St. Pete’s Jewel on Tampa Bay Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood News Published Quarterly

Volume 36 Issue 1 www.honna.org March 2009

The President’s Perspective Maureen Stafford Association President in this would like to start this letter by thanking Mary Alice Lange, my predecessor as presi issue dent, for her tireless hard work over the years on behalf of HONNA. Her dedicated I efforts have helped keep our neighborhood a wonderful place to buy a home and settle New HONNA Officers/ Board ...... 6-7 down. Among the many things she has done to improve our life in The Historic Old Northeast is securing the acorn lighting along 1st Street. So, when you are driving down 1st and you see Easter Egg Hunt...... 9 the attractive acorn light poles, you can thank Mary Alice for keeping the lights on for us. I am pleased she’ll be continuing on the Board, contributing to our moving forward together as a Termites!!...... 22 community of neighbors. Spring Walking Tour...... 23 We have a great Board of Directors this year and, after a marathon session for our first Board meeting in January, we are charged up and ready to go! Florida Orchestra Vinoy Concert...... 27 Among the list of things we have in store for you is a revamping of our web site (www.honna. org). We value your thoughts and ideas so, with that in mind, we are looking into changing our Codes Compliance...... 29-30 web site to make it more user-friendly. In this way it can be easier and more convenient for you to contact the association and for us to more quickly respond to your concerns and needs in a way that will serve you better. Another change for the Board is the creation of a new position for Public Relations. This UPCOMING position is intended, among other responsibilities, to reach out into the community to bring you programs and activities in which you, our residents, are interested. Tracey Locke, a new Board MEETINGS member and somewhat new resident to The Historic Old Northeast, has professional experience Mark your in this field and is doing a wonderful job pulling this all together. calendar! Crime Watch is very high on our list of identified goals for the year. With the changing March 16th economic climate we see the need to stay ahead of crime statistics. It is no longer enough to Neighborhood continued on page 2 Potluck Dinner Something New! th April 20 Our March Monthly Neighborhood Meeting is a Neighborhood Plan Review and Discussion POTLUCK May 18th An Informal Opportunity to Enjoy Good Food and the Company of Neighborhood Plan Neighbors and Friends, Both Old and New Discussion and Vote Come to the first of what plans to be Potluck Meals this year in lieu of three of the usual th HONNA Neighborhood monthly neighborhood meetings. This first is Monday, March 16 , at our regular gathering place, Westminster Presbyterian Church at 126 11th Avenue NE. HONNA will provide the Meetings main entrée (meat and meatless), beverages and you can bring a favorite dish to dazzle our are held the third Monday taste buds. of each month (except August and December) Here’s our request. Depending on where you reside, here’s what you can bring: th th at Between 5 Ave.-9 Ave: a salad of some sort (examples: greens, pasta or Jell-O) Westminster 10th-14th: a dessert Presbyterian Church 15th-22nd: vegetable dish 126 11th Avenue NE 23rd-30th: bread or appetizer Social: 6:45pm Make enough to serve 6-8, depending on what it is you’re bringing (of course, you get to Business: 7pm takeH homei s t o r i cany Ol leftovers). d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s continued on Pagepage 2 1 President’s Perspective from page 1 applause if you share something you’re pleased about. just hear the crime statistics every month and hope they will not In the spirit of having fun and getting us to know one another grow. Ron Magray along with Bob Hunter (a returning Board better, we have decided to initiate several “potluck” gatherings on member) are working through CONA (Council Of Neighbor- the dates of our regularly scheduled monthly meetings in March, hood Associations) to bring us together with our “neighboring June and September [see details on page 1]. Each will be an op- neighborhoods” to the north, south, east and west so that we can portunity to enjoy tasty foods, exchange great recipes and chat our grow Crime Watch with them. It is important that we share with neighbors. We know that our regular meetings don’t always what is happening with our neighbors and support one another. leave enough time for you to greet-and-meet your neighbors, so We recognize that crime in our neighbor’s yard is not just their on the potluck evenings we will have just a few short announce- concern. More immediately we are growing Crime Watch in our ments and then enjoy the food and conversation with one another. own neighborhood. We welcome those who would like to join in We are looking forward to getting to know you through this kind and share this effort. This might be considered the clarion call to of leisurely environment. pull together. Together we can make a difference. We all want to Lastly, and importantly, we have our Neighborhood Plan almost live feeling safe. Call 898-7987 and talk to Bob Hunter. Tell him ready for your review. Robin Reed, Mary Alice Lange and the you want to help. Planning and Neighborhood Design Review committees have With all that said, the Board still has another great goal for the been hard at work honing the vision, issues and goals for what year. We will be having a “grins and gripes” session at the conclu- our neighborhood could be — might be — over the next 10 plus sion of each monthly neighborhood meeting. We’ll be providing years. It has been at least that long since we designed our last blank cards on which you can give us your gripe (you may remain City-approved plan. This is a very important time for each of us anonymous if you prefer) or you can state publicly your concern. to take part and help in designing the future for where we live. You’ll get an answer to your gripe; or we’ll arrange for a follow-up Watch for notices about the meetings where you will be able to if we don’t have an answer immediately. Your grins will get our speak out and participate. This promises to be an ambitious year for your neighborhood association, but it will be a real challenge to realize our goals without your involvement and support. You do not have to be a New member of the association to be involved in its activities and plans, but we welcome your membership as a commitment toward our Members shared vision of an even better Old Northeast. How about letting us meet you at the March 16th potluck? Patty Miles, Lou Theberge...... Bay Street NE Kyle D. Murray...... 3rd Street N Potluck from page 1 Marion and Richard Arnold...... 1st Street N If you are kitchen-challenged – or even if you’re not – we encourage you to bring a can or package of non-perishable food st Julie Farmer...... 21 Avenue NE which we’ll donate to the church’s food pantry to pass along to Dawn Greenidge...... 21st Avenue NE those in need. Elise and Jeff Hazzard...... Beach Drive NE Plan to arrive between 6:45-7pm so we can lay out all the food and begin dining by 7 or so. There will be no formal program – just Carol Doerr and Tom Pulley...... Beach Drive NE neighborly conversation at tables over dinner. If you can’t arrive Dan and Megan Gulick...... 2nd Street N by 7, come when you can as the food should hold out until we start Rudy and Doris Heitler...... Coffee Pot Boulevard NE to close down around 8pm. Have children? They are welcome, too, though you’ll know if Ken and Dottie Young...... 9th Avenue NE you have to bring special food for them. Not a HONNA member? You’re definitely invited anyway. And if you decide to join, we won’t stop you. Ad Rates­ Ad Size­ 1­Qtr­ 2 Qtrs­ 3 ­Qtrs­ 1 ­Year­ The Newsletter of the Historic Old Business card­ 50­ 93 128 160 1/4 page (H 4.9” x w 3.7”)­ 100­ 186 256 320 Northeast Neighborhood Association 1/2 page (H 4.9” x w 7.8”) ­ 200 372 512 640 Published quarterly – March, June, September and December and mailed to all households in The Old Northeast Full page­ 400­ 744 1024 1280 P.O. Box 76324, St. Petersburg, FL 33734 Single page insert* ­ 400 700­ 1000­ 1300­ e-mail [email protected] *Preprinted inserts that you provide are delivered within the newsletter. Due to delivery restrictions, inserts are available on a limited basis. Editor Rick Carson The newsletter quarterly publication dates are March, June, September, and Columnists and Reporters December. The deadline for accepting new ads and ad changes is three weeks Mike Dailey Peter Stanhope Keaton Green prior to the publication month. The next deadline is May 7th. Payment for new ads David Forman Mike Panetta Barbara Rhode should be submitted at the same time that the ad layout is provided and should be Yvonne Swanson John Gee Amy Labie addressed to “HONNA Advertising.” Linda Dobbs Chuck Lindeen Jill McGrath The newsletter is distributed by mail to all homes in The Old Northeast (boundaries are 5th Ave N to 30th Ave N, and 4th St N to North Shore Dr/Coffee Pot Bayou Blvd). Circulation Cathy Leonard and Joe O’Connor There are approximately 2,800 active home mailing addresses. Contributors All our Old Northeast neighbors Contact Rachel Sartain: [email protected] Newsletter Layout & Design Sharon Bond: [email protected] Ad space is limited so please make arrangements early. Advertising Information Rachel Sartain: [email protected]

Page 2 Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s Association News & Activities

The November monthly meeting featured a presentation by Lt. with an officer. David DeSchryver representing our neighborhood fire station #4 on HONNA Crime Watch is here to help keep our community safe. 4th Street N. He described the number and nature of personnel assigned You need Crime Watch, and we need you. Complete and return to the station, the types and purposes of the vehicles located there, the information box on page 4 (or go to HONNA.org) and join to the 911 emergency call system as well as programs (such as smoke support safety. detectors, first aid and CPR) offered by the fire department. At the November meeting the Board members for the 2008-09 year were elected [see box] by HONNA members. The Board, at Programs and Publicity Committee its December meeting, elected its officers for the year. They are: Tracey Locke, Chair President, Maureen Stafford; Vice President, Bob Watts; Secre- I am new to the Board and this is a somewhat new Board posi- tary, Peter Stanhope; and Treasurer, Douglas Haan. tion. We have expanded the role of program planning to include The Board, on behalf of the Association and its members, publicity for not only neighborhood events but for the neighbor- thanks those Board members who served the 2007-08 term and hood itself. We have a few goals in mind this year. First and chose not to run for re-election. They are: Anne-Marie Stephen- foremost, we would like to increase participation in HONNA. son (secretary and Candlelight Tour of Homes co-chair), Susan The majority of neighborhood residents are not members of the Lahey (Programs chair) and Rick Field (Neighborhood Design neighborhood association, and the percentage of members who Review chair). These folks devoted a whole lot time and energy participate in events is even smaller. toward improving the quality of life in our neighborhood and we If you are like our family, we juggle careers and kids and have appreciate all that they did. a heck of a time carving out time to get involved in one more There was no December meeting and the annual all-neighbor- thing. Maybe you don’t know what the meetings have to offer hood holiday party was held in its stead. you. Beyond providing timely information about development projects, criminal activity/crime prevention, preservation issues January’s meeting featured the Souvenir of St. Petersburg, and candidate/political forums, what would you like to see HONNA Views from the Vinoy book (pub- provide? lished by The Historic Old North- east Neighborhood Association) Would you be more likely to participate in events if childcare and its author, Robin Gonzalez. was available or the programming appealed to school-age children? She read selected chapters from Are you a business owner living in The Old Northeast who would the books and shared with the au- participate if HONNA provided a forum to network with neighbors dience “souvenirs” from her per- and support local businesses? Would you enjoy discovering touring sonal collection of old postcards, some of the historic treasures surrounding our neighborhood? Do china and local historical memo- you have any interest in learning about the history of your home? rabilia. [See “Planning/Historic Would you attend a roundtable discussion on property values and Preservation” report below.] like to learn about ways to improve the value of your home? We want to know. Author Robin Gonzalez (left) Please e-mail me with your ideas and feedback (tracey@ with Lois Laughner, daughter- tlsknowsmedia.com). We are currently working on a marketing in-law of Vinoy Park Hotel vi- plan for The Old Northeast. Your input is invaluable. Volunteers sionary Aymer Vinoy Laughner. are welcome!

