around in the next election.”
FREE WEDDING
For the 9th year, the Pinellas Clerk of the Circuit Court,
Ken Burke and staff are offering a FREE wedding in a
beautiful garden setting, but only on Saturday, February
14, Valentine’s Day. The mass wedding ceremony in the
Wedding Garden at the Florida Botanical Gardens will be
performed by the Clerk of the Court. The ceremony is
limited to the first 50 couples and will take place at 11am.
Couples will receive a special Commemorative Marriage
Certificate. To participate, couples must sign up at one of
the designated Pinellas Clerk’s offices by Friday, January
30th. In order to be eligible to register in this event,
application for a marriage license must be made before
February 10th. For information, call 464-3008 or visit
www.MyPinellasClerk.org or www.FLBG.org.
WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD A CITY OF OPPORTUNITY
by Mayor Rick Kriseman
Coming in to office, there were a number of challenges
facing the city: from a stalled Pier process to a stalemate
with the Tampa Bay Rays, there were issues to be
addressed on the first day.
On the day I was sworn in to office, I announced the
opening of the Pier to pedestrian traffic. Today, our
process for the Pier has brought together all sides of a
contentious issue, and one of the first acts of 2015 will
be a public, non-binding vote on Pier designs.
That non-binding vote will be available in the form of an
online survey beginning February 23. I strongly
encourage you to make your voice heard on the new St.
Petersburg Pier.
Another of my first acts in office was to tighten the highspeed pursuit policy.
This past year we reached an historic deal with Pinellas
County leaders regarding funding and deployment of our
emergency medical services. There has also been nearuniversal praise for the city’s new Police Chief, Anthony
Holloway.
As you may have noticed, our downtown is in the midst
of a building boom. Last year, 800 residential units were
built, and there are 1,200 more coming soon. I am also
looking forward to construction starting soon on the new
Arts and Crafts Museum.
Finally, we submitted a fiscally responsible budget for
Fiscal Year 2015, putting an unprecedented $1 million in
reserves. Instead of being produced using the inefficient
silos of each department, this budget aligned resources
to meet our priorities.
For example, we invested $350,000 in housing
programs. There is $175,000 in a neighborhood grant
program, and $25,000 in summer youth employment.
We hired three new Codes Compliance officers as well.
In total, you will find more than $825,000 in new
investments for our Neighborhood Affairs Administration.
We are raising the profile of our city on the national and
international stage:
• We have joined the U.S. Conference of Mayors
• I attended the Mayor’s Institute for Civic Design
• We have joined the Tampa Bay Partnership
• We attended an education event hosted by the Gates
Foundation
• I traveled to Chile with Mayor Buckhorn and County
officials on a trade mission
There is much more that has been accomplished – and
much, much more to be done. But we can’t do it without
you.
I want to take this opportunity to invite you to our first
ever State of the City event. It is the first event of its kind
at City Hall – Saturday, January 24, at 10:00 AM.
I look forward to seeing you there, and to having you
join us in building that City of Opportunity where the sun
shines on us all.
TREE MULCH
by Jon Wilbur, ISA Certified Arborist & co-owner of Pinellas Tree
Service
How can you create a uniform look to your landscape, while
giving your trees the vital elements they need to grow? It‘s
easy; just add mulch. In some other areas, arborists
recommend mulch be applied in the springtime. However I
tell my Florida customers they can add mulch at any time of
year. Here are some frequently asked questions about
mulch.
What is mulch? Mulch is any material placed on the ground
around trees and plants. It comes in two forms, organic and
inorganic. Organic mulch will break down over time and
become part of the soil. Inorganic mulch will not. The most
popular forms of organic mulch are shredded tree parts,
pine bark, pine needles and compost. Examples of inorganic
mulch include small rocks such as gravel, pebbles and lava
rock as well as recycled rubberized products.
Is organic mulch better than inorganic mulch? Most arborists
prefer organic mulch because it decomposes over time and
feeds the soil and the tree. I never recommend inorganic
much. However if you do use inorganic mulch because it
won’t have to be replaced as often, be sure to add fertilizer
to help your trees get the nutrients that they need.
Why do trees need mulch? Trees growing in the forest have
rich soil with all the essential elements they need to thrive.
Leaves and other organic matter cover and feed both the
soil and the root system of all these trees. But trees that grow
on developed lands are less fortunate. The soil is not as rich
and organic matter does not naturally cover the soil around
the trees. For these trees we need to mimic the forest floor.
Adding mulch creates the environment that nature intended.
