JULY - AUGUST / 2018 ISSUE 51

American Stage Celebrating 40 Years.

COMEDY OF ERRORS 1988 4000 MILES - 2016 What does it take to build a successful arts organization institution? American Stage, Tampa Bay’s longest-running professional live theatre, must know how as this year is its 40th Anniversary. Read more on page 7. Also Featuring These Stories Too! Oak and Stone Planning a Day The Pickleball Craze Opens Downtown at the Beach? Florida Seniors are playing in ever- greater numbers. Find out why. Find our about their Before you pack unique self-serve your cooler, know page 23 craft beer-only tap where you can and wall at this New American Tavern. can’t have alcohol. page 21 page 10 A Swim Instructor Warns About the Dangers of Water Wings To effectively swim a person must use their arms. Water wings prevent that. Learn what you should do instead.

page 14 Or Current Resident Current Or Page 2 ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWS

CITY NUMBERS ORGANIZATIONS CITY HALL... 893-7171 AWAPS ...... 822-1532 175 Fifth Street North BREAKFAST OPTIMISTS . . . 522-6143 www.stpete.org CHAMBER OF COMMERCE . 821-4069 MAYOR OFFICE...... 893-7201 COUNCIL OF NEIGHBORHOODS ASSN This newsletter is published by Mayor - Rick Kriseman Michael Gulley 244-8374 GRIFFIN PRODUCTIONS, Inc. DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSN . 743-6262 CITY COUNCIL - Chair Lisa Wheeler- and is mailed to many occupied DOWNTOWN RESIDENTS CIVIC ASSN residences in Downtown St. Bowman • Vice Chair Steve Kornell Charlie Gerdes • Brandi Gabbard Marion Lee ...... 894-9491 Petersburg’s zip code 33701 and Ed Montanari • Darden Rice DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP . 821-5166 33704. We are not associated Gina Driscoll • Amy Foster 100 Second Ave., Suite 150 with the City of St. Petersburg. CITY COUNCIL ADMIN. . . . . 893-7117 EXCHANGE CLUB OF ST PETE . . .623-4880 PUBLISHER Cindy Sheppard FRIENDS SUNSHINE CENTER . .821-2323 Bob & Becky Griffin INFORMATION...... 893-7111 FRIENDS MIRROR LAKE LIBRARY ART DIRECTION BUILDING PERMITS...... 893-7231 Wayne Finely, President . 813-767-5503 Becky Griffin BUSINESS SUPPORT ...... 893-7000 GWFC ST. PETE WOMAN’S CLUB . . . 822-4982 SALES CITY CLERK...... 893-7448 40 Snell Isle Blvd. N.E. 727-430-8300 CODE COMPLIANCE/ASSIST 893-7373 HISTORIC OLD NE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSN CONTACT INFO LEISURE SERVICES...... 893-7207 Peter Motzenbecker President 342-0653 P.O. Box 1314 MIRROR LAKE LIBRARY. . . . 893-7268 KIWANIS CLUB OF ST PETE. . 821-5518 NORTHEAST EXCHANGE CLUB 528-3828 Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785 PLANNING & ZONING . . . .893-7471 517-1997 ~ 517-1998 FAX SANITATION ...... 893-7334 NORTHEAST LITTLE LEAGUE . . 526-9602 StPeteDowntownNewsletter.com UTILITY ACCOUNTS...... 893-7341 PRESERVE THE BURG . . . 824-7802 If you are interested in advertising, EMERGENCIES ...... 9-1-1 Allison Stribling, Ex Dir FIRE DEPARTMENT...... 893-7694 ROTARY OF ST. PETERSBURG . . 822-3277 we offer resident, multi-city and Paula Adams, Ex Sec. SPRotary.org annual discounts. Ads need to be POLICE NON-EMERGENCY 893-7780 reserved one month in advance. ROTARY SUNSHINE POLICE TEXT MESSAGE . . . .420-8911 stpeterotary.com POLICE TIP VOICE LINE. . . . 892-5000 E-mail:[email protected] SECOND TIME AROUNDERS . . 322-4778 or visit beachnewsletters.com for ------more information. PINELLAS COUNTY INFO. . .464-3000 SPIFFS ...... 552-1896 STAMP CLUB OF ST PETE . . . . .744-4106 © 2018 Griffin Productions, Inc. COMMISSION OFFICES . . . .464-3377 Ken Welch ...... 464-3614 ST. PETE DNA...... 727-365-6340 ------ST PETERSBURG FREE CLINIC . 821-1200 ST. PETERSBURG STATE: ST PETE SAILING CENTER Senator Darryl Rouson . . . . 727-552-3200 250 2nd Ave SE - Boating-StPete.org DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER 535 Central Ave #312 St. Petersburg Inside, you will find articles and local [email protected] SAIL & POWER SQUADRON . . . 424-9800 information about the nearby area. Representative Wengay Newton .727-892-2468 SUNCOASTERS OF ST PETE . . .821-9888 We want it to be a Neighborhood 695 Central Avenue #108 St. Petersburg TOASTMASTERS DOWNTOWN ST PETE Newsletter primarily about your [email protected] Alexis Shuder 893-7918 neighborhood - Downtown, Snell Isle Representative Ben Diamond . . 727-552-2747 DOWNTOWN ST PETE TOASTMASTERS and Old Northeast. That is why when 425 22nd Avenue N., St. Petersburg [email protected] Cynthia Jenkins 742-6840 you have news or events, contact us. Governor Rick Scott ------This newsletter is printed every other [email protected] LOCAL ATTRACTIONS month and mailed to every occupied ------AMERICAN STAGE ...... 823-1600 area house, business & PO Box. FLORIDA UNITED STATES SENATORS: FLORIDA ORCHESTRA . . . . . 892-3331 Marco Rubio ...... 202-224-3041 GREAT EXPLORATIONS . . . .821-8992 We hope you enjoy our newsletters. www.Rubio.Senate.gov We want your news and input. Bill Nelson ...... 202-224-5274 JANNUS LANDING ...... 896-2276 Did you like this issue? What www.BillNelson.Senate.gov MAHAFFEY THEATER...... 892-5798 suggestions do you have for future AREA UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE: MUNICIPAL MARINA...... 893-7329 articles? Call or email us your Charlie Crist ...... 727-318-6770 comments, or take our survey at PALLADIUM THEATRE ...... 822-3590 696 1st Ave N., Suite #203, St. Pete ST. PETERSBURG OPERA . . . 823-2040 StPeteDowntownNewsletter.com. www.Crist.House.gov Do you need another copy? Ask for ------STATE THEATRE...... 895-3045 them at the UPS Stores at 2nd St. ART & MUSEUMS STUDIO @ 620...... 895-6620 SUNKEN GARDENS...... 551-3100 and 2nd Ave S., 740 4th Street N. or HOLOCAUST MUSEUM. . . . .820-0100 CHIHULY COLLECTION . . . . 822-7872 38th Avenue N. next to Publix. MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS. . . .896-2667 THE COLISEUM ...... 892-5202 Thank you for reading, MUSEUM OF HISTORY . . . . .894-1052 TROPICANA FIELD ...... 825-3137 Bob & Becky Griffin, 727-517-1997 SALVADOR DALI MUSEUM . 823-3767 [email protected] DOWNTOWN ARTS ASSN . . 518-5142 ST. PETE COLLEGE ...... 341-4249 FLORIDA CRAFTART ...... 821-7391 SEE YOU AGAIN UNIVERSITY SOUTH FLORIDA . 873-4873 MOREAN ARTS CENTER . . . .822-7872 IN SEPTEMBER! ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWS Page 3 Page 4 ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWS Did You Know BETTER CITIES FOR PETS St. Petersburg is participating in Mars Petcare’s Better Cities for Pets™ movement to make St. Petersburg an even happier, healthier and more welcoming place for pets. The initiative includes 12 traits of a pet-friendly city, ranging from collaboration to reducing pet homelessness to restaurants and businesses that are welcoming to pets. The City’s program called St. Pete Paws will collaborate with organizations that support pets and their owners to make St. Petersburg a city where pets are welcome. Visit www.bettercitiesforpets.com to learn more. POPCORN & POLITICS Sponsored by the St. Pete Chamber of Commerce, this is your chance to engage in an informal conversation with candidates running in the Midterm General Elections. Network and learn more about each candidate at Popcorn & Politics July 18th, 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Hyatt Place St. Petersburg before casting your vote. Members $20 / Non-Member $25. Visit www.stpete.com/popcornpolitics.html. COOL ART SHOW Over 75 outstanding artisans have been selected to exhibit a remarkable collection of visual and functional creations in paint, wood, ceramics, photography, metal, glass, fiber, mixed media and jewelry inside the St. Pete Coliseum. It’s the perfect destination to see work from and talk with some of the area’s top artists in air conditioning. July 14 – 15 , 10am to 5pm. Free. PLEASE HELP US IMPROVE Have you noticed the new front page? We have a new look in honor of our 51st issue. We thought it was a time for a change, but only on the cover. We will still bring you history, interesting stories, and news about your local businesses, restaurants and neighborhood organizations. We want to know what you think about our Newsletter. What would you like us to include? Would you like to see other changes? Send an email to [email protected] or we have an online survey posted at BeachNewsletters.com. COLOR IT EXCITING The new St. Pete Pier™ is well under construction, with a planned opening in the Fall of 2019. While it’s being built, kids can learn about this exciting new project in a special way. The City has developed a sixteen-page coloring book that includes