Committee Reports Planning/Historic Preservation Committee Crime & Safety Committee Robin Reed, Chair Ron Magray, Chair Planning We all read the newspapers, listen or watch the news daily — One of the most important documents that a neighborhood uses we are in a record breaking economic slump. Increasing crime is to map out its future plans and recommendations is the Neighbor- and will be a reality. hood Plan. Our plan currently in use was written in 1990/91. With The safety of our neighborhood depends on your diligence. the passage of time, as well as the City’s new Land Development Be aware of what is happening on your street and in your alley. Regulations (LDRs), it has become outdated. If the person does not appear as if he or she belongs, call the St. In 2003, the Association contracted with Gladding-Jackson to Petersburg Police Department non-emergency number, 893-7780, take the relevant census and City statistics and create a “Neigh- and report a suspicious person. Let the police make the decision borhood Profile.” At the same time, the Planning Committee of whether or not it is a bad guy. If you have a problem dealing about 35 residents met regularly to create the neighborhood’s Vi- with the Police Department, I want to know about it (502-9065, sion 20/20 document. Committee members were given disposable [email protected]). cameras and asked to document the things they “liked” about the A Community Police Officer attends every HONNA monthly neighborhood and things they “didn’t like.” These photos were meeting to report on recent criminal activity in The Old Northeast. then used to stimulate discussion about what residents wanted to This meeting also provides you the opportunity to speak directly see happen in the neighborhood in one, five and 30 years’ time.

Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s Page 3 JOIN OUR COMMITTEES Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association OFFICERS and BOARD Your volunteer involvement in one of our com- mittees will help enhance your neighborhood and our President association. Maureen Stafford 488-8154 [email protected] Please contact any committee chair for information. Vice President Bob Watts 821-8997 [email protected] Secretary Candlelight Tour of Homes: Chair, Julia Brazier, 895-4443 Peter Stanhope 896-6272 [email protected] Treasurer C.O.N.A. Rep: Bob Watts, 821-8997 Douglas Haan 488-5514 [email protected] Directors Crime & Safety: Ron Magray, 502-9065 Julia Brazier 895-4443 [email protected] Rick Carson 898-7834 [email protected] Bob Hunter, 898-7987 Bob Hunter 898-7987 [email protected] Planning & Historic Preservation: Robin Reed, 825-0480 Mary Alice Lange 251-2034 [email protected] Tracey Locke 475-0287 [email protected] Membership: Barbara Marshall, 385-4746 Ron Magray 502-9065 [email protected] Barbara Marshall 385-4746 [email protected] Neighborhood Design Review: Mary Alice Lange, 251-2034 Robin Reed 825-0480 [email protected] Newsletter: Rick Carson, 898-7834 HONNA Board meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 6:30pm and are open to the public. Check with HONNA for the location. Programs and Publicity: Tracey Locke, 475-0287 Traffic: Bob Watts, 821-8997 Like our neighborhood? Web Site: Nona Peebles, 894-3529 Want to make it even better? Volunteer with one of our committees!

Clip and mail Historic Old Northeast Crime Watch Fact Sheet Neighborhood Name______Association Membership Address______The Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association was founded in 1974 to promote civic improvement of our neighborhood. We City/State: St. Petersburg, FL Zip:______invite and welcome all residents of the Old Northeast to join the association and become involved. Annual membership dues (tax Home Phone:______deductible) are $30 per household. Office Phone:______Send this completed form to: Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association Cell Phone:______P.O. Box 76324 St. Petersburg, FL 33734 E-mail:______Name(s): ______Emergency Contact Person______Address: ______Contact’s Phone #______HONNA Member: Yes____ No______Phone:______Would like more info on membership Yes___ No___ E-Mail: ______When did you move into the neighborhood (month and year)?: ______Signed:______HONNA $30 Annual Dues Enclosed PO Box 76324, St. Petersburg, FL 33734

Page 4 Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s In early 2008, the HONNA Board voted to hire Bob Jeffrey and Interior Motives, 1110 Central Avenue Mike Dove to complete a new plan using the Neighborhood Profile Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive NE and the Vision 20/20 document. A draft of the plan was completed Renaissance Vinoy Resort gift shop, 501 5th Avenue NE in January and given to Committee members to review. Divided th into groups of four, members “adopted” sections of the plan to Sunken Gardens, 1825 4 Street N discuss and amend. They added “likes” and “dislikes” and made additional recommendations for improvements they want to see “Meet and Greet”: This small group of neighbors led by Cyn- accomplished now and in the future. thia Silvestri welcomes all new residents to the neighborhood. By the time you receive this newsletter, the Plan will have been They personally deliver to newcomers useful information, a copy edited and ready for review by the community. The April and of this newsletter, invitations to Porch Parties, membership meet- May HONNA monthly neighborhood meetings will be devoted ings and other upcoming events. to a presentation and discussion of the document, and at the May Easter Egg Hunt: This event, organized for children and held meeting residents will be asked to approve the plan. (For a preview in Coffee Pot Park each spring, has been sponsored by Cynthia of the Neighborhood Plan, beginning the first week in March, see Serra and colleagues from Smith & Associates for a number of the HONNA website, www.HONNA.org.) years. It is especially popular with toddlers and their parents! Once the plan has been adopted by the residents, it will be sent Children’s 4th of July Parade: The last two years have seen a to the City staff and City Council for final approval. Although not reprise of the Association’s Children’s 4th of July Parade. It is a “legal” in the technical sense, City boards and the City Council terrific event – almost 300 children with decorated bikes and wag- give serious consideration to such a neighborhood plan as a vision ons, along with their parents, join together to march from Coffee of what residents want for the future of their neighborhood and Pot Park, along the Boulevard, and back again. Last year a Fife how they want to accomplish those goals. and Drum Corps led the parade and entertained neighborhood children with traditional marching songs. Truly an old-fashioned celebration of our country’s birthday! Historic Preservation Events Chair Needed Please note: The Committee is seeking a chairperson for the parade. The parade was organized so that it could be duplicated In 2007, the Historic Preservation Committee created an Events with a minimum amount of effort. If no one steps up, HONNA subcommittee to foster community spirit and bring neighbors will be forced to discontinue this event. So, if you enjoyed partici- together. Events include: pating in previous years and would like to see it continue, please Book Project: The neighborhood’s recent heritage education contact Robin Reed at 825-0480, [email protected], to book, Souvenir of St. Petersburg: Views from the Vinoy, kicked help make this happen. off in early December. Mayor Rick Baker, Council members Jamie Halloween Decorating Contest: For many years, the Halloween Bennett, Bill Dudley and Wengay Newton joined funders and other decorating contest has been a smashingly popular event. People invited guests to celebrate publication. Students from North Shore from all over St. Petersburg flock to The Old Northeast to stroll, Elementary School and check out the costumes and décor and “trick or treat”. Again, other neighborhood thanks to Cynthia Serra for organizing this “scary” and very children featured in the competitive contest! book were the “stars” of the day. They partici- Walking Tours: For several years now, Rob Wertz and Mike pated in the scavenger Dailey, our neighborhood architecture “gurus,” have taken us on hunt of the Vinoy Hotel fascinating tours of various sections of the neighborhood. Their (which is in the book) Sunday afternoon “walks” feature information about the various and were individually architectural styles in the neighborhood as well as historical com- ments and asides. This spring’s tour will be held on Sunday, April greeted by the Mayor th who, along with the 26 , at 1:30pm. Please join us for an informative and entertaining book’s author Robin afternoon! [See details on page 23.] Gonzalez, signed copies Photo Project: Carol and Burt Kline have finished taking th th of the book for each of photographs of every house in the neighborhood from 5 to 30 them. (See photo left.) Avenues! This collection will become the benchmark for an The education com- architectural inventory of The Old Northeast. The Klines’ photo- ponent of the book will graphs have already proved invaluable to those working on the debut in March when 50 Neighborhood Plan and will be even more important in providing copies of the book will a record for future historians. be given to every elementary school in St. Petersburg (private schools upon request). The following month HONNA will join Membership Sunken Gardens to host a teacher training afternoon for interested Barbara Marshall, Chair teachers. The enthusiasm of Pinellas County School officials has I’m delighted to serve HONNA as a new Board member and been gratifying and we look forward to seeing children enjoying, to chair the Membership Committee, which has been managed by as well, as learning from the book! Douglas Haan. The Board looks forward to a larger membership The book ($16 including tax) can be purchased at the following this year, and in that vein each of us is personally committed to locations: sign up more members. We want to meet more of our neighbors Davis Anthony Home and Garden, 300 Beach Drive NE and be sure you are included in its many fun and interesting activi- Haslam’s Book Store, 2025 Central Avenue ties. And this can be greater accomplished through your annual

Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s Page 5 membership. If you’ve been a HONNA member in the past, we hope you will renew your membership this year. If you’ve never been a member, now is the time to sign up! And we want to reach out to new residents of our community through an even more robust HONNA Officers “meet and greet.” Stay tuned! I welcome any ideas or comments from the community on how we can make our membership work Officers well and better for you! My cell is 385-4746 and my e-mail address is [email protected]. President: Maureen Stafford (Bay Street NE) was raised in New Zealand. She moved alone as a young girl to the US in 1969 Newsletter after living abroad in Europe for a short while. She lived in New Rick Carson, Editor Jersey for about 18 years raising a family with her then husband. She has three grown sons living in three different states. Maureen We continue to seek out those in the community looking for moved to St. Petersburg in 1990, where she has always lived in advertising opportunities in this newsletter. Rachel Sartain, our The Historic Old Northeast. Her livelihood’s been in real estate, advertiser coordinator, is working to identify those businesses and she settled into the specialty of high value residential restora- looking to raise their profile in the neighborhood; we are always tion. Her work has won awards – she calls herself a “restorative looking for new advertisers – the folks who make this newslet- developer ter possible – and if you know of a business or organization that could benefit from appearing in this publication, please let us know ([email protected]). No advertisers = no newsletter. Vice President: Bob Watts (1st Street N) hails from Indianapolis One easy way in which you can help make this newsletter more and is a graduate of Purdue University. Bob, his wife Jonni, and interesting is to pass along news, ideas and issues of concern. If you their two daughters have called The Old Northeast home since have some thoughts about a matter you’d like to see us address, let 2000. As a Real Estate Broker Associate, Bob interacts with people me know. Have something worth sharing with the neighbors – like every day who recognize the value of our unique corner of the for our “Over the Back Fence” feature – pass it along. You may world. He is excited about our new neighborhood plan to be intro- e-mail me at [email protected]. duced this year. Bob served last year as a Board member, chaired the Traffic Committee and served on the Candlelight Home Tour Committee. He’s a graduate of the CONA Leadership course and Web Site also a graduate of the St. Petersburg Citizen Police Academy. Bob Nona Peebles, Administrator looks forward to serving this year as an officer and hopes to be a A small working committee has been formed to investigate the vari- very active Vice President. ous options that exist for redesigning the current web site to expand its offerings and ability to increase and improve communication between Secretary: Peter Stanhope (15th Avenue NE) came back to the the Board and residents and among Old Northeast neighbors. Board for a one year term as secretary after a four year absence. He has been active in the neighborhood since 2002 when his home was featured on the Candlelight Home Tour. He has continued his volunteer community efforts as a contributor to the newsletter for the past seven years and also handled newsletter advertising for one year and established a rate and payment structure toward a self-sustaining product. He has been an active volunteer on six years of Candlelight Tour committees and five years of Garden Stroll committees, as well as the Porch Party committee, alley cleaning crew, Historic District committee and Friends of Helen Torres community concert. He and his life partner, Marc, relocated to Florida in 1997 from German Village, a historic neighborhood in Columbus, Ohio.

