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JULY / 2009 ISSUE 6

Photos provided by Wayne Ayers SUNKEN GARDENS WAS A PLUMBER'S DREAM By Wayne Ayers, Admirers of the ever-beautiful Sunken Gardens treated to a display that included 600 gardenias, Historian and have plumber George Turner, Sr. to thank. The 700 azaleas and 35 species of palms along with Author of attraction began as a sinkhole in Turner's backyard. hundreds of exotic tropical specimens. St. Petersburg: Turner acquired the land that would become Sunken Three generations of Turners would guide the The Sunshine City Gardens in 1903 as a home and garden site for his gardens' fortunes for the next 65 years. From the family. Using knowledge of hydraulics gained in his 1950s to the late 1970s, Sunken Gardens grew to plumbing profession, Turner drained a lake in a become one of Florida's top ten attractions. large sinkhole 15 feet below sea level, creating a A major expansion of the Gardens' scope came in rich muck for the garden he planned. Turner then 1967 when the Turner family purchased the Coca designed an elaborate drainage system which kept Cola Bottling Company next door. The 1926 the area from flooding and maintained ideal Mediterranean Revival structure with its Moorish conditions for his planned fruits and vegetables. towers became home to the King of Kings Wax The garden flourished in its rich, nourishing Museum and the World's Largest Gift Shop. environment. Papayas and other exotic plants were The Gardens' allure, however, would decline over added by Turner to the vegetables and citrus. the coming decades as competition from big theme Gardening turned from a hobby to a passion for parks threatened the more sedate Old Florida Turner, and neighbors were soon stopping by on attractions. Additions of a faux lava rock entryway, Sunday afternoons to purchase produce and catch and bird shows in the 1980s, failed to stem a drop a view of his "sunken garden." in attendance during a period of rising costs. By the 1920s, Turner had quit the plumbing The new millennium would see Sunken Gardens' business altogether to devote his full-time attention closure by the Turner family… and their rebirth as a to gardening. He opened a nursery, and began botanical treasure owned by the citizens of St. selling roses and other plants along with fruits and Petersburg. In 1999, city voters stepped forward vegetables. The original entrance to Sunken and approved a one-time tax that would restore Gardens was built as a vegetable stand in 1924. and revitalize the venerable attraction for The Turner property became a neighborhood generations to come. attraction, and tours of the grounds were offered for Today the new Sunken Gardens, a nickel. The gardens had become all consuming shorn of kitschy features, is S P

t P for Turner. Exotic plants and flowers replaced the er U S POST

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ersbur experience, where dazzling beauty STD In 1935, Turner's Sunken Gardens was officially awaits with each surprising twist of . 1478 TED A

g opened. For a 15 cent admission, visitors were the meandering walkways." GE , FL More stories like this in “St. Petersburg: The Sunshine City,” Available at local gift shops and book stores. sp july09 #6.qxp 7/30/2009 1:27 PM Page 2

ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER

CREDITS CITY NUMBERS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE . . . 821-4069 NORTHEAST EXCHANGE CLUB528-3828 CITY HALL...... 893-7171 NORTHEAST LITTLE LEAGUE. 526-9602 175 Fifth Street North UNIVERSITY SOUTH FLORIDA 873-4873 www.stpete.org ST. PETE COLLEGE ...... 341-4249 ------MAYOR OFFICE ...... 893-7201 PINELLAS COUNTY INFO . . . . 464-3000 MAYOR - Rick Baker COMMISSION OFFICES...... 464-3377 CITY COUNCIL - Herbert E. Polson • Jim Ken Welch ...... 464-3614 This newsletter is published by Kennedy • Bill Dudley • Leslie Curran • STATE: GRIFFIN PRODUCTIONS, Inc. James Bennett, Chair • Earnest Williams • Senator Charlie Justice . . . 727-217-7970 and is mailed to every occupied Wengay "Newt" Newton • Jeff Danner Vice Democrat, District 16 Chair 8601 4th St. N., Ste 100 St. Pete 33702 residence in Downtown St. CITY COUNCIL ADMIN. ASSIST 893-7117 Petersburg’s zip code 33701. We [email protected] Terri Lipsey Scott Representative Bill Heller . . . . . 552-2573 are not associated with the City of INFORMATION ...... 893-7111 Democrat, District 52 St. Petersburg. ENTERTAINMENT HOTLINE . . 892-5700 535 Central Avenue, M-1, PUBLISHER BUILDING PERMITS ...... 893-7231 St. Petersburg Bob & Becky Griffin CITY CLERK ...... 893-7448 [email protected] CODES COMPLIANCE/ASSIST. 893-7373 Governor Charlie Crist . . . 850-488-4441 ART DIRECTION LEISURE SERVICES...... 893-7207 [email protected] Becky Griffin MIRROR LAKE LIBRARY . . . . . 893-7268 FLORIDA UNITED STATES SENATORS: PLANNING & ZONING . . . . . 893-7471 Mel Martinez ...... 202-224-3041 SALES SANITATION ...... 893-7334 www.Martinez.Senate.gov 727-517-1997 UTILITY ACCOUNTS ...... 893-7341 Bill Nelson ...... 202-224-5274 CONTACT INFO EMERGENCIES ...... 9-1-1 www.BillNelson.Senate.gov POLICE NON-EMERGENCY. . . 893-7780 AREA UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE: P.O. Box 1314 POLICE TEXT MESSAGE . . . . . 420-8891 Rep Bill Young ...... 727-394-6950 Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785 FIRE DEPARTMENT ...... 893-7694 9210 113th St, Seminole, FL 33772 517-1997 ~ 517-1998 FAX POLICE TIP VOICE LINE . . . . . 892-5000 www.house.gov/young ------StPeteDowntownNewsletter.com DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOC. LOCAL ATTRACTIONS Marilyn Olsen, President . . . . . 898-8851 We’d like to hear from you. Is FL HOLOCAST MUSEUM . . . . 820-0100 stpetedna.org there something you would like to Fl INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM. 341-7904 DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSN: 823-4394 GREAT EXPLORATIONS . . . . . 821-8992 see included in this newsletter? Tell Meeting: 3rd Wed of each month (8AM). MAHAFFEY THEATER...... 892-5798 us what you think at www.ST PETE DOWNTOWN BIZ.com MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS . . 896-2667 [email protected] DOWNTOWN RESIDENTS CIVIC ASSOC Emil Pavone ...... 550-8500 MUSEUM OF HISTORY ...... 894-1052 ST. PETE OPTIMISTS ...... 393-3597 PALADIUM THEATRE ...... 822-3590 © 2009 Griffin Productions, Inc. First Friday Street Party SALVADOR DALI MUSEUM 823-3767 ROTARY OF ST. PETERSBURG . 898.6744 ST. PETE PIER ...... 821-6443 Our July Issue Paula Adams, Ex Sec. www.SPRotary.org STATE THEATRE ...... 895-3045 of the DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER. DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP . 821-5166 SUNKEN GARDENS ...... 551-3100 We publish similar newsletters in 100 Second Ave, Suite 150 THE ARTS CENTER ...... 822-7872 three other areas, Indian Rocks COUNCIL OF NEIGHBORHOODS ASSN THE COLISEUM ...... 892-5202 Beach, Madeira Beach and Belleair. Barbara Hech ...... 894-6020 TAMPA BAY RAYS ...... 800-FAN-RAYS We publish this newsletter four times ALBERT WHITTED APS...... 822-1532 TROPICANA FIELD ...... 825-3137 a year, covering news and events of the immediate downtown area. This A COLISEUM HAUNTING? is covers some of our local Along the 4th Avenue N. corridor into downtown St. Petersburg stands the attractions in the St. Petersburg area. Coliseum - a unique architectural icon from the city's past. Known as "The If you know of news or events or Palace of Pleasure," it debuted in 1924 as the country's largest dance hall represent one of the community and served as the city's premier entertainment venue for decades. groups in the area, please contact Rex McDonald, a young banjo player in the Coliseum's house orchestra, us. We want to cover your news. began producing shows there in the 1930s. He booked many famous '30s This newsletter survives on local and '40s entertainers, bringing the likes of Glenn Miller, Count Bassie, Dizzie advertising. Please tell your home Gillepsie, Louie Armstrong, Rudy Valle, Guy Lombardo, Duke Ellington and suppliers such as pool companies, others to St. Petersburg. Rex devoted most of his life to the Coliseum, and, in lawn care, electricians, etc about us. a sense, it rewarded him with his life-long partner. Thelma (known as "Boo"), If you are a resident of zip code a frequent visitor to the Coliseum's dance floor, became his wife in 1932. 33701 and advertise, you will They ran the Coliseum until Rex passed away in 1984. receive a discount. Shortly after Rex's death, the first reports of phantom dancers at the Coliseum You can read this newsletter online began to surface: the sound of shuffling feet moving in rhythm emanating StPeteDowntownNewsletter.com. from the old darkened dance floor. Staff members from the 1980s wondered Read our Indian Rocks Beach, if perhaps Rex had left behind more than just an entertainment legacy. Could Belleair Area and Madeira Beach those disembodied footsteps belong to the long ago dancers that once Newsletters - BeachNewsletters.com. twirled and whirled on the Coliseum's dance floor, swinging to the music of Rex McDonald-the Banjo Man? SEE YOU AGAIN IN OCTOBER! This and other tales of haunted St. Petersburg can be heard nightly on the St. Petersburg Ghost Tour. Visit www.ghosttour.com or call 727-894-4678. sp july09 #6.qxp 7/30/2009 1:27 PM Page 3

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ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER Did You Know... FIRST BAPTIST FACADE Part of the First Baptist Church’s building is staying, but not all of it. In 1990, St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral bought the building just west of Williams Park at 120 Fourth St. N., planning to either tear it down or sell it. They have agreed to tear down the back while leaving the neoclassical facade including the thirty foot columns, and 40 feet of the building, intact. The undertaking, part of a $7.5 million dollar expansion by St. Peters, is to be completed by the end of the year. ______THE MISS FLORIDA PAGEANT and the Miss Florida Outstanding Teen Pageant will be at the Mahaffey Theater, July 11. 46 Miss Florida contestants, and 30 teen contestants, will be making appearances throughout the city July 5 to 11. ______WINDOWS FOR SALE Want an antique stained glass window from the First Baptist Church on 4th Street? Or a church pew? They are for sale in a small storefront on 4th Avenue and Beach Drive. Windows are $1000 to $1800, while pews, at 8 and 20ft are $350 each. They also have bricks, tiles, pine flooring and baseboard. Sales benefit the Preservation of the Historic Church Facade. SarasotaSalvage.com or call 941-362-0803 ______HALF PRICE ADMISSION The Museum of Fine Arts is offering museum guests a half-price deal. During July and August you can go to the MFA for half the admission price, but only 10am-Noon. ______DOWNTOWN DRIVERS LICENSE LOCATION The Department of Motor Vehicles and AAA have teamed up to help you get a driver's license downtown. Now, you can go to AAA Auto Club, at 800 Second Avenue S. to renew or get a duplicate license, change your address, get an ID card and even register to vote. You don't have to be a AAA member. Call 826-3600 for information. ______PARKING METERS Did you know there are close to 1,000 parking meters downtown? The City has decided to not move forward with a plan to enforce all downtown meters until 10pm. This is good news for businesses staying open at night. Remember, there are meters enforced until 11pm. They are clearly marked. ______PUBLIC SCHOOL STARTS again______on August 25th. JAZZ AT THE MFA Fridays from 6-9pm, at the Museum of Fine Arts, jazz bands will be playing various styles of Jazz . Admission is $10 for members and $15 for non- members. It continues through August. sp july09 #6.qxp 7/30/2009 1:27 PM Page 5

ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER NEW HOME American Stage moved into its new, modern theatre in May. They offered their first event, "Tuesdays with Morrie" in June. Tony Award winning Doubt is their second venue. The new theatre is attached to the St. Pete College at the corner of 3rd St North and______2nd Avenue North, across from Williams Park. FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM on Second Avenue N. is open again under the umbrella of St. Petersburg College. The first exhibit, called "In A New Light" is a collection of art from the recently closed Gulf Coast Museum. The FIM is open Tuesdays - Saturdays 10am- 5pm and Sundays Noon to 5pm. Call 341-7904. ______NEED ANOTHER COPY? The UPS STORE at 200 2nd Avenue S. has extra copies of this newsletter in the store. ______POSTAL FOOD DRIVE May 9th, during the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, the Pinellas Chapter of the National Association of Letter Carriers, West Coast Branch collected more food than any other region in the U.S., for a total of 1.7 million pounds. All the food collected in downtown St. Pete went to the Free Clinic. "We received over 80 tons of food", says Angel Schumaker of the Free Clinic. "We were worried because on May 8th, our warehouse was completely empty." The Free Clinic not only serves clients, it provides food to 60 other agencies who feed the needy. "We want to thank the over 300 volunteers that helped to collect the food and unload trucks," said Schumaker. ______UPCOMING ST. PETERSBURG ELECTIONS for Mayor and four council members will include a primary on September 1st, and main election November 3rd. Voter registration deadline is August 3rd. You may register at the______AAA Auto Club building at 800 2nd Avenue South. CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS are three times a month: first Thursday at 8:30am, second Thursday at 3pm and third Thursday at 3pm. Contact the city at 893-7117. ______NEIGHBORHOOD OF THE YEAR The Downtown Neighborhood Association was named St. Petersburg “Neighborhood of the Year”. Because of that, during the 13th Annual Florida Neighborhood Convention, July 9- 11, they have been selected as one of the host neighborhoods, and will share with Florida’s neighborhood leaders, a tour of the city’s most historic icons and the cutting edge art venues. ______CLEAN UP TAMPA BAY! Participate in the Ocean Conservatory Clean-Up July 18-20. The Ocean Conservatory will be conducting several clean-up projects from the Pinellas Bayway to Fort DeSoto including Tierra Verde and Bunce's Pass. See OceanConservatory.org. ______OUR NEXT ISSUE IS IN OCTOBER Read this issue, as well as others, online at StPeteDowntownNewsletter.com. This publication survives on local advertising. Please support the people advertising here. If you are a resident of zip code 33701, and you want to advertise, you will receive a discount. Call me for the next issue. Send your comments to [email protected] sp july09 #6.qxp 7/30/2009 1:27 PM Page 6

ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER SPECIAL RESTAURANT SECTION Where to Dine Outside Downtown! Alfresco’s Renaissance Vinoy Hotel Ammazza Pizza Cafe Baywalk Angie’s First Avenue North Buona Vita Ristorante First Avenue North Bella Brava Central Avenue Cafe Alma First Avenue South Central Avenue Oyster Central Avenue Central Cafe Central Avenue Cha Cha Coconuts The Pier Chappy’s Kitchen Central Avenue Daily Grind Second Avenue NE Diner 437 Central Avenue Ferg’s Sports Bar Central Avenue Fish Tales Seafood Second St South Five Guys Burgers Third Street North Fortunato’s Pizza Central Avenue Fresco’s Waterfront Entrance to the Pier Gratzzi’s Baywalk Gatzby’s Grayl’s Hotel, Beach Drive Jo Jo’s in Citta Central Avenue L’Olivier’s Bistro Second Avenue NE Lonni’s Deli Central Avenue Lucky Dill Deli Central Avenue Market Place Expresss Beach Drive NE MFA Cafe Museum of Fine Art Pacific Wave Second Street South Paddy Burkes Irish Pub Fourth Street Parkshore Grill Beach Drive NE Pincho Y Pincho Ceviche Tapas Bar Primi Urban Cafe Fourth Street North Red Mesa Cantina Third Street South Savannah’s Central Avenue Starbucks Hilton Hotel Starbucks First Avenue North Subway Sandwiches Central Avenue Tangelo’s Grille First Avenue North The Garden Restaurant Central Avenue The Independent Third Street North The Moon Under Water Beach Drive North Yacht Sales Cafe Third Street South Zurrito’s Central Avenue GOING GREEN: GOOD - BETTER - BEST by Mary Campbell, Pinellas County Extension Director, Urban Sustainability We hear about so many green practices that will conserve resources, save money and reduce our environmental impacts. But, when trying to reduce our impacts, it is never an all or nothing proposition. Pick a practice that works for you. Small changes add up. When it gets easy, you might be ready for the next level. Here are some examples: Plastic Grocery Bags Good – Recycle the plastic bags, Better – Reuse the plastic bags several times before you recycle, Best – Do not use plastic bags, have reusable bags handy for shopping Plastic Water Bottles Good – Recycle the plastic bottles, Better – reuse the bottles and then recycle, Best – use a reusable container with filtered water and eliminate the whole cycle Paper Use Good – always print on both sides of the paper, Better – use at least 30% recycled paper and print on both sides, Best – always recycle your 100% recycled paper that is printed on both sides Energy Use Good – put your computer and other equipment into power save mode when not in use, Better – shut down computer, printer and other equipment when not in use, Best – shut down electronic equipment at the power strip to stop any energy use sp july09 #6.qxp 7/30/2009 1:27 PM Page 7

ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER SPECIAL RESTAURANT SECTION Restaurant News... NEW IRISH PUB Paddy Burkes Irish Pub is under construction, and plans to be open any day. It is located at 150 4th Street South, east of the St. Pete Times building. The site was Sir Speedy. The new owners are Tim Jones, Sebastian and Pam Huber and Allan Galeano (shown here reviewing plans). They will be open 11am- 11pm______weekdays and until 2am on weekends FRESCO'S WATERFRONT BISTRO recently was granted a five year lease extension, as long as it keeps music levels down, and stops playing outdoor music by 10pm. There had been complaints, from nearby condo residents, about the loud late-night music. Owner David Sockol promises to keep an ear on the music and make everyone happy. The City is their landlord. ______DINER 437 Grillside Central, at 437 Central Avenue has changed owners again. That is twice in one year. The new restaurant, called Diner 437, is owned by Kelly and Greg Pugh. They also own Ringside Cafe on 4th Street N. The phone number for Diner 437 is 822-4370. ______A NEW CHAPPY’S IS COMING SOON The owner of Chappy's on Central Ave. (shown here) is opening a second restaurant on 4th Street, where Bonefish used to be. Called Chappy's Martini Bar & Grill, they hope______to open by mid-July. MORE GREEN CHILI The new restaurant, Green Chili Indian Bistro, which opened on Central Ave. in March is already expanding. They hope to be finished by August. ______OLDIES BUT GOODIES The St. Pete Times recently ran a story highlighting the 25 most iconic Tampa Bay restaurants. They had to be more than 25 years old. The following downtown restaurants were recognized: Coney Island Hot Dogs, opened in 1926, Chattaway opened in1951, El Cap opened in1964, and Pepin's Restaurant opened in1974. Others nearby were: The Garden, on Central Ave, Harvey's Fourth Street, Fourth Street Shrimp Store and the Dairy Inn on MLK. ______BEACH DRIVE SEAFOOD AND TAP HOUSE is still under construction, but on schedule to open in August. Located at 400 Beach Drive, it is owned by Steve Wesphal who also owns Parkshore Grill. He also owns The Pub in Indian Shores. Check it out sometime when you are at the beach. ______RESTAURANT CLOSINGS: Gas Light Cafe 445 1st Avenue North Grillside Central 437 Central (Now Diner 437) Zapata’s Mexican Restaurant 111 2nd Ave NE sp july09 #6.qxp 7/30/2009 1:27 PM Page 8

ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER SPECIAL RESTAURANT SECTION

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM 341-7900 ART NEWS at St. Pete College SALVADOR DALI MUSEUM 823-3767 www.spcollege.edu/FIMuseum www.SalvadorDaliMuseum.org Now - October 4 Gulf Coast Museum of Art Collection: S’Real Fridays every Friday through August 28. A Celebration of Contemporary Florida Art and Fine Music, art, films - Dali style Crafts from the Southeastern United States THE ARTS CENTER 822-7872 MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS 896-2667 www.TheArtsCenter.org www.Fine-Arts.org June 12 - August 15 Wild Spirits Now - July 19th More June 12 - July 11 Academy Prep Student Exhibition Than Words June 12-August 15 Sexton Elementary School exhibition Now - August 16 Andy July 12 - August 22 Lessons in Creativity Warhol Portfolios August 28 - October 3 Lessons in Creativity T Now - September 6 September 4 - September 27 Member September Recent Acquisitions of September 7 - October 25 Let’s Create! Summer Camp Photography Exhibition Now - September 20 Modern and SATURDAY ART IN THE PARK 898-6061 Contemporary Prints The outdoor art show in Williams Park is currently closed August 1 - September 27 for the summer. It will resume in October. Latin American Art: GALLERY WALK Glimpses from the Held the second Saturday of each month. Most 1960s and 70s downtown art galleries stay open later on these nights. September 12 - January Keith Haring, Andy Mouse (1986) Legends of Keith Haring artwork © Keith Some restaurants offer discounts, too. Starts at dark and Haring Foundation - On Loan continues until about 9pm photography: from Bank of America Collection Major Works from the FLORIDA CRAFTSMEN 821-7391 Museum Collection www.FloridaCraftsmen.net Now - July 24th Paper: Off and On the Wall SALT CREEK ARTWORKS/GALLERIES AT SALT CREEK www.saltcreekartworks.com 896-8594 DALE CHIHULY ART MUSEUM A dynamic complex of artist’s studio space, galleries, and a The museum has broken ground and is under USF St. Pete classroom. It is the largest gallery space in the construction. Expect completion in 2010. Tampa Bay area that is not a museum. 1600 4th St.S. sp july09 #6.qxp 7/30/2009 1:27 PM Page 9

ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER SPECIAL RESTAURANT SECTION THE MILLION DOLLAR PIER by Susan Robertson, The Pier Marketing Director The Hurricane of 1921 played a significant role in the development of existing pier structures in St. Petersburg, destroying all the standing piers. The then eight-year-old Municipal Pier was severely crippled and in 1925 the Million Dollar Pier was realized. Pledges of $300,000 were raised and a $1,000,000 bond issue paid for the new pier to be built in the same location as the demolished Municipal Pier. This was to be the first city- owned pier in St. Petersburg’s history. The world famous Million Dollar Pier lived up to its legacy when it opened in 1926. It was dedicated on Thanksgiving Day in 1926, with ceremonies attended by more than 10,000 people. The Mediterranean-revival casino style building featured a central atrium, an open- air ballroom with terrazzo floors on the rooftop and an observation deck costing $998,279.18. The Pier became a popular gathering place for card games, tourist meetings, community sings and fishing. Trolley tracks from downtown came into the casino and trolleys parked under the portico. Later this car barn was walled in for WSUN-TV's studios, where "Captain Mac" was seen in the 50's with his TV show for children. However, in late 1967, the 40-year-old, badly deteriorated building was demolished. A temporary park was established while the present day pier was constructed. The inverted pyramid pier that stands today has become a landmark in itself. Owned by the City of St. Petersburg, The Pier opened January 1973. In 1988, an extensive remodeling was done, adding first floor retail shops and the glass elevator. Today, it continues as a centerpiece of St. Petersburg's downtown waterfront with five stories of shopping, dining and adventure. Visitors can find 16 specialty shops, galleries and boutiques, four sit-down waterfront restaurants, the food court, Pier Aquarium, as well as outdoor water and land adventures. The Pier holds music events, has an observation deck for viewing the stars, and visitors still fish and feed the pelicans – just like in the early days. The Pier is open 365 days a year, rain or shine, and holds over 300 activities annually. In 2004, the Engineering Department of the City of St. Petersburg studied the 100 year old pilings underneath The Pier approach, surrounding the building and underneath the first floor. These pilings are safe for use, but cannot be repaired and require total replacement. This is why the deliveries are brought up the center lane, as well as the Looper - to balance weight on the pilings. Last fall, the City of St. Petersburg held forums, and placed an on-line survey on the City's website - stpete.org, and The Pier’s - stpetepier.com. From these results, The Pier Task Force, consisting of 20 members of the community, will determine the "next generation" of The Pier. Their findings, posted on the City's website, will result in 4-10 alternative designs for The Pier to be presented by the end of February 2010. You can still participate in the on-line survey. The Pier is a landmark that, perhaps more than any public building, defines our city and reflects our heritage. The Pier has undergone many changes over the years, but it has always maintained its function as a downtown anchor, economic catalyst and amenity for local residents. The Pier is not just a downtown matter. It is a matter of importance to the whole city and to Pinellas County. We ARE St. Petersburg! sp july09 #6.qxp 7/30/2009 1:27 PM Page 10

ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER SPECIAL RESTAURANT SECTION ST. PETERSBURG’S DOWNTOWN FACILITIES use agreement with the team, which now operates the Few cities have the wide variety of municipally-owned city-built and county-owned stadium through 2027. The downtown facilities that St. Petersburg has. Its inventory city does share in some revenue generated by each ticket includes a botanical garden, world famous Pier, historic sold to any stadium event and receives a portion of the ballroom, theater, domed stadium, outdoor baseball naming rights revenue, which is used for capital repairs stadium, a marina, a maritime port and an airport. and offsetting other expenses, such as traffic control. In addition to 81 home baseball games each season (and Sunken Gardens is in 2008, post-season games), "the Trop" has played host one of the city's to the NCAA Men's Final Four, the Tampa Bay Lightning, most unique Davis Cup tennis, NBA exhibition games, conventions, facilities. In 1903, home and boat shows, top name concerts and more. a plumber by the name of George This year, the Rays relinquished its management of Turner, Sr. bought another downtown facility, Progress Energy Park/Al Lang six acres on Fourth Field, when the Rays moved its spring training to Port Street, just north of Charlotte. This ended a 94-year legacy of spring training downtown. He in St. Petersburg, the birthplace of spring training in drained an ancient Florida. Al Lang Stadium has a glorious reputation lake on the throughout the major leagues, as players from the property, leaving a Cardinals, Giants, Orioles and the Rays enjoyed rich soil bed to postcard-perfect springtime weather and views of nurture his favorite hobby - gardening. One of Florida's sailboats in the bay just over the outfield wall. The city is original roadside attractions, he offered tours of the currently seeking proposals from interested management garden for a nickel. After three generations, the Turner companies to operate the 6500-seat open air stadium as family put Sunken Gardens up for sale and city voters a baseball facility, for collegiate and amateur baseball approved the purchase in a 1999 referendum. events. Last month, the Big Ten announced the BigTen /BIG EAST Baseball Challenge will bring 10 college Since that time, the city has operated Sunken Gardens as teams to Al Lang next year from Feb. 26 to 28, 2010. a botanical attraction and also restored the Coca Cola Bottling Company building (built in the 1940s), which now provides space for a gift shop, function rooms, the Great Explorations Children's Museum, and retail space shared by Carrabba's Italian Grill and the Cold Stone Creamery. Last year, Sunken Gardens drew more than 63,000 visitors for tours, cultural and educational programs and special events, such as weddings, meetings and festivals. Another unique facility is The Pier, with its world famous, inverted-pyramid design. The Pier is the seventh municipal Pier in the city's history, and welcomes more than a million visitors each year to enjoy its restaurants, retail shops, an aquarium, community space and Next door to Progress Energy Park is the St. Petersburg waterfront activities. The facility is under private Municipal Marina, the state's largest with 660 slips management by Urban Retail, a management company accommodating vessels from 28 to 100-feet. The with properties in 20 states. Lately, The Pier has been the marina, offers slips for "live-aboards" and features a focus of much community discussion as the city Ship's Store offering gasoline, boat supplies and more. contemplates the facility's future. A deteriorated Pier Recent improvements at the marina included a new fifth approach and the surrounding Pier head platform will dock, and courtesy docks for boaters coming downtown require repair in the coming years. The city has $50 to visit any of its shops, restaurants or special events can million set aside for its redevelopment. A Pier Visioning rent a temporary slip using a timed parking meter. Task Force has been appointed, and interested residents are invited to take an online survey to gather community For larger vessels, St. Petersburg operates the Port of St. input at stpete.org. Petersburg, a deep water port on Bayboro Harbor near the Coast Guard station. Something new is rising on port property - the new headquarters of SRI St. Petersburg, to be home to 100 SRI researchers and staff conducting cutting-edge R&D in areas such as marine science and technology, port security, energy and the environment. Completing the list of St. Petersburg's downtown facilities is Albert Whitted Airport. A spirited 2003 referendum secured the airport's future on the downtown waterfront. The 110-acre facility handles 80,000 take-offs and landings each year and is the home base to 185 aircraft. The airport provides various aviation services, including aircraft storage, parking and fueling, flight training, charters and rental, aircraft maintenance, avionics, pilot In 1990, the city opened the Florida Suncoast Dome, supplies, banner towing, car rental and sightseeing tours. now known as Tropicana Field. Once the Rays arrived to Recently, the city opened a new terminal building which their home field in 1998, the city negotiated a 30-year includes space for a restaurant tenant. sp july09 #6.qxp 7/30/2009 1:27 PM Page 11

ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER SPECIAL RESTAURANT SECTION A DOWNTOWN VIEW adoption of impact fees; authorizes local governments to FROM DISTRICT 52 use the alternative state review process to designate By Representative Bill Heller, urban service areas; provides for the assessment of District 52 property receiving the low-income housing tax credit, etc. Vetoed by Governor Crist Here are a few pieces of legislation that I believe will be SB 714 Condominiums - I supported this bill because I of interest to the downtown felt it was appropriate in this time of economic struggle. area. As a result of Governor Crist's veto and the Legislature's failure to address the foreclosure crisis, thousands of Approved by Governor Crist Floridians who live in community associations will face HB 1495 Property and Casualty increased association fees, also known as assessments, Insurance - On or after January 1, 2010, this bill to comply with Florida law and make up for delinquent requires a glide path for Citizen's rate increases until the assessments unpaid by owners of foreclosed units. The rates are actuarially sound. Rate increases are limited to condo reform bill would have fixed a glitch created 10% for a single policy, excluding coverage changes and during the 2008 session requiring condo owners to surcharges. The bill also revises dates of insurer's purchase specific insurance, and provide proof of that contract year for purposes of calculating insurer's insurance to their associations. As a result of the veto, retention; requires State Board of Administration to associations must continue to request proof of insurance, publish statement of estimated claims-paying capacity of and may force insurance on owners who do not comply. Hurricane Catastrophe Fund; provides dates on which The bill also would have extended the state-mandated claims-paying capacity of fund will increase; provides deadline for retrofitting fire sprinkler systems and that insurer may repair damaged property in compliance exempted certain buildings from installing fire alarm with its policy; authorizes insurer to include in its rates systems. To meet these requirements, unit owners will actual cost of certain reinsurance, etc. Without this bill, face increased assessments, which could push many rates could increase anywhere from 40% to 75%. owners closer to foreclosure. HB 360 Growth Management - Cites act as the If you have any questions about these bills or any "Community Renewal Act;" revises requirements for questions at all, my offices are always available to you. adopting amendments to the capital improvements You can reach us at (727) 552-2573. It is my pleasure element of a local comprehensive plan; revises to serve you. concurrency requirements; revises requirements for sp july09 #6.qxp 7/30/2009 1:27 PM Page 12

ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER Business Briefs... ANNUAL SUNRISE SALE has move to a Saturday. Downtown Business Association sponsors its annual Summer Sidewalk Sale July 18th. This is the first time the sale has been held on a Saturday. Plan to shop from dawn to dusk; It starts at 6:45am. If you wear pajamas, some businesses will give you a prize. Established in 1973, the Downtown Business Association is a non-profit membership association representing the arts, retail, restaurants, banking, utilities, city government and in various other types of businesses with a common interest of promoting downtown St. Petersburg. Membership meetings are held the third Wednesday of every month from 8:00-9:30am. Visit www.stpetedowntownbiz.com for more information. ______OVATION ALMOST COMPLETE Most of the work above street level shops is nearing completion. The ground floor facade has been clad in simulated limestone and is starting to show its final texture and colors. Soon you should see an amazing transition from construction site to elegant homes. Completion______is scheduled for August. GREAT CLIPS CELEBRATES 5 YEARS! Great Clips, a hair salon on 3rd Street South in the University Village Shopping Center (near Publx) just had their fifth year anniversary. Stop by and congratulate them! ______SHUTTLE BUS FOR RAYS GAMES There will be free shuttles to Tropicana Field for home games when the Rays take on the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox and when there is a scheduled post game concert. Other dates may be added during the season. Updated information will be available at loopertrolley.com. Service starts 90 minutes before the game until 1 hour after the game or concerts is over. ______GREEN BENCH FLOWERS is St. Pete's Downtown Florist and has been for over 25 yrs. Located at 10 4th St N, they are in the heart of downtown. Call 823-1414 for more information. Mention "We Send Emotions" and receive 10% off your first order (excludes holidays and wire______orders). DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION’S next meeting, has several guest speakers. The topic is transportation and parking. Join them July 9th at 7pm in the Sunshine Center, 330 5th Street N. The DNA represents residents and homeowners from MLK Blvd. to the waterfront. Call Marilyn Olsen at 898-8851 for more information (www.StPeteDNA.org). ______CLOSED / MOVED Earth's Treasures at 282 Beach Drive NE Neo Soul Tattoo's at 701 1st Street North. Central Art Supply at 1114 Central/Moved 2429 Central. Five Fish Sportswear at 3rd Avenue North. Condo Studio at 429 Central Avenue. Queen Emerald at 215 1st Street NE Note: Mishalls Florists did not go out of business. They moved to 2920 Central Avenue sp july09 #6.qxp 7/30/2009 1:27 PM Page 13

ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER More Business Briefs... DOGGIE DINING In 2006, the Florida legislature passed a bill permitting restaurants to allow owners, with their dogs, in outside areas. The law was a three year pilot program and expired July 1. The legislature recently extended the law, but it will not take effect until October 1st. So for three months, technically, you are not supposed to dine with your dog. Will anyone enforce that. Who knows? Downtown restaurants who have adopted the doggie dining policy, include: Cafe Alma, the______Hooker Tea Company, Paciugo and Parkshore Grill. TELETHON RAISES MONEY, The 2009 All Children's Hospital Telethon raised a grand total of $3,775,924. All funds raised through Telethon events go directly to All Children's Hospital. The All Children's Hospital Telethon is part of the Children's Miracle Network, an alliance of premier hospitals for children. CMN is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping kids by raising funds for 170 children's hospitals across North America through partnerships with their local TV stations. ______LANDMARK DESIGNATION In April, the city's Community Preservation Commission voted to make St. Peter's Episcopal Cathedral a historic landmark. St. Peter's dates from 1889 and has served as an important spiritual and social center ever since. During World War II, it served as a support center for military personnel living downtown. This designation means significant changes to the exterior of the church, including demolition, must be approved______by the commission. SATURDAY MORNING MARKET The popular morning market has moved to its temporary new digs in the Mahaffey Parking Garage, at 400 First St. S. Until September 19th, visit Saturdays 9am to 1pm to find a wide variety fresh locally grown produce, prepared food, gourmet baked goods, plants, clothing, hand-crafted housewares and gifts with live entertainment. For more information, visit SaturdayMorningMarket.com. ______SIGNATURE CONDOS IS FINISHING UP The Signature Condo on 1st Street South plans to open its doors to new residents any day now. There are still units available. Call Debbie Newman 821-7300 to buy one. ______MAKING DOGS SMILE There's hair on Broadway, and there's hair on your dog's back. After 17 years of styling the former, and just months of grooming the latter, Larry Boyette has found that they can be much the same. Boyette, a groomer at Wags, was head stylist for the Broadway musical Curtains. "It's not just a haircut. It's just as artistic as what you are doing with people," said Boyette. "I'd rather work with animals." Wags offers natural pet care products and dog day care from 7 am to 6 pm allowing working folks to leave their dog for a day of luxury. Call 821-WAGS (9247) for more info. sp july09 #6.qxp 7/30/2009 1:27 PM Page 14

ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER

FEDERAL STIMULUS FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR of the total cost (NOT including installation) up to $1500. ENERGY EFFICIENCY HOME IMPROVEMENTS Storm windows and doors must be in compliance with By James Stevenson, Extension Specialist, Pinellas County Extension the 2000 International Energy Conservation Code or the The recently-passed Stimulus Bill (The American Recovery 2004 supplement of the 2003 Code. This would be and Reinvestment Act of 2009) contains changes to found on the Manufacturer Certification Statement, a previous energy efficiency tax credits. These include: signed statement made by the manufacturer of a · an extension of credits available for 2009 to 2010, window/door that certifies that the product or component · a credit amount increase from 10% to 30%, qualifies for the tax credit. If you purchase storm · credits formerly ascribed a dollar amount have been windows/doors, keep a copy of this statement, although converted to 30% of the cost of the project it is not necessary to submit a copy with tax returns. · maximum credit has been increased to $1500, except Water Heaters - If your water heater is 10 years old or for some major projects like geothermal heat pumps, more, it might be time to retire it. Water heating is often solar panels and solar water heaters the third largest energy expense in the home (after · the $200 maximum per window has been removed, heating and cooling) and can account for 13-17% of but windows must meet stricter efficiency requirements your utility bill (FCS3277, 2008.) Tax credits cover 30% Windows and Doors - Exterior windows and doors that (up to $1,500) of your purchase of a gas, oil, or effectively reduce leakage, improve insulation and reduce propane systems. Check for the EnergyStar label, and heat transfer are eligible for credits. Exterior doors and look for an Energy Factor of greater than or equal to windows are given a “U-Factor” rating. The U-factor is a 0.82. The Energy Factor (EF) is the ratio of useful energy measure of heat transfer through a window, door, or output from the water heater to the total amount of skylight, and indicates how well the product insulates. energy delivered to the water heater. The higher the EF The lower the U-factor the better its insulation value. U- is, the more efficient the water heater (FCS3277, 2008.) factor values range from 0.25 (most efficient) to 1.25. To Solar water heaters also qualify, but they must derive half qualify for tax credits, it must be at least 0.30. of the energy necessary to heat the water from the sun. Another performance rating, the Solar Heat Gain Luckily here in Florida that is not much of a problem! Coefficient or SHGC, measures how well a product Roofing and Insulation - As with most of the other blocks out the sun’s heat. As with the U-factor, the SHGC qualifying home energy-efficiency improvements, there is most efficient and effective when the rating is a lower are tax credits for 30% or up to $1,500 (installation not number. Typically SHGC values fall in the 0.25 – 0.80 included) for roofing and insulation improvements. All range. To qualify for tax credits, it must be at least 0.30. EnergyStar rated metal and asphalt roofs qualify. Storm windows and doors are eligible for tax credits. The There are other products that qualify for Federal tax credit, as for external windows and doors would be 30% incentives. Visit energytaxincentives.org for more info. sp july09 #6.qxp 7/30/2009 1:27 PM Page 15

ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER Downtown Events July - September

AMERICAN STAGE July 24- 4TH OF JULY ACTIVITIES Doubt August 16 “Doubt”, telling the DOWNTOWN story of a 1964 Bronx Catholic Saturday Morning Market school in turmoil. Winner of 9am-1pm Mahaffey Garage the Tony Award for "Best Play" Fish-Ful Saturday at Pier and Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Aquarium Noon-2pm 823-7529 or Extravaganza at the Pier AmericanStage.org 1pm - 4pm Cool Daddies Poodle Skirts to ‘70s FIRST FRIDAY of each 1pm - 9pm Face painting month, Central Avenue at 1st fee for participating Street - live bands, food, beer, 1pm - 3pm George and wine, 5:30-9:30pm. July Washington character 3, Aug 7, Sept. 4 3pm - 8pm Dance Heads FISH-FUL SATURDAY, The Be in a dance video Pier Aquarium Noon to 2pm Every other Saturday; 3pm - 8pm Live Remote PierAquarium.org 895-7437 WMTX-MIX 100.7FM FLORIDA HOLOCAUST MUSEUM 821-0100 4pm - 5pm Drum Circle Facilitation Courage & Compassion: The Legacy of Bielski Brothers 5pm - 8pm Save the Radio - Alternative to Top 40 Fragments: Portraits of Survivors Photos Jason Schwartz Rock'n Wings Concert at Albert Whitted Airport. Gates Jehovah’s Witnesses: Faith Under Fire open at 3pm, music at 4pm Fire Works Vinoy Park at 9pm FOURTH FRIDAY, An evening event including jazz and food in Williams Park is taking a break until Fall. July 5-11 MISS FLORIDA PAGEANT MISS OUTSTANDING TEEN FLORIDA GALLERY WALK second Saturday each month Progress Energy Mahaffey Theatre www.MissFlorida.org July 11, Aug 8, and Sept 12. July 9-11 FLORIDA'S GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD HISTORIC DOWNTOWN The Second Saturday of each CONFERENCE www.StPete.org/Neighborhoods month, 10am-Noon sponsored by the St. Petersburg July 18 SUNRISE SALE Sponsored by the Downtown Preservation Inc. Meet at Central Ave. and 2nd Street, to Business Association, Sunrise to Sunset, visit Historic Buildings. 824-7802 StPeteDowntownBiz.com MUSEUM OF HISTORY August 8 and 9 Diversity in July 18-19 COOL ART SHOW juried show at the Aviation Art Exhibit. www.SPMOH.org Coliseum, 736-2976 StPete.org/Coliseum RAYS BASEBALL, Summer July 30 MULTI-CHAMBER BUSINESS SHOWCASE Concert Series Coliseum from 4-7pm, 892-5202 www.RaysBaseball.com AUG 1-2 AVIAN BIRD EXPO Exotic birds and July 11 Rays vs Oakland supplies, exhibits and sales, Coliseum 9am-4:30pm with Smash Mouth July 31 Rays vs Kansas City AUG 2 ANDY WARHOL FAMILY DAY Museum of with Flo Rida Fine Arts, www.Fine-Arts.org 896-2667 Aug 1 Rays vs Kansas City AUG 7 RON WHITE Behavorial Problems Tour Comedy with Daughtry Show, Mahaffey Theatre 7:30PM, MahaffeyTheater.com Aug 15 Rays vs Toronto AUG 21 DISNEY'S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL with The B-52's SUMMER CELEBRATION Mahaffey Theater 7:30pm, Aug 22 Rays vs Texas www.MahaffeyTheater.com with Big & Rich SEPT 6 FIRST TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS' GAME SATURDAY MORNING Raymond James Stadium, Tampa MARKET Every Saturday SEPT 12 MUSEUM DAY Most St. Petersburg museums Morning at 9am to 2pm offer free admission to residents under the Mahaffey SEPT 12 AIDS WALK ST. PETERSBURG 2009 North Parking Garage. Photo by Wayne Cathel, Shore Park, 9am - Noon, AidsWalkStPetersburg.com BelleairImages.Com 523-2437 SUNKEN GARDENS SEPT 19 CRIME PREVENTION 5K RUN St. Pete's oldest living museum. YOGA with Haris in the AND FAMILY FESTIVAL Campbell Park 9am - 3pm Gardens, Tues & Thur 10am - 11:30am, Sunday 1pm - www.PCUL.org, 327-2081 x 114 2:30pm $10. SEPT 21 JOB FAIR Coliseum 10am-3pm, WESTWARD HO FROM THE WATERFRONT Tour the StPete.org/Coliseum or call 893-8523 historic waterfront the fourth Saturday of each month, SEPT 26-27 FOLK FEST 2009 Central Avenue, from 10am-1pm. Sponsored by St. Petersburg between 11th & 13th Street. 9am - 6pm, Preservation, Inc. Meets at 2nd Street and Central CreativeClay.org 825-0515 Avenue. Call 824-7802 for more information sp july09 #6.qxp 7/30/2009 1:27 PM Page 16