some history about the former Piers on the city’s waterfront as well as what they will find at the new Pier included are also a few puzzle pages – all geared to the new St. Pete Pier™ The books were distributed at City Recreation Centers, Libraries, Great Explorations Children’s Museum and at the St. Petersburg Museum of History. If you don’t find one at any of those spots, limited copies are available from Phyllis Coster, in the City’s Marketing department at [email protected]. Requested copies will need to be picked up at City Hall, 175 5th Street N. in St. Petersburg. For more information about the new Pier, please visit: www.newstpetepier.com ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWS Page 5 and More... SUNRISE SALE 2018 It is time for the 45th Annual Sunrise Sale being held Thursday, July 19th starting at 6:43 am (that is sunrise) and continuing until it gets too hot to shop. Over 50 downtown stores are participating, and don’t be surprised if you see shoppers out in their pajamas because those who do are often treated to extra discounts or small gifts. Sponsored by the Downtown Business Association, the event will also will be collecting donations for Heart Gallery, Pinellas-Pasco, an organization that matches foster kids with their forever families. Cash donations can be given at participating merchants and will be matched by The Cathedral of St. Peter. There will be free cake at the main tent, located on the lawn of the Museum of Fine Arts, and several restaurants are offering incredible breakfast specials to hungry shoppers. NORTH EAST LITTLE LEAGUE They are proud to announce that they have finished their 60th Anniversary Spring Season and would like to to thank all the players, parents, friends and sponsors for making the North East Little League thrive. Get your kids involved in the next 60 years during Fall Ball or Spring Ball 2019. Registration is now open with tryouts set the begin the week of August 27th. For more information, visit www.NorthEastLL.com. MEET THE ACTORS The actors are older now, but the stars of both Dolphin Tale movies will be returning to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium during the week of July 21- 26. It has been almost seven (7) years and some of the actors have gone on to make other films, but they remember where it all started. Get details at www.SeeWinter.com BACK TO SCHOOL TAX FREE SHOPPING DAYS School starts early this year—August 13th. To help you get the kids ready, the state is allowing local retailers to let you keep the 7% sales tax on your school supplies. Of course, many stores will have sales on top of that. The annual School Supply Tax Free, Sales Tax Holidays are for August 3-6, 2018. Qualifying items that will be exempt from tax during tax free days include: certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item as well as clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $60 or less per item. The list of what is tax exempt ranges from aprons to wigs. You may be surprised at what is (and is not) included. It is best that you view the state’s website for exact information. www.FloridaRevenue.com. OUR NEXT ISSUE IS IN SEPTEMBER Read this issue, and others, online at StPeteDowntownNewsletter.com. Page 6 ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWS ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWS Page 7 AMERICAN STAGE - 40 YEARS OF QUALITY REGIONAL THEATER By Roman Black, American Stage The 2000s brought What does it take to build a successful more positive change arts organization institution? It takes that continued to talent, dedication, vision and a community advance American that believes in the intrinsic value of a Stage’s position as a vibrant cultural landscape. This season, performing arts leader American Stage, Tampa Bay’s longest in the region. Beyond running professional live theatre, has been their Mainstage celebrating its 40th Anniversary. From programming, in their humble beginnings in 1977 as a 2005, American small theatre touring company to a world Stage’s Education and class professional regional theatre with Outreach department THE PRODUCERS - Demen’s Landing 2018 robust programming and a $3.5 million established its annual economic impact, American “Write-on Pinellas!” outreach program, destination, with continued and growing Stage is thriving more than ever as a bringing drama clubs and playwriting support, American Stage can fund a future Tampa Bay valued arts leader, employer programs to Pinellas County schools, that brings their brand of theatre to even and economic driver. Their compelling, reaching thousands of young people. In more people for years to come. high-quality productions, extensive arts 2006, American Stage evolved a twenty- Looking ahead, American Stage has education and outreach programs elevate year tradition of presenting Shakespeare announced a new initiative focused on the quality of life for Florida residents and in the Park with its first park musical, the the long-term future of the organization visitors alike. Regional Premiere of CROWNS. This by developing the next generation. A new change would continue to elevate this unprecedented initiative is committed to Founded as The Palisades Theatre of tradition at Demens Landing Park with park Florida in 1977, the company resided at developing future artists, audiences and musicals continuing to draw audiences advocates of professional live theatre Florida Presbyterian College (now Eckerd of over 15,000 residents and visitors to College) in St. Petersburg. Programming in Tampa Bay. This youth initiative is Tampa Bay each year. In 2007, American comprised of three major pillars of was theatre for students and educators, Stage entered into a partnership with St. including an annual School Tour. In forward-looking opportunities that include Petersburg College to build a brand-new an apprenticeship program, the Under 30 1979, The Junior League of St. Petersburg state of the art building in the heart of provided funds to convert an old downtown Pass offering unlimited theatre to those downtown St. Petersburg. With generous under the age of 30 for $15 per month, St. Petersburg cinema house into a 179 support from Raymond James Financial, seat performance space. The Palisades and the Under 20 Passport that allows the building was named the Raymond people under the age of 20 to have access Theatre then launched its five-play James Theatre. Mainstage subscription series with a non- to the full Mainstage season at no cost. union acting company in residence. John In 2015, Stephanie Gularte was named the Initiatives like these will fortify American Berglund and Victoria Holloway would new Producing Artistic Director of American Stage’s next 40 years. take leadership of the theater following the Stage and has committed to building on the Gularte has announced the company’s departure of the founding directors. legacy of this company with advancements 2018-19 season includes the most sought- in programming, initiatives to make theatre In 1984, The Palisades Theatre of Florida after titles in theatre today. Opening in accessible to younger generations, and October of 2018, the new season, ‘LIFE. OUT officially changed its name to American a vision for furthering American Stage’s Stage Theatre Company. The City of St. LOUD,’ will feature characters laughing, role as an arts industry leader. Last year, crying, loving, rebelling, mourning and Petersburg condemned its facility and American Stage became the 12th theatre the local power company offered an soaring...out loud. In the six-play Mainstage in the world to complete the August Wilson season, patrons will go on an exciting alternative site with over 10,000 square American Century Cycle. Other programs feet for a 130-seat performance space journey including: two Pulitzer-Prize winners such as the American Legacy Series, – one a theatre classic and the other a with a lobby, costume shop, rehearsal hall, Apprenticeship Career-Development, and office spaces. contemporary theatre hit; an unforgettable 21st Century Voices: New Play Festival, Tony Award-winning musical; a bright and In 1985, American Stage became the Live Improv Training & Performances, and romantic reimagining of a beloved literary first non-profit theatre company in the Youth Summer Camp & Teen Performance classic; and two hot new plays from exciting Tampa Bay region to operate under a full Training highlight why American Stage emerging voices – one a from a 2018 Obie contract with Actors’ Equity Association. continues to be a staple in our community. Award-winner and the other a vibrant The company also became one of five Today, American Stage’s programming comedy from the Humana Festival of New original theatres in the country pioneering reaches 70,000 Tampa Bay residents and Plays. These stories will dare you to lean the Small Professional Theatre contract. In tourists annually with accessible, relevant forward and be transported. 