What are some of the benefits of mulch? Mulch can give
your landscape a uniform and well-maintained appearance.
But there are more practical reasons for applying mulch.
Mulch helps aerate the soil and improves soil fertility. Mulch
can reduce water loss from the soil by as much as 20% and
also impede the growth of weeds. Mulch insulates the soil
around the tree keeping it cool in the summer and warm in
the winter and it also protects the trunk of the tree from
getting struck by lawnmowers.
Can I get mulch from a tree service company? Yes you can
and it’s usually free. But while many reputable tree service
companies offer clean quality mulch, some think mulch is
whatever comes out of the wood chipper. Their mulch can
include palm leaves, vines and poison ivy as well as toxic or
diseased trees - not the kind of mulch you want anywhere
near your trees.
How much mulch should I apply? For best results we
recommend you apply between two to four inches of mulch
around the tree and if possible, out to the drip line to extend
over the entire root system. Some over enthusiastic
homeowners can mulch by piling too much around the base
of their trees. This creates what is referred to as the “volcano
effect.” But over mulching can cause a number of problems.
It can lead to root rot in some trees when too much moisture
is retained in the soil. It can also negatively affect soil pH,
cause insect and disease problems for trees and prevent
water and air from reaching the soil and the tree’s roots.
Does mulch attract termites? No. Termites like large pieces
of wood.
Free Information Guide - Want to learn more? Our FREE
Information Guide: “How To Choose The Best Tree Service
Company To Care For Your Trees” can help. Just call us at
727-474-0356 for your copy.
ART & MUSEUM NEWS
PARAGON FINE ART FESTIVAL
January 31st 10am-5pm & February 1st 1am-5pm
This Fine Arts event in North Straub Park features
original works. The event, sponsored by St. Petersburg
Arts Alliance, Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg,
Florida, City of St. Petersburg, Florida USA and the St.
Petersburg Chamber, is FREE.
MAINSAIL ART FESTIVAL
MainSailArt.org
Held April 18-19 in Vinoy Park, they are expecting 250
professional artists. There will be a Young at Art Student
Show, Kids Activity tent, live music and a variety of food
vendors. As always, admission is free. Volunteers are
needed, email to Volunteers@MainSailArt.org it interested.
THE DALÍ MUSEUM
895-6620
620 1st Ave. South
www.studio620.org
The “Invention as Art” exhibit, featuring more than 75
works by the renowned genius Leonardo da Vinci, has
been added to the repertoire of special exhibits in
March, following “Picasso/Dalí, Dalí/Picasso
FLORIDA CraftArt
821.7391
501 Central Ave.
FloridaCraftArt.com
Living With Mysticism: The Power of Visual Vodou, open
through February 21, 2015, is an exhibition of Haitian
artists, features an overview of some of the finest
examples of Vodou Flags, utilizing Sequence and expert
beadwork, as well as found object sculpture by Haitian
Artist Guyodo.
ARTPOOL GALLERY
324-3878
2030 Central Avenue
ArtPoolRules.com
They sponsor a monthly Crafty Fest local indie market filled
with amazing vendors, Saturday & Sunday 11am-5pm
February 7-8, March 7-8. ARTpool is open TuesdaySaturday 11am-6pm with local art, vintage fashion and
accessories, handmade jewelry, vinyl records, retro boots,
Indie designer goods, gifts and books.
GALLERY WALKS
STPETEARTSALLIANCE.ORG
Held on the second Saturday of every month, most
downtown art galleries stay open for the walk and many
restaurants offer discounts. The scope of Gallery Walks is
expanded to include galleries in St Pete Beach’s Corey
Avenue and Pass-A-Grille. Walks are from 5 to 8:30pm.
The next one is Valentine’s Day, February 14.
MOREAN ART CENTER
822.7872
719 Central Ave
moreanartscenter.org
The Chihuly Collection presented by the Morean Arts
Center, is proud to present Italian Traditions, curated by
Duncan McClellan and the Duncan McClellan Gallery of
St. Petersburg. It features a wide variety of works by
contemporary glass masters influenced by traditional
glassblowing techniques. This collection of works by
renowned glass artists showcases the influence of
traditional Muranese techniques, originated in Murano,
Italy, on contemporary works. The Influence of Traditional
Muranese Techniques on Contemporary Glass Masters
runs January 23 - April 19.
Organizational News...
GFWC ST PETERSBURG WOMAN’S CLUB
February 13 (Noon), Covered Dish Luncheon
You bring something to share, they furnish the drinks.
Maggie Barco, RN, nationally certified in Naturopathic
Medicine will share her suggestions on having a happy,
healthy 2015. It is American Heart Healthy Month, so wear
something RED to this meeting. Guest are welcome. Please
call 822-4982 to RSVP.
The St Petersburg Woman’s Club, with over 100 years of
service to the community, is affiliated with the General
Federation Of Woman’s Clubs. A not-for-profit volunteer
organization with members from 40 to over 100 years old,
they are committed to serving the community through
hands-on projects and fundraising as well as leadership
development.
Their clubhouse on Coffee Pot Bayou, 40 Snell Isle Blvd
NE, was built in 1929 and is listed on the State and
National Historic Registers. It is available to rent for
special events. Proceeds from events held there help to
maintain the property. For more information, visit
www.StPetersburgWomansClub.org or call Judy
Zamanillo at 822-6659
DOWNTOWN ST. PETE TOASTMASTERS
Having confidence is one of the key ways we find personal
and professional success. The good news is that selfconfidence can be learned. City Power Toastmasters Club,
a nonprofit communication and leadership club, teaches
skills to help you listen, think, speak and gain leadership
qualities. Participants gain poise, positive body language
and speak more easily. They are an upbeat, fun loving
club in an organized setting, all with the desire to better
themselves. Guests are always welcome to visit for free
with no pressure to join, Wednesdays from noon to 1 pm
at the Municipal Services Building, One 4th Street N., 6th
floor, room 600. For more details, call 727-893-7918.
Visit DTSPToastmasters.com for more information.
ROTARY CLUB OF ST. PETERSBURG
Rotary Club of St Petersburg was founded in 1920. They
meet every Friday at noon at the Orange Blossom
Catering facility, at 220 4th Street N. For more
information, call 822-3277 or visit www.SPRotaryf.org.
ST PETERSBURG SAIL & POWER SQUADRON
They meet monthly at the St Pete Yacht Club. In addition,
they sponsor local seminars and provide courses several
times a month. Their next public meeting is March 23rd.
To join, contact Jeff Eckhart at 424-9800 or email him
at JeffEckhart41@Gmail.com.
DOWNTOWN RESIDENTS CIVIC ASSOCIATION
This is an association of associations representing the
interests of the residents of downtown St Petersburg.
Membership is open to all downtown residential
community associations in the area to the east of 10th
Street, from 14th Avenue N. to 14th Avenue S. They hold
business meetings on the fourth Friday of the month in
Bayfront Tower. Contact Marion Lee, President, at 8949491 or visit www.StPete-DRCA.org.
FRIENDS OF THE MIRROR LAKE LIBRARY
They meet the first Wednesday of the month at 6pm,
Next meetings are February 4, March 4, and April 1.
Call President, Wayne Finley at 813-767-5503 or email
MWayneFinley@Yahoo.com.
Organizational News...
HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD ASSN.
Their meetings are quarterly on the third Monday of the
month (except for holidays). Visit www.HONNA.org or
call 342-0653 for events and voicemail. Peter
Motzenbecker, President, can be reached at 248-9288
or email PeterMotz@AOL.com.
ST PETERSBURG PRESERVATION SOCIETY
Their Historic Walking Tours continue each Saturday
morning starting at 10am. Most tours start at 243
Central Avenue. On the 4th Saturday they start at the
Craftsman House Gallery at 2955 Central Avenue. Each
tour takes a different path. For tour information, call
824-7802.
For more information about the organization, contact
Peter Belmont, Chairman, St Petersburg Preservation at
463-4612. Get more at www.StPetePreservation.org.
Follow them on FaceBook by searching for Saint
Petersburg Preservation.
GRAND CENTRAL DISTRICT ASSOCIATION
Their Annual Chili Cookoff Competition and Street
Festival is Saturday, January 31st from 11am on.
They hold a monthly Flea Market on the first Saturday of
every month along the 2500 block of Central Avenue, the
next one are February 7, March 7, and April 4.
For information on the Grand Central District
Association, call Lauren Ruiz at 828-7006 or email her
at GCDA@GrandCentralDistrict.org.
ALBERT WHITTED AIRPORT PRESERVATION SOCIETY
Pancake Breakfasts - February 7, March 7 and April 4.
Their monthly Pancake Breakfasts at Albert Whitted in
the Hangar Restaurant includes pancakes, eggs, meat,
home fries, grits, orange juice and coffee. People of all
ages are invited. Breakfast is from 8am until 11am.
Free Flights - January 31, 10am to 2pm
Free airplane trips are available for young people who
might have an interest in learning to fly. They only do
this a few times a year. No reservations needed.
For more information on AWAPS, go to www.Awaps.org
or call Terri Griner at 822-1532.
SNELL ISLE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
Their annual meeting was January 15th where their
2015 board was installed. Contact Scott Youngblood,
the 2014 President at ScottYoungblood1@Hotmail.com.
See their web site for updated meetings information. They
meet at the Women’s Club, 40 Snell Isle Blvd NE.
DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Porch Parties are held several times a year normally at
area restaurants and sometimes area businesses. Tickets
are $10 for members and $15 for non-members. This
includes most food and beverages served at the event.
They are normally held on a second Wednesday, but
consult their web site for exact dates.
Quarterly business meetings are held at the Sunshine
Center and provide members with valuable information
and a forum for discussion regarding downtown issues.
The DNA represents residents and homeowners in the
area between MLK Blvd. to the waterfront. Membership
is $15 a year and includes a quarterly newsletter. Call
President, Gary Grooms at 404-667-3970
GaryGrooms@Gmail.com or visit www.StPeteDNA.org.
HISTORY MADE WITH NEW COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA
By Kenneth T. Welch, Pinellas County Commissioner
The new Southside St. Petersburg Community
Redevelopment Area is significant, as it is one of the few in
Pinellas County that is located outside of a downtown area,
and if approved by the County Commission, will be the only
non-downtown CRA to receive County Tax Increment
Financing. It was developed by a partnership between the
city of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County in an effort to
revitalize and rejuvenate the area.
The Community Redevelopment Area’s 4,700 acres are
comprised of the Greater Childs Park Strategic Planning
Area, most of the Midtown Strategic Planning Area, more
than 20 neighborhood and business associations, four
existing community redevelopment areas and two Florida
Main Street Districts. Approximately 34,000 people reside
within this Community Redevelopment Area.
In response to concerns from community groups, the issues
present in Southside St. Petersburg were thoroughly
investigated and a plan of action was developed. Some of
these issues include disproportionately higher
unemployment rates, more crime, less educational
achievement and worse healthcare outcomes, when
compared with other areas of Pinellas County.
Community Redevelopment Areas have proven successful in
areas such as Ybor City, which is comparable because it is
located outside of a downtown area. In this area
commercial and retail expansion along Seventh and Eighth
avenues has led to a resurgence of activity. Thanks to the
focus and success of that Community Redevelopment Area,
residential expansion has occurred and continues to take
place in the Ybor City neighborhood.
We expect similar positive results from the Southside St.
Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area – not just by
building things, but also by empowering residents to break
the cycle of generational poverty through education, job
training or other programs identified by CRA stakeholders.
Community Redevelopment Areas are established by local
governments under the authority of the Community
Redevelopment Act, which is a Florida law that provides
specific tools for local governments to overcome the
economic burdens of blighted areas within their boundaries.
The act outlines requirements which must be met for local
governments to undertake the highly complex task of
redeveloping Florida's cities.
Recently, Pinellas County advertised vacancies on the Citizen
Advisory Committee for the Southside St. Petersburg
Community Redevelopment Area. This committee serves in
an advisory capacity to the Community Redevelopment
Agency and has nine members, three of whom are
appointed by the Pinellas County Board of County
Commissioners, with the remainder appointed by the mayor
of St. Petersburg. The committee was created by an interlocal
agreement between Pinellas County and St. Petersburg.
We live in a great county, with great communities. To reach
our highest potential, however, all parts of our community
must move forward. Making a tangible impact on poverty is
key to our collective progress. The Southside St. Petersburg
Community Redevelopment Area is a collaborative effort to
improve the neighborhoods of Southside St. Petersburg, by
making steps to reduce generational poverty, and replace
negative community impacts with new paths of opportunity.
More information about the Citizen Advisory Committee can
be found online at www.pinellascounty.org/boards.
PUBLIX NOW PARTY PLANNERS
The Publix Grocery
Store at 3700 4th
Street North once
was an Albertsons.
After Publix bought
it, they tore it down
and built a new
state-of-the-art
grocery store with
many new
departments and
features.
What makes this
store different? The
new store features more Greenwise, organic products and
they have a greatly expanded product mix unique to only a
few Publix stores.
The store has many dedicated staff specialists including a
cheese expert, a wine connoisseur and a body care
authority for makeup and health related products. These
are people you can talk to who knows their products.
“We have studied our customers and want to save them
time,” says Jennifer Kras, store manager. “We know the
customer would rather be someplace else. No one wants to
grocery shop. We want to help them get what they need, as
fast as possible.”
The store has a new party department called the Aprons
Event Planning. It is much like a caterer and a concierge,
all rolled into one. The Event Planner will help you plan any
size party by advising you on what to order and how much
you will need based on the size of your event.
They offer help when ordering cakes, deli platters, flowers,
ice and drinks. Actually, anything you may need in store
except alcohol. What makes this different? They gather
everything together and have it ready when you are ready
to pick it up. They offer delivery within a 20 mile radius.
Aprons operates seven days a week from 10am to 7pm.
You must place your order at least 24 hours in advance.
Apron’s direct number is 526-8505.
2015 FLORIDA STATE FAIR KEY
EXHIBITS AND CAMPAIGNS
In addition to its educational exhibits, rides, food and
entertainment, the Florida State Fair announced its 2015
promotional campaign theme and key exhibits for their
annual twelve-day event. The fair run February 5 – 16 and
will be located at 4800 U.S. 301 N., Tampa, FL
A Timeless Tradition, will include two poignant and patriotic
mobile exhibitions. The Wall that Heals, a half-size replica
of the Vietnam Memorial Wall and traveling educational
museum, will run from opening day, February 5 through
February 9. The 9/11 Never Forget Traveling Exhibit, a
museum tribute and educational memorial of the events of
September 11, 2001, will be on display from February 10
through February 16.
The Wall that Heals was created and is managed by the
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF), the same nonprofit organization that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
(The Wall) in Washington, D.C.
The 9/11 Never Forget Traveling Exhibit was created in
2013 by the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. A
high-tech, tractor-trailer will unfold into a 1,100 square foot
exhibit and provide interactive education, artifacts, news
and video recordings, and live tours from FDNY heroes.
BIRDS ON BEACH
Thanks to Northside Christian High School senior Molly
Doyle (17), Downtown St. Petersburg has a new family of
birds that never fly north. They are bronze sculptures.
The sculptures are a permanent exhibit called “Birds on
Beach” - Beach Drive that is. They are not in a museum; you
will find them along sidewalks and in parks. But, you have to
look for them because finding them is what it is about.
It is similar to a scavenger hunt, and is based on the tale of
the imaginary winged family the Warblesons. Buddy, the
youngest Warbleson, is lost and the family must find him.
The clues point to the places each bird has stopped.
Molly, now a senior, got the idea in Greenville, SC, where
there is a similar project called Mice on Main. “I wanted to
start Birds on Beach because I wanted to make the city a
friendlier, fun place to visit and live,” said Molly. “I thought it
would be fun for people of all ages to find these little
bronze birds in unexpected places by using the clues on the
brochure or the web site; they will learn a little history, too.”
Molly approached City officials and they put her in touch
with local artist, Donna Gordon who made each bird
Molly decided where each bronze bird would be. She
approached the businesses and museums to explain her
plan. The first to agree was Bruce Watters Jewelers. The
Birchwood Inn jumped at the opportunity. “It is important
we embrace downtown’s artistic culture,” says Chuck
Prather, owner of The Birchwood.
“The scale of the birds integrates well with the museum’s
natural setting,” says David Connelly, Museum of Fine Arts’
Marketing Director. One is near the museum’s entrance.
“I had tons of help on this project,” Molly recalls. “The
Museum of Fine Arts suggested making a tri-fold brochure,
which turned out better
than a flat sheet. I never
thought of including a
map until someone else
suggested that, too.”
“I was really excited
about being involved in
something that could be
a fun, interactive project
that would benefit the
entire city,” says
Gordon. She created
the birds out of clay and sent them to be cast in bronze at a
Port Charlotte foundry. “Molly wanted each bird to have a
distinct pose. They are each charming in their own way.”
Molly’s parents, Bob and Jillian Doyle, founders of Doyle
Wealth Management, sponsored the $15,000 project that
included the sculptures, website design, legal fees,
trademark search and brochure printing.
“My role was chauffeur and cheerleader,” says mother
Jillian. “Since Molly does not have a driver’s license, I drove
her to meetings with sponsors, the artist and city officials.
Molly learned many skills and life lessons from this project.”
“One thing I learned is projects like this require a lot of time
and input from lots of people,” Molly explained. “I learned
about branding, trademarks, logos and copyrighting plus
how to writing proposals and make presentations.
“Most importantly, I learned if you have an idea, and are
passionate about it, you should go for it - no matter what
your age. It is cool to see that I’ve left my mark on
downtown St Petersburg.” Visit www.BirdsOnBeach.com.

St Petersburg Downtown Newsletter

Transcription

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