Treasurer: Douglas Haan (8th Avenue NE) and his partner bought their first “fixer upper” home in The Historic Old Northeast in August 2000 when they settled here full time (and they’re now in their second fixer-upper and were featured as the first “work in progress” on the 2006 Candlelight Tour of Homes). Douglas is serving his ninth term as a Board member and fifth as treasurer. He is a founding member of the Spring Garden Stroll Committee The book ($16 including tax) can be purchased at the and has been the financial coordinator for the last seven Holiday following locations: Home Tours. Douglas also volunteers as a cook at St. Vincent’s Davis Anthony Home and Garden, 300 Beach Drive NE homeless shelter. He is eager to foster continued neighborhood Haslam’s Book Store, 2025 Central Avenue involvement in a place we can be proud to say we live. Interior Motives, 110 Central Avenue Museum of Fine Arts, 255 Beach Drive NE            Renaissance Vinoy Resort gift shop, 501 5th Avenue NE Sunken Gardens, 1825 4th Street N

Page 6 Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s and Board of Directors 2008-2009 Board of Directors Ron Magray (17th Avenue NE) and his wife, Jan, have finally Julia Brazier (20th Avenue N) was a life-long resident of the settled in The Old Northeast. They initially discovered St. Pe- Washington, DC, area when she experienced an epiphany one win- tersburg while attending a sailboat show and although did not ter night in 2000 while stranded on the Washington Beltway during buy a boat they did buy a condo in downtown St. Pete. They an ice storm. Two weeks later St. Petersburg was home. While still had quickly realized that after many years of exploring the west in epiphany mode, she abandoned a 26-year career in high-end coast of Florida that this beautiful “Sunshine City” was what they corporate technology systems sales and consulting and launched had been searching for and what had eluded them in previous a business as a Realtor. She immediately recognized The Historic residences. They love the diversity and multicultural aspects of Old Northeast as a rare treasure and enjoys nothing more than St. Pete and are very happy that they have found this wonderful working to preserve and enhance its unique charm. Julia was Chair community in which to live. This is Ron’s second year serving of the 2008 Candlelight Tour of Homes and will hold the same on the Board. position in 2009. She is a member of St. Petersburg Preservation and is a graduate of the St. Petersburg Citizen Police Academy. Barbara Marshall (8th Avenue NE) moved to St. Petersburg in 2006 from Washington, DC, with her husband Jay after liv- Rick Carson (Cherry Street NE) has been editor of the Asso- ing there for 20 years. They knew shortly after they arrived that ciation’s newsletter since 2002 and this is his fourth year serving The Old Northeast was where they wanted to live and to involve on the board. He has lived in the neighborhood since 2001 and themselves in the community, and immediately renovated their in Florida since 1989. Prior to moving to Florida he co-owned 1925 craftsman style home after purchasing it in 2007. Barbara and operated a B&B in New Jersey and before that spent a couple served last year on the Candlelight Tour of Homes committee decades in the D.C. area working in political campaigns, serving (their home was on the Tour), mentors a young boy through on Congressional staffs and working as a lobbyist. He currently Eckerd Youth Alternatives and is a board member of the Panama sits on the City’s Social Action Funding Committee and volun- Canal Museum (located in Seminole). Her 30-year career was teers as associate editor of the United Church of Christ’s Florida with both the federal government and the nonprofit sector in newspaper. administration and operations, and she held various leadership volunteer positions at St. John’s Episcopal Church (Church of Bob Hunter (18th Avenue NE) and wife Jeanne moved to the Presidents) in Washington, DC, for five years before moving The Old Northeast in January 2001. Bob has enjoyed working to Florida. on Candlelight Tours, Garden Strolls, the Porch Party and tree planting committees. He was a member of the HONNA Board in Robin Reed (16th Avenue NE) and her husband, Joe, moved 2006 and was very happy to be asked to rejoin the board for this to St. Pete from northern New Jersey nine years ago. A life-long year. After a lifetime wasted working in the frozen north country, preservationist and admitted “old house nut,” she has participated Bob has finally found useful employment as personal assistant to in, and co-chaired, our annual Candlelight Tour of Homes, the a large Golden dog. Garden Stroll and is a charter member of the Garden Group. Robin recently led our campaign to become a Local Historic Mary Alice Lange (15th Avenue NE) is a St. Pete native who District. For the past several years she has volunteered at Sunken returned home as a young adult after living in Germany and Gardens and spearheaded their Master Plan efforts. Currently, Maryland. She has been an active member of the neighborhood she is chairman of HONNA’s Historic Preservation Committee, association since 1988 including several terms as its President continuing the neighborhood’s efforts to preserve our special and serving on the Board for a number of years as chair of the and unique qualities. Planning Committee. Mary Alice helped create the first City of St. Petersburg Neighborhood Plan for The Old Northeast, and the Planning Committee has worked with the City to re-design the zoning codes which are contained in the city-wide Land Develop- Consumer Tip ment Regulations. When contracting Tracey Locke (15th Avenue NE) and her husband, Kenny, services from any purchased a home in The Old Northeast in 2006 where they business it’s always a reside with their two lovely children. Kenny is a lifelong St. good idea to check with Petersburg resident. Tracey, originally from Chicago, has lived the Better Business in the Tampa Bay area for eight years and lived in historic Semi- Bureau for prior nole Heights before getting married. Her career has included 13 years in television news reporting and three years as a publicist. complaints. Ask for Tracey has always gravitated to historic neighborhoods and is references and confirm an antique junkie. that your contractor is licensed.

Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s Page 7 KIDZ KORNER With the steady influx into our neighborhood of new residents, we’re seeing an increasing bike nearby! The day will be filled with activities, from an airboat number of families with young children ride on the lake (see all the alligators) or a tram ride (see the forest – plus the stork is keeping pretty busy critters) to lunch on alligator stew at the Outpost (family favorite). around here as it is. So we thought it Birding is easy — there is even a “birdwalk” boardwalk on the might be helpful to share with par- upper lake. Or just bring the fishing pole for a leisurely day by ents of youngsters (as well as grand- the water. Picnic areas and pavilions are abundant. If you are one parents welcoming visiting grandkids) of the lucky ones with a horse, you can ride your steed into the ideas of family-friendly activities and park’s wilderness backcountry! The various, plentiful walking destinations nearby, especially ones which trails range from short, to medium to long. are free or inexpensive. If you have any such good “secrets” you’d like to pass along, let us know. Myakka River State Park is all of these things and more. The park is located nine miles east of I-75 at State Road #72/Sarasota. This is one of the oldest and largest state parks in Florida with the 14-mile-long Myakka River flowing through its 57 square miles. The five wonderful log cabins were built in the ‘30s by the Civilian The Real Florida – Conservation Corps and are so popular that reservations fill up fast – unless you want a Sunday night. Check it out: Reserve America at 800/326-3521 or www.ReserveAmerica.com online. byReal Linda Dobbs Close These cabins are only $60 a night and sleep six with two double beds and one double sofa bed. This includes a lovely fireplace, Sometimes the perfect outing is not in The Old Northeast itself sofa, rustic lamps and a simple wooden dining table and six wooden but close enough for a day trip or even an overnight trip. Can you chairs for cozy family meals. For outdoor dining, eat at the picnic imagine the fun of experiencing Florida of the 1930s? How about table in a clearing in the woods just outside the front porch (grill staying overnight in a vintage log cabin in the woods? Now that is provided). Cabin #1 is the best (if you can get it) because it is a treat always to be remembered (don’t worry — indoor plumbing, roomier to make it more accessible for people with limited mobil- electricity, heat and A/C are included). ity. But, on the other hand, cabins #3–5 are more secluded. Pets are not allowed in the cabins so send Fido to doggie camp for an Only a little more overnight. than an hour away to the south there is such The kitchen a place, a place with has a micro- miles and miles of prai- wave, refrig- ries, wetlands, forests of erator, small oak and pine, a pristine stove/oven, lake, a lazy river with basic dishes alligators sleeping on and utensils. the banks, wilderness H o w e v e r , as far as the eye can there is no see, wildlife galore and d i s h w a s h e r numerous nature trails. so washing There is even a tree up is very tra- canopy walk, surely a ditional and rarity for Florida. c o m m u n a l . The bathroom Our family has expe- — well, there rienced this overnight is one, and it treat in both the winter has a shower, and the spring. It could too. That’s all even be fun in the summer – for that real feel of Florida! Best I’m saying about that. We found it easier and more comfortable of all, I can report that kids and grandkids of all ages have found to bring sleeping bags and our own towels, even though sheets something to delight in. Now that is rare for sure. (Note on the and towels are provided. “real” aspect: the brochure says, “alligators are abundant” — that is not an exaggeration!) I hate to tell you, but there is no TV. Cell phones don’t work either (texting does). Games and reading do work. Therefore, the Bring bikes, kayaks or canoes or rent them there. The alligators family is “forced” to interact! But, nothing beats sitting on the are so plentiful, I prefer observing them from land with a car or

Page 8 Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s Annual Easter Egg

Hunt

HONNA invites you to the neighborhood’s 8th annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday morning, April 11th, at 10am at Coffee Pot Park (30th and 1st Avenue NE; on premise parking is very limited so you’ll likely have to park on a side street west of 1st Avenue). Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Smith & Associates Real Estate – the Platinum Group represented by Cynthia Serra, Connie Lancaster, Bob Riner and Ed Standford – the Easter Bunny will be hiding plastic eggs and other treats throughout the park for eager kids to seek out for their baskets. Always a fun occasion, filled with surprises and lots of gleeful, smiling faces. Be sure to be a part of the good time.

The Real Florida – Real Close... porch at night and gazing in amazement at the stars. A short walk to the road away from the treetops reveals the most amazing sight of all – the Milky Way! You can never have such a view of the star-filled night sky elsewhere in this area due to light pollution. If you’re sleeping without the mechanicals on you can hear the night owls and other rustling things (not alligators — the cabins are far from the river banks). The things to see and do are so varied and fun that everyone is entertained easily for two days for more. Park programs are scheduled throughout the year. The park is open 365 days a year from 8am until sundown. Entrance fees for one day use are only $5 per vehicle (two to eight persons). Pets on leash are allowed. Happy trails to you!

For more info about the park go to www.myakkariver.org and www.floridastateparks.org/MyakkaRiver/ Linda and her husband Bob moved to The Old Northeast on Valentine’s Day 2003 (they wanted to be near their two grand- children who live in our neighborhood). Over the past 30 years Linda has been editor of a weekly newspaper, a magazine and a medical journal as well as numerous newsletters.