1986, American Stage in the Park, also arts programs and arts education. Over Plus, the one-of-a-kind Tampa Bay known as Shakespeare in the Park, was its forty-year history, American Stage has launched in the spring, offering ten free tradition continues when American Stage reached more than a million people with in the Park presents the smash hit musical outdoor performances of THE TAMING the belief that dynamic storytelling, told OF THE SHREW. More than 8,000 people MAMMA MIA! at Demens Landing in the boldly and with a dedication to quality Spring of 2019. attended, and a community tradition can do much more than entertain; it has was born. In 1991, The Florida State the potential to create experiences that American Stage’s vision to unite our Legislature designated American Stage as enrich our lives and expand our hearts community through the power of live a Vital Local Cultural Organization due to and minds. As St. Petersburg continues to theatre is stronger than ever. Join them on the theatre’s outreach efforts, community gain global recognition as a premier arts their continued adventure and experience support, and artistic excellence. Powerful Stories, Boldly Told. Page 8 ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWS KIDS & KUBS…..IN THE BUSINESS OF SOFTBALL FOR 89 YEARS by Jon Reynolds, President “IN BUSINESS 89 YEARS” should be posted on the office window of the Three-Quarter Century Softball Club office. Located in the Senior Center at St Petersburg’s 330 5th Street North, the “Kids and Kubs” as the Club is more affectionately known, will have been in the business of softball for 89 years, when the Kids and Kubs open the 18-19 season at 10 am Thursday, November 1, 2018. Yes! This softball club has an office. It is chucked-full of 89 years of artifacts, pictures, and memories of almost a century of existence. This office is where the seven member Board meets monthly to direct the Club’s membership. Each member has a membership card. General membership meetings occur regularly. Visible mainly on the ball diamond at North Shore Park, nestled among the trees, the Pinellas Trail, Municipal Pool, Volley Ball courts and of course picnic tables, the Club puts on a competitive softball performance involving four teams. However, what goes on behind the scenes is what makes this organization different. The Club’s Trust Fund, formed in February 1971, with the support of local and National donors, provides donations yearly to many local select charities within Pinellas County. You soon get the idea that this is a different kind of softball experience, and is definitely not your typical city/county sponsored recreation league. It is much more. It is a softball Club with a legacy and an attitude to go with it. The club is a 501 c 3 corporation listed on Florida’s “sunbiz.org” as THREE-QUARTER CENTURY SOFTBALL CLUB, ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA, INC. Club membership is composed of male and female players 74 years of age or older. Carefully managed by the Board throughout the winter season from November through March, during the summer months, many players casually assemble to prepare for their next season with batting practice and pick-up games. Club President Jon Wilkinson and the Board proudly proclaim the Clubs title of the most senior of the Senior Softball organizations in the nation – maybe even the world. Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday – senior softball happens in St Pete. Player positions are open for the 2018-19 season. Join the Club at this summer’s TThS workouts at North Shore Park. Get in shape for the 18-19 season. Call Jon Wilkinson 813-244-8573 And remember their motto - “What is wrong with 75? We are the ones still alive.” ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWS Page 9 Organizational News... HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD ASSN. Monday, September 17: Quarterly Meeting, 7pm. Sunday, October 7: They rescheduled their Inaugural Old Northeast Field Day. Bring a picnic and join in the feats of athleticism as you compete in the family games, appropriate for all ages. Register in advance at www.HONNA.org/Events. 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]. KIWANIS CLUB OF ST PETERSBURG Since 2004, 300 low income students have received free college tuition through the efforts of the Kiwanis Club of St. Petersburg and its Fischer-Carr Scholarship Committee. The Bash, held last month at the St. Petersburg Coliseum featured silent and live auctions, food, beverages, music and fun helped fund the scholarship fund. The Club’s luncheon with speaker meets every Tuesday at the Orange Blossom Catering downtown St Petersburg from Noon- 1:15pm. Speaker information and tickets available online at Eventbrite and our website. For information, visit spkiwanis.org or Facebook Kiwanis of St Pete, email [email protected], or call J.C. Russell, Secretary 727-821-5518. SECOND TIME AROUNDERS Once again, they have been invited to participate in New York’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, 2019. This is their second performance; they first performed in this iconic event in 2008 with 512 members. The Macy’s Parade committee only selects nine bands out of a hundred that apply. August 1 come out and meet the band at Hamburger Mary’s on Tyrone Blvd at 6pm. If you ever marched in a high school, college or military band, or with an instrument, baton, rifle, flag or as a dancer, this band is for you. Consider joining the awesome original “Second Time Arounders Marching Band. Rekindle that excitement you felt as a “kid” with like-minded adults ages 18-80! Visit SecondTimeArounders.com for information. To join, email [email protected] or call 505-340-5717. ST. PETERSBURG WOMAN’S CLUB There are evening meetings August 14th and September 17th. for women who cannot attend daytime meetings. Monthly (general meetings) will resume Friday, September 14th at 1pm. Laura Hamilton of Bridging Freedom is the guest speaker regarding their program of helping minors involved in human trafficking. All General Meetings are held on the second Fridays of each month beginning at 1pm. Programs will vary with each meeting. To join call 822-4982. Get more information at www.StPetersburgWomansClub.org SUNSHINE ROTARY They are holding monthly evening Happy Hours at different locations each month. The next one is July 19th, at St Pete Brewing at 5:30pm. The public is welcome. Now in their 41st year, they meet every Tuesday morning at 7:45 am at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. Email StPeteRotary@Gmail Visit StPeteRotary.org or call Joe Dochinez at 572-7488 EXCHANGE CLUB OF ST PETERSBURG Beginning in September, they will begin recognizing high school student in their Youth of the Month Program. The club honors students from nearby high schools and St. Pete College. They meet the first and third Thursdays for lunch at the St. Pete Yacht Club. Contact Cathy Duchow, at 727-623- 4880 or [email protected] Page 10 ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWS CAN YOU DRINK ON THE BEACH? by Dan L. Hummel As the popular Kenny Chesney song goes… “The sun and the sand, And a drink in my hand with no bottom,” But, “hold off” swigging those favorite spirits when visiting most of our area beaches. From Clearwater to Pass-a-Grille, consumption of alcoholic beverages is only permitted on a few beaches and, those scarce alcohol-friendly exceptions still harbor restrictions. Not surprisingly though, properly permitted hotels and restaurants with a beach front presence in all of these locales are allowed to sell alcohol on a regular basis to their many patrons. Why all the fuss? It seems rather harmless if a person wishes to have a beer or sip on the alcoholic beverage of their choice while soaking up a few rays or viewing our beautiful sunsets. Well, the answers vary from keeping the beaches clean, safe, and family friendly to avoiding those unruly social gatherings. Some cities are more lenient, others will unofficially turn their heads if you are not making it obvious, or acting out of line. However, please note you cannot use this article as your defense! CLEARWATER BEACHES/SAND KEY BEACH: On the FAQ section of the Clearwater Police Department’s website, it reads, “The consumption of alcoholic beverages is not allowed on our beaches.” Popular beach bars Shephard’s, Frenchy’s, Palm Pavilion, and the Sheraton Sand Key are Clearwater exceptions. BELLEAIR BEACH: Under the title of Beach No Nos on their city’s web page, it spells out that “a person shall not enter upon any beach while such person is in possession of any alcoholic beverage, or consume any alcoholic beverage.” Now that’s pretty clear. INDIAN ROCKS & INDIAN SHORES: Similar rules exist against spirits on these beaches, too. Both towns have specific ordinances that prohibit any alcoholic consumption on their shorelines. THE REDINGTONS: Redington Shores is even more direct with their prohibition, “No alcoholic beverages allowed on beach.” No room for an interpretation error here. North Redington Beach spells it out in tedious detail. “It shall be unlawful for any person to possess an unsealed or opened container or can or cup of alcoholic beverages or to consume or drink or taste any alcoholic beverage on or in or afloat upon or on any beach bordering the Gulf of Mexico or Boca Ciega Bay.” Whew! Simply put, no alcohol welcomed here. Redington Beach has NO ordinances prohibiting drinking on their beaches. According to a spokesperson at City Hall, you are permitted to drink alcohol (in moderation) at the beaches in the town of Redington Beach. Finally, the drought is over! MADEIRA BEACH: At nearby Madeira Beach, they have taken the initiative within their regulations to actually include permission “to consume alcoholic beverages on the beach, but not in glass containers,” with just a few exceptions. TREASURE ISLAND BEACH: Drinking is allowed, except in Sunset Beach, the small strip of sand at the south end of Treasure Island, west of Blind Pass. Ironically, alcohol is allowed at Caddy’s Beach Bar, in the middle of Sunset Beach, because Caddy’s owns the beach to the water, and legally allows drinking on their property. Additionally, drinking is permitted at the many popular Treasure Island beach bars. I suggest a visit to the city’s website to familiarize yourself with their rules. You wouldn’t want to get caught with a cold one on the wrong parcel of land. ST. PETE BEACH: Alcohol is only allowed to be sold to registered hotel guests with wrist bands in cabana areas. Alcohol is completely banned on all other public areas of the beach. So there you have it. Hopefully, this will help you plan your next beach visit. For the most part, it looks like (with a few exceptions) soft drinks and bottled water should be your beverages of choice. ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWS Page 11 CALENDAR OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER Cool Art Show Coliseum 14-15 Little League Fall Ball Sign Up Pinellas Trail Challenge 1 SPC College Downtown Open House 18 Williams Park Summer Market 4 Gekofest In Gulfport 1 Chamber Commerce Popcorn & Politics 18 Back to School Sales Tax Holiday 3-5 Labor Day Public Schools Closed 3 St Pete Summer Coop Campbell Park 19 First Friday 4 First Friday 7 Sunrise Downtown Side Walk Sale 19 Rowdies Home Game 8 Second Saturday Art Walk 8 The Beer Project MFA 19-20 Durty Beer Run Flora Wylie Park 11 Movie in Williams Park 8 Food Truck Rally Port Of St Pete 20 Williams Park Summer Market 11 Chemical Collections All State Center 8 Dolphin Tale Actors Visit CMA 21-26 Movie in Williams Park 11 Grandparents Day 9 Williams Park Summer Market 21 Second Saturday Art Walk 11 Buccaneer’s Opening Game 9 Rowdies Home Game 21 Rowdies Home Game 11 Rosh Hashanah 9-10 Slightly Stoopid Vinoy Park 21 Property Tax Trim Notices Mailed Patriot’s Day 11 Ambassador Pianists Festival MFA 22 Second Monday 13 Patriot Day Memorial Breakfast Coliseum 11 Parents’ Day 22 Public Schools Reopen 13 Happy Hour with Historian SPMOH 13 Grouper Week Pinellas County 23-29 Mayor’s Lunch Truck Rally Williams Pk 15 St Pete Art & Fashion Week 13-15 Speakers Who Inspire Mahaffey 24 Williams Park Summer Market 18 Food Truck Rally Albert Whitted 14 Simmer And Sift MFA 25 Buccaneer’s First Pre-Season Game 18 Good With Me Festival Williams Park 15 Friends Of Photography MFA 26 Holocaust Museum Rock N Roll Opens 18 Rowdies Home Game 15 Truck Rally Albert Whitted Grouper Week 27 Williams Park Summer Market 18 Tampa Bay Job Fair Coliseum 17 Art Ties Us Gala 27 Simmer And Sift MFA 22 Yom Kippur 18-19 Williams Park Summer Market 28 Rowdies Home Game 25 International Peace Day 21 Rowdies Home Game 28 Great St Pete Cupcake Contest 25 Autumn Begins 22 Florida Craft’s Doll Exhibit Closes 28 Williams Park Summer Market Ends 25 Rowdies Home Game 22 A Musical Symposium MFA 28 Sunken Gardens Propagation Seminar 25 One Step Closer Albert Whitted 22 A Musical Symposium MFA 28 USF Day At The Rays Game 26 Jammin’ For the Planet Williams Park 22 National Chicken Wing Day 28 Primary Election Day 28 Chamber Commerce Popcorn & Politics 27 Chamber’s Good ‘Burger Awards 30 Miracle by The Bay North Straub Park 29 Page 12 ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWS Business Briefs UPS STORE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS October is a major mile stone for the Downtown St. Petersburg UPS store as it will celebrate their 20th year. Owner Joe Pugliano has seen a lot of changes in those years. When he opened the store, there was nothing nearby. Publix was an old 1920s Cadillac dealership. The Madison was several blocks of empty lots and boarded up houses. Signature was a vacant federal building. Mc Nulty (the Rowdies Parking garage) was just being built and the condos where not even a thought. USF St Pete was a commuter campus and he never saw a student on the street. Today, things are different. They are open 7 days a week, handling 300 to 500 packages a day. With all the downtown condos and apartments full of e-commerce and home office workers, the store is busy all day. Their private mailbox service is the brick and mortar place for many virtual, road, boat and regular people who call downtown home. Everyone has a smart phone, but few have a printer, so they have also become a printing hub. Need a notary? They always have one on staff. They can help with passport services, document shredding and of course packing and shipping - anything from overnight deliveries to freight shipments. Of course, if they package it, the shipment comes with The UPS Store Pack and Ship Guarantee, meaning your shipment is covered without question for loss or damage. Pugliano is not only a downtown business owner, he lives downtown and jokes that everything he needs is within five blocks. Feel free to stop in and say hi when your are out enjoying our beautiful downtown. NEW DESIGN FIRM St. Petersburg resident Scott Velez, most recently with Brandy’s Interiors, opened his own design firm Fine Living this past spring when Brandy’s owner decided to retire. Velez, with over 20-years of design experience, specializes in comfortable, luxurious spaces reflective of his clients tastes and lifestyles. He recently finished a beautiful home in Dolphin Cay and has been working on a Tampa French Country home for two years, with another two years to go until construction is completed. He also completed the redesign of the interiors of a 15-story building in St. Petersburg. Currently he is working on homes in Tarpon Springs, South St. Petersburg, Downtown St. Petersburg and a home in Atlanta, which is the third one he has done for that family. You can reach him at 727-488-4577. ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWS Page 13 Business Briefs ULTIMATE HOUSE HUNTER IN OLD NORTHEAST HGTV, the popular home renovation network, is looking for great houses – and one in Old Northeast caught their attention for their Ultimate House Hunt. The 4 bed, 4.5 bath home at 2420 Andalusia Way North East, St Petersburg has been selected as a finalist in the 2018 HGTV’s online contest in the “Curb Appeal Category” based on its features and inspirational design. During the contest period, viewers voted online for their favorite homes among 88 finalists in 8 different categories. Voters were also eligible for their sweepstakes, a chance to win $10,000. The selected house is represented by Smith & Associates and their associate Amy Bailey. The Ultimate House Hunt is one of the most popular contests on HGTV.com and is not new to Smith & Associates. This is the seventh consecutive year HGTV has aligned with Smith and Associates. DETROIT LIQUORS MOVES No longer at the corner of 1st Street and Central Avenue, the iconic liquor store is now around the corner at 208 First Avenue N. STATION HOUSE ARCADE PLANS OFFICE SUITES Located at 689 Central Avenue, it will be offering office and shared spaces above retail and shopping. Just a few blocks from the original Station House location, this second location offers an artsy mix of design and businesses. Built in the 1920s, the building was originally part of the city’s shopping district. Urban Creamery already occupies a storefront and owner Steve Gianfilippo, who is also creating a third property in Tampa’s Hyde Park, hopes to include a bar concept, too. SECOND BARBERSHOP Billy’s Corner Barbershop added a second location, this one in the Edge District at 1100 Central Avenue, in the same block with Bodega, Intermezzo and Enigma. Bill Hume, owner of this and the Billy’s on 4th Street N. is known for his “Christmas For Kids” and “Cuts for Cops” a benefit for the PBA Fallen Officers Fund. NORTH WARD FOR SALE AGAIN North Ward, a small public school, was built in 1914. After sitting vacant for ten years, New York developer Jonathan Daou bought it from the Pinellas County School System for $1.7 million. He invested over a million dollars into a remodel, before filling it with tenants, almost all of which are locals. Inside find the Grand Hacienda restaurant, 4th & Wine Store, a title company, a Realtor, a design company, a roofing company, Intent on Space, a yoga company and Growing Up. Now that it is complete, it is for sale for $5.2 million. If you want to be a landlord, call Daou at 388-9500. ALSO FOR SALE In May, the most recognizable stretch of John’s Pass Village, the southwest end containing Bubba Gump, Hooter’s, the Friendly Fisherman Restaurant, and more, was listed for sale at $18.5 million. The 138,000 square feet of mixed use property still has 1,100 square feet of vacant space still available for further development. It includes a 325-space parking garage. Page 14 ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWS SWIM INSTRUCTOR SWIM TIPS: DANGERS OF WATER WINGS By Rebecca Geiger motion is what Living in Florida there are some things that are inherent to allows them to the area, water is one of them. With over 20 years as a get anywhere. swimming instructor there are some things I have noticed While in the are issues that are often not mentioned or even thought of wings, they until it is too late. If you have any questions, comments, or are effectively other suggestions please don’t hesitate to contact me! bobbers with little control Water wings have been around for generations. Many times over where that makes us think they must be safe and useful. Reality they are going. is quite the opposite. We continue to grow, learn, and If they fell in, develop. Water wings have done none of these things and even a foot or are detrimental to children in the following ways: two from the side, they would not be able to get themselves 1. They do not allow the child’s arms to move. back. 2. If a child’s arm slips out of one or if one deflates, the other If you want to get something for your child to play with to will do more damage than good. give both them and yourself some freedom, a much better 3. They prevent the child from getting forward momentum. investment is a good life vest or a “bubble.” A puddle jumper In order to effectively swim a person must use their arms. is even worse than the water wings. Puddle jumpers are what Water wings prevent this from occurring at all. When we I refer to as water wings on steroids. They are a wonderful put children in them, it creates a habit of thinking they can personal flotation device if you are going out on a boat, swim by only pumping their legs but never using their arms. lake, or ocean. They are designed specifically to ensure that If they fall in the water without their wings, they will not even your child’s head is kept above the surface of the water and attempt to move their arms which would be the only way they they can breathe at all times. As a swim trainer they do all could get their head above water. In a pool this is obviously the negative things that water wings do, but intensified due horrible, but if they are in the ocean or a retention pond it is to the fact the arms are literally strapped to the waist. even worse: They cannot break the surface to let you know My name is Rebecca Geiger (Miss Becca to most of my where they are. students). My passion is “Drown Proofing” children and With water wings on, their buoyancy is on both arms with adults. I specialize in private lessons at individual’s homes their body simply along for the ride. There is no way they where people feel the safest and where incidents are most can plane themselves out to get a forward motion. This likely to occur. Please do not hesitate to call or text me at 813-363-9133 to schedule or ask me anything. ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWS Page 15 Business Briefs ONE ST. PETERSBURG NEARS SELLOUT Don’t miss your final chance to own the spectacular sunset views at ONE St Petersburg. As the #1 selling condominium in Tampa Bay, ONE promises a bold vision for contemporary luxury living in St. Petersburg, but with only three Discover residences remaining, the opportunity won’t last long. “If you don’t live at ONE, you’re going to want to know someone who does,” said Bob Vail, President of Kolter Urban. “Since coming to market, we’ve seen unprecedented sales success, so it’s no surprise that we’re already 99% sold.” Among the 253 residences are the three remaining Discover residences, priced from the mid $700s. This 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath floorplan is highlighted by clean and sophisticated styling, spacious interiors, elevated ceilings, and lavish appointments. In addition, floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive private terrace with glass balcony rails, enable residents to fully enjoy the elevated vantage point above this picturesque city. Scheduled to begin welcoming its first residents late this fall, the three remaining residences will overlook a stunning, 40,000 square-foot, 7th-story amenity plaza featuring a resort-style pool with 75’ fitness lap lanes, intimate Whirlpool/spa, and Cabanas to provide shade and privacy. Ground floor retail space will feature a collection of restaurants, boutiques and services with the adjoining 175-room Hyatt Place hotel. ONE St. Petersburg’s ideal location invites homebuyers to live in the sky while being able to walk to just about everything downtown has to offer. Smith & Associates Real Estate hosts the ONE St. Petersburg Sales Gallery at 330 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg. Visit ONEstpetersburg.com or call 727-800-4943. BLUE COTTAGE OPENS Jerry Hobsone, part of the interior design business for many years, visited St. Petersburg a few times over the last several years, before finally deciding to make it his full-time residence. After purchasing a home, he recently opened the The Blue Cottage store at 2435 Central Avenue. The store has a warm and comfortable feel with a “Low Country” style including warm wood tones, with rustic light fixtures and metal. The Blue Cottage carries a mixture of furniture, light fixtures, lamps, pillows, afghans, and home accessories with a great selection of candles, paper placemats with coordinating paper dinner napkins, and many other items. Hobsone feels good design is knowing how to mix different styles to give each home a unique look. He enjoys using contemporary paintings with rustic furniture – an old soul meets young soul feeling, that lends a great balance. He offers design services or bring in photos of a space you are working on and he will be glad to help answer any questions you might have. Page 16 ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWS BILL GRAHAM AND THE ROCK & ROLL REVOLUTION Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll theater that persists today. Treasured photographs and artifacts Revolution is coming to The Florida from Graham’s early life and career will be on loan from Holocaust Museum (The FHM) this the Graham family, many on view to the public for the first summer! This exhibition explores time. Also for the first time ever, preparatory drawings and the the extraordinary life of renowned original artwork of several iconic Fillmore concert posters will music promoter Bill Graham be on museum display, revealing the signature visual styles and (1931- 1991) who helped launch creative process of poster artists Bonnie MacLean, Wes Wilson, and promote the careers of David Singer, Greg Irons, and David