the chattaway st. pete’s hidden gem

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2018 / ISSUE 53

The Chattaway is an eclectic restaurant south of downtown. If you have never been, you owe it to yourself to visit one of St. Pete’s best kept secrets. Nestled on the southeast corner of 22nd Avenue and Fourth Street South, this is a classic, old-school Florida restaurant. By day, businessmen, politicians and locals use it as a place to meet over lunch. By night, with the help of a live band, it becomes a hip dinner spot, with dancing. But, the real charm happens between 2 and 5 pm - tea time. Owner Jillian Frers (86) was born and raised in Great Britain. “We serve traditional English tea - authentic and elegant,” she explains. “It is an experience to be remembered.” Continued on page 6

Or Current Resident

How Will Changing Climates Affect Us?

What’s Happening With the New Pier?

- page 9

Jim Morrison He lived in Clearwater for a short time. A new book is out that tells that part of his story - page 17

Never worry about finding a parking spot when you use the area’s trolley system

- page 31

Take the Trolley

The ChattawaySt. Pete’s

Hidden Gem

Circa mid-1950sSt. Petersburg History Museum

And what are city leaders doing to prepare for rising sea levels? - page 24

ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWS

CITY NUMBERS CITY HALL... 893-7171 175 Fifth Street North

www.stpete.org

MAYOR OFFICE. . . . . . . .893-7201 Mayor - Rick Kriseman CITY COUNCIL - Chair Lisa Wheeler-Bowman • Vice Chair Steve Kornell Charlie Gerdes • Brandi Gabbard Ed Montanari • Darden Rice Gina Driscoll • Amy Foster CITY COUNCIL ADMIN. . . . . 893-7117 Cindy SheppardINFORMATION. . . . . . . . . . .893-7111BUILDING PERMITS. . . . . . .893-7231BUSINESS SUPPORT . . . . . .893-7000CITY CLERK. . . . . . . . . . . . . 893-7448CODE COMPLIANCE/ASSIST 893-7373LEISURE SERVICES. . . . . . . .893-7207MIRROR LAKE LIBRARY. . . . 893-7268PLANNING & ZONING . . . .893-7471SANITATION . . . . . . . . . . . .893-7334UTILITY ACCOUNTS. . . . . . . 893-7341EMERGENCIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1-1FIRE DEPARTMENT. . . . . . . .893-7694POLICE NON-EMERGENCY 893-7780POLICE TEXT MESSAGE . . . .420-8911POLICE TIP VOICE LINE. . . . 892-5000-----------------------------------------PINELLAS COUNTY INFO. . .464-3000COMMISSION OFFICES . . . .464-3377 Charlie Justice. . . . . . . . . . . 464-3363-----------------------------------------STATE:Senator Darryl Rouson . . . . 727-552-3200 535 Central Ave #312 St. Petersburg [email protected] Wengay Newton .727-892-2468 695 Central Avenue #108 St. Petersburg [email protected] Ben Diamond . . 727-552-2747 425 22nd Avenue N., St. Petersburg [email protected] Rick Scott [email protected] -----------------------------------------FLORIDA UNITED STATES SENATORS: Marco Rubio . . . . . . . . .202-224-3041 www.Rubio.Senate.govBill Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . 202-224-5274 www.BillNelson.Senate.govAREA UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE:Charlie Crist . . . . . . . . . . .727-318-6770 696 1st Ave N., Suite #203, St. Pete www.Crist.House.gov-----------------------------------------

ART & MUSEUMSHOLOCAUST MUSEUM. . . . .820-0100JAMES MUSEUM . . . . . . . . . . 892-4200MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS. . . .896-2667MUSEUM OF HISTORY . . . . .894-1052SALVADOR DALI MUSEUM . 823-3767DOWNTOWN ARTS ASSN . . 518-5142FLORIDA CRAFTART . . . . . . .821-7391MOREAN ARTS CENTER . . . .822-7872

ORGANIZATIONSAWAPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 822-1532 BREAKFAST OPTIMISTS . . . 522-6143CHAMBER OF COMMERCE . 821-4069COUNCIL OF NEIGHBORHOODS ASSN Michael Gulley 244-8374DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSN . 743-6262DOWNTOWN RESIDENTS CIVIC ASSN Marion Lee . . . . . . . . . .894-9491DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP . 821-5166 100 Second Ave., Suite 150EXCHANGE CLUB OF ST. PETE . . .623-4880 FRIENDS SUNSHINE CENTER . .821-2323FRIENDS MIRROR LAKE LIBRARY Wayne Finely, President . 813-767-5503GWFC ST. PETE WOMAN’S CLUB . . . 822-4982 40 Snell Isle Blvd. N.E.HISTORIC OLD NE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSN Natalie DeVicente 269-5521KIWANIS CLUB OF ST. PETE. . 821-5518NORTHEAST EXCHANGE CLUB 528-3828NORTHEAST LITTLE LEAGUE . . 526-9602PRESERVE THE BURG . . . 824-7802 Allison Stribling, Ex DirROTARY OF ST. PETERSBURG . . 822-3277 Paula Adams, Ex Sec. SPRotary.orgROTARY SUNSHINE stpeterotary.com SECOND TIME AROUNDERS . . 322-4778SPIFFS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 552-1896STAMP CLUB OF ST. PETE . . . . .744-4106 ST. PETE DNA. . . . . . . 727-365-6340ST. PETERSBURG FREE CLINIC . 821-1200ST. PETE SAILING CENTER 250 2nd Ave SE - Boating-StPete.org SAIL & POWER SQUADRON . . . 424-9800SUNCOASTERS OF ST. PETE . . .821-9888TOASTMASTERS DOWNTOWN ST. PETE Alexis Shuder 893-7918DOWNTOWN ST. PETE TOASTMASTERS Cynthia Jenkins 742-6840-----------------------------------------

LOCAL ATTRACTIONSAMERICAN STAGE . . . . . . . .823-1600FLORIDA ORCHESTRA . . . . . 892-3331CHIHULY COLLECTION . . . . 822-7872THE COLISEUM . . . . . . . . . . 892-5202GREAT EXPLORATIONS . . . .821-8992JANNUS LANDING . . . . . . .896-2276MAHAFFEY THEATER. . . . . . 892-5798MUNICIPAL MARINA. . . . . . 893-7329PALLADIUM THEATRE . . . . . . 822-3590ST. PETERSBURG OPERA . . . 823-2040STATE THEATRE. . . . . . . . . . 895-3045STUDIO @ 620. . . . . . . . . . .895-6620SUNKEN GARDENS. . . . . . . 551-3100TROPICANA FIELD . . . . . . . .825-3137-----------------------------------------ST. PETE COLLEGE . . . . . . . .341-4249UNIVERSITY SOUTH FLORIDA . 873-4873

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.

PUBLISHERBob & Becky GriffinART DIRECTION

Becky GriffinSALES

727-430-8300 CONTACT INFO

P.O. Box 1314Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785430-8300 ~ 517-1998 FAX

StPeteDowntownNewsletter.comIf you are interested in advertising, we offer resident, multi-city and annual discounts. Ads need to be reserved one month in advance. E-mail:[email protected] or visit beachnewsletters.com for more information.

© 2018 Griffin Productions, Inc.

ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER

Inside, you will find articles and local information about the nearby area. We want it to be a Neighborhood Newsletter primarily about your neighborhood - Downtown, Snell Isle and Old Northeast. That is why when you have news or events, contact us. This newsletter is printed every other month and mailed to every occupied area house, business & PO Box.We hope you enjoy our newsletters. We want your news and input. Did you like this issue? What suggestions do you have for future articles? Call or email us your comments, or take our survey at StPeteDowntownNewsletter.com.Do you need another copy? Ask for them at the UPS Stores at 2nd St. and 2nd Ave S., 740 4th Street N. or 38th Avenue N. next to Publix.Thank you for reading,Bob & Becky Griffin, 727-430-8300 [email protected]

SEE YOU AGAIN IN JANUARY!


ST. PETERSBURG BOAT SHOW The 41st Annual St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show, will be in the waters of the Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin. The 4-day event, the largest boat show on the Gulf Coast, will feature more than 400 boats and a floating city that will include a marina built in less than two days.Boats will include a $15 million, 93-foot Viking as well as power boats, sailboats, family cruisers, runabouts, fishing boats, magnificent sailing yachts, and personal watercraft. Tickets are $17 for adults; children 15 and under are free. The main entrance is located at 400 1st Street S.A 2016 study ranked St. Petersburg No. 2 in the country for boat ownership, while Tampa was No. 4. In that same year, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission reported that the Tampa/St. Petersburg area had almost 90,000 registered boats. A VERY MERRY MARKET Great Explorations Museum will host the 5th Annual Very Merry Market on Thursday, November 29 from 4-8pm. It is a great opportunity to Shop Local this season and buy Christmas gifts from your neighbors. Get more details at www.GreatEX.org. COLLEGE FOOTBALL BOWL MOVES The annual St. Pete Bowl. and later known as the Gasparilla Bowl, has moved, Now called the Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl, it is being played in Tampa in Raymond James Stadium on December 20th at 8pm. It will match a team from the ACC and the American Athletic Conference. Get information at GasparillaBowl.com. NO HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE As of now, there will be no lighted boat parade along the city’s waterfront. The St. Petersburg Rotary, long time sponsors and organizer, is not involved and no one has stepped up to organize it. A CHRISTMAS CAROL The St. Pete City Theatre will present A Christmas Carol Fridays through Sundays during December at their theater, located at 4025 31st Street S. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30pm and Sunday is a matinée at 2pm. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children. Get more information at www.SPCityTheatre.org or call 866-1973.