Check out the HONNA web site www.honna.org

Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s Page 9 by and Over The Back Fence S S …is a collection of what we’ve heard exchanged in the aisles of the supermarkets, shared waiting in line to pick up the kids from school, read in the papers, overheard in the pew behind us in church and, yes, even passed over the back fence. If you have something you’d like to share about a special recognition, award received, birth, graduation, good- deed-done or observation around the neighborhood please pass it along to the Editor. “Over the Back Fence” is only going to be interesting if we hear from you!

“A city to love”…The January 25th edition of the Boston Globe at the corner of featured an article, “Come for the game, stay for the fun in the Coffee Pot/Cherry Over The Back Fence is a cities by the bay,” which threw a spotlight on “the wide streets and Street and 22nd casual glam of St. Petersburg.” Writer Patricia Borns sought out Avenue was also a “boutique hotel bargain,” the Ponce de Leon, and ticked off the part of the shoot. Soapbox... many reasons – Ceviche, Mastry’s, Jannus Landing, the Martini But since all this Step on up Bar, the Globe Coffee Lounge, “leafy pocket parks, elegant mu- was supposed to and seums” — why she found St. Pete “a city to love.” ­ be New York City, Real Christmas Cheer… Neighbors Amanda Taylor and Bill palm trees were let’s hear Moore really got into the holiday spirit by throwing a block party not included in the on 16th Avenue NE. They obtained a permit from the City, rented shots. Other close- from you a tent, blocked off part of the street and supplied a grill, food and by locations – in- soft drinks for neighbors and friends. About 100 folks showed for clude Bella Brava e-mail: [email protected] the four hours of merriment. Definitely an idea worth repeating restaurant and Wil- again and again across The Old NE this coming December. liams Park – made the cut. $$ for Sunken Gardens…Bouquets to Robin Reed for being a One-of-a-Kind…The estate of the late Hildegarde Matison, key player in Sunk- who passed away at age 89 last July, earned a story in the 12/7 en Gardens being St. Petersburg Times. A sale was held at the 4,000sqft early ‘60s awarded a $25,000 contemporary home on Brevard Road NE off Coffee Pot Boule- Preserve America vard, offering art (much of it her own paintings), statuary, French grant from the U.S. provincial furniture, china and glass and eclectic furnishings. Park Service. The “Croquet, Anyone?”…Did you know that The Old Northeast dollars will be going is the site for the J. Hand’s Annual Super Bowl Croquet Classic to fund the long- Invitational? It was held on Super Bowl Sunday in Jason Hand’s awaited Master Plan front yard with about 50 participants. The winner signs the “golden for the Gardens. The mallet” and gains possession of a pink jacket until the next year grant – one of 31 awarded nationally out of 619 applications and tournament. Players could be observed wearing knickers, vests, one of only two in the state – was brought to the Gardens’ attention double-breasted blazers, newsboy caps and other appropriate by Robin, and then she worked many hours with City staff on the period attire. application and obtaining letters of support. Hold the Soap…What would you think if the guys from the Neighbors in the News (and Newspaper)…Nice to run across City’s water department came to your street to repair a water leak the names of neighbors in the St. Petersburg Times, in addition to but failed to tell affected residents on the street that they’d be those we frequently see of Mayor Rick Baker and authors Dennis turning off the H20? Not such a big deal, perhaps – unless maybe Lehane and Gary Mormino. Recently resident Marty Normile you were in the shower when the spigot went dry. had a piece entitled, “B.S. in biology? Why, yes it was” in the 12/14 Who Knew?….Neighbor Peter Stanhope auditioned for and “”Sunday Journal,” a freelance forum for narrative storytelling. was selected as one of 10 local people paired with a professional Family therapist Barbara Rhode, who writes a column for this dancer to be the opening newsletter, shared some tips for hosts/hostesses on surviving the act for the “Dancing with Christmas holidays (12/20). In the 12/13 edition, Old NE resident the Stars” tour company Yvonne Swanson – the newspaper’s featured gardening correspon- that performed at the dent who regularly writes a column for our newsletter – revealed St. Pete Times Forum the Christmas decorating philosophy of former HONNA president, on Jan 22nd. In addition Cathy Martin: anything and everything can be a decoration. Da- to dancing in front of kota Eliason’s byline has also been observed in the senior section 15,000 people he got to in Tuesday’s editions. meet the cast of celebri- Hollywood on the Bay…A low-budget independent film, “Prime ties and professionals on of Your Life,” used Coffee Pot Boulevard locations as a substitute tour. And it was only two for Manhattan sites. The St. Petersburg Times (12/14) reported ac- years ago that Peter was tors, cameras and crew along the bayou getting double takes from hobbling around with a passing cars and joggers. Dan Robertson’s large Tudor mansion broken foot.

Page 10 Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s most successful Candlelight Tour of Homes ever this past Decem- A Work In Progress ber. Gracious homeowners opened their doors in support of the community goals and the year’s designated charities. Volunteers Each issue of this newsletter introduces you to a neighbor- tirelessly gave volumes of man-hours to make this event happen. hood house which has recently or is presenting undergoing a major Committees worked together with a common goal. We also made renovation. Perhaps some of the trials and tribulations (and joys!) time to have fun. New friendships were formed, recipes exchanged, experienced by these homeowners will give you ideas and inspiration sponsors stepped forward and gave what they could to help us as you consider a renovation or your present home. Maybe you’ll achieve our goals. There was joy. be motivated to bite the bullet and purchase that next house you’ve As in life, there were issues and circumstances that arose and been thinking about. were not pleasant. Here our challenge was overcoming those issues If you’d like to share your renovation story or know of a neighbor for the greater good. We did not want to be mired in the issues and with a good one, let us hear from you. lose sight of our goals. Another Tour has come and gone. Lessons were learned. In this installment of “A Work in Progress,” Peter looks not at A new administration has come to our country. There are new a house under renovation or remodeling but how we as neighbors lessons to be learned and a renewed call to serve our communities might consider ourselves “a work in progress” as part of our neigh- and rebuild America. There are several ways to serve right here in borhood community and how we can contribute to a transformation our neighborhood. I challenge you to make a commitment to be- of the place we call home. come active in our community. Join the neighborhood association. Have a voice in its good works and volunteer for projects that help make this community special. Get to know your neighbors. Be a community that cares for each other and have a vested interest in Life is What You Make It the safety of all our neighborhood residents. Pay attention. Listen. by Peter Stanhope Extend a hand to those in our community in need. Extend a hand to those who are new to our area. Be a community of people who When I was a child I was sure my father knew all the answers. do care for others. There will be joy. He was patient and kind, always listened and directed me to find the right answer to whatever questions I had at the time. I was Peter and his life partner Marc have lived in The Historic Old sure he was a saint. Northeast neighborhood since November 2001, having relocated When I grew up, I realized he was just a man. He made mis- from Historic German Village in Columbus, OH. He can be con- takes but always tried to do his best. He was still patient and kind tacted at PeterStanhope.com and always listened. He taught me the joy of public service. He always said we have to give something back for the gift of the air we breathe. We were fortunate. As a kid you think everyone is the same as you: all families are alike, homes are alike and circumstances are the same. When it was evident that was not the case in our com- munity I would ask my folks why. Their response to me was, “Life is what you make it.” Everyone is not the same. Nowhere on earth is every circumstance or family the same. The joy we can gain as a person is what we do to make life better for ourselves… but more importantly for others. Whenever you are lifting someone else up you are helping yourself as well. Though my folks are now gone, the lessons they taught remain. I am still fortunate. I live in a community of people who do care for others. The Historic Old Northeast Homeowners Association had the

What’s Wrong with This Picture?

How many reasons for a citation can you spot in this photo? See page 17 for the answers and more.

Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s Page 11 As The Pages Turn...

Neighborhood Book Group the reader feels great empathy and sympathy for by Susan Coffey his current circumstances in the nursing home and The Old Northeast Book Club continues with more interesting also all he had endured in his young life. Again, and diverse book choices. Ellen Burkhardt (16th Avenue NE) as in so many novels, love is found even in the hosted our November meeting. The book she chose was Water for most “seedy” of environments. This novel was a Elephants by Sara Gruen. thumbs up from everyone in our group. We met again in January at Susan Engler’s The novel grabs the reader from the first page and does not dis- th appoint. Gruen’s novel centers on Jacob Jankowski who is in his home (20 Avenue NE). Susan’s pick was The early nineties, living out his remaining years in a nursing home. Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Do- Sounds very uninteresting; however, Gruen takes us back to the minican-American author Junot Diaz. The novel centers around Great Depression when Jacob was a 21 year old veterinarian stu- American-born Oscar and his family. Oscar is of Dominican de- dent at Cornell University. Circumstances change very quickly for scent who grows up in New Jersey. We are taken from New Jersey young Jacob when his parents die in a car crash one week before back to the Dominican Republic during the ‘50s under the brutal his finals. Overwhelmed and with no money Jacob does not sit for dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo to explain how Oscar and his rebel- his finals and instead finds himself lost and runs from everything. lious sister came to be. The reading is not for the light-hearted He winds up hopping a train which turns out with in-depth descriptions of Trujillo’s tortures and what his to be the Bezini Brothers circus train. Because grandmother and mother endured. We learned a lot about of his veterinarian skills he is put in charge Dominican history and culture which brought up great of the “menagerie.” He also falls in love with discussion. Overall, the group recommends the book. Marlena, one of the show’s star perform- We continue to have a waiting list for our original ers — a romance complicated by Marlena’s group; however, a “sister” (“brother”?) book club may husband, the sadistic circus boss who beats be starting. You may contact me at [email protected] both his wife and the animals Jankowski or if you are interested in the “sister/brother” group cares for. Gruen does her homework. She contact Colleen Grant at JAMESGRANT114O@ has the circus lingo down pat as well as the msn.com. feelings of the people of that time in small Men, you’re invited, too! town America. Throughout the whole story