Byrd. countless rock & roll artists. Named Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution also traces the one of the best museum shows of indomitable spirit of a man brought to the United States as 2017 by the Chicago Tribune, The an eleven-year-old Jewish refugee fleeing the Nazis, fueling a FHM is proud to present this iconic lifelong passion and advocacy for social justice. This exhibition exhibition. illuminates how Graham’s childhood experiences as a Jewish Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll emigrant from Nazi Germany fueled his drive and ingenuity as Revolution is the first comprehensive retrospective about the life a cultural innovator and advocate for social justice. and career of renowned music industry impresario Bill Graham. The public will also be able to see, for the first time in more Recognized as one of the most influential concert promoters than forty years, the original apple barrel that greeted fans in history, Graham launched the careers of countless rock & with fresh apples at the entrance to the Fillmore Auditorium, roll legends in the 1960s at his famed Fillmore Auditorium. letters and gifts from performers and fans, and remarkable He conceived rock & roll as a powerful force for supporting live performance and backstage photos from the Fillmore, humanitarian causes and was instrumental in the production Winterland, Day on the Green, Live Aid, and other Bill Graham of milestone benefit concerts such as Live Aid (1985) and Presents concerts throughout the era. An installation of “The Human Rights Now! (1988). As a promoter and manager, he Joshua Light Show”- the trailblazing liquid light show conceived worked with iconic artists including the Grateful Dead, Jefferson in 1967 by multimedia artist Joshua White, which served as Airplane, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Fleetwood Mac, a backdrop to many Graham-produced shows - will be the Who, Led Zeppelin, the Doors, and the Rolling Stones. customized by White specifically for the exhibition. It will be one Through memorabilia, photographs, archival concert footage, of several gallery components designed to evoke the sights and historical and new video interviews, ephemera, and psychedelic sounds of the era. art, Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution is both a deeply Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution opens on August personal reflection on Graham’s life and an exploration of 18 and will be on display through February 10, 2019 at The how Graham helped transform rock music into the immersive, Florida Holocaust Museum at 55 5th Street S, St. Petersburg. multi-dimensional, and highly lucrative phenomenon of rock ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWS Page 17 Art & Museum News MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS 727-896-2667 255 Beach Dr NE mfastpete.org July is their annual Beer Project. Since the dawn of time, drinking has provided a way for societies to determine character. Alcohol has also long been used as a test of social literacy – a way to finesse any number of social situations with ease, grace, and good humor. This year, students from the USF Brewing Arts program have teamed up with local brewers to brew beers based on the MFA’s mosaics. The breweries involved are Rapp Brewing, Flying Boat, Green Bench, 3 Daughters, and Mastry’s Brewing. There will be two events, one on July 19th when people can taste and vote on the home brews, and one on July 20th when people can taste the beers the students have made with the breweries. Guests will also enjoy in-depth tours and conversation with Dr. Michael Bennett, the MFA’s senior curator of Early Western Art, for a behind-the-scenes look at the MFA’s ongoing project to conserve and restore five mosaics from the ancient city of Antioch. ST. PETERSBURG MUSEUM OF HISTORY 894-1052 335 2nd Ave N.E, HistoryStPete.org The American Soldier – A Photographic Tribute is a dramatic exhibition of nearly 70 wall-to-wall photographs capturing the essence of American soldiering for more than 150 years, the exhibit takes guests on a soldier’s journey from the Civil War to the streets of Baghdad. Various military artifacts, including weaponry, uniforms and equipment to complement the award winning exhibit are on display. The renowned traveling exhibit was retired in 2018 and graciously gifted it to the St. Petersburg Museum of History, where it is now part of the Museum’s permanent collection Happy Hour with the Historian continues. Upcoming are: Sept. 13 - Mark Denote, Tampa Bay Beer: A Heady History Nov. 8 - Sam Henderson Guiding Gulfport: Small Town Politics THE DALI MUSEUM 727-823-3767 One Dali Blvd thedali.org Clyde Butcher: Visions of Dali’s Spain runs through November 25 and features the stunning (epically scaled) photographs of Clyde Butcher, which enlighten visitors on the beloved homeland of Dali and how it inspired his work. Their Cult Classics film series has returned for the summer. They are showing Die Hard on August 2. ANNUAL ST. PETERSBURG FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS The fourth annual St. Petersburg Festival of the Arts – SPF18 will run October 19 – 28, 2018. Celebrating St. Petersburg’s well-known reputation as a leading arts and cultural destination, SPF18 showcases the performing arts with a spectrum of special events and one-of-a-kind experiences. FLORIDA CRAFTART 727-821-7391 501 Central Ave. FloridaCraftArt.org “Home is Where the Art Is,” an intimate look inside some of St. Petersburg’s most fascinating private art collections, housed in beautiful residences in Old Northeast. Homeowners and featured artists will highlight pieces in their collections This is an exclusive opportunity for a limited number of available tickets that includes: Trolley transportation, tours of four private art collections, Personalized interactions with collectors, artists and curators, Local entertainment, hors-d’oeuvres and wine/craft beer pairings. $125 for members of Florida CraftArt and The Studio@620; $150 for nonmembers Page 18 ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWS Bar & Restaurant News BIRCHWOOD OWNER AT THE PIER The city plans to have three new restaurants on or near the new Pier. Chuck Prather, owner of the Birchwood Inn and Birch and Vine on Beach Drive, will develop one of the three. Prather has announced he plans to build a five-story building containing three distinctly different concepts. “I plan to build something that has a tiki-bar concept throughout, but more sophisticated,” says Prather. “Something with fun drinks and the warmth of the tropics.” The ground level will house a gift shop, bait and fishing supplies. The second floor will be the Driftwood Café, a casual restaurant selling coffee, ice cream and hand-held foods, such as sandwiches. The third floor will be a mezzanine. The restaurant on the fourth floor, to be called “Teak,” will be the main dining room with a Tommy Bahama type motif. The rooftop bar is called Pier Teaki, a play on words for teak/tiki. It will be approximately 50 feet off the ground, with panoramic views of the pier, Tampa Bay to the east and sunsets to the west. Prather knows his roof top bars, as he has a very successful one on Beach Drive. “Rooftop bars can be tricky,” he says. “Business can be very much affected by the weather.” Previously, the city announced Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grill, a concept based in Ft. Myers Beach / Sanibel will also be built. The third restaurant has yet to be announced. All three new restaurants along with the Pier, hope to be open on or near Labor Day, 2019. NEW RESTAURANTS IN THE EDGE DISTRICT Here are a few restaurants new to the area west of downtown: McAuley’s Pub (1584 Central Avenue), Open House Restaurant (1113 Central Avenue) and Pizza Box (923 Central Avenue). JERSEY MIKE’S NOW OPEN ON 4TH The new strip center at 4th Street North at 17th, across from Bob Lee’s Tire Center, has a Jersey Mike’s Subs store. Open for lunch and dinner, they also offer catering for business meetings and personal parties. Call 318-4418 and ask for Micah, the manager for details. GROUPER WEEK JULY 23-29 A few years ago, Visit St Pete/Clearwater, the people who market Pinellas County’s tourism, invented “Grouper Week.” While a tongue and cheek nod to Shark Week, it helps to draw attention to Pinellas County’s role as the grouper capital of the world. Hundreds of Pinellas restaurants serve grouper since many chefs consider it to be one of the best fish to prepare because of its cloud-like texture. During Grouper Week many restaurants will feature grouper specials. Some of those restaurants include Parkshore, 400 Seafood and Tap House, The Mill, Stillwaters, Sea Salt, and others. The July 27th Food Truck Rally at Albert Whitted Field Park will feature grouper foods, too. ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWS Page 19 Bar & Restaurant News