Did You Know


SMOKE ALARM CANVASING St. Petersburg Fire Rescue partnered with The American Red Cross and conducted a smoke alarm installation canvas, on a September morning. Volunteers from Wells Fargo, St. Petersburg Fire Rescue and the Red Cross all walked door to door installing smoke alarms and educating the community on fire prevention in the Child’s Park Neighborhood, located at 4301 13th Ave South, St. Petersburg. The canvassing was a great success and the volunteers installed a total of 105 10-year lithium battery smoke alarms. SUGAR SANDS The Clearwater Beach’s Sugar Sands Festival will be April 12-28 and the theme is “A Journey Around the Globe.” The beach will be transformed into an immaculate sculpture of renowned destinations and prominent landmarks from around the world. Now expanded from 10 to 17 days, hopefully more people will be able to visit. Learn more at SugarSandsFestival.com. GROW SMARTER COMMUNITY SURVEY & SUMMIT Grow Smarter is a city-wide economic and community development initiative. This is your chance to let your voice be heard and influence the next phase of the Grow Smarter Strategy. Complete the Grow Smarter Community Survey at www.growsmartersurvey.com. Tell them what you think about living, working, and growing in St. Pete. The survey results will be shared at the Grow Smarter Summit, sponsored by Bank of Tampa, and held at Pinellas Technical College on December 7th, Tickets - $20. Visitstpete.com/growsmartersummit.html to register to attend. MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY This Christmas, join American Stage and cozy up with your favorite Pride and Prejudice characters at Pemberley. This perfectly constructed romantic holiday comedy takes you to 1815 England in the grand estate of newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy. MISS BENNET will enchant Jane Austen fans and new-comers alike, November 28- December 30. Call 727.823.PLAY (7529) or visit AmericanStage.org. NORTHEAST LITTLE LEAGUE They are proud to announce they just finished their 60th Anniversary Fall Season and want to thank all the players, parents, friends and sponsors for making this Little League thrive. Get your kids involved in the next 60 years during Spring Ball 2019. Baseball and Softball registration is now open with tryouts beginning in January. Sign up now for the early registration discount. For information, visit NorthEastLL.com. OUR NEXT ISSUE IS IN JANUARY Read this issue, and others, online at StPeteDowntownNewsletter.com.

and More...


THE CHATTAWAY - A ST. PETE TRADITION FOR NEARLY 100 YEARSBy Bob Griffin, Publisher

In 1925, the wood-framed building you see today, poking out at an angle, was built to be “Four Corners,” the area’s

store. Operated by Mrs. Klinger, she sold groceries inside, and had a small outdoor stand where customers bought soda pop for a few pennies, candy and cigarettes. Gas was dispensed from antique glass pumps for 10¢ a gallon. If a kid had no money, she was known to give them candy anyway. The east side of the building had a screened-in porch, with a dirt floor, where they served fresh-roasted peanuts, a locals favorite. Mr. and Mrs. Franks ran the store during Prohibition in the early 1930s. They did what others did: sold liquor and moonshine illegally. It probably explains the bar across the front door, which remains today. After Prohibition ended, the store was officially renamed The Chattaway. The owners added beer and wine and strung Christmas-type lights around the perimeter and into the parking lot. The name was changed to The Chattaway Drive-In, when it became one of St. Pete’s first restaurants to have car hops. Girls, of course, ran back and forth to the parking lot taking orders and delivering food to the cars. Owners came and went, each adding something. The grocery store became a recreation room. An owner added two shuffleboards courts, unique at the time, which proved to be very popular. In 1951, Mrs. Helen Lund bought The Chattaway. According to Helen’s daughter-in-law and current owner Jillian Frers’s, “Helen was a telephone operator in New York when she moved to St. Petersburg with barely a thousand dollars in her pocket and no husband. She really wanted to be a restaurant owner. She told me she liked The Chattaway because ‘It had parking—a lot of parking,’ so she bought it.”In the beginning, Helen’s menu was simple: soup, sandwiches, soft drinks, and beer. The old house was a place to sit, eat, drink, and play games. She added chicken and shrimp baskets, then added breakfast because nearby motel guests had nowhere else to eat.Helen’s son Everett Lund joined his mom in running The Chattaway. He and wife Jillian took over operation in 1983. When Everett passed away, Jill inherited the restaurant. On the bridge connecting the parking lot and the patio is still a street sign that reads: “Everett Lane.”With the help of a couple additional husbands, (she has been married four

times) Jill developed The Chattaway into what you see today. She had six children before she met Everett, which led to nine grandkids. Most have worked at The Chattaway in one role or another. Her youngest daughter Amanda Kittois currently the manager. Aside from the restaurant, Jill also had a stint in local theatre. She performed with American Stage in “All’s Well That Ends Well,” in 1991-92, as well as with the St. Petersburg Little Theatre. Jill, originally from England, converted the dining room into somewhat of a museum honoring Queen Elizabeth. The walls are covered in English photos and nick-knacks. “This is my room,” Jill, also known as “Lady Chattaway,” says with pride. “I always wanted to do this, but I waited until mother-in-law passed away. I did not want to be pushy.” Tea is available in the room between 2 and 5 pm daily, by appointment. The fare changes with the customers’ desires and includes scones, petit fours, cookies, tea and maybe sherry. If you are lucky, Jill may even give you a personal tour.“My Mother-in-Law created the now popular Chattaburger,” Jill makes clear. “It became an instant success and is still our best seller.”The $9.50, 7oz. burger with all the fixings is served with fries or coleslaw. Gluten-free buns are available. There are 14 other sandwiches to choose from, seven entrees, five types of salads, four different soups, wings, etc. “Our Lobster Chowder is a big seller,” adds Amanda. They serve beer and wine, but no liquor.City Council Member Darden Rice worked there as a waitress/bartender to help pay her way through school. She helped start the bathtub gardens.“Chattaway’s is a one of a kind St. Pete institution. Known for the city’s best burgers, it is also an English tea room and beautiful garden patio. Generations of families come here, including my own. Parents bring their kids here just like their parents and grandparents before them. People from all walks of life come here. It’s a local favorite and I loved working there,” Rice says. The most popular place for patrons to sit is outside on the large patio surrounded by the plants, fountains and large oak trees. It is perfect a place to bring your dogs; they use it for SPCA and Pet Pals Rescue fund-raisers. There is a make-shift bandshell in the northeast corner with music nightly (weather permitting). The Chattaway hosts many special events—large and small. “We even have weddings,” says Amanda. “The Red Hat

Ladies come regularly. One customer rented the whole place – inside and out – for a personal party,” she exclaimed.“Since I have been the owner, every sitting mayor has eaten here,” says Frers, “as have most City Council Members, Police Chiefs and Fire Department personnel. “The Chattaway has great food, friendly service, and live music – a true St. Petersburg institution in the heart of Old Southeast. At almost 100 years old, it’s one of our oldest restaurants and a local treasure. Always impressed with how they continue to embrace their historic charm while still attracting new customers year after year,” says Rep. Charlie Crist“At a time when America seems to be franchising and creating mega-chains to service its gustatory desires, there remain a few home-town bastions of character, kitsch and toothsome victuals – welcome to the Chattaway – St. Pete’s dining treat!” says Robert Ulrich, Mayor from 1987 to 1991. “Chattaway exudes the attention of local owner, Jillian, who is present day to day – one committed to creating a clever al fresco dining experience replete with a menu prepared with attention to the taste of a casual palate - you owe it to yourself to test my opinion,” he concludes.The Chattaway is located at 358 22nd Avenue S., St. Petersburg. Call them at (727) 823-1594. See their menu and history online at TheChattaway.com. Once you visit, you quite likely will become one those who drop in regularly NOTE: This restaurant is cash-only, just like the old days, but there is an ATM.

Owner Jillian Frers preparing for afternoon tea.


WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH THE NEW PIER?

Construction continues on the new St. Pete Pier™ with all the pilings over water in place, and over 70% of the deck surface poured. Construction work is underway on the tilted lawn, the foundations for the pavilion building, the piles for Doc Fords and the Education Center columns and walls.While piles are being driven and the upland is being graded and prepared for additional construction, another project – that of tenant selection – has also made significant progress.All major tenants have been selected, including:• Tampa Bay Watch – this local non-profit will operate the Education Center and will provide Educational programs for Tampa Bay area schools, summer camp programming, and afternoon and evening programs for families and visitors• Teak, Inc. – Owned and operated by Chuck Prather, owner of The Birchwood on Beach Drive, they will offer three concepts at the Pier Head including an upscale restaurant (Teak) a rooftop bar (Teaki) and a café (Driftwood Café.)• Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille - With three locations just south of Tampa Bay, Doc Ford’s has already established a reputation as a highly successful destination restaurant, with a name and Florida theme, based on the novels by New York Times best-selling author Randy Wayne White• United Park Services, Inc. (UPS) for a Counter Order Casual Concession at the Pavilion Building and Retail Sundry/Gift Shop and Bait Shop at the Pier Head Building.Additionally, artwork for the Pier has been selected, including:• Nick Ervinck – Belgium: TBD Pier Head. Fostering a cross-pollination between the digital and the physical, Nick Ervinck explores the boundaries between various media, including sculpture, 3D prints installation, architecture and design.• Nathan Mabry – Los Angeles, CA: a coated steel, origami-inspired pelican to be installed in the Entry Plaza area. He is known for sculptures in bright primary colors that often reference modern sculpture of the 20th century as well as diverse cultures and birds significant to the local site.• Xenobia Bailey, New York City: a tile mosaic within the Pier District. Bailey translates the vibrant patterns and colors derived from her fiber art, into mosaics for public projects.A signature work of art by world-renowned artist, Janet Echelman, will also be located in the Pier District. Supported by private donations, this will be a floating sculpture within the Family Park area on the Pier Approach.Soon, the Pier deck will be completed, as will the Pier Head building. Pier Approach construction will continue, with the addition of the Kids Play Area, Splash Pad and other exciting elements. By late 2019, residents and visitors alike will be able to enjoy the new St. Pete Pier. To learn more sign up for occasional Pier updates, please visit www.newstpetepier.com


ADD MEMORY CAFES TO YOUR HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

Dementia Myth Busters Cate McCarty, PhD. of Dr. Cate Dementia Coach and Jane Ogilvie of Senior Solutions of Pinellas County offers free-to-attend, community events in November. If dementia has taken up residency in your home, we’ve got you covered all year round and through the upcoming holiday season. These events offer family, friends, and neighbors with memory loss challenges in their homes, an uplifting place to go to reduce social isolation. Caregivers and care-receivers are welcomed by others, increase their understanding of dementia, and build support networks. The lively, mind-engaging activity and conversation in a no-pressure environment, is key to their popularity and success. In November, join the group at any or all of the following:• Memory Café-Mondays, November 12th & December 10 11:15am at Carrabba’s 1951 4th St. N. St. Pete. Food & beverages available for purchase. *We just celebrated our 1 yr. anniversary here! Many thanks Jason and staff.• Memory Café- Mondays, November 19th & December 17, 12:15pm, at Neptune Grill Restaurant- 5501 Shore Blvd. S. Gulfport. Food & beverages available for purchase. *Working towards our 3rd anniversary here! Thank you Dia and Evelyn! Limited Seating. Please RSVP! • Tyrone Walk & Scavenger Hunt, & Memory Café- Friday November 16th- Tyrone Mall Food Court Entrance 22nd Ave. N. 10am-11 followed by memory making conversation at Red Robin Gourmet Burger. Food & beverages available for purchase. *Walk & hunt at your own pace and get some exercise in before Thanksgiving!RSVP & further information contact: Jane, 727-327-0167 or [email protected] or Cate, 813-384-7571 or [email protected].

SUNKEN GARDENS 3RD ANNUAL JINGLE MINGLE

On Thursday, December 6th, from 6 to 8:30 pm, the Sunken Gardens Forever Foundation will host its 3rd Annual “Jingle Mingle”, at Sunken Gardens, 1825 4th Street North, St. Petersburg. Twinkle lights, holiday music by the St. Pete High Pitchforks and soft jazz renditions of holiday favorites by Henry Ashwood promise a lovely beginning to the Season. Complimentary wine, beer, and hors d’oeuvres will be served in the festively decorated Oak Pavilion. Tickets, $50 each, are available on our Facebook page: Sunken Gardens Forever, or at Sunken Gardens.“Jingle Mingle” revenue will help fund the new Children’s Educational Garden, teaching children about sources of the food they eat, amid an array of interactive activities.

SANTA PARADE & TREE LIGHTINGNew Date and Time!

Kick off the holidays in the Sunshine City when Santa comes to town and Mayor Kriseman lights up the waterfront! The annual Santa Parade is on a NEW DATE with a NEW TIME, Saturday, November 24 at 5:30pm. The parade begins at Albert Whitted Park and runs Bayshore Dr. and 5th Ave. NE. The Tree Lighting will be immediately follow the Santa Parade at 8 pm in North Straub Park. Stay after the Santa Parade and Tree Lighting to enjoy entertainment, children’s activities, music and more in the park. Food concessions will be available. Blanket seating. Free to the public. Presented by City of St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation. For more information, call (727) 893-7441.


NOVEMBERMFA Cocktails And Collections 15 So You Think You Can Dance Mahaffey 15 Cinderella, Gulf Coast Dance Palladium 17 St. Pete Run Fest And Expo 16-18 Chill Lounge Night Straub Park 17 Shop-A-Plooza Straub Park 17 Florida Orchestra’s London Mahaffey 17-18 “Tis The Season” Holiday Mart Coliseum 17-18 Florida Craftart Festival 17-18 MFA The Art of Clocks Closes 18 Il Divo Mahaffey 20 Public Schools Closed 20-23 Food Truck Rally Williams Park 21 Holiday Blues Bash Palladium 21 Turkey Trot Clearwater 22 Coffee Pot Turkey Trot 22 Thanksgiving 22 Black Friday 23 Gem & Jewelry Show Coliseum 23-25 Holiday Lights Open Botanical Gardens 23Santa Parade Downtown Streets 24 Holiday Tree Lighting Straub Park 24Small Business Shopping Day 24 Shop-A-Plooza Straub Park 24 Dali Clyde Butcher Exhibit Closes 25 MFA Not A Selfie Exhibit Ends 25

American Stage Miss Bennett Opens 28 MFA Deck the Great Hall Open House 29 Very Merry Market Great Explorations 29 Chamber Annual Golf Tournament 29 Florida Orchestra Let’s Dance Mahaffey 29 St. Petersburg Boat Show 29-30 Hurricane Season Ends 30 Nutcracker, St. Pete Ballet Palladium 30

DECEMBERToys for Tots Post Office Collection 1 Snow Fest North Straub Park 1 Movies in Straub Park 1 Holiday Magic Edge District 1 Orchestra Holiday Tour Of Homes 1AWAPS Pancake Breakfast Albert Whitted 1 Downtown Walking Tour Preservation 1 St. Petersburg Boat Show Closes 2 Holiday Show Opens Morean Art 1 Santa In the Park 1-23 Santa & Glice Skating Straub Park 1-23 Hanukkah Begins 2 Jingle Mingle Sunken Gardens 6 First Friday 7 Florida Orchestra Plays Mozart Mahaffey 8-9 Second Saturday Williams Park 8 Second Saturday Art Walk 8

Preservation Walking Tour 8 Lunch with Santa Albert Whitted 9 Bad Santa Bar Crawl 9 HONNA Candlelight Tour of Homes 9 Holiday Spectacular, Palladium 10 Hanukkah Ends 10 Food Truck Rally Williams Park 12 Food Truck Rally Port of St. Pete 14 Boley’s Jingle Bell Run 14 Holiday Soul Revue, Palladium 15 Glam Gals & Posh Pups Woman’s Club 15 Florida Orchestra Holiday Pops Mahaffey 15 Ugly Christmas Sweater Day 15 Walking Tour Preservation 15 Holiday of The Arts Straub Park 15-16 SP Opera Seasonal Sparkle, Palladium 18 Food Truck Rally Williams Park 19 Florida Orchestra A La Carte Mahaffey 20 Winter Begins 21 PUBLIC Schools Closed 24-31 Christmas Day 25 Kwanzaa Begins 26 MFA Works On Paper Ends 30 New Year’s Eve First Night 31 Swinging In The New Year Coliseum 31

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS


ONE ST. PETE PART OF SHINE As part of Shine, the art celebration, Cecilia Lueza painted The Blue Hour on the side of the One building.The building has received a temporary certificate of occupancy, and has started the first closings on the 1st Street commercial spaces. The also have introduced Jim Baumgartner, the Property Manager for ONE St. Pete. GOOD BURGER AWARDS The following were recognized by the St. Pete Chamber of Commerce in October:• Eats & Treats: Locale Market• Hotspots & Hangouts: Saturday Morning Market• Arts & Culture: The Dali Museum• Community Conscious Grassroots: Preserve the ‘Burg• Community Conscious Large: Friends of Strays• Makers & Creators: St. Petersburg Distillery• New Biz on the Block: SPCA Tampa Bay Veterinary Center• Cool Companies Small: Coast Bike Share• Cool Companies Large: Raymond James Financial• People’s Choice: Candace Hulcher• Most Valuable Burger: Tom James NAIL SALONS ON CENTRAL Two new nail salon are opening on Central Avenue. Previously an art retail store, at 320 Central Avenue you will find Paint Nail Bar, next to Mickey’s Café. It is owned by Lauren and Tom Hoehn. Down the street at 778 Central Avenue is the new Le Nail Salon. Both should open any day. EDGE TO GET HOTEL Developer Mark DeMaria of DevMar Development purchased the area between 16th Street and MLK Jr Street N. with a plan to build an 11 story, 140 room boutique hotel. “We think this part of town is becoming the district to be in whether it is for shopping, art galleries or restaurants,” say developer DeMaria, “and with the changes taking place at Tropicana Field, this is the place to be.” DevMar is also building the 211-unit Vantage Loft Apartments at First Avenue and 16th Street N. BANK BUILDING TO BECOME ICON APARTMENTS The 1926 Union Trust Building at 800 Central Avenue and MLK St. is staying - but the rest of the block is gone. Vacant since 1996, it and the block will be rebuilt as a 15-story, 368 unit apartment complex with 35,000 square feet retail of space, including a restaurant.The city approved the apartment complex, that takes up 75% of the 800-block, with the developer incorporating the old bank building into their design. A ground breaking was held earlier this year. ANOTHER DOWNTOWN TOWER PROPOSED If approved, a 25-story mixed-use building will be built due west of the Sundial, on the site current occupied by Fit2Run retail company. The $40-million building will house 100 residential units, plus 7,000 square feet of ground level commercial space, 218 parking spaces, with a swimming pool and amenity space on the middle levels. The 300 foot tall building requires approval by Albert Whitted Airport and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Business Briefs


Business BriefsTRY WINE®, OFFERS WINE DINING™ Since Opening their first location in 2013, TRY WINE® has become well known for its 88 TAP high tech, self-serve wine bar, its ever changing wine selections and their steadily expanding boutique wine shop which has grown to almost 1000 unique wines from around the world in every price range. But now, since moving to their new location at 1 Beach Drive in Bayfront Tower, TRY WINE® also wants to become known for their WINE DINING™ experience. What’s WINE DINING™? It’s constructing food components to accent the wines, opposed to fine dining, where the wines accent the food. To this end, TRY WINE® has evolved and expanded their wine centric pairing menu with outstanding soup and starters like artisan popcorn and warm Spanish almonds tossed in olive oil and fine herbs, as well as a wonderful selection of desserts. The main WINE DINING™ focus though has been on expanding their fine charcuterie & cheese offerings. TRY WINE® now features the “largest” chef driven and a’ la carte selection of fine charcuterie, cheese & accoutrements downtown, allowing customers almost limitless wine & food pairing combinations. The vast choices now makes it a truly unique and amazingly satisfying experience. So, don’t just TRY WINE®, try WINE DINING™, only at TRY WINE, downtown St. Petersburg. Visit trywinecompany.com, and buy on-line at shoptrywine.com.

BIG MAN CELEBRATES 1000 MOVES In early 2017, we introduced you to Big Man’s Moving Company owned by then newlyweds Josh and Brooke Anderson, whose wedding gifts partially funded their first 26 foot moving truck. Today we highlight another exciting milestone: 1000 successfully completed local and out of state moves! The couple would like to thank their employees, whose good attitudes and superior work ethic have resulted in over 300 perfect 5-star reviews, strategic referral partners who consistently recommend Big Man’s Moving to their clients,and the community for supporting their neighborhood, family-owned moving company. For a free estimate, visit Bigmansmoving.com or call 727-772-3458.


ORCHESTRA GUILD’S HOLIDAY TOUR OF HOMESThe Florida Orchestra Guild, St. Petersburg, welcomes in December with the 7th annual Holiday Tour of Homes on Saturday, December 1. The all-day Tour, from 10 am to 4 pm, includes homes in St. Petersburg’s Snell Isle, Coffee Pot and Brightwaters Boulevard NE neighborhoods.MUSIC, MUSIC, AND MORE MUSIC!The party weekend begins on Friday, November 30, when the “Tune in to the Holidays” Reception is set for 6:30 to 8:30pm at a Brightwaters Blvd. waterfront home open only for the Reception. Reservations are required. Parkshore Grill will provide catering. At the piano will be Don Vincent, composer, conductor, and arranger, who has performed and worked with top vocalists, including Frank Sinatra, Robert Goulet, Diana Ross, Liza Minelli, Jack Jones, and Stevie Wonder. Don has also been invited by two presidents to perform at the White House.Music will continue during Saturday’s Tour with members of the Orchestra Guild who are also accomplished musicians. Award-winning young students from area schools who have been finalists in Florida Orchestra competitions, will perform. Bill Mickelsen, Principal Tuba artist with the Orchestra, coordinates programs for students, working with the schools to develop young talent.HOLIDAY DÉCOR, BOUTIQUE, FLOWERSResidences will reflect holiday traditions unique to the family living there. With décor from around the world, the homes are a treasure of ideas for new ways to celebrate December holidays. Many homeowners expand decorating into outdoor patio and pool areas. A boutique featured in one residence will offer holiday gift-buying possibilities for shoppers seeking to support The Florida Orchestra.One home will feature floral displays created by artists from the Ichiyo School of Ikebana, Florida Chapter, coordinated by Ichiyo School master Jeanne Houlton. The changing seasons, as well as relationships between earth’s natural elements, inspire Ikebana designs. TICKETS - Advance tickets for the Saturday, December 1 Tour are $25. On Tour day, tickets are $30 and may only be purchased at 200 Brightwaters Blvd. NE. Addresses for all the Tour homes are your tickets. Reservations for the Friday, November 30 Reception are $90 and include a Saturday Tour ticket. .For information, call 727-254-1176. To order tickets, send checks to the Florida Orchestra Guild, St. Petersburg, c/o C.E. Miller, 1440 52nd Avenue N, St. Petersburg, FL 33703. Tickets will be on sale at The Florida Orchestra box office lobby,163 3rd Street N., St. Petersburg, November 28-30, from 11 am to 2 pm Check the Orchestra Guild website at www.fogsp.org for updates.


SUNRISE ROTARY CLUBThey will help cook and serve a full course Thanksgiving meal to the residents of Brookwood. Founded in 1927, Brookwood Florida provides a unique, life-changing residential program for non-pregnant, non-addicted, at-risk girls between the ages of 13 and 21. The agency typically serves between 100 and 110 girls per year who have suffered abuse, neglect, homelessness and serious family dysfunction. The goal of the program is to help prepare the girls to become self-sufficient and self-supporting adults, and work toward family reunification when feasible.Founded in 1977, the Rotary Club of St. Petersburg Sunrise continues to be passionate about making a difference in our community. Be part of a local club with a global impact: Join them for breakfast on Tuesday mornings, 7:45 am, at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. Email [email protected], or visit stpeterotary.com or Facebook.com/SunriseRotaryStPete.ST. PETERSBURG WOMAN’S CLUBMonthly General daytime meeting will be Friday, December 7th at 1 pm with installation of new officers & Board members. Home Life Department will be collecting Christmas stockings from members who have stuffed them for children at the Sallie House. There will also be a cookie exchange for those who wish to participateEvening Program: Tuesday, December 11th at 7 pm. If you are a professional woman & can’t attend daytime activities, join us!Mahjong: Monday from 2-4, no experience necessary.Community Projects: Wed. 1pm (Hospice, Sallie House, Free Clinic)Bridge: Every Friday -11 a.m.Saturday December 15, 11 am, - “Glam Gals and Posh Pups” A Fashion Event & Luncheon, $40. Ladies Fashions by Chico’s and Doggie Fashions by Our Lucky Dog. RSVP at (727) 822-6659 or email:[email protected] events are open to the public. To join call (727) 822-4982. Visit www.StPetersburgWomansClub.org.SECOND TIME AROUNDERSThe Second Time Arounders Marching Band is celebrating their 36th season and preparing for the 2019 season when they will be going to New York to be in the MACY’S Thanksgiving Day Parade, again. Consider joining the awesome original “Second Time Arounders Marching Band” It is the band for you to rekindle that excitement you felt as a kid with 400 like minded adults ages 18-80!Meet the band and the organizers at the following events:

December 10: Holiday Spectacular, The PalladiumDecember 13: Holiday Party at Seminole City ParkJanuary 10: New Membership Orientation, TBAJanuary 15: Preseason Music run throughJanuary 29: First Full Band Rehearsal at The Coliseum

They are an all-volunteer marching band with no auditions required. Call Karen at 505-340-5717 or visit SecondTimeArounders.com.BREAKFAST OPTIMISTSThey host the monthly First Friday events on Central Avenue. Each month, a different band performs and it benefits a different local charity. The next events are Dec. 7 and Jan. 4They meet three out of four Thursdays a month at 7:30am at Kissin’ Cuzzin’s on 34th Street for breakfast. To learn more or join the Optimists, call Susan Curcio, President at 204-7856 or email at [email protected].

Organizational News...


AREA’S HISTORY COMES TO LIFE IN JIM MORRISON BOOKBy Bird StevensJim Morrison’s Clearwater Then and Now… is a project that has taken me nearly 10 years to write. I was first introduced to the seductive poetry of Jim Morrison when I was 12 years old, listening intently in my bedroom to the hypnotic words of his “An American Prayer” album coming from my cassette player. Then I began a journey to learn everything I could about The Doors and the mysterious person behind the words I was listening to. I began reading everything I could find and learned that Jim Morrison, the Lizard King, and the leader of The Doors, lived in Clearwater. He also attended the same college that I did. I started to wonder what life was like when he was here. What kind of things did he do for fun? How much has it changed? Thus, became the premise for my book. I contacted everyone that I could find that might have been around when Jim Morrison was here, and I found so many wonderful people that wanted to share their stories. As I started to delve into those stories, I began to realize that there is such a rich history here and that the city has changed tremendously since Jim lived here in the early 1960s. I decided that it would be important to include the history of this little town in my book, along with the stories of Jim Morrison’s life here. Yes, the book is about Jim Morrison living in Clearwater, FL. But it is also a trip down memory lane for the people that grew up here, remembering how things were in “the good ol’ days.” Remnants of some of these 1960s hotspots can still be seen, while others have given way to the ever-changing city around us.If you are a Doors fan, this book gives an excellent insight into the life of a young rock star that just so happened to have spent his formative years in the little town of Clearwater, FL. As Bryan Gates, college roommate and

friend of Jim Morrison said, “Writer and researcher, Bird Stevens, has located the places that probably always remained in Jim Morrison’s heart. From conversations with Jim’s early acquaintances, Stevens identified and visited many, and has written in detail about the places that Jim enjoyed and the places where Jim experienced his early losses and disappointments.” So journey with me from Jim’s banishment from his parent’s house in Virginia to a little frame house on the bank of Clearwater Harbor, through his peccadillo adventures in and around Clearwater, and off to Tallahassee.So Who Was Jim Morrison?James Douglas Morrison was born in Melbourne, FL on December 8, 1943. The son of a Naval Officer, Jim and his family moved around a lot. By the time he reached high school, Jim had attended school in more than 7 different states. Before graduating from George Washington High School in Alexandria, Virginia, Jim had grown tired of the military lifestyle and chafed at it, and his father often. After the school year was over, Naval officer Stephen Morrison had enough, and shipped Jim south to Clearwater to live with his paternal grandparents while he attended Saint Petersburg Junior College.By an early age, Jim had not only read, but understood such writers as Blake, Baudelaire, Rimbaud, Nietzsche, Huxley, Sartre and others. He had also begun to perfect his own craft of writing. Friends throughout his childhood and early adulthood all remembered that he would carry around a notebook with him, writing down everything he was seeing and experiencing. The pages within these notebooks would later turn into poetry and songs for The Doors, the California rock band in which he fronted.While in Clearwater, Jim lived just blocks away from the Francis Wilson Playhouse in downtown Clearwater. He was known to sit

in the back of the theatre and watch the actors on stage during practice, and listen to the poetry readings they hosted. He also discovered the Beaux Arts Coffee House in Pinellas Park and frequented the establishment. It is known that Jim would come, ukulele in tote, and recite his poetry at the open mics, while strumming randomly on the ukulele.After two semesters at St. Petersburg Junior College, Jim transferred to Florida State University. While at FSU, Jim became interested in the film department. He took some art classes and participated in the school’s small film department where he participated in a student film for the school. He also acted in the school’s play of The Dumb Waiter. Jim’s interest in film and theatre grew, and he decided to transfer to UCLA. It was while he was attending UCLA that he met Ray Manzarek and The Doors were formed in 1965. Their debut album, The Doors, was release in 1967 and their most successful single, “Light My Fire” spent 3 weeks at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Jim Morrison died at age 27 in Paris. No autopsy was performed, and the cause of his death is unknown.Jim Morrison’s Clearwater Then and Now… is available on Amazon.com or can be bought locally by contacting the author at: [email protected].


Organizational News...ST. PETERSBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Their Annual Fall Chamber Classic Golf Tournament is Thursday, November 29th. Members can sponsor holes and network with fellow players or just have fun. Compete for the “Most Outrageous Sponsor” award. Visit StPete.com/ChamberClassic. HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD ASSN. November 22 Coffee Pot Turkey Trot 5K RunGo ahead - plan on having an extra piece of pie this Thanksgiving. The Coffee Pot Turkey Trot 5K, St. Petersburg’s only Thanksgiving morning 5K, returns for its second year, expanding its field of runners from 500 to up to 2,000. “Last year’s event filled quickly, so we were excited when the City of St. Petersburg offered to co-sponsor the race this year,” said Amber Brinkley, chair of the Turkey Trot Committee. “The response from the community has been amazing, with sponsorships from 20 local businesses and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital agreeing to be our presenting sponsor.” The Thanksgiving morning race was founded by parents and friends of North Shore Elementary to help fund enhancements such as field trips, teacher professional development, classroom supplies and after school programs including dance, art, STEM, drama and yoga. Over the past few years, collaboration between the school, the neighborhood, and parents, has been showcased as a way to inject a greater sense of pride and community in neighborhood public schools. As the event grows, organizers have hired a race organizer, making it an officially timed event for competitive runners. Walkers and strollers of all ages are encouraged to participate in the family oriented event. The run takes place on Thanksgiving morning, November 22 at 7:45 am. The start/finish line will be adjacent to North Shore Elementary at 34th Avenue and 1st Street N. The course runs through neighborhoods and along Coffee Pot Bayou. Register online at runsignup.com/coffeepotturkeytrot. Cost is $25 and includes a race shirt, medal and gift bag.21st Annual Candlelight Tour of Homes 21st Annual Candlelight Tour of Homes is on December 9 from 3-8pm. Once again gracious residents in the beautiful Historic Old Northeast neighborhood of St. Petersburg will open their homes to visitors for this traditional event.HONNA has organized another spectacular holiday tour. It makes for a magical Sunday afternoon. Stroll the 100-year old hex block sidewalks. Listen for bell ringers and holiday music. Enjoy new home renovations and festive decorations. Pick up great decorating ideas. Bring family and friends – it’s a great holiday gift to share with others!Tickets are $25 in advance. Purchase online at honna.org or at: Marion’s: 1301 4th Street N Rally: 2131 4th Street N Sunken Gardens: 1825 4th Street N J.CON Salon & Spa: 5811 4th Street N Tickets are $30 the day of the tour at Westminster Palms. On the day of the event, register at Westminster Palms (939 Beach Drive NE), where you’ll receive a wristband and tour booklet detailing the homes. Walk, take your car or hop onto the free bright red trolley to go from house to house.Proceeds benefit neighborhood improvement projects, with a portion going to the Sunken Gardens Forever Foundation.Meetings are quarterly on the third Monday (except for holidays) at 7pm, in the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 126 11th Ave NE. Get information at HONNA.org or call 269-5521. Email [email protected].


OUR RESPECT AND APPRECIATION FOR VETERANS RUNS DEEP

By Pinellas County Commissioner Charlie Justice In Pinellas County, we demonstrate respect and admiration for our military veterans year-round. But this is a time of year, with Veterans Day upon us (Monday, Nov. 12), I wanted to share some ways the Board of County Commissioners expresses our appreciation for the approximate 90,000 Pinellas veterans.During our October meeting, Chairman Ken Welch called up eight members of our Community Veterans Engagement Board, along with Pinellas County Veterans Services Director Michael Hill, and read a proclamation recognizing Nov. 11, 2018, as Veterans Day. County Administrator Mark Woodard presented an artist’s rendering of the Order of Purple Heart Monument that we will be erecting at War Veterans’ Memorial Park in Bay Pines adjacent to the Battlefield Cross Monument, which the Board and several county departments dedicated on Memorial Day 2015 to honor fallen service members from the Gulf War era. The new monument is being custom fabricated and will be dedicated on Purple Heart Day next Aug. 7.We continue to work on the nation’s first underwater dive memorial honoring veterans. The “Circle of Heroes” will be added to the popular Veterans Reef about 10 miles off the Pinellas County shore and about 40 feet deep. It will feature 24 life-size concrete statues of military members from different eras surrounding a 5,830-pound centerpiece featuring bronze emblems representing each of the U.S. Armed Forces. “Circle of Heroes” will be an iconic attraction for the region and lasting tribute to those who have given so much.Our devotion to our veterans goes far beyond honoring them with monuments. Pinellas County Veterans Services provides a wide variety of services that are free of charge. An individual qualifies for our services if he or she is a veteran, veteran’s dependent, surviving spouse or child of a veteran, reservist or National Guard member or active duty service member. Services include providing guidance with compensation and pensions, education benefits, funeral benefits, health care, home loans, life insurance, survivor benefits and vocational rehabilitation and employment services. We help clients develop and present claims, obtain documents such as DD-214 discharge papers and death certificates and apply for housing assistance. To learn about these services, a veteran doesn’t even have to come to us. In the coming months, Veterans Services staff will conduct presentations at the county’s major libraries. I mentioned our Community Veterans Engagement Board. This important body gives veterans, advocates, service providers and others a voice in working to resolve issues at the local level to improve service delivery. The board’s mission is to improve outcomes by connecting public and private resources and capabilities and to create forums that facilitate working together. Yet another way in which we honor our veterans is with Honor Flight of West Central Florida. At St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, local veterans frequently take to the skies to spend a day visiting important sites in our nation’s capital. The program stared with World War II veterans and has expanded to include veterans of other wars. Finally, we are very proud of Pinellas County being designated a Purple Heart County in 2017. The Purple Heart medal is awarded to U.S. military members who have been wounded or killed in combat. Purple Heart counties (and cities) are part of the Purple Heart Trail, which features a symbolic and honorary system of roads, highways, bridges and other monuments that pays tribute those awarded the medal. As always, if you have questions or comments, you can call my office at (727) 464-3363 or email me at [email protected].


RAWK STAR CAFE This is one of a few new businesses to open in the 700 block of Central Avenue across from the Morean Art Center. Owned by brother-sister team, Michael and Ariel Collins, the cafe features plant-based foods, some raw, and mostly organic. In addition to a cross section of healthy foods, they sell smoothies, wine, juice shots and more. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. See their menu at RawkStarCafeStPete.com. Find them at 740 Central Avenue.

RED MESA CANTINA REMODEL After being closed for a short time, the restaurant has reopened with improved kitchen, a new floor, improved drainage, new equipment, relocated walls and other things. “This will give Chef Chris the ability to expand his range and start offering dishes that were not possible before,” says Edgar Veytia, an owner. THE GREAT DINE-OUT GIVEAWAY Infinity, the League to Aid Abused Children and Adults, has created the new charity fund-raiser - “The Great Dine-Out Tampa Bay Giveaway”. It is an opportunity for three lucky winners, drawn at random, to win a gift certificate package to many of Tampa Bay’s best restaurants. Participating downtown restaurants includes Bella Brava, The Mill, Parkshore Grill, 400 Beach Seafood, St. Pete Yacht Club, Stillwaters Tavern, Farmtable Cucina, Birch and Vine, Ruth Chris Steakhouse—and more.Prize packages are valued at either $1500, $1000 or $500. Tickets are $25 or five for $100 and on sale now. The drawing is January 30th at a special event at the St. Pete Yacht Club. Proceeds benefit CASA, Suncoast Center and Brookwood Florida. To purchase tickets (and to see a complete list of participants), visit www.InfinityStPete.org or call Rebecca Nakiwany at 593-4699. BENTO ASIAN KITCHEN This is a fast food place for Asian rolls, bowls, boxes and sushi with a large menu. They are south of Publix at 320 3rd Street South, attached to the AER Apartments and really close to the USF/SP campus. See their menu at www.EatAtBento.com. Call ahead to skip the line at 317-5533. CLOSING A developer who owns other properties in the Edge District, bought the properties between 1100-1140 and 1122-1128 on Central Avenue and plans to develop it. Bodega Cantina Café is right in the middle at 1120 Central Avenue. No closing date has been announced and it may be awhile before it actually happens. NEWS WANTED If you have news or suggestions appropriate for this newsletter, let us know. by email to [email protected] or call at 430-8300.

Bar & Restaurant News


THE DR. BBQ IS INSuzanne and Roger Perry, owners of DATZ, Dough and Roux in Tampa opened Dr.BBQ, featuring celebrity barbecue champ Ray Lampe. It offers progressive, smoke-based meats supervised by Lampe. They have more than red meat…try the BBQ salmon. Dr. BBQ brings “new American barbecue” to the Tampa Bay area. The new restaurant sizzles with barbecue variations discovered during Lampe’s travels, blended with local St. Pete tastes. The restaurant has a rustic industrial feel to match its fare. There is more than just food. The restaurant features a large selection of bourbon, an award-winning mixologist with

a creative cocktail list and local beers. Find them due north of the Tropicana Dome at 1101 First Avenue S. See their menu at www.DrBBQs.com. For catering and reservations, call 256-9350. CUPCAKES NOW ANGEL C’S The CupCake Spot at 405 Central Avenue changed owners and names. Now called Angel C’s Bakery, they still have cupcakes, but a lot more. Check them out at www.AngelCsBakeryCorp.com. SIMPLY GREEK This new restaurant offering Greek cuisine has opened next to the new Benton Asian Kitchen. It has quite a variety with a “Build Your Own” pita or bowl. Find them at 312 3rd Avenue S., attached to the AER Apartments or call 592-4715. TheSimpleGreek.com. ASIE PAN ASIAN Thuy Le, owner of La V Vietnamese Restaurant at 441 Central Avenue, just opened this second restaurant, one storefront east of La V. Asie, meaning “Asia” in French, offers dishes inspired with combinations of Western cuisines, featuring sophisticated interpretations of traditional fare, and accented with artistic touches. Find it at 437 Central Avenue. See their menu at www.AsiePanAsian.com or call 898-4300. FISH TALES SEAFOOD CLOSED After operating in the same waterfront location for almost 20 years, and after a five-year fight with the landlord, owners Dan and Peggy Wesner’s Fish Tales Restaurant was closed by the landlord. At 1500 2nd St. S., just south of USF/SP, it was very popular and Dan says they hope to find a new waterfront location and reopen soon.

Bar & Restaurant News


SILLY SWIM DAYS By Rebecca GeigerFall for Floridians means torrential downpours and a return to school clothes and tennis shoes. As the weather changes so do the learning opportunities in the pool. With the increase of rain, pool water levels rise and often are simply drained to allow the pool to operate efficiently. An alternative is to use this extra water to let the children have some fun and experience choppy water. Using a raft or other flotation device you can make waves and let them play. Wave strength can be altered depending on the age and swimming ability of the child. Keep in mind that this is a learning experience, not meant to scare them. Waves may seem small to you, but even two-inch waves look huge when being viewed from the position of the eye line. Older children can handle larger waves while younger children need to start with smaller ones. These waves can serve many purposes for the children. • They learn how to effectively breathe in the waves.• They can swim under water in different depths to see how the water moves differently on top of the surface, in shallow water, and in deeper water.• They can practice holding on to floats in the water as they are being pushed around by the waves.Another thing that should be done every year is allowing children to swim in their clothes at least once: Boys need to swim in jeans, shirts, jacket, and tennis shoes. Girls need to swim in dresses, pants, shirts, shoes, and jackets. If there is an incident during the winter they will most likely not be in swimsuits or cover ups. Make sure you are present when they go in with their clothes even if they are proficient swimmers.

You may be surprised by their reactions. I have seen children try to take off their clothes while swimming, try to remove their shoes, decide they just want to play, and others completely and totally freak out. Clothes themselves add weight and restrict mobility in the water while shoes often have air in them which will cause the feet to float, disrupting the normal position of the child in the water. It is important that children know not only how this feels, but also that they still need to get to the side-and they will not be in trouble for getting their clothes wet once they reach the side. By referring to both of these as “Silly Swim Days” it lets children get exposure to water that is not calm (more like the ocean) and eliminate the stigma that they will get in trouble for getting their clothes wet. Often children are more upset and fearful they will be in trouble than they are concerned about the fact they could drown. After all, their usual experience is getting in trouble for messing up their clothes! Anything new can be used as a learning experience; remember, they do not have the exposure that we have as adults.I am known as Miss Becca to my students. I have been “Drown Proofing” children and adults for more than 20 years through private lessons and presentations. Please call (813}363-9133 with any questions.


Art & Museum News THE JAMES MUSEUM OF WESTERN & WILDLIFE ART 150 Central Avenue, thejamesmuseum.org Tuesday, November 27 from 6 pm - 7pm, join Dr. Gabrielle Vail, Professor of Anthropology and Indigenous Studies and distinguished international lecturer. Vail will discuss works in the collection that speak to the cosmovision of Native American cultures from the Southwest and the importance of landscape and the sky world in creation narratives. Space is limited. Included with admission; free for members.MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS 727-896-2667 255 Beach Dr NE mfastpete.org One of the world’s most beautiful and extensive collections of jewelry is making its way to the MFA for only its seond showing ever. More than 135 pieces of jewelry and objects from Bunny Mellon’s incredible collection of designs by the famous jeweler and artist Jean Schlumberger. After pre-miering at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts last year, Jewels of the Imagination is heading south for the winter. Opening December 15th, the incredible exhibition will be displayed in conjunction with an exclusive exhibit at the St. Petersburg MFA, Drawn to Beauty, which features original drawings and photographs highlighting the artist and his work. Mrs. Mellon’s jewelry and jeweled objects comprise the largest and most extensive public collection of work by the artist.SCULPTURE EXPERIENCE 780 Central Avenue SPSculptureExperience.comOperated by artist John Hair, it is next door to The Chihuly Gallery, across from the Morean Art Center. There are over 100 sculptures on display and for sale. Find monuments made for the U.S. Olympic Team, the Air Force Academy, the Hollywood Emmys and over 35 American universities. The cost of admission and the tour varies from $12 to $16FLORIDA CRAFTART 727-821-7391 501 Central Ave. FloridaCraftArt.org Their 21st Annual CraftArt Festival will be held on Saturday, November 17 and Sunday, November 18, just outside the doors of the Florida CraftArt Gallery, at the crossroads of Central Avenue and 5th Street in Downtown St. Petersburg. Collectors and art lovers will be delighted by the creations of over 120 of the nation’s best contemporary fine craft artists, artist demonstrations, food trucks, craft beers and a children’s activity tent sponsored by The Don CeSar. The two-day festival kicks off the Holiday shopping season and features handmade works in ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, paper and mixed media.THE DALI MUSEUM 727-823-3767One Dali Blvd thedali.orgClyde Butcher: Visions of Dali’s Spain closes November 25.Fashion Design at the Dali 2018 - December 1 - January 1. This special exhibit features photographs of garments created by budding Tampa Bay high school fashion designers who have completed the 12-week Fashion Design at The Dali program, sponsored by Neiman Marcus. Drawing inspiration from Salvador Dali’s infamous dinner parties, designers will create tangible connections between art and fashion.ST. PETERSBURG SECOND SATURDAY ARTWALK Join them as 40 artists’ studios and galleries open their doors. Shop local and support our arts community in a fun social setting. Download the map and list of participants to plan your festive art evening at www.stpeteartsalliance.org.

ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSHOW A CHANGING CLIMATE IS AFFECTING OUR AREALocal leaders step up to address challenges like sea level rise

By Susan Glickman, Florida Director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy

Benjamin Franklin’s sage advice, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is no less true 250 years after he said it. Community leaders who heed those wise words

serve us well. Making smart decisions to get out in front of challenging problems is essential now and will protect us into the future.Right now, one of the biggest challenges looming over our region is climate change and the sea level rise that comes along with it. Most researchers agree that as global temperatures increase, hurricanes will become both stronger and wetter, and they will be likely to move more slowly, lingering longer over the communities in their paths. According to senior NASA scientist Timothy Hall, who recently addressed the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, we can expect to see greater storm surge and more intense rain events as well as “storms that achieve intensity levels never seen before historically.” It’s past time for our local governments to get moving on this — we’re experiencing impacts now, and they are going to increase. Tampa Bay’s sea water has historically risen about an inch per decade. But in the 1990s, scientists recorded something alarming: Our local sea level rise increased to several inches above normal. Now, the Tampa Bay Climate Science Advisory Panel predicts that Tampa Bay will rise between six inches to more than two feet by the middle of the century — and as much as seven feet after that.This is obviously a pressing and potentially costly problem for coastal roads, parks, businesses, and neighborhoods. In 2015, national firm Karen Clark & Co., which analyzes the impacts of catastrophic weather events, estimated that the Tampa Bay metropolitan area is the most vulnerable to storm surge and could lose $175 billion in a storm the size of Hurricane Katrina.We’re already seeing that with our higher water levels, even small storms push water toward the shore and bring significant flooding to neighborhoods in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. We need to join together now to make common-sense preparations to deal with these rising waters. Just think about it: If our coastal real estate market collapsed due to increasing flooding, we’d watch our region’s economy crash. Counties and cities would have fewer tax dollars available right when we most need money to put into the infrastructure we need to deal with the problem.The time is now for the Tampa Bay region to look at how we adapt to the climate impacts that are already in the pipeline and take steps to reduce emissions so we don’t make the problems worse. Thankfully, we are seeing crucial leadership from some local elected officials, especially Pinellas County Commissioner Janet Long, who is the current Chair of the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. As a result of Commissioner Long’s leadership on October 8th, 24 local government officials formed the Tampa Bay Regional

Resiliency Coalition, to enable counties and municipalities on Florida’s west coast to work collaboratively on mitigation and adaptation strategies and develop a regional resiliency action plan. The path forward for Tampa Bay is already being modeled in Southeast Florida. Almost a decade ago, Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Palm Beach county commissions signed the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact, along with dozens of municipalities representing nearly six million residents. Under The Compact, the local governments develop annual legislative programs and jointly advocate for state and federal funding, which increases local government power in the competitive world of government spending. Regional collaboration has afforded them opportunities, and we have the benefit of their lessons learned.We have needed to act to reduce emissions for a long time, but now we are at a true crossroads. The Arctic is melting, the permafrost is thawing, and the sea level is rising. As goes the Arctic, so goes Florida. We must take serious action now to both adapt to the climate change impacts that are inevitable from carbon pollution already in the atmosphere, and to reduce our emissions and future vulnerabilities by transforming to a low-carbon economy.People who live on the west coast of Florida will feel the effects from sea level rise in diverse ways – impacting transportation, public health, insurance, storm-water management and coastal flooding. These types of broad challenges will benefit from regional collaboration both from an adaptation and mitigation perspective.A 2017 report by the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, entitled The Cost of Doing Nothing: Economic Impacts of Sea Level Rise in the Tampa Bay Region, considered the potential impacts of year-round flooding on the regional economy. Together these impacts bear cumulative costs of $162 billion to the region’s gross regional product.It is vital we start this crucial planning process now. Hillsborough County Commissioner and former State Senator Victor Crist once commented to me, “If we knew then what we know now, we wouldn’t have put Tampa General Hospital on an island.” Let’s be clear-eyed about what the future holds.This is the moment we must all confront the realities of a changing climate and acknowledge that there are solutions at hand. Transitioning to a clean energy economy will be better for all of us all in the long run, creating jobs, saving money and protecting our natural environment.Working together, we can solve the challenges before us. Much is at stake.Susan Glickman, Florida Director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, was recently named to Florida Trend’s Florida 500 – a list of the 500 Most Influential Business Leaders


40 YEARS OF THE TURKEY TROT By Larry Rogers The Turkey Trot, sponsored by the West Florida Y Runners Club of Pinellas County, unofficially began in 1977 at Howard Park in Tarpon Springs. In 1979, it was held on Thanksgiving morning at the Clearwater Senior High School stadium, with 995 participating runners. In 1995, they hit a record of 10,217 participants. They added walkers to the mix of runners, and the numbers have continued to increase; to date they are consistently over 17,000. It began with the 10K Trot run for the club. They added the 1 Mile Gobbler which enabled walkers and families to participate. In 1988, they decided to include the 5K Wingding, which is still the most popular. Since that time, they added the 4K Drumstick. The latest run to be added is The Clearwater Challenge which includes all three distances.The West Florida Y Runners Club is still the owner of the Turkey Trot with an all-volunteer steering committee for the last 30 years. The Trot is considered one of the top three runs in Florida, and the largest in Pinellas County. At one point, it was one of the top twenty 5K races in the nation.The City of Clearwater One is one of the race’s major sponsors, and the race committee emphatically states they could not hold the race without their assistance in many areas. Morton Plant/Bay Care supplies many volunteers that have helped tremendously through the years with T-shirt distribution and race day registration. Many people have faithfully come every year to help. The Turkey Trot is all about families of runners and walkers at all skill levels. There are generations of families that run together every year including great-grandparents with their great-grandchildren in strollers. All are out there having fun and finishing their races. Some even consider the Turkey Trot as a friends’ reunion.Turkey Trot is about all kinds of music which is provided by nine local groups along the three courses, including: country, bluegrass, bagpipes, jazz, and rock n’ roll. Many consider the music to be one of the Trot’s best features.Turkey Trot is about giving. For many years, West Florida Y Runners Club gives college scholarships to area graduating seniors. They have given approximately $100,000 each year to non-profit organizations that help families and children. They contribute to organizations that help single mothers and their children be removed from abusive situations and to a children’s home. They donate to charities that help homeless persons, veterans, and families in desperate need. They collect canned and dry goods contributed by the participants to a community food bank. They do not publicize these charity groups names to protect them.Turkey Trot is about many things, but the most important is to promote running and a healthy lifestyle, while having fun!

NO STRAWS ST. PETEThe “No Straws St. Pete” campaign continues to gain popularity, with many local restaurants now providing plastic straws only on request. Some are ditching plastic altogether in favor of straws made from earth-friendly materials. Meanwhile, potential regulations on plastic straws and expanded polystyrene (such as StyrofoamTM) are being discussed by a City Council committee. A new ordinance would only allow plastic straws when requested for the first year, with a complete ban taking effect after that. Some exceptions would apply. The ordinance would also prohibit expanded polystyrene on all city-owned property.


FIRST NIGHT ST. PETE 2019 BUTTONS ON SALE

This year’s First Night team has put together an amazing program with eight hours of music, interactive exhibits, puppetry, aerial arts, fire jugglers, street performers, scavenger hunts and a NEW take on this traditional community driven arts event with the addition of the Interactive Art Park! This year even “Elvis” with Cottondale Swamp will be in the building.Join the celebration in downtown St. Petersburg on December 31, 2018 for another art filled New Year’s Eve! The ticket for entry into 10 different venues requires the purchase of a custom designed First Night St. Pete button. During the night of the event, First Night go’ers wear their flashing buttons and meander around downtown to visit both the indoor and outdoor venues which will be showcasing a wide variety of artistic performances. Fireworks will fill the night’s sky again at 8pm and midnight and are presented by 400 Beach Seafood and Tap House, Parkshore Grille and the Annex.Advance price button purchases can be made by visiting FirstNightStPete.com, Adults are $12, Child $5 and under 5 FREE. December 31, the day of event, prices are Adult $15, Child $10, and under 5 FREE.First Night St. Pete is held from 4pm until midnight and is fun for all ages.

IT’S BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU TIME!Just past midnight on the third Thursday of each November, over a million cases of Beaujolais Nouveau begin their journey to Restaurants and Wine Retail Stores throughout the world. This amazing marketing phenomenon began in France’s Beaujolais Region, just north of Lyon in the 1950’s. A few growers in the area, notably Georges Duboeuf, recognized the potential for marketing Beaujolais Nouveau (initially as a cash flow concept), and prompted a race to Paris transporting the first bottles of the new vintage. This attracted much media coverage and the race spread throughout Europe, North America and Asia. “Beaujolais Nouveau Day” is always the third Thursday in November, so the wines are air-freighted to ensure they reach the global retail markets for availability to purchase and consume that day. Today, Beaujolais Nouveau accounts for nearly half of the regions total wine production.Beaujolais [BOE-zjoh-lay] Nouveau is a light, simple, grapey, red wine produced from the Gamay grape that is meant to be consumed within the first 6 months of release, though in better vintages the wine will drink well for a year or so. It is different from most red wines as it does not go through a secondary (malolactic) fermentation. Because the only fermentation is whole cluster (or carbonic maceration), the wine does not take on the tannins or dark color of a wine made from pressed grapes. It is truly the “New” wine of the vintage.Beaujolais Nouveau is a wine that you should drink slightly chilled and enjoy as a quaffing wine or with lighter cuisine. It is very popular on the Thanksgiving Day table, in part due to the release date, but also because it will pair well with turkey or even ham. This is not a wine for wine critics, so just enjoy it and don’t over-analyze it! Most producers package the wine with colorful, artsy labels that sell for around $12.00 per bottle.When you see the colorful marketing signs in the window of your neighborhood wine store beginning November 15th, stop in and purchase one or two and join the hype!This year you can find many 2018 Beaujolais Nouveau selections at 4th and Vine, a neighborhood wine shop located at 327 11th Ave N, St. Petersburg owned by resident wine expert Edith Swierzbinski.


CASA AND HSN OPENING A CLOTHING SHOP INSIDE SHELTER, Aimed to Empower and Bring Confidence to Survivors who have Fled Domestic Violence

As CASA, Pinellas County’s largest certified domestic violence support agency, prepared for October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month, HSN Cares worked behind the scenes at CASA’s shelter to create The First Impressions Boutique -- a clothing store stocked with HSN clothing, accessories, and under garments, that will provide survivors of domestic violence the hand up that they need to rebuild their lives and go back into the workforce.“For many survivors of domestic violence, shopping in the HSN First Impressions Boutique will be the first clothing choice they are able to make separate from the control of an abuser,” said Lariana Forsythe, CASA CEO. “HSN Cares has been a tremendous partner to CASA and we hope HSN’s impact can serve as an example for other community members to find unique and creative ways to get involved.”HSN Cares is dedicated to empowering women and helping families in times of need locally, nationally and globally. Earlier this year HSN Cares offered the HSN Outlet and Emplorium store managers the opportunity to vote between three local organizations that empower women and help families in times of need. The vote was unanimous in favor of CASA, Community Action Stops Abuse. The HSN Outlet and Emplorium stores began a month-long fundraiser that, coupled with a corporate donation, generated in $50,000 in support of CASA.“The First Impressions Boutique truly embodies the mission of HSN Cares, which is to empower women and help families in times of need,” said Andrea Masterson, HSN Cares. “The Boutique not only provided us with an opportunity to give back to our local community, but it allowed us to leverage many of our talented employees.”The HSN Cares relationship with CASA united our colleagues in support of a cause that we are all passionate about through the creation of HSN Cares First Impressions Boutique at CASA. The goal was to create a boutique with new clothing donated by HSN for the women who are staying at the shelter to wear on interviews, ect., to ensure they have something new to wear that is appropriate for getting back into the workforce. The ribbon cutting of the boutique took place -n September. The end result was the product of months of work by HSN employees. From HSN employees coming together to first raise the funds that it would take to bring the boutique to life, to the creative and sets teams working together to build out a beautiful boutique on site at CASA and the merchandising teams assorting a collection of items that residents can shop- at no cost to them- for apparel to wear to job interviews, it took a village. ABOUT CASA - CASA provides safety, empowerment and prevention programs to end domestic violence. It is the 501c3 certified domestic violence center based in southern Pinellas County. CASA operates the area’s 24-hour hotline and emergency shelter, non-residential programs such as support groups, economic empowerment and legal advocacy, Child Protective Investigative Team support and community and corporate training. In addition, CASA’s Peacemakers teach anti-bullying and healthy relationship curriculum to thousands of children each year in the Pinellas County school system.


By Dan HummelFor years, many of us boarded Mister Rogers’ trolley and escaped to his “Neighborhood of Make-Believe”. Today, in the Bay Area, we are fortunate to have our own trolley system, as well. However, this one is real, and carries over two million passengers annually to beaches, work, restaurants, bars, stores, and ballgames. With a route system that spans from Tarpon Springs to Downtown St. Petersburg, this area’s trolley system is a combination of two separate non-profit corporations that operate the Jolley Trolley and the Downtown Looper, and two other trolley systems (the Suncoast Beach Trolley and the Central Avenue Trolley) that are both fully owned and operated by Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA). Together this transportation group works tirelessly for the betterment of the communities that they serve. Rosemary Windsor, Executive Director for the Jolley Trolley, summed it up best. “We enthusiastically support each other. That’s how we all succeed.” You can hop on the Clearwater Jolley Trolley for a fun and unique way to see Clearwater Beach, Sand Key and the surrounding northern coastal towns including Downtown Clearwater, Dunedin, Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs. Introduced in 1982 with only two trolleys and a mission to help reduce the traffic congestion on Clearwater Beach, today’s Jolley Trolley fleet now boasts of 27 vintage-style vehicles. The drivers are friendly and are always happy to point out local attractions, share fun facts, and recommend great local restaurants and bars. Windsor is extremely proud of their success with their ridership numbers noting that the Jolley Trolley system alone shuttled almost half a

million passengers in the past year. At first, their ridership was mainly tourist based, but that has changed over the years to where usage by residents is almost rivaling the tourist segment. David Steding, of Island Estates, finds the Jolley Trolley to be a fun way to see the sights of the area without the hassle of driving. “We take the trolley a lot on weekends just to get around. When we have out of town visitors, they love riding the trolley. We’re such big fans. I highly recommend the Jolley Trolley.”Heading south, you can board the PSTA operated Suncoast Beach Trolley at the Park Street Terminal in downtown Clearwater and travel through many of the beach towns along Gulf Boulevard. Along the way, there are stops at Island Estates, Clearwater Beach, Sand Key, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Redington Shores, North Redington Beach, Redington Beach, Madeira Beach, John’s Pass Village, Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach. There is one noticeable gap to the beach stops along Gulf Boulevard at the city of Belleair Beach. Because Belleair Beach provides no tax payer funding to PSTA, the trolley rolls past this quaint beach community without stopping. Khalilah Ferrell, a security guard at a Sand Key condominium, uses a combination of the Suncoast Trolley and PSTA buses regularly to get to her job. Ferrell says, “This is a great way for me to get from Largo to Sand Key. It’s really easy, the drivers are nice, and they are always on time.” From St. Pete Beach, you can ride the PSTA’s Central Avenue Trolley to Pass-a-Grill, and eventually end up at the St. Petersburg Pier Approach. Once you arrive at the St. Petersburg Pier Approach, it’s time to board

the Downtown Looper, which is the most efficient way to travel through St. Petersburg’s downtown. Look for the bright red and yellow trolleys, hop aboard and connect to all the city’s major museums and attractions. As you ride, enjoy a narration of the Downtown’s highlights by knowledgeable drivers. Cyndi Raskin-Schmitt, Director of Communications & Marketing for PSTA, summed it up best. “Our local trolley system is a great way to get around our gorgeous beaches, and beyond. It’s a fun way to see and experience all that Pinellas County has to offer.”The most economical way to take advantage of the trolleys is to purchase a day pass for $5. ($2.50 for 65 and older) that is honored by the Jolley Trolley, the Suncoast Beach Trolley and the Central Avenue Trolley. Since October 7, there is no charge to ride the Downtown Looper through St. Petersburg, and they will also be introducing an expanded schedule. Eric Carlson, Director of Transportation for the Downtown Looper said, “We are excited to be expanding the Looper service with longer hours that will make our system more attractive to downtown St. Petersburg residents and employees.”Additionally, the Jolley Trolley and the Downtown Looper offer private trolley charter services. For more information on trolley charter services, go to their websites. So, check out the Bay Coast’s trolley system. It’s a convenient and fun way to get around our towns. And all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery. After all, “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood.”

TITLE GOES HERE

Good Golly...Take the Trolley

For routes, fares and schedules, visit: JOLLEY TROLLEY www.clearwaterjolleytrolley.com, SUNCOAST BEACH TROLLEY www.psta.net, CENTRAL AVENUE TROLLEY www.psta.net, DOWNTOWN LOOPER www.stpetetrolley.com

the chattaway st. pete’s hidden gem

Documents