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Craig S. Hyde Owner, Operator, Designer 727 . 418 . 2820 Ask us about our new Do It Yourself program to help you achieve beauty on a realistic budget. www.urbanenvironments-stpete.com Page 12 Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s places. One Christmas in London almost gave me pneumonia and a winter trip to a far away desert nearly froze us to death. But Ponderings realizing that we will return to the warmth of Florida made these experiences not just bearable but really like the adventure travel is supposed to be. But I have a confession to make. There are some times while on some adventure when I think wistfully of our neighborhood. It’s not the trip is unpleasant — it’s just that we are living in a place where being home can be the destination you have been looking for. Although I always look forward to travel and enjoy myself when on the road, there are many times during the work Travel week when just the thought of spending a weekend in St. Pete by John Gee is quite enough, thank you very much. Case in point: My wife is uncomfortable with routine and tries to stay away from it as much as possible. But if there is a routine in our life, it has to be the Saturday morning walks to the park with John and his wife Kathy moved to St. Pete from New Mexico the dogs. To an outsider this must sound mundane, but for us this six years ago, and he currently teaches history at a Sarasota is a high point of the week. Since aging dogs make it necessary to high school. He has served on the HONNA Board where he co- drive to the park, once we arrive entire vistas of possibilities open chaired its Historic Preservation Committee. You can also read up to us. We walk along the edge of the water looking at the boats more from John in the Northeast Journal. and dolphins and avoiding the other dogs our little dog abhors. Ever so slowly, we look at people and meander past the Vinoy ost cocktail conversa where we either go left to sit and have tions around here cen some coffee and a pastry or go straight up Mter on real estate, to the Kahwa coffee shop or do the same weather, food and travel. Since I am thing but with a different view. a terrible listener and tend to tune When we finish the coffee, we slowly out stuff around me, most of this meander through neighborhoods and shared information is wasted. When work our way back to the car. The little the talk turns to travel, however, my dog loves the downtown area and at times antennae goes up. Most Floridians we venture deep into the City’s belly to ended up here by a circuitous route, observe and comment of the changes. We and this wandering nature doesn’t never go to BayWalk because the one just disappear once a person has time we did an overzealous mall cop told settled in our neighborhood. There us that dogs weren’t welcome. But all the are seasoned travelers here, and other streets and alleys are open for us, since people have either visited or and we explore and wonder what more lived in many different parts of the changes are in store for our town. globe it pays to listen to their expe- This is not to say that a weekend in riences and gather some insight. Photo courtesy City of St. Petersburg St. Pete is better than a week in Paris My wife and I like to travel, but or a month on the Gobi. It’s just that our reasons to wander have changed. When we lived in the cold you get your pleasures where you find them…and this area is Northeast, the primary motive was to get away from the weather and a pleasurable place to be. So if the economy or some lack of find a warm beach somewhere. We don’t have to worry about this energy or desire keeps you here in our neighborhood, enjoy anymore so our options for destinations have opened. Sometimes your stay. It certainly could be a lot worse and only occasionally we get a bit too cocky and end up in some really cold out-of-season much better.

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Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s Page 13 Preserving the Character by Mike Daily of Old Northeast Houses Out Back: Exploring Historic Old Northeast Alleys Part I of II

Confronted with a lazy Sunday afternoon with nothing to do (or nothing you want to do)? Well, how about a nice walk through the neighborhood…but in the alleys. Back in March 2008, Jill McGrath wrote of “Hidden Gems in The Old Northeast” and some of the treasures she discovered beyond our back doors. John Gee, who writes our “Ponderings” column, has told of his joy being led by his dogs as they sniff their way from trash can to trash can. Here, Mike Daily leads you through some of the more interesting backways in the southern part of The Old NE. ince moving here to The Old Northeast in 1995, I’ve been exploring the avenues and streets of our neighborhood, amazed at the variety and quality of the houses we have here. Although we are a National Register Historic District, too many of our Scontributing structures have been altered to the point that they should no longer be considered contributing. Fortunately, a great many of the outbuildings of Historic Old Northeast retain their original character-defining features, and those details tell us much about the buildings’ long life. This issue’s article explores alleys in the southernmost part of the neighborhood — between 5th Avenue and 9th Avenue N. It is not intended to be a comprehensive analysis of all alley architecture… just the ones I notice on my walks around the neighborhood. If you know of some exceptional examples you don’t see in here, please let me know at [email protected]. The alleys of the southern end of the neighborhood (the oldest dating from around 1900) hold a mixture of apartment buildings, garage apartments and garages placed shoulder-to-shoulder along the brick lanes. Following the design characteristics of that part of our neighborhood, the outbuildings are mostly vernacular or Craftsman style. Some sport details such as shingle siding, carved brackets, elaborate window trim, and wide bargeboards (those gable rafters that sit out from the wall of the house), some with carved ends. From the rear of the properties you can see a more informal side of the house, too (but don’t look too long or the police may pull up wondering what you’re doing). You can also see an important detail that sets historic buildings apart from most modern con- struction: four-sided design. Old buildings tend to use the same detailing on the back and sides as they do on the front — the same windows, trim, siding, brackets and hardware. New structures present one face to the street and usually a very different (inferior) face to the back and sides. I call this practice “facadeism” or “facademy.” Luckily, you’ll see very little of this wandering the alleys of The Old Northeast.

house hugs the alley. Although it has obviously been extensively modified from its original form, the renovations were done thought- fully and the house adds much to its corner. Walk around to the front and notice the entryway and belvedere crowning the hip roof. (photo 2) Kahwa Coffee is just a half block south at the corner of 2nd Street and 5th Avenue N and makes for a nice refueling stop on the walk.

1

11 Start out at Bay Street between 5th-6th Avenues NE and head west. Note the large multi-tenant apartment building on the north side that dates from about 1905. (photo 1) The rus- ticated block foundation reveals a basement door accessible from the outside. The second and third floors still have their original shingle siding. Through the multiple windows facing the alley you can see the original railings of the back stairs and even some vintage light fixtures of the era. At 2nd Street between 5th-6th, a whimsical salmon-colored 2

Page 14 Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s 3

Heading west along the alley again, notice that many garage apartments have large overhangs on their second floors facing the alley. The garage doors needed to be set back far enough from the alley to create a small driveway for a turning radius, and 4 the second floor overhung the driveway. Oftentimes this overhang area was used to create a porch for the garage tenant, such as the outbuilding just west of 3rd Street on the alley at 316 6th Avenue N. (photo 3) A curious new arrangement on the alleys in this part of the neighborhood is the arrival of townhouses that front the alley. Head north on 3rd Street and hang a right at the alley between 6th-7th Avenues. A little ways down you will see new stucco buildings, all with their front doors facing north. The rear loaded garages face the front doors of their neighbors across the alley. It is an unusual arrangement but one I think will be repeated in the future as land prices start to climb once more. Several historic houses and garage apartments were demolished to make way for these developments. (photo 4) A couple of blocks east along this alley, at the corner of Bay Street, sits the Sunset Bay Inn with its bracketed outbuilding a perfect complement 5 to the main house. This building was extensively remodeled about 10 years ago to incorporate two guest suites and offices and matches the style of the main house. (photo 5) Proceed to the alley just north and check out the garage apart- ment behind the apartments at 125 7th Avenue NE. Here is the most nicely detailed outbuilding in this part of the neighborhood. Although it is designed in the Shingle Style, it uses asphalt roofing shingles instead of real wood shingles on its second floor — a common early 20th century practice here in Florida. Delicate balconies on either side, carved brackets and a beautiful brick base round out the list of features. (photo 6) Heading east from Bay Street on the alley between 8th-9th Av- enues NE, a Japanese pagoda-style garage apartment sits behind its matching house on the north side of the alley at midblock. Notice the upswept barge rafters and pointed roof ridge at each end. The colors the owner selected help to highlight the archi- tectural features. (photo 7) One block east of on the same alley, the garage behind the house at 305 8th Avenue NE (at the corner of Oak Street) is a fine example of Craftsman architecture and matches the house 6 in its detailing, with heavy outrigger beams supporting the barge

Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s Page 15 rafters, unusual cypress shingle siding and a flared wall base visually tying the building to the ground. (photo 8) Next door to that at 315 1/2 8th Avenue NE is an interesting garage apartment that defies rigid classification. It has shingled second floor walls that sweep out to form a broad overhang for the first floor. (photo 9) If you started out the tour at Bay Street between 5th-6th and need to get back to your car, walk the rest of the way down the alley to Beach Drive and turn right. Walk two blocks down to 6th Avenue and make another right. Along the route are some of the oldest houses in the neighborhood, mostly Craftsman and Vernacular, but there is a Queen Anne Victorian-style house on 6th Avenue NE 7 (photo 10) on the north side a couple of houses in from Beach Drive. Now housing a bed and breakfast, it formerly was used as a private home. At the end of this block is the starting point for the tour. In the next installment I will tour the alleys in the middle of The Old Northeast and focus on some of the high-style outbuildings that grace that part of the neighborhood. 

Mike, an Old Northeast resident since 1996, 8 holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of South Florida.

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Page 16 Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s Holiday Cheer ...Old NE Style lmost 125 residents of our neigh- borhood gathered at the Old Northeast Tavern on Monday A th evening, December 15 , to celebrate the annual all-neighborhood holiday party. A tasty spread of different kinds of pizzas and salads were offered by proprietors Bob and Mark, our hosts, and hundreds of cookies

were home-baked by Cathy Leonard. Neighbors who joined in the festivities were asked to bring cans or boxes of non-perishable food, which were donated to the St. Pete Free Clinic, and/or un- wrapped children’s gifts which were contributed to needy kids. Cynthia Serra of Smith & Associates Real Estate coordinated this aspect of the party. Many thanks to all who had a hand in organizing the get- together and to those who dropped by to spread holiday cheer.

Photos by Susan Alderson

Where Parking is Not Allowed • On the roadway side of another parked vehicle (double parking). • On crosswalks • On sidewalks. Answers from • In front of driveways. page 11 • By curbs painted yellow or where “No Parking” signs are posted. Within Intersections • Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. • Within 20 feet of an intersection. • Within 20 feet of the entrance to a fire, ambulance or rescue squad station. • Within 30 feet of any flashing signal, stop sign or traffic signal. • In such a way that you block or create a hazard for other vehicles. Always park on the right side of the roadway, unless it is a one-way street.

Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s Page 17 PORCH PARTIES

Porch Parties are held the third Friday of the month from 7:30-10pm (except December). Porch Parties are strictly social and provide You’re and informal and fun way to mix and mingle with your neighbors. Bring your own beverage. Cups, ice Invited and light snacks are provided. Ask a neighbor to ride or walk over with you. For more info, contact Julie Feeley (822-4969; [email protected]).

No Advertisers = No Newsletter March 20th Vicki Bennett and Rich Luker 130 16th Avenue N Please Support Our Advertisers Who Support This Newsletter April 17th And tell them you saw their ad here Susan and Mark Williams 635 15th Avenue NE

Property Transfers May 15th Carol Hand and Al Ramirez Following is a listing of recent property transfers 535 16th Avenue NE in our North Shore neighborhood. The individuals listed are new owners of the properties cited but not necessarily the residents of those properties. The properties are listed in chronological avenue and Household Chemical chronological and alphabetical street order. and Electronic If any of these folks live near you, make sure you Mobile Collection Day welcome them to the neighborhood. Saturday, March 7th – 9am-2pm Home Depot, 2300 22nd Avenue N 555 5th Avenue NE ...... Mark and Mary Pat McLain 254 7th Avenue N...... Monte and Maura White th Mobile collections provide a way for citizens to safely dis- 262 9 Avenue N ...... David Weber pose of unwanted household electronics and chemicals. Many 145 10th Avenue N ...... David Sideri citizens who are purchasing new digital televisions are wonder- 225 11th Avenue NE ...... Douglas Michael and Amy DuPont 145 13th Avenue NE ...... Toni Tallerino ing what to do with their old units: bring it to the mobile collec- 235 15th Avenue NE ...... Kathleen Renee Kovack tion site. Items that need special disposal include: fluorescent 405 19th Avenue NE ...... Charles and Ursula Hahn lightbulbs, household cleaners, computers, TVs, printers, cell 326 20th Avenue NE ...... Richard and Niela Eliason phones, household batteries, pesticides, paints, paint thinners, 445 21st Avenue NE ...... Dawn Greenidge fertilizers and automotive fluids. For more information on the 240 26th Avenue N ...... David Hines items that you can bring go to www.pinellascounty.org/utilities/ 1500 1st Street N ...... Richard and Marion Arnold mobile.htm or call 893-7398. nd 612 2 Street N ...... Spencer Dale Owens HONNA is considering scheduling a Haz-to-Go Trailer at a 756 Bay Street NE ...... John and Nancy Hill location right here in the neighborhood for later in the year. So 2002 Coffee Pot Boulevard NE .James and Larissa Powers th 1132 Locust Street NE ...... Daniel and Caroline Cope if you miss disposing of hazardous items on March 7 , watch for notice of a one-day disposal site here in The Old Northeast Source: Compiled from public records by FNBR Inc. and in the coming months. printed in the St. Petersburg Times.

Page 18 Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s Individual and Business Tax Returns T im Rh o d e Small Business Accounting & Architect Consulting Monica M. Vernon • Garth A. Vernon Specializing in Residential Design Renovations, Additions and New Homes St. Petersburg nd 424 22 Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33704 Call for a Consultation visit to your home. Seminole 7700 Seminole Blvd, Ste 200, Seminole, FL 33772 Web Site trhode.com 727-823-1566 (727) 393-1922 office • (727) 392-3266 fax AR12159

Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s Page 19 Along the 4th In Case You Missed It: Street Garden Updates and Follow Ups District Keeping You Current on Some Neighborhood  The once-bus- tling Cocoanut Grove Stories That Have Been in the News shopping center at 4th Street N and 30th Av- enue “now resembles a ghost town.” Some of the previous tenants claim they were “essentially forced out” by the company managing the site because they were offered only month-to- m o n t h leases in- stead of long-term leases they had previ- ously had. [ s o u r c e : St. Pe-  “Dr. Delay,” who writes a column in the St. Petersburg tersburg Times which covers traffic-related concerns in south Pinellas, re- Times, cently looked back at what readers most complain about and she 11/19] came up with one biggie: “Man, oh man, do we hate roundabouts.” After setting forth the pluses and minuses of the concept of the roundabout, she summed it all up by quoting one reader: “I travel  Artist Ron Hutchinson has transformed “the ugliest build- 30th Avenue NE a lot. Often I can’t get into the circle due to speeders ing in the city” (according to its owner) into one large DeKooning coming up or down First Street. The other day, I had to sit (almost and Pollock-inspired started out since it was my turn) when two speeders came south on mural. He’s calling First Street. They never slowed, and apparently never planned to it The Coco Flow. yield. This happens all the time. Why can’t something be done? I Because Florida Bi- prefer a stop sign on 30th; at least it would be safer.” [source: St. cycle Sports will be Petersburg Times, 11/16] leasing some of the groundfloor retail space at 2000 4th  Westminster Street N, the paint- Communities of Flor- ing contains bike ida, owners of West- tires. [source: St. minster Palms retire- Petersburg Times, ment community at 830 11/23] North Shore Drive NE, is hoping to increase its presence in the neigh-  Being, the borhood by purchasing popular home furnishings and accessories shop in BayWalk, has moved into the old Deco auto dealership building (former Corner the now-vacant North th Shore senior housing Antique Mall) at 1575 4 . Owner Amy Bromley says Old Northeast apartment high rise a residents already make up a good portion of her client base and she block away at 10th Av- hopes to use the new location to expand her interior design con- sulting business. The addition of Being to 4th Street complements enue and Beach Drive th NE. Westminster has offerings at other businesses such as Marion’s (1301 4 ), Last- asked the City for assis- ing Impressions Home Gallery tance to issue a $16 mil- th lion tax-exempt bond to (1425 4 ), Gal- lery of Cabinets purchase the 14-story th building, an unsuccess- (2600 4 ) and Kitchen Center ful venture recently slated to be the Overvue condos. [source: St. th Petersburg Times, 1/25] Plus (2900 4 ). [source: St. Pe- tersburg Times, Please Support the Advertisers 1/28] in Our Newsletter

Page 20 Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s

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Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s Page 21 Tenting Not Your Happy Camping by Jill McGrath

e forewarned: when you live in the Sunshine State, deal to the wall, and sure enough we could feel the slightly splintered ing with a termite infestation is a necessary evil. surface which was the exit port. The initial termite war was begun. B A homeowner pays dearly for providing the termites Termidor, a chemical used for local, spot treatment, was applied their feasts. When termites get the upper hand, and attack your for several years but it was a constant search operation for us house from many different angles, you have to continually call in because the hungry termites left many traces from holes which the experts. And that usually means that the entire abode must be were halfway up walls to obscure corners behind furniture. After treated. The experience, although gratifying that they will have a house guest found the bathtub full of wings, we admitted defeat been kept at bay (for a few years, anyway), is not fun. We have and we agreed with our termite company that it was time for all- just survived our first “tenting.” out warfare — the tenting process. When we bought our 1910 wooden nest here in The Old Northeast, Not all pest/termite control companies utilize the process of we were informed that one of the most important responsibilities tenting, preferring to continue to spot-treat obvious termite nest (beside all the lists created for restoration) was keeping the annual locations. Next-block neighbors have reported that they have termite protection warranty in place. This insures the homeowner had excellent termite control using just the localized treatments that localized termite eradication will be assured when required. A from their chosen termite company. Both houses, on either side renewable annual fee keeps the warranty in place. We were advised of us, were tented during the past 18 months, so we suspect that to look for swarming termites spotted a new banquet table and moved right little piles into our home. o f d a r k After a long list of preparations is completed, an all-encom- red gran- passing canvas encases the house for 48 hours. The procedure list ules which for tenting is a time-consuming invasion, just like the termites signify the themselves. Among the duties required: gas sources must be turned presence off, heating and cooling units must be turned off and all electron- of termites ics unplugged. Certain kinds of mattresses have to be removed i n t h a t from the house. All foods and medicines — anything that can area. And be ingested — has to be either carefully wrapped in special bags we were or removed from the house, except those in sealed, never-opened to look for cans and glass jars. Anything living has to be removed, including detached house plants. It was time for an early spring house cleaning and all “wings.” food and medicines were safely prepared for the state of remaining Since the house was last treated as a whole by the tent fumigation or leaving. Refrigerator and freezer contents could be double- process the year before we bought it, we concentrated on the res- bagged in the special bags provided by the pest control company toration chores before us, and never gave a termite threat a single and remain in their usual spaces. It is a thorough exorcism and thought. We had been warned that we’d probably have to tent the the food and medicine cabinet content sorting and removal took house every five-seven years, but we had every homeowner’s wish, more hours than expected. All cabinets and closet doors must be “It won’t have to happen that often to us” — or so we reasoned. left open. If there is a safe, the contents must be removed and the Two years after we moved in, we discovered our first evidence door also left open. of “droppings,” a more pleasant word than excrement. The “col- Before the tenting, all shrubbery must be pulled away from lection” lay on the floor under a window, but we could not find the side of the house (we used twine) and 12 inches out from the the origin. We called the termite company we use and we were exterior walls must be thoroughly watered for several days in prompted to trace our fingers at the base of the sill, the area next advance. The watering process will keep the active ingredient of

Page 22 Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s the tenting gas (sulfuryl fluoride) from destroying the vegetation. After the process was complete, only two small shrubs were af- fected and, surprisingly, they have come back to life. When we bought the house, it was perched on a sand lot so it was of para- mount importance to us to save every stem, branch and leaf of our extensive landscaping. The tent covered our house in a blue and orange pattern, remind- ing us of our old hometown’s Denver Broncos. The edge of the tent, along the ground, was firmly sand-bagged. The appearance was both frightening and strange. We were able to find two night accommodations close by at a neighbor’s bed and breakfast and with our dogs and cats we were very comfortable. Despite knowing that the house was locked by a special pest control company key, we still walked the block around our house many times each day, trying to remain confident that nothing had penetrated the death chamber. Termites experience a quiet demise…we heard no cries from within. When the tent was removed, and the interior meter- reading by the expert was deemed safe, we gratefully moved back in and resettled all the storage spaces. Have you been to a It wasn’t a time we wish to repeat any time soon. We automati- cally keep half an eye on the nooks and crannies, but hopefully we have a number of years ahead without having to deal with an Porch orange and blue dress on our house. With thanks to “Photo Ed.” Party Jill and Ed McGrath (who grew up together in the Hudson River Valley of New York) are restoring a 1910 cottage on the corner of Bay Street and 6th Avenue NE. This is Jill’s fifth (Ed’s third) yet? complete house restoration project and they have promised each See page 18 for the upcoming schedule other that it will be their last.

Old Northeast Curiosities Walking Tour

A peek into some of the oddities and unusual history of our neighborhood. Sunday, April 26th, 1:30pm Meet at the corner of Lo- cust and 13th Avenue NE. Our guides will be Rob Wertz and Mike Dailey. Check www.honna.org for any changes or update info.

See you at the Neighborhood Potluck on March 16th

Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s Page 23 Thinking in ers have jobs that discourage social connections, and that fraction Purple is rising.” When you consider that most women were gatherers just a few thousand years ago, you begin to understand where this natural drive comes from. As gatherers, we were often left to fend for ourselves while the hunters went off to kill and find meat for the family or village. Left alone, situations would naturally arise that would leave women feeling threatened or compromised. In order to protect themselves, their young and the aged, they would group together and assist each other, instinctively knowing that there is safety in numbers. They just naturally pulled together to handle whatever threat or stressor presented itself. Even during the gathering process, women were able to find ways to connect with each other. Children were towed along as women sought out roots, berries and herbs for sustenance and heal- ing. A good day for one might also mean a bad day for another, so sharing became a way of increasing everyone’s chances of survival. Information was passed around concerning the best spots for gathering as women naturally learned that group-gathering yielded the best results. Elderly members might be guaranteed by Barbara Rhode, LMFT their share of the yield by monitoring the young while the heartier females could focus on the task at hand and obtain roots and nuts Required Reading for Women needed for survival. (..and Guys, Too) According to neurological findings, women who allow them- selves to group, discuss and connect release an essential brain chemical called oxytocin, which ultimately makes them feel more safe and secure. This is a profound way women have always Reasons to Reach Out handled stress and taken care of themselves. Until now… One quick glance into most homes or businesses today depicts a of Your Comfort Zone culture or environment that does not promote and oftentimes even actively prevents this phenomenon from taking place. tressed out women and stressed out men have some very The reasons are complicated. Evidence indicates that we have different basic needs that are not being adequately met in become a fear-based culture, built now on principles of isolation Stoday’s society. As long as we refuse to embrace that instead of grouped connectedness. Retired women report spend- reality, we are essentially headed in the wrong direction. Accord- ing countless hours tucked out-of-the-way, safe and sound behind ing to a study out of UCLA in 1998, women typically respond to Barbara Rhode is a Licensed double- or triple-locked doors. Young mothers are left to feel the Marriage and Family Thera- danger or threat in some very unique ways. Although many will stress and loneliness that comes from having to raise children in also experience the fight or flight response to something threatening pist who provides trainings and solitary environments. Young children participate in organized workshops to corporations and like their male counterparts, most women also instinctively feel sports so parents can monitor their every move in an attempt to the need to “Tend & Befriend.” non-profits on wellness and life limit any possible danger or threat. Working women juggle the balance. She lives in a very purple Essentially, women are physiologically wired to reach out to extreme demands of a career and family, leaving no time or energy house in The Old Northeast, a each other, communicating and connecting in ways that make for social connecting or deep friendships. place where she contemplates in them feel more secure and As a society, we are in- shades of “purple.” less afraid. The problem is undated with messages that Evidence indicates that we have become a fear-based that today’s society inhibits repeat over and over again that this fundamental life process. culture, built now on principles of isolation instead it is not safe out there, leaving For most of us, there is liter- most of us to spend our free ally no time left in already of grouped connectedness… As a society, we are time locked inside our homes busy days for any meaningful or busy transporting children “tending and befriending.” inundated with messages that repeat over and over to and from arranged activi- As a consequence, everyone ties. Mothers who congregate suffers including the men in again that it is not safe out there… outside gymnastic lessons or our lives, our children and, by the edge of community of course, each of us women. pools while waiting for their Even corporate America feels young to finish lessons, sit alone, texting or attending to the endless the side effects of denying women ample time and opportunity pile of tasks. The superficial chatter going on around them does to connect, especially when stress levels rise. According to not typically have the emotional depth their brains require in order Robert Putnam in Bowling Alone, “…nearly 1/3 of all US work- to de-stress and sufficiently relax.

Page 24 Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s Thinking in Purple As primary caretakers, women tend to give the most in their relationships, leaving little time or energy for self nurturing (79% of all care-giving in our society is given by women, according to Shelly Taylor, PhD.) At a conference recently, I sat in the back so I could leave a few minutes early to get ready for my presentation. I looked around at the couples seated in the auditorium there on a Saturday to learn about relationships. It was no surprise that most of the attendees were women, but the men who had bravely ac- companied wives or girlfriends sat listening to the speaker while the female next to him rubbed his back or rested a reassuring arm on his. No wonder a man’s rate of longevity increases while married. In a healthy relationship they just naturally receive the benefits of the female’s nurturing ways. Marriage improves the male’s chance for a longer life, but not necessarily the female’s. She is too exhausted from all that caretak- ing and juggling while also deprived of the tending and befriending she requires to refuel and rejuvenate. Even the women who have risen to the top of the ladder in their chosen fields demonstrate worsened health statistics because, for most of them, it really is the epidemic of distress” in this country. We are starving from by Barbara Rhode, LMFT lonely at the top. Chances are that after her day ends, she faces a continuation of tasks trying to meet the needs of her family and a lack of social connectedness. If we cannot invest the time or her home. energy in forming and feeding intimate social relationships, how do we possibly think our technologically entrenched children Shelly Taylor in The Tending Instinct states that “a decline in will ever have a fair shot at learning, too? What kind of social the sense of social connectedness and a perception that the social role models are we becoming when we are too afraid or too busy landscape has become more dangerous are chiefly responsible for to spend time getting to know our neighbors and maintaining ongoing relationships? So why not spend some time this spring getting to know your neighbors beyond a short and sweet, “Hello, how are you doing?” while you both jump into your cars to head in opposite directions? It just might payoff in more ways than you could know.

Barbara Rhode is a Licensed Marriage and Family Thera- pist who provides trainings and workshops to corporations and non-profits on wellness and life balance. She lives in a very purple house in The Old Northeast, a place where she contemplates in shades of “purple.”

Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s Page 25 APRIL 11 NEIGHBORHOOD EASTER EGG HUNT (see p. 9)

ON THE DOCKET: April 11 Walking Tour of Downtown St. Petersburg Historic Some Upcoming Events In nd and Nearby Our Neighborhood District Central at 2 ; 824-7802 April 11 Drum Circle Facilitation The Pier; 821-6443 April 11 Gallery Walk Downtown galleries; 821-6767 March 1 Sunday Afternoon Fun The Pier; 821-6443. April 17- American Stage in the Park presents “Altar Boy” March 6 Get Downtown Music Series May 10 Demens Landings; 823-7529 Central b/w 2nd-3rd; 393-3597 March 7 Human Rights Walkathon North Straub Park APRIL 17 PORCH PARTY (see p. 18) and waterfront; 657-7026 March 7 Household Chemical and Electronic April 18 Festival of States Harvey’s 5K Run North Straub Park; Mobile Collection Day 22nd Ave. Home Depot; 821-9888 893-7398. (See page 18) April 18 Festival of States Day Parade and Family FunFest March 11 Oldies But Goodies Dance Downtown, North Straub Park and waterfront; 821-9888 The Pier; 821-6443 April 18 Festival of States Motorcycle Show and March 13-15 St. Pete Cajun Zydeco Crawfish Festival Competition South Straub Park; 821-9888. Vinoy Park; www.cajunconnection.org April 18-19 34th Annual Mainsail Arts Festival Vinoy Park; 892-5885 March 13-15 Tampa Bay Boat Sale The Trop; 893-8523 April 19 Sunday Afternoon Fun The Pier; 821-6443 March 13-15 Antiquarian Book Fair Coliseum; 892-5202 March 14 Special Olympics Area 6 Summer Games APRIL 20 NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING Lakewood High School; 462-1556 March 14 Walking Tour of Downtown St. Petersburg April 22 Oldies But Goodies Dance The Pier; 821-6443 Historic District Central at 2nd; 824-7802 April 24 Regata del Sol al Sol From The Pier; March 14 St. Petersburg Self-guided Gallery/Studio www.regatadelsolalsol.org Tour Downtown locations; www.spstudiotour.com April 24 Last Friday Concert Series Williams Park; March 14 Drum Circle Facilitation The Pier; 821-6443 www.lastfridayconcerts.com March 14 Gallery Walk Downtown galleries; 821-6767 April 24 Grand Central Evening Stroll Grand Central District; March 15 Bay to Bay Road Race Through St. Pete; 367-RACE 328-7086 March 15 Sunday Afternoon Fun the Pier; 821-6443 April 24-25 St. Anthony’s Sports and Fitness Expo North Straub Park; 825-1521. April 25 Meek & Mighty Triathlon Vinoy Park and North Shore MARCH 16 NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING Pool; 825-1521 POTLUCK DINNER April 26 St. Anthony’s Triathlon Vinoy, North Straub and Spa (see page 1) Beach parks; 825-1521 MARCH 20 PORCH PARTY (see p. 18) April 25 MarineQuest Open House 2009 FWC Fish & Wildlife March 20-22 Tampa Bay Blues Festival Vinoy Park; 502-5000 Research Institute; 896-8626 April 25 “Westward Ho from the Waterfront” walking tour + March 21 FISH-ful Saturday: The Study of Fish nd The Pier; 895-7437 bus to Historic Kenwood Central Avenue and 2 ; 824-7802 April 25-26 Green Thumb Festival Walter Fuller Park; 893-7335 March 22 - Orchid Festival Sunken Gardens; 551-3102 nd rd March 25 Oldies But Goodies Dance The Pier; 821-6443 May 1 Get Downtown Music Series Central b/w 2 -3 ; 393-3597 March 27 Last Friday Concert Series Williams Park; May 1-2 International Cinco de Mayo Men’s Open Water www.lastfridayconcerts.com. Polo Tournament North Shore Aquatic Complex; 459-7688 March 27-29 SPIFFS, St. Petersburg International Folk May 3 Sunday Afternoon Fun The Pier; 821-6443 Fair Society Vinoy Park; 552-1896 May 9 Drum Circle Facilitation The Pier; 821-6443 March 28 Festivals of Speed Display North Straub Park; May 9 Gallery Walk Downtown locations; 821-6767 352/385-9450. May 13 Oldies But Goodies Dance The Pier; 821-6443 March 28 “Westward Ho from the Waterfront” walking tour + bus to Historic Kenwood Central Avenue MAY 15 PORCH PARTY (see p. 18) and 2nd; 824-7802 April 2 St. Petersburg Festival of States Honda May 17 Sunday Afternoon Fun The Pier; 821-6443 Grand Prix Illuminated Night Parade and Fireworks Downtown locations; 821-9888 MAY 18 NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING April 3 Get Downtown Music Series: Fast Friday Night Central b/w 2nd-3rd; 393-3597 May 27 Oldies But Goodies Dance The Pier; 821-6443 April 3-5 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg May 29 Last Friday Concert Series Williams Park; Downtown; 898-INDY. www.lastfridayconcerts.com April 5 Sunday Afternoon Fun The Pier; 821-6443. Source: City of St. Petersburg April 10 Relay for Life St. Petersburg (benefitting American Cancer Society) North Straub Park; For a current and more detailed listing 546-9822 go to the City’s website at www.stpete.org

Page 26 Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s Florida Orchestra Vinoy Concert in Jeopardy by Jillian Alpert, Director of Development The Florida Orchestra It was 15 years ago that Helen Torres, an Old Northeast resident and lover of the arts, decided to bring The Florida Orchestra to the St. Petersburg community by founding and personally financially underwriting an outdoor concert in Straub Park for free. Yes, free. The original audience of 1,200 grew quickly to 8,000 and had to be moved to Vinoy Park, and by 2008 the number of at- tendees totaled nearly 20,000. The Florida Orchestra and Tampa Bay Harvest joined in a partnership 1995 to feed thousands of St. Petersburg area resi- dents. The collection bins that dotted the Vinoy Park last October received over 5,300 pounds of food. And last year a special feature was added. The VSA Arts of Florida, part of a national group help- ing young artists with disabilities, had some finalists in a national Helen Torres and Mayor Rick Baker (center) with guest conduc- competition perform pre-concert solos. tor Andrew Grahams (left ) and Michael Pastreich, President This wonderful free Vinoy Park concert, which has become and CEO of The Florida Orchestra (right) a tradition, is now in jeopardy and needs community support and involvement. Why? In these precarious times, The Florida the financial support coming from other major sponsors means Orchestra-Vinoy Park Fund needs your financial support to offset the current shortfall needs to be made up somehow. the expenses incurred by this event. In 2009 Helen will be in the 16th You! can help to keep the music playing. We need enthusi- year of a 20 year gift to our community. While she will be continu- astic volunteers to assist with fundraising efforts and generate ing her commitment, the fact that overall expenses are outpacing ideas on how to make this a grassroots effort that will involve large numbers of residents in the community. A brainstorming session is being scheduled for mid-March at The Florida Orchestra administra- tive office in St. Petersburg (the date and time will be determined and will be posted on the HONNA web site, www.HONNA.org). You can help now by making a tax deductible contribution to The Florida Orchestra–Vinoy Park Fund. Please mail your check to 244 2nd Avenue N, Suite 420, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, or visit their web site at www.florida orchestra. org for more information. Contact Old Northeast residents Julie Feeley ([email protected], 642-0484) or Anne- Marie Stephenson (petalstitch@ tampabay. rr.com, 897-9398) to get involved and let them know your support availability. Let’s keep the music playing!

Not a member of The Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association?  Your annual dues of $30 (tax deductable) will go toward Think the City does all these projects and maintenance? helping fund many of the beautification projects you see around Think again. Your neighbors, through HONNA, make it the neighborhood. happen. See page 4 for application.

Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s Page 27 Candlelight Tour a Winner by Julia Brazier Chair, Candlelight Tour of Homes 2008 & 2009 $6,900 being retained by The Historic Old Northeast Neighbor- Tour Chair Julia hood Association. Brazier presenting Another record check to Jane Ar- achievement was the nett of Big Broth- all time high in adver- ers Big Sisters tising revenue ($6,800) and a new program this year which intro- ow – our most successful Candlelight Tour of Homes duced the support of yet, thanks to over 100 dedicated volunteers and nearly Sponsorship ($750). 1,000 attendees! The 2008 Candlelight Tour, which No numbers to prove W th took place on December 7 , was a rousing feat in so many ways, it, but many claim the including that the tour generated record-setting revenues of preview party – the $23,159. night-before “thank All eight homes were stunning — each one unique, so magical you” celebration for in its holiday finery. It is an enormous task to open one’s home volunteers and home- and heart in support of our community. Our homeowners are owners hosted by Bob heroes! Thank you, Sandra Gacio and Michael Kotler, Sharon and Linda Dobbs — and Rick Kantner, Tracey and Kenny Locke, Barbara and Jay was our most festive Marshall, Tara and Drew Newsom, Linda and Lou Santoro, and delicious ever. Maureen Stafford/John and Nancy Hill and Leslie and Brian We are indeed blessed to be able to live and raise our families Waechter. in such a generous, gracious community. If you have not yet At our September Tour Committee meeting members voted had the opportunity to participate in a Candlelight Tour, please unanimously to contribute a portion of the profit to two charities. consider getting involved in the 2009 Tour. Your talents, energy Thus, St. Petersburg Free Clinic and Big Brothers Big Sisters each and ideas are welcome! Contact Julia Brazier at 895-4443 or received a donation in the amount of $3,450, with the balance of [email protected]. Homeowner Confidential: An Insider’s Story by Tracey Locke kay, so there was a lot of cleaning…in our case, tuck Minnesota made The Old Northeast part of their travel itinerary. ing things away in closets. But the preparation that A gentleman who is a tour guide at the Frank Lloyd Wright com- Owent into getting our home ready for the Candlelight munity of homes in Spring Green, Wisconsin, also paid a visit. Tour of Homes was well worth it. First of all, it gave me the extra The out-of-town guests were a treat. But the real highlight incentive I needed to get my decorating done early this year. When for me was meeting the family that had lived in our home for my in-laws were just venturing into the attic to take inventory at more than 50 years. We are the fifth family to live here. The Thanksgiving, I was done. The only work I had left was flipping man who built the house in 1925 only stayed a few years. The on the switch to the outdoor lights. Major-Yon family purchased it in the 1930s and passed it down Leading up to the Tour, the committee was kind enough to through three generations. The grandchildren are all grown up include our family in the planning of the event. We had input as and some still live in Pinellas County. One sister came on the to which charities would receive proceeds this year. I was thrilled tour specifically to see her childhood home. The other sister that Big Brothers/Big Sisters as well as the St. Petersburg Free happened to be on the Tour and was completely taken by Clinic benefited greatly from our little neighborhood soiree. surprise to see the familiar address on the map. I reunited the Of course, it’s not so little. Nearly 1,000 visitors attended the Tour family with their grandfather’s well-worn walking cane from and more than 100 people gathered on the night before the tour for a the 1933 Chicago’s World Fair which we had unearthed during a preview party. All the participating homeowners as well as the many major garage cleaning last year. In exchange, they shared some volunteers who handled the advertising, publicity, transportation and wonderful memories about this place that we now call home. other planning details got a “sneak peak” at the homes. We have a window seat in the master bedroom that we use for For the day of the event, we had rounded up a few friends to help linens which my son has made into a hide-and-seek haven. Ap- us keep the crowd moving. One of my friends who volunteered parently, great minds think alike — our visitors from the past said it was a wonderful kickoff to the holiday season. She had used to hide in the very same spot! They also confirmed what enjoyed the preview festivities, but she really raved about all the I already knew. This is a house filled with happy memories of people she met at the Tour. People traveled from far and wide to first steps, first kisses and family milestones shared together. our little historic corner of St Pete. One family on vacation from And no ghosts!

Page 28 Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s Codes Compliance Assistance – City of St. Petersburg

Permit requirements helps insure the safety, workmanship, and For any size project, it is a good idea to call ahead and check for quality of any construction, installations and repairs. Compliance requirements so that you can be prepared when you apply for your with various development and building codes is monitored through- permit. Call the Construction Services and Permitting Department out the process. These measures also help to protect property values for more information at 893-7231. and contribute to the appearance and livability of our City. In order to build, alter or demolish any Examples of Work That Require Per- structures, a permit is required. When you obtain a permit for mits: work and have the work inspected by the City, several good things • House Moving happen: • Building Construction and Repair 1) The proposed work or plan is reviewed by certified people • Demolition of Structures to ensure code compliance and life safety before any work is actually done. • Roofing and Repair 2) A permanent record is created about the • Building Accessory Structures property so that anyone who is interested can • Sheds with larger than 10’ x 10’ Area see that improvements have been done accord- • Pool and Spa Installation (Above and In- ing to code. Ground) 3) The actual work is inspected by certified • Electrical Work people who are concerned with code compliance • Plumbing (water heater, piping, etc.) and life safety. • Mechanical (air-conditioners, heaters, duct- 4) The community is assured that building work, etc.) setbacks and minimum standards for design and • Gas (piping and appliance relocation or construction are met. addition)

Whenever you obtain a permit for any type of work, it is im- portant to remember to call and schedule the required inspections After the Fact Permits with the City 24 hours in advance. If, after 180 days, you have If work was completed at your property without a permit, not had the work inspected, the permit is considered invalid. For even if it was done before you owned the property, you must still property that is not owner-occupied, a licensed contractor must obtain a permit and have the work inspected “after-the-fact.” If obtain permits and perform work. A homeowner (owner/occupant work is in progress without the proper permits, additional pen- of a single-family home or duplex) may obtain their own permit alty fees may apply for attempting to complete work without the and perform work themselves, but only under strict conditions. permits. In many cases, a licensed contractor will be required The homeowner must submit a signed, notarized owner’s affidavit to obtain the permits. If you have received a violation notice which states that they are acting as their own contractor and are from the City for work without a permit, you should take the taking full responsibility for these actions. violation notice along with your other paperwork to: To get a permit for work on a small residential project, you will Construction Services and Permitting need to pay the required fee and provide personal identification to 1st Floor prove you can legally obtain the permit. Drawings prepared by a Municipal Services Center licensed professional may be required. One 4th Street North Downtown St. Petersburg If you have questions about whether a licensed contractor, Codes Compliance Assistance plans, or drawings are required, call ahead at 893-7231. Municipal Services Center Building— 3rd Floor Old Northeast One 4th Street North St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727-893-7373 Curiosities Fax: 727-893-5558 Walking Tour Visit www.stpete.org/codes.htm See page 23

Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s Page 29 How Does Your Garden Grow?

Requirements Home owners can use this checklist to perform yard maintenance that will comply with the City Code: Yard • Mow the lawn so that grass is ten (10) inches or less in overall Maintenance height and maintain ground cover plants at an overall height of twenty-four (24) inches or less. Standards • Edge or remove growth from driveways, sidewalks, curb lines, and gutters. • Trim hedge heights to 5 feet or less in front yards on residential property (hedges on private property are only regulated within 5 feet of the property line). Contact the department for more details City of St. Petersburg on hedge Yard Maintenance Standards regulations in side yards, rear yards, non-residential property Private property owners are responsible for routine maintenance or waterfront property. of plant material on their property and in abutting right-of-way • Shrubs and trees over the public sidewalks must be trimmed areas. Yard maintenance standards were adopted in the City up to a height of eight feet to allow motorists to see past them and Code: to allow pedestrians to walk under them. • for public safety purposes • Remove vegetation which is a hazard to public safety, such as • to maintain visibility along streets and intersections vegetation with thorns, from the right-of-way area. • to improve the general appearance of the City’s neighbor- • Trim trees over the street or alley to a height of fourteen feet hoods above the street or alley surface. • to protect the environment • Provide vegetative ground cover, such as grass, for all exposed • to preserve sewer and other utility systems sand or soil areas. Grass helps hold soil in place that might otherwise wash away. This erosion harms the property and can block City storm water sewers. • Take grass clippings, tree trimmings and other vegetative material to the City brush sites. Disposing of such material on streets, right-of-ways, waterways, other people’s property, or in the City storm water system is prohibited. The use of mulching lawn equipment is encouraged. • If a tree must be removed, acquire a permit. This applies to any tree of two inches or more trunk diameter at breast height, whether it is on the private property or the right-of-way. A few exotic or invasive tree species are exempt from permit requirements.

Codes Compliance Assistance Municipal Services Center Building—3rd Floor One 4th Street North St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: 727-893-7373 Fax: 727-893-5558 Visit www.stpete.org/codes.htm

Page 30 Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s Worship Service: Sundays 10:30am

This ad courtesy of HONNA in appreciation of Westminster’s gen- erous support of the Association

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Hi s t o r i c Ol d No r t h e a s t Ne i g h b o r h oo d Ne w s Page 31 Next Neighborhood Meeting: Monday, March 16th, at 7pm All Neighborhood Potluck (see p.1) All neighborhood residents invited Prsrt Std Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association U.S. Postage Paid P.O. Box 76324 St. Petersburg FL Permit #1020 St. Petersburg, FL 33734 www.honna.org

In this issue

• All Neighborhood Potluck • Myakka State Park • Touring Our Alleys • Candlelight Tour Wrap Up ...and much more

Portfolio: Old Northeast Old NE has charisma, style & a unique charm, and at 1400 Beach Dr. NE & the Italianate Estate built by history unequalled in popular hotspots in Florida. It Ambassador Averill Harriman at 1730 Beach Dr NE. has staying power! The signature home on Cherry with 54ft pool, the cottage Most homes differ from one another in their varied gem on 1801 Beach Dr NE, the Tudor on 18th Ave NE, styles & eras, unique locations, their proximity to the the Colonials on 16th & 18th Ave. NE the Mediterranean park or waterfront, their renovations, not to mention with guest home on 16th Ave NE, & the Mediterranean quirky details often found in this area. Last week I spoke on 15th Ave NE with large lot. to a couple who reminded me how difficult it was to All elegant vintage restored beauties with great layouts, move to Old NE a few years ago because of the limited design & details. In addition to the vintage restorations, availability of notable homes in Old NE. Now they wish there is the beautiful Cambridge home at 819 15th Ave they could sell their home on the beach to return here, NE & the completely renovated ( to new in 2006) home as there is a large selection of quality homes in the area. at 2320 Coffee Pot Blvd. NE (neither has a sign in the Take a look at my portfolio of listings as an example. yard) These historic homes, plus more in Old NE & Available today are some of the most prestigious the varied listings on Snell Isle and surrounding areas landmark estates near the waterfront in Old NE: Namely provide a wealth of choices for the buyer and at reason- the Gracious Mediterranean Estate, built by Flora Wylie able prices. www.AlonaDishy.com Top Award Winning Producer: Chairman’s Awards, Diamond and Double Diamond Awards (727) 458-8037 (727)823-8000 ext 129 Realty Executives

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