FORD’S GARAGE AND YEOMANS Another sports bar styled restaurant replaced The Rowdies Den. Called Ford’s Garage, it has already proven to be a popular eatery for those who love classic old cars and good sports bar food. This is their ninth location in Florida. Attached is their special bar called Yeomen’s Cast and Lion. The location on 1st Avenue South is 10,000 SF, causing the owners to split the space and open Yeomen’s with a separate front door, kitchen and interior design. This is the second Ford’s Garage location with a Yeomen’s Pub. Ford’s Garage is a franchise spreading across Florida. They opened their first store in Ft. Myers, the winter home of Henry Ford. See the design and menu of Ford’s Garage and Yeoman’s Bar at www.FordsGarageUSA.com. Find them at 200 1st Avenue South. STRAWS SUCK To cut down on single use plastics, a campaign began in the spring to ask restaurants, bars and cafes to stop providing plastic straws unless requested by their customers. Many restaurants are substituting paper straws, instead. These local downtown establishments are already making an impact. Thank them next time you visit. If your favorite restaurant is not on the list, ask them to give it a try: Kahwa Coffee (All Locations) l 2nd & Second l Cassis l Wooden Rooster l The Mill Restaurant l Intermezzo Coffee & Cocktails l Il Ritorno l Station House l Cordova Inn l Hotel Cabana l Ichicoro Ane l Tryst l Banyan Cafe l Three Birds Tavern l Pom Poms Teahouse & Sandwicheria l The Avenue l Park & Rec l King’s Street Food l Sea Salt l Oyster Bar l Swah-Rey l Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro l The Cider Press Cafe l MEZE 119 l Snuppets l Grassroots Kava House l Bandit Coffee Co. l 2Birds Events l Café Ten-O-One l Rococco Steak l Ceviche l The Burg Bar & Grill l Rollin’ Oats l Vanchetta Food Truck l Callaloo l Paul’s Landing l Black Crow Coffee Co. l Numex Chile l Ka`Tiki l BellaBrava l Stillwaters Tavern l Parkshore Grill l 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House l The Hangar l Annex 400 Beach l Cafe Gala l Craft Kafe l Hotel Indigo l Bar@548 l Leafy Greens Cafe l St. Petersburg Yacht Club l Old Earth Vegetables l Ciccio Cali (All Locations) l Fresh Kitchen (All Locations) l Better Byrd l Reading Room St. Pete l Latin Lunch Boxv l Category 36 Taphouse l The Blue Goose l The Wheelhouse l The Galley: a St. Pete Tavern l Asie Pan-Asian l Nouvelle l Old Southeast Market l Love Food Central l Casita Taqueria (2 Locations) l Hawthorne Bottle Shop l Fishtales Seafood and Steakhouse The Melting Pot l Gator’s Cafe l FarmTable Cucina l The Getaway l TeBella Tea Company l The Mandarin Hide l Trophy Fish l Blake’s Crab Cakes l The Canopy l Birch & Vine l Mad Hatters Tea Bar l Punky’s Bar & Grill The Pesky Pelican Brew Pub l Hooter’s (4th Street N.) Lucky’s Market St. Pete l Joey Brooklyn’s l Red Mesa Cantina l Red Mesa. Page 20 ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWS Bar & Restaurant News

NATIONAL CHICKEN WING DAY IS COMING Now there is a day dedicated to eating Chicken Wings, July 29th. It has apparently been a thing since 1977, thanks to a Mayor in Buffalo, New York where the Buffalo Chicken wing was first served. The concept of serving chicken wings was genius. It was the part of the chicken that people threw away, or that your grandmother used to make soup or chicken stock. Now, entire restaurants have been created to showcase these once undesirable chicken parts—Hooters, Wing House, Buffalo Wild Wings. There’s something mildly unsatisfying about gnawing on a tiny avian bone, especially when you consider the work-to-meat ratio. So why are chicken wings so popular? People love the basic idea of a fried and sauced, spicy chicken wing, topped with ranch or blue cheese dressing, accompanied by a cold beer. It has become one of the most popular dishes in the country. According to the National Chicken Council’s annual report, Americans ate 1.33 billion chicken wings over Super Bowl Weekend alone! GRANDE HACIENDA BAR & GRILL NOW OPEN This new Mexican restaurant and bar opened on 4th Street N. in the North Ward School at 11th Avenue. It serves Mexican Cuisine with related drinks while bringing a touch of Mexico’s culture to you.

ZOE’S This new restaurant opening in the 1300 block of 4th Street N. specializes in freshly-made Mediterranean food. BURGERS REINVENTED UNDER CONSTRUCTION Just Thai is gone and Burger Reinvented is coming to its spot in the 3200 block of 4th Street North. They are still under construction, but should be open soon 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. ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWS Page 21 OAK & STONE A UNIQUE NEW AMERICAN TAVERN OPENS Oak & Stone, a New American tavern featuring craft beer, opportunities. July 14th, the artisanal pizza and gourmet fare, opened at 199 Central Clearwater-based Big Storm Avenue in downtown St. Petersburg, next to the Hyatt Place. Brewery took over the taps as Oak & Stone offers guests the opportunity to craft their own Oak & Stone hosted its first experience each time they visit. The highlight is the region’s Tampa Bay Rowdies Watch largest self-serve beer-only tap wall featuring approximately Party. 50 rotating varieties of American craft beers, with an Building on the success of emphasis on St. Pete breweries such as 3 Daughters, Cycle the original Oak & Stone, and Green Bench, as well as regional breweries. A delicious which opened in Sarasota menu of handmade wood fire artisan pizzas, burgers, in 2016, business partners sandwiches, Oak bowls, soups, entrées, street tacos and Joe Seidensticker and Brett salads also tempt diners. Additionally, Oak & Stone offers Decklever set out to create a a full bar with an extensive wine list and spirits, including restaurant that offers guests bourbon and whiskey flights. a warm and welcoming Guests can taste and try different beers, providing an environment. Oak & Stone exceptional tasting experience for both craft beer aficionados has a laid back and casual atmosphere - perfect for an and novices. Oak & Stone’s “beertenders” are on hand to evening out with friends, date night or family dinner. guide guests through the beer selection process and to make “Joe and I wanted to create a space where people can have tasting recommendations. fun with their family and their friends,” notes Brett Decklever. To pour each tap at the self-serve beer tap wall, guests “It’s a great environment for people of all ages.” 21 and over use a RFID-enabled wristband to engage the “We are excited to share Oak & Stone with St. Petersburg,” desired tap. Technology in the wristband creates the guest’s added Seidensticker. “We think the city will embrace what tab based on how many ounces are poured. we offer and we can’t wait to be a part of the community.” The 6,000-square-foot restaurant also has a 3,000-square Oak & Stone donated a portion of opening week’s sales foot outdoor deck with tables and chairs for dining, as well to Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg, a private middle as couches and fire pits. Large screen televisions throughout school serving low-income students and their families. As a entertain diners with sporting events. On weekend evenings community-focused organization, Oak & Stone plans to take and during special events, the restaurant will host local DJs. part in several other initiatives throughout the year which Oak & Stone announced an official partnership with the support area non-profits that benefit children and veterans. Tampa Bay Rowdies, which will include player appearances, Hours are Sunday - Wednesday 11am- Midnight, Thursday - mascot visits, plus pre-game and post-game promotional Saturday 11am - 2am. Visit www.oakandstone.com. Page 22 ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWS BETTER THAN GRASS By Tim David I wanted to start this article with “Not your Dad’s Artificial Turf”, but realized that didn’t make much sense seeing how artificial grass is relatively new to the industry. As with most popular new products, artificial grass has developed and evolved rather quickly. Older versions were basically indoor/outdoor carpet, however, over the past ten years artificial grass has become durable, porous, and environmentally friendly, perfect for dog runs, playgrounds, decks and bare spots in your lawn. Durability is one of the biggest improvements, made from polyethylene, the grass blade is non-porous and will withstand animal waste, road salts, and chlorine. It is fire resistant and UV protected. Another major change was to the back of the grass, designed for long term durability the backing consists of a triple layer reinforced stabilizer with a polyurethane coating, that does not allow the artificial grass to stretch or shrink in heavy traffic areas or with temperatures changes. The backing is perforated every few inches and even after heavy rains it allow water to drain quickly, washing away animal waste and other debris. I am the owner and installer of Better Than Grass. I moved to Pinellas County after serving 20 years as an Infantry Officer in the US Army. I am a General Contractor and built a successful 15 year business, however, I could never grow grass! Looking for alternatives, I met Ivan, the inventor for the Better Than Grass formula. Having installed thousands of sports fields worldwide, Ivan took his knowledge to the residential market. I started with my backyard. I removed tons of sugar sand and replaced it with a compacted paver base screening material, and placed the artificial grass…literally transforming ugly, dirty dirt into lush green gardens overnight! You can reach Tim at 813-734-7277, BetterThanGrass.com THE ART TIES US GALA The Art Ties Us Gala, features entrée samplings from six top St. Petersburg restaurants (Birch & Vine, 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House, The Mill, 1200 Chophouse, Stillwaters Tavern, and MacDinton’s), an open bar, and an original artwork auction. The Birchwood, 340 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, is the presenting sponsor for the inaugural Art Ties Us Gala, held in their Grand Ballroom. All proceeds go to The Public Art Project, a 501(c)3 not for profit. Art Ties Us was fueled by the desire to recognize and celebrate the artistic and economic contributions local artists have made throughout the City of St. Petersburg. The gala, held on Friday, July 27, 2018 from 7-10 pm, is a tribute to the arts and a way to connect local artists to supporting restaurants, sponsors, and art enthusiasts throughout our thriving art community. Special Guest, Duncan McClelland will be presenting awards to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners of the Art Ties Us Contest as well as this year’s Enso award which will be given annually to an individual or organization who demonstrates an ongoing commitment to the arts in our community. Those who encourages the community to support the arts, artists, artistic business collaborations, and arts organizations qualify. Tickets are $125, attire is Casual Cocktail. Visit www.ArtTiesUs.com for ticket and sponsorship information. ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWS Page 23

By Jon Wilson FOR THE LOVE OF PICKLEBALL Florida Seniors are playing in ever-greater numbers Pickleball. Come on, is that a Pickleball originated a half-century take long before a newcomer can play serious sport? In a word: Very. ago on Bainbridge Island, Washington. comfortably. But what a name. Where did Three dads, including United States “I can take a beginner and in 30 minutes it come from? More on congressman Joel Pritchard, devised the they are hitting the ball back and that in a minute. game. The trio wanted to play badminton, forth, sustaining a rally,” says Villages’ First, consider the but couldn’t find the equipment. So they Pickleball instructor Steve Richter. game’s prodigious improvised with Ping-pong paddles and a perforated plastic sphere known to It’s also relatively inexpensive to get popularity. The Sports started. You can get a serviceable, new and Fitness Industry generations of Americans as a Wiffle Ball. And whack! The game was afoot. paddle for $30 or less (although the best Association, a trade models can cost $100 or more). A three organization, It caught on fast. Friends and neighbors ball pack might run you 10 bucks. estimates up to of the original three started making their 2.8-million own paddles, using jigsaws and plywood. Oh yes, we were going to discuss the pickleball name’s origins. Two narratives people play nationwide. In the Villages, They set up courts in their driveways and backyards. compete. The most widespread story, it a central Florida retirement community, was name for Pickles, a cocker spaniel thousands play. Pickleball is a genuine Anybody could play. Grandmas took belonging to one of the game’s founders. hometown sport there. on their 9-year-old grandsons. Middle But family members said Pickles did not The game’s governing body, the USA aged cousins four times removed got arrive until two years after Joel Pritchard Pickleball Association (USAPA), conducted reacquainted on the courts. Which, by and friends started the game. Joan its annual national championships in the way, are about half the size of a Pritchard, founder Joel’s wife, wrote a November 2017. Nearly 1,400 from 42 tennis playing area. newspaper story some years ago in which states competed. Word of mouth spread the news. USAPA she suggested the name came from an “Until you start playing, you don’t organized in 1984 to advance the game aquatic term: the pickle boat. appreciate how addictive it can be,” nationally. By 1990, it was being played In the sport of rowing, or crew, that boat says USAPA spokesman Drew Wathey. in all 50 states. Curious aerobics devotees is usually the slowest in a race. Mrs. Pickleball has flourished in Florida, from and hardcore badminton players saw Pritchard, in humorous fashion, thought the Panhandle to Palm Beach and beyond. this upstart sport in community centers, the early players were reminiscent of such USAPA lists more than 30 major centers. the local YMCAs, and even in phys-ed a craft. classes. The Villages of Florida is a stronghold. Whatever the truth, pickleball is great That’s no surprise. The central Florida They watched the bright yellow orb, three name – and those who play today love retirement community, with an estimated inches in diameter, an ounce in weight, their great game. population of 115,000, is renowned for and still looking like the old-school Wiffle its athletes and the variety of sports open Ball. It wasn’t long before they wanted to WANT TO GIVE IT A TRY? smack it. to them. Think softball, golf, swimming, The YMCA of St. Petersburg at 1st Avenue track and field, archery, tennis, and polo, “The play is pretty mesmerizing at times,” S. and 34th Street has two outdoor courts for starters. There are many more . Wathey said. Walter Fuller Center 7891 26th Ave N., “We even have cheerleaders,” said Glenn According to the USAPA website, the sport Crescent Lake Park, 1320 5th St. N., Kaye, a resident recently inducted into is exploding worldwide. International Robert Rec Center, 1246 50th Ave. N and the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame, clubs are sprouting, and national Campbell Park, 601 14th St. S. all in St. honoring his 50 years as a swim coach. governing bodies have been established Petersburg, have courts. For two of those years, he coached The in Canada and India. There is movement Villages Aquatic Swim Team. to introduce youngsters to what has Some of the area rec centers, such as John Rohan, The Villages recreation been viewed as a retiree’s pastime. Walter Fuller have organized teams with many players. director, agrees. “We offer endless The game is regarded as not as fast or lifestyle opportunities,” he said. “With strenuous as our weather, residents get to play their tennis, but favorite sport all year long.” quick enough And then there’s pickleball. “Thousands” to keep you of the community’s residents play it, moving and Rohan said. “We have over 180 courts requiring and its growing.” laser-like Villages resident Dennis Sarlo has been focus. You playing about 10 years, which coincides don’t have with the length of his residency in The to be a great Villages. athlete to play. Good “I never heard of the game until I game hand-eye down here. I just started like anyone coordination else, more curious than anything else,” and decent said Sarlo, who is 70 and plays every footwork are day. “It just became so exciting, it’s just a helpful. And fantastic sport!” he said. it doesn’t

This article is reprinted from FORUM, the statewide magazine of the Florida Humanities Council. (www.FloridaHumanities.org) Page 24 ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWS