JANUARY / 2015 ISSUE 30

REMEMBERING THE BLACKTHORN 35 Years Ago This Month When someone mentions the USCGC Blackthorn wreck, many people think you mean the great dive site off the coast of Pinellas County. Most people do not realize there was an actual accident and what the circumstances were that lead up to it , which at the time, was the worst Coast Guard maritime disaster in non-wartime history. The USCGC Blackthorn was a 180-foot buoy tender that had been brought to Tampa for repairs. January 28, 1980, a Monday night, it left the Port of Tampa in route home to Galveston, Texas. On the way out of Tampa Bay, it passed under the Skyway Bridge and began overtaking the Russian cruise ship Kazakhstan. Some say the bright lights of the cruise ship may have been a factor in the impending accident. Coming the other way was the the SS Capricorn, a large 605-foot oil tanker carrying 150,000 barrels of oil. Those who know the channel, know that there is a severe “S” shaped curve in the main section of the channel, just west of the Skyway. In the 1980s, it was even more extreme than today. Rules of navigation call for all ships to pass port-to-port (left side to left side). That means, as the USCG Blackthorn pulled out and began to pass the Russian ship, it found itself heading head-on into the SS Capricorn. At 8:21 pm, in near total darkness, they collided. Half the crew on the USCG Blackthorn were down below; some were sleeping. The actual wreck itself did not sink the USCG Blackthorn, what followed did. Since it was entering Tampa Bay, the SS Capricorn had its anchors in a ready position. Upon collision, the port anchor, weighing 13,500 lbs., dropped to the water hitting the USCG Blackthorn on its port/forward side ripping a large hole in the side of the smaller ship. When the crew of the SS Capricorn attempted to withdraw the anchor and pull away from the helpless USCG Blackthorn, it dragged the ship, causing it to go into a roll. Luckily, none of the SS Capricorn’s cargo of oil spilled into Tampa Bay, but the USCG Blackthorn’s fuel did. Sailors who had been called to the deck were thrown into the cold 54-degree water, now full of the USCG Blackthorn’s gas and oil. 23 crewmen died. Most of the sailors who died were below the main deck because many of them never made it to the top deck. 27 were crewmen were rescued. The accident took less than three minutes from start to finish. Dispatched rescue boats rushed to the scene and plucked the Coast Guardsmen out of the water. Some were found clinging to the Skyway Bridge’s bulkheads. The next morning, Navy divers searched the ship, at that point in 40 feet of water and found no survivors. Officially, it was labeled an accident. Both ships were faulted for being too near the center of the narrow channel. Lt. Cmdr. James Sepel, Captain of the USCG Blackthorn, was transfered to another ship and retired eight years later . On the ship that night was young Seaman Apprentice William Flores. Down below, he rushed to the storage area and spent his last minutes dispensing life jackets to fellow crewmen. Twenty years later, he was honored posthumously with the Coast Guard Medal. In 2010, a new Sentinel-Class fast response cutter was named the Flores, in his honor. Changes were made as a result of the disaster. A special Coast Guard class for ship commanders was created - The Command and Operations School at the New London, Connecticut Coast Guard Academy. Every Coast Guard officer responsible for the navigation of a ship must attend the two week class. The Coast Guard raised standards for emergency training and equipment aboard vessels. Improvements were made to shipping channel navigational aids and it led to a better system of tracking vessels traveling through busy channels. In Tampa Bay’s Channel, range lights were added to help incoming and outgoing channel traffic. A memorial was erected at the north end of the Skyway Bridge Causeway to honor and remember the 23 seamen who died that night. On Wednesday, January 28th a ceremony will be held for the 35th Anniversary. Part of the

rememberance includes the ringing of a ship’s bell while the

t n e d i s e R t n e r r u C r O names of the crew members who died are read. By Bob Griffin, Publisher ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER

ROTARY OF ST. PETERSBURG 898.6744 CREDITS CITY NUMBERS Paula Adams, Ex Sec. SPRotary.org SNELL ISLE HOMEOWNERS CITY HALL . . . 893-7171 Scott Youngblood, President ...... 175 Fifth Street North www.stpete.org ST. PETE COLLEGE ...... 341-4249 SUNSHINE CENTER ...... 821-2323 MAYOR OFFICE ...... 893-7201 UNIVERSITY SOUTH FLORIDA 873-4873 MAYOR - Rick Kriseman ------CITY COUNCIL - Vice Chair Steve Kornell • PINELLAS COUNTY INFO . . . . 464-3000 Wengay "Newt" Newton • Chair Bill Dudley COMMISSION OFFICES ...... 464-3377 • Charlie Gerdes • Jim Kennedy • Amy Ken Welch ...... 464-3614 This newsletter is published by Foster • Karl Nurse • Darden Rice STATE: GRIFFIN PRODUCTIONS, Inc. CITY COUNCIL ADMIN...... 893-7117 Senator Jeff Brandes . . . . . 727-395-2512 and is mailed to many occupied Terri Lipsey Scott Republican, District 22 residences in Downtown St. INFORMATION ...... 893-7111 3637 Fourth St. N., Suite 101 St. Petersburg’s zip code 33701 and BUILDING PERMITS ...... 893-7231 Petersburg 33704. We are not associated BUSINESS SUPPORT LINE . . . 893-7000 [email protected] with the City of St. Petersburg. CITY CLERK ...... 893-7448 Representative Dwight Dudley . 552-2747 CODES COMPLIANCE/ASSIST . 893-7373 Dist. 68 - 3637 4th Street N., St. Pete ENTERTAINMENT HOTLINE . . 892-5700 PUBLISHER [email protected] LEISURE SERVICES ...... 893-7207 Governor Rick Scott Bob & Becky Griffin MIRROR LAKE LIBRARY . . . . . 893-7268 [email protected] PLANNING & ZONING . . . . . 893-7471 FLORIDA UNITED STATES SENATORS : ART DIRECTION SANITATION ...... 893-7334 Marco Rubio ...... 202-224-3041 Becky Griffin UTILITY ACCOUNTS ...... 893-7341 www.Rubio.Senate.gov EMERGENCIES ...... 9-1-1 SALES Bill Nelson ...... 202-224-5274 FIRE DEPARTMENT ...... 893-7694 727-517-1997 www.BillNelson.Senate.gov POLICE NON-EMERGENCY . . . 893-7780 AREA UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE: CONTACT INFO POLICE TEXT MESSAGE . . . . . 420-8911 Kathy Castor ...... 727- 873-2817 POLICE TIP VOICE LINE . . . . . 892-5000 P.O. Box 1314 ------511 Second St. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 www.castor.house.gov Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785 BREAKFAST OPT IMISTS . . . . . 522-6143 ------517 -1997 ~ 517 -1 998 FAX First Friday Street Party CHAMBER OF COMMERCE . . . 821-4069 LOCAL ATTRACTIONS StPeteDowntownNewsletter.com AMERICAN STAGE ...... 823-1600 COUNCIL OF NEIGHBORHOODS ASSN We would like to hear from you. Is Michael Gulley ...... 244-8374 FLORIDA HOLOCAUST MUSEUM 820-0100 DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSN 823-4394 FLORIDA ORCHESTRA . . . . . 892-3331 there something you would like to Meeting: 3rd Wed of each month (8AM) GREAT EXPLORATIONS . . . . 821-8992 see included in this newsletter? DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOC . JANNUS LANDING ...... 896-2276 Tell us what you think at Gary Grooms, President . . . 404-667-3970 MAHAFFEY THEATER ...... 892-5798 stpetedna.org MUNICIPAL MARINA ...... 893-7329 [email protected] DOWNTOWN RESIDENTS CIVIC ASSN MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS . . . . .896-2667 © 2015 Griffin Productions, Inc. Marion Lee ...... 894-9491 MUSEUM OF HISTORY . . . . . 894-1052 DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP . 821-5166 PALADIUM THEATRE ...... 822-3590 100 Second Ave., Suite 150 SALVADOR DALI MUSEUM . . .823-3767 ST. PETERSBURG FRIENDS OF SUNSHINE CENTER 821-2323 ST. PETERSBURG OPERA . . . . 823-2040 DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER FRIENDS MIRROR LAKE LIBRARY STATE THEATRE ...... 895-3045 Wayne Finely, President . . 813-767-5503 STUDIO @ 620 ...... 895-6620 SUNKEN GARDENS ...... 551-3100 We are always trying to include HISTORIC OLD NE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSN Peter Motzenbecker President . 342-0653 CHIHULY COLLECTION . . . 822-7872 more of your news. People who live GWFC ST PETE WOMAN’S CLUB 822-4982 THE COLISEUM ...... 892-5202 downtown, plus the Snell Isle and 40 Snell Isle Blvd N.E. TAMPA BAY RAYS . . . . . 800-FAN-RAYS Old Northeast areas want to know NORTHEAST EXCHANGE CLUB 528-3828 TROPICANA FIELD ...... 825-3137 what is happening in their area. NORTHEAST LITTLE LEAGUE . 526-9602 That is why, if you have news or events, please contact us. This newsletter survives on local St. Petersburg at night advertising. Please tell your home suppliers such as pool companies, lawn care, electricians, etc about us. If you are a resident of our mailing area and advertise, you will receive a discount. We produce similar newsletters in four other areas: Indian Rocks Beach, Clearwater Beach and Belleair. You can read this and other issues online at StPeteDowntownNewsletter.com.

SEE YOU AGAIN IN MARCH! ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER

WALKATHDONi Sdou thYeaosteurn Know... HAPPY HOUR and More... Guide Dogs’ Walkathon is WITH THE February 28, 2015 in Vinoy HISTORIAN Park. This 3K Walkathon This lecture series, appeals to the whole family, sponsored by the because you can bring your St. Petersburg dog. Create a team and if it Museum of History, raises $5,000, you can features an evening of wine, words and wisdom every name a new guide dog other month. The next one, March 12, features Dennis puppy. Visit Schrader: From Marilyn to Madden - Baseball and the guidedogswalkathon.org to Sunshine City . The evening begins at 6:30 pm and sign up, raise funds, and set admission is a $5 suggested donation and includes up or join a team. Call viewing Museum of History’s exhibits after the speaker. 941-729-5665, for The museum is located at 335 2nd Avenue NE on the information. This is their main a______pproach to The Pier. fundraiser for the school that provides guide dogs at no cost to the visually impaired. NO DOCKS Do you use the free docks next to Fresco’s ______Waterfront Bistro? They are closed now through the end FREE PARKING Muvico 20 has agreed to extend free of February while the city rebuilds the seawall. However, if parking for their patrons. Theater customers who park at you need to dock nearby, call the City’s Municipal the Sundial Garage (117 Second St. N.) will show the Marina at 893-7329. They may be able accommodate movie theater cashier their Sundial Garage parking y______ou at the transient dock, if space is available! ticket while purchasing movie ticket(s) and receive $1 off BOAT DRIVERS NEEDED Clearwater Community Sailing a movie ticket purchase. Upon exiting the garage, Center has three major regattas the first week in February. patrons will pay $1 for up to four hours of parking. ______To be able to host these regattas,18 safety boat driver are needed for the week of Feb. 5 – 8. You can sign up for just RUN FOR THE BREWS A downtown running club meets the days you are available. Ideal boats are 13- 14 foot three times a week and runs various distances in locations RIB's, or 16-21 foot center console outboards. They will around town. They end most jaunts at a local pub. Check have a training day and a meeting before the regatta. Call them out at www.RunningForBrews.com for their times an Rich White at (727) 517-7776, if interested. locations. ______GARDEN HELP DESK UF/IFAS Extension provides NEED ANOTHER COPY OF THIS NEWSLETTER? Pick solutions for all types of questions concerning garden, one up at the UPS Stores at 200 2nd Avenue S. and in lawn and landscape care. Visit the help desk at 12520 the Old Northeast area at 204 37th Street N. While you Ulmerton Road, Largo, Monday - Friday, 8 am. to 5 pm. are there check out their range of products and services ______including printing, packing, shipping, and mailbox. ______RECYCLE PLASTIC Americans throw away 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour. Five recycled plastic bottles REALTORS GIVE BACK The Pinellas County Realtor provides enough fiber to create one square foot of carpet Organization, Affiliate Business Partners (PRO) presented or enough fiber-fill to fill one ski jacket. Recycling one ton All Children’s Hospital with a $10,000 check in of plastic bottles saves the equivalent of the amount of December. The money was raised at PRO’s Fall and energy used by a two person household for one year. W______ine Festival. ______LIBRARY TO TURN 100 THIS YEAR Mirror Lake DIVE SITE The USCGC Blackthorn was sunk as an Library is one hundred years old this year. The official artificial reef, about 20 miles off the Pinellas shoreline in opening date was December 1, of 1915. It was built about 80 feet of water. The wreck has attracted marine originally with Carnegie funds. The Library is located at life including Goliath grouper, snapper, mackerel and 2______80 Fifth Street North, just north of City Hall. even some whale sharks. The coordinates are LAT 27- 5______2.570 N. at LONG 083-11.166 W. HAVE YOU TRIED SHUFFLEBOARD DO YOU HAVE A DOWNTOWN PO BOX? If you are LATELY? The St Pete a PO Box owner, this may be the first time you have Shuffleboard club seen this newsletter. For the first time, the Downtown St meets at 7pm every Pete Newsletter, now in our Friday at the City’s fifth year, is being mailed Shuffle Board courts, to the PO Boxes at the St. 559 Mirror Lake Petersburg Open Air Drive N. They play Station. We attempt to and socialize from 7 reach 100% of the nearby to 11pm. Visit downtown market and now www.StPeteShuffle.com have a circulation of or call 822-2083, for approximately 13,000 information. households, businesses and ______box holders. Enjoy! OUR NEXT ISSUE IS MARCH Read this, as well as other issues, online at stpetedowntownnewsletter.com ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER HAVE A FAVORITE CHILI RECIPE? “ST PETERSBURG THROUGH Join The Second Time Arounders Marching Band with TIME” A BOOK BY JAMES SCHNUR your best chili recipe at the 7th Annual Chili Cook-Off Book Review by Bob Griffin, Publisher on January 31, at Ferg’s Sports Bar, 1320 Central Just when I thought I knew it all… Avenue – it’s shaping up to be the best yet! Enter your I read a lot of local history books. favorite recipe and try for a chance to win fabulous Anything written about St Petersburg, prizes including weekend getaways, valuable gift cards, the Pinellas County area and even or local sports team items. Florida interests me. I love visiting out The Chili Cook-Off is the Band’s largest fundraiser of the way bookstores where I might find a new book on local history. raising funds for the University of Tampa band camp scholarships…and it is a LOT of fun with all the chili you Eckerd College History professor can eat, a DJ, dancing, plus great raffle prizes! You can James Schnur, who is also the enter the cook-off for $25 and that gets you all the chili President of the Pinellas County you can eat and drinks! If you just want to eat, we need Historical Society, recently released St eaters too - the cost is $10 for all the chili you can eat. Petersburg Through Time, which gives a new perspective on our area’s Find out all about the Band, how it works and meet history. some of the members at the New Member Orientation Most of the time, I am reading about things I already know, immediately prior to the Chili Cook-Off at 11am - also including Indians, the Spanish, and British explorers, early at Ferg’s on January 31. American settlers, the development of the railroad which If you’ve ever marched in a high school, college, or led to the development of our state, county and city. This military marching band, please consider joining the book though, brings history to life with many sets of photos, Rounders! If you enjoyed it then, join them today and do one showing an early photo, paired with a second photo of it all over again! The Second Time Arounders Marching how it looks today. Band was started with you in mind…33 years ago! The book is very easy read with its many pictures and For additional information on the Chili Cook—Off, extensive photo captions. Most of the pages are laid out in e-mail Shelly Anderson: [email protected]. the then-and-now format, in categories including The For information on the New Member Orientation, call or Waterfront, Downtown, and Nearby Neighborhoods which e-mail David Jamieson at 727-421-0520 or are areas not necessarily downtown, but are included in a [email protected]. chapter named “Short Drives”. I enjoyed the Introduction, which covered the Ice Ages about which little has been written, the early Indian years, the OPEN YOUR HEART” FASHION Spanish occupation and early life in 18th century Florida. SHOW AND LUNCHEON But I most enjoyed the old photos of places I drive by daily. The 12th Anniversary “Open Your Heart” Fashion Show You can pick up a copy St Petersburg Through Time at the and Luncheon will be Thursday, February 26, 2015 at Barnes And Noble bookstore on the USFSP campus, 10 am, in the Inverness Room, Innisbrook Resort & Golf Haslam’s Book Store on Central Avenue, the St. Petersburg Club, located at 36750 U.S. Hwy 19 N, Palm Harbor. Museum of History on 2nd Ave North and other local bookstores or you can order a copy on Amazon.com. This signature event in support of The Arc Tampa Bay, the new name for UPARC, will feature a choreographed Proceeds go to the USF Foundation to support the USFSP high energy fashion show presented by Georgette Diaz Digital Archive of the USFSP Poynter Library. of Georgette’s Boutique. Audiences will be wowed by celebrity models wearing exquisite fashions from BOCCE BALL TOURNAMENT Georgette’s Boutique set to music and a light show. The Downtown Waterfront Parks Foundation is planning Guests can shop for fashions, shoes and accessories their inaugural Bocce Ball Tournament Saturday, March 7, before and after the show and purchase items made by from 5 – 9 pm at Elva Rouse Park (North Shore Drive the individuals served by The Arc Tampa Bay. between 10th & 13th Avenues NE.) The doors open at 10 am to allow guests time to shop, The Downtown Waterfront Parks Foundation was created in 2012 to raise funds to supplement the City’s budget for enter the Chinese Raffle with thousands of dollars in maintenance and beautification of our downtown waterfront prizes and to enjoy the ambience and libations with parks. Its mission is to support preservation and friends in Inverness Hall. A gourmet lunch and a 50/50 enhancement of the waterfront parks for residents and raffle hosted by The Arc’s Hunks make the day visitor’s enjoyment. The Foundation is volunteer driven, with memorable while raising money for a great cause. a governing board and an active advisory board. The “Open Your Heart” Fashion Show and Luncheon, is This Foundation fundraiser will feature an elimination bocce a popular event, frequently sold-out with a waiting list. tournament, with open courts for recreation play as Tickets may be purchased individually for $80 or tables elimination progresses. Food trucks and a cash bar will be of ten may be reserved at $800. Sponsorships beginning available, with a portion of food & beverage proceeds at $500 are available. being donated to the Foundation. For reservations or information, contact The Arc Tampa Tickets are $25 for either players or spectators. Register Bay Foundation at (727) 797-8712 or e-mail online at www.bocceballstpete.com. Sponsors are needed. [email protected] or visit Contact Don Howe [email protected] or www.thearctbfoundation.org 727-422-5205. Visit WaterfrontParksFoundation.org. ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER PURE NATURAL NAIL LOUNGE OPENS 2015 CALENDAR OF LOCAL EVENTS St. Petersburg’s newest JANUARY MFA Monet to Matisse 7 M a h a ff e y T h e a t e r P in k Floyd Experience 6 all-natural nail lounge Home Show Tropicana 23-25 T h e P i e r P r e s e n t a ti o n s C o li s e u m 11-12 F l e a M a r k e t o n G r a n d C e n t r a l 7 and spa, Pure Natural American Stage Night Radio Golf 23 S e c o n d T h u r s d a y o n T he Plaza 12 Annual Bocce Tourn North Shore Park 7 Nail Lounge, founded by The Pier: Short List Determined 23 T r a d e J o e ’ s O p e n in g 13 A w a k e n i n g L i f e s t y l e F e stival Straub Park 7-8 nail industry experts Coy Bentley, wife Tutu, sister Home Show Tropicana Field 23-25 V a l e n t i n e ’ s D a y 14 F e s ti v a l o f S p e e d V in o y Park 8 Lan Pratt also a State of the City Mayor Kriseman 24 V a le n t in e ’ s D a y 5 K R u n Downtown 14 S a n t a n a C o n c e r t a t M a haffey Theater 8 healthcare professional, Heritage Village Folk Festival 24 B i g B a n d V a l e n t in e D a n c e C o li s e u m 14 D a y li g h t S a v i n g s T i m e B e g i n s 8 and brother-in-law Tim Dali Museum Fuzion Dance Artists 24 N O O D R e g a t t a S t P e t e Y a c h t C l u b 1 3 - 1 5 S i n g O f f L iv e M a h a ff e y T heater 11 opened in December. The Merle Haggard Mahaffey Theater 27 W i l d K r a tt s L i v e M a h a ffey Theater 15 J r S u n g o d d e s s F i n a l s S t P e te Y a cht Club 11 spa raises the bar on sanitization, serenity, and customer Ballroom with a Twist Mahaffey Theater 28 B r id a l S h o w , C o li s e u m 15 S e c o n d T h u r s d a y o n T h e P l a za 12 service. From the jet-less pedicure baths that prevent Seniors Expo Coliseum 28 P r e s i d e n t ’ s D a y 16 Boat Show Tropicana Field 13-15 backflow bacteria to disposable, medical-grade equipment, Florida Legends Rock & Roll Coliseum 30 S c h o o l s c l o s e d 16 Walk to Defeat ALS Northshore Park 14 the owners hand selected the very best in the nail salon Gasparilla Invasion 3 1 M a h a f fe y T h e a t e r R h y thm of Dance 17 G r e a t A m e r i c a n C le a n Up 14 industry to go above and beyond the standard for Chili Cook Off, Grand Central District 31 L e n t B e g in s 18 P u b li c S c h o o l s C lo s e d 16 sterilization and cleanliness. Chili Cook Off Ferg’s Sports Bar 31 D ia n a R o s s C o n c e r t M a h a f f e y Theater 18 S t P a tr i c k ’s D a y 17 Pure Natural Nail Lounge is a refreshing change. Each client AWAPS Young Eagles Albert Whitted 31 C h a m b e r ’ s B u s in e s s E xpo Coliseum 19 M a h a ff e y T h e a te r N i g ht of Queen 19 is greeted with a smile, a warm hand towel and revitalizing Little League End of Registration 31 K i d s a n d C u b s v s M a y or’s Team 21 S p r i n g B e g in s 20 lemon water. The wine and beer menu includes craft beers Dinner with Alex Cobb Tropicana Field 31 from local breweries and non-sulfide, organic wine. Rays Fan Fest Tropicana Field 21 P ie r F in a l P l a n S e le c ti o n 20 Fine Arts event in North Straub 31-1 L u x u r y L i v i n g L i fe s t y l e E xpo 21 A n t iq u a r ia n B o o k F a ir Coliseum 20-22 Pure Natural Nail Lounge uses only organic products and is FEBRUARY Coastline Festival Vinoy Park 21 S u n c o a s t e r ’ s 5 K R u n N orth Straub Park 26 cognizant of what they use on a client’s skin and nails. They Super Bowl Sunday 1 offer waxing, massage, facials and make-up application, Paul Reiser at Palladium Theater 21 I ll u m in a te d G r a n d P r i x N i g h t P arade 26 and their Sparitual SLOW BEAUTY® manicures/pedicures Ground Hog Day 2 G i r l s N ig h t a t P a l la d i u m Theater 27 C l o t h e s 2 K i d s L u n c h e on Coliseum 26 are the ultimate spa experience. *Florida State Fair Opens 5 S E G u i d e D o g s W a l k a thon Vinoy 28 G r a n d P r i x 5 K R u n V i noy Park 27 Wine Weekend Museum of Fine Arts 6-8 “In my healthcare career, I’ve seen the damaging effects of Little League Opening Day 28 F ir e s to n e S t P e t e G r a n d Prix 27-29 stress and harsh chemicals on overall health,” Lan says. First Friday 6 Z o o t a s t ic F e s t a t G r e a t Explorations 28 G lu t e n F r e e f o r L i f e E x p o C o liseum 28 “We want to help restore client’s well-being by providing a Flea Market on Grand Central 7 M A R C H Public Schools Spring Break Begins 30 natural and healthy environment where they can de-stress *LOCAL-TOPIA Williams Park 7 R a y s S p r i n g T r a i n i n g o pens 5 R a y s S p r i n g T r a i n in g Ends 31 and rejuvenate.” There is a private room for couples, also MFA Founders Day Free Day at MFA 7 F i r s t F r id a y 6 popular for mother daughter retreats. The party lounge comes with a party planner for stress-free planning for brides, birthdays and groups. Pure Natural Nail Lounge, at 101 1st Ave. N., is a welcomed addition to St. Petersburg! Visit PureNaturalNailLounge.com or call (727) 914-7655. SECOND THURSDAY ON THE PLAZA The Mahaffey Theater's year-long 50th anniversary celebration began this month with their first of many Second Thursday on The Plaza events. During the free outdoor concert, food trucks will be available between the Mahaffey Theater and the Dali Museum. During Second Thursday events the Mahaffey will offer tours through the corridors of the theater to areas rarely seen publicly. Dates for the next two events are Feb 12 with The Greg Billings Band and March 12 with Come Back Alice. All events are 6:30pm to 9pm. HELP FOR HOMELESS WOMEN St. Petersburg Free Clinic celebrated the ground breaking of the new Virginia and David Baldwin Women’s Residence, a 50 bed facility replacing the current 20 bed home that receives over 200 inquires per month from homeless women seeking help. The future residence is at 814 4th Avenue N. Established in 1989, St. Petersburg Free Clinic Women’s Residence provides a safe place to stay as well as support services to single homeless women as they work toward self-sufficiency. Residents stay from six to twelve months, while working to save money, set goals and build life skills. More than 70% of women who join the program successfully transition to self-sufficiency and stable housing. Last year, Free Clinic Women’s Residence provided shelter and support to 66 women. This will allow the Free Clinic to more than double that number. Private donors are providing all of the funding to make this dream a reality. ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER IT'S SO GOOD TO BE LOVED BY A DOG by Bob Clark, Belleair Christian Science practitioner After the Newtown, Conn., tragedy, Tim Hetzner of the On a recent flight I was happy to find my bulkhead seat Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs team, traveled neighbor was a black Lab. He was trained to anticipate and there with nine specially trained golden retrievers and their respond to his owner's seizures. The response part seemed volunteer handlers from the Addison, Ill.-based group. natural, but the anticipate part was new to me. I asked the "A lot of times, kids talk directly dogs," Hetzner says. "They're owner how it works. She had no idea but confirmed her dog like counselors with fur. They have excellent listening skills, and always knew before she did and would let her know if a demonstrate unconditional love. They don't judge or talk back." seizure was imminent and help her through it. Amazing. According to scientists who study this healing phenomenon, Reminds me of a Bible passage I've sometimes wondered dogs' unconditional love stems from the fact that they are one about: "Ask now the beasts and they shall teach thee" (Job of the only species that does not generally exhibit xenophobia , 12:7). Is it possible that there is a lot more about health that the fear of strangers. Instead, dogs are xenophilic, meaning doesn't have to be invented as much as discovered? they tend to love strangers. Researchers are still asking questions about how dogs can So is it the dog that has this therapeutic effect? Or the love anticipate seizures and how reliable the ability is. But there expressed by the dog? If it's the dog's message (I love you no was no question in the owner's mind. If she were headed matter what!) as much as the messenger, what's the larger toward a seizure her dog was on it and led her through it. message to us about the healing power of unconditional love? And where does this love really come from? Dogs are getting a lot of attention for their ability to love us through our health challenges. Colleges and universities, My father, who grew up attending Christian Science Sunday from Yale to Eckerd, are bringing in therapy dogs to reduce school, often wondered about three words on the church student stress. Veterans struggling with PTSD are finding wall: "God is love" (I John 4:8). Much later, as he lay dying comfort and healing with canine therapy. from a machine gun wound in the South Pacific during World War II, those words came strongly to thought as something he "As the Army struggles to address the broad swath of stress could hang on to and believe in. He credits his survival to disorders and mental health problems brought on by more actually feeling the power of that love. It may be that dogs than a decade of war, one of the biggest hurdles is getting just naturally have a way to tap into that huge love and offer soldiers to seek treatment," Fox News reported. Dogs really it to us without conditions or constraints. shine here. Even the most battle-hardened warriors tend to I expect we'll keep learning about dogs' natural ability to love melt in the presence of a wagging tail. without expectation or condition. Maybe that learning will Ron, a 3-year-old golden retriever-Lab mix, holds the rank of help us see how to love more unconditionally, too. More a one-star general and his designated military occupation is divinely. Our "best friend" can help us find that healing ability a "psych tech." He's trained to bring tissues to distressed and its infinite source in ourselves. patients and put his head on a person's lap who is stressed. Read Bob Clark’s blog at simplyhealthyflorida.com. ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER ST. PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER CHURCH’S STAINED GLASS WINDOWS TOAST THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS by Ginny Sexton, First United Methodist Church Docent The MFA’s 50th Anniversary in 2015 will be truly golden. Estates. The wines will be St. Petersburg’s emergence as a center for the arts may seem recent to many The Museum and The Margaret Acheson Stuart Society are selected by Mr. Boisset. unaware of First United Methodist Church’s ten magnificent, “Tiffany-Style,” bringing art and wine royalty to the community. Monet to Cheers to 50 Years! American stained glass windows. They are mostly interpretations of well-known Matisse - On the French Coast (February 7-May 31) International Wine Auction on religious paintings depicting important events in the life of Jesus Christ from birth spotlights masterworks from some of the world’s greatest Saturday, February 7 begins to his ascension. museums, and Wine Weekend St. Pete 2015: Cheers to 50 with a wine-tasting/auction The Gothic revival style church, built in 1926, stands majestically on the corner of Years! (February 6-8) some of the world’s glorious wines. preview will at 2:30 p.m. under 2nd Avenue and 3rd Street North, in the heart of downtown. Placed on the In addition to Monet and Matisse, other artists in this a big tent on the Museum’s National Register of Historic Places in 1990, it offers an exquisite look at a piece landmark exhibition include Renoir, Signac, Bonnard, and north lawn. The live auction of St. Petersburg history and the glorious work of American glass artistry. the talented brothers, Raoul and Jean Dufy. The exhibition starting at 4 p.m. Jeffrey Burchard will be the auctioneer, Henri Matisse (French, 1869- The windows are blown glass and were produced by one of the oldest American also features two paintings by Picasso from the 1930s. 1954) Girl by a Window (1921) Works are coming from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, assisted by Elizabeth Flower studios, the George Hardy Payne Studio of Paterson, NewJersy. Nine windows, and Tom duPont, publisher of the duPont Registry luxury each forty by sixty-three inches, adorn the east and west walls of the sanctuary. the Brooklyn Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago, and The Phillips Collection, as well as from noted private collections. magazines. Russell Rhodes, the popular co-anchor of Good The centerpiece, dominating the south wall of the narthex, is a ten by eighteen Day, Tampa Bay on FOX 13, will be the emcee. A four- foot interpretation of Leonardo da Vinci’s painting, The Last Supper. The original Cheers to 50 Years! will open the exhibition and is taking course French-themed dinner starts at 7:30 pm at the “Café painting is on the north wall of a Dominican Convent, the Santa Maria del Wine Weekend to a new level. The guests of honor, Jean- Montmartre” in the Mary Alice McClendon Conservatory. Grazzi, in Milan, Italy. Even with the change of medium from a painting to glass, Charles Boisset and his wife Gina Gallo, are in the The dinner, prepared by Tyson Grant, will include Burgundy the integrity of the original is maintained. Leonardo intended to show real people, acting like real people, through stratosphere of the wine world. Patricia Rossignol and John and Napa wines from the Boisset Collection. Michel Cornu their body language and emotions. The glass artists captured that feeling so viewers can become part of the William Barger III are the chairs. The Stuart Society, the will create a special dish. Tickets to both the auction and experience. Special interior lighting affords a remarkable view to those who pass by the window at night. Museum’s service and fundraising organization, initiated the dinner are $285 per person. Dress is resort casual. Wine Auction five years ago. This is the third Wine Weekend, Hollywood memorialized the window when Ron Howard featured it as the background for the wedding scene in his The weekend concludes Sunday, February 8, with a movie Cocoon. which has become the premier such event in the area, and the second chaired by Mrs. Rossignol and Mr. Barger. sumptuous Anniversary Brunch from 11 am-2 pm. There All the windows are known for their color, dimension, opalescence and detail achieved by the generous use of several will be wine and champagne tastings, international culinary layers of glass, drapery glass and frit. Drapery glass results from a process used to create ripples and folds which The celebration begins with a black-tie “Evening at delights, and live music. Visitors can also enjoy Monet to give depth and dimension. Frit is the combination of glass crushed into a fine powder and mixed with an oil as Maxim’s” on Friday, February 6, begins at 7 p.m. in the Matisse on its opening weekend and the Museum’s own common as olive oil. It is “painted’” onto a character to create details such as hair, beards, etc. When it is refired, the Marly Room for major sponsors. Tickets are $2,500 per stellar collection. Tickets are $100 and the attire is once oil burns off, while the glass “paint” adheres to the glass. couple and $1,250 for individuals. Jean-Charles Boisset is again resort casual. the guest of honor for the evening, which will feature a six- Through the years, many visitors have appreciated the beauty of these uniquely American windows. That opportunity course dinner of French cuisine prepared by Tyson Grant, The events are all at the Museum of Fine Arts and salute the continues today. Tours led by knowledgeable docents are offered every Wednesday morning at 10 am. Special group Executive Chef of the Parkshore Grill, and Michel Cornu, Belle Époque. Order tickets by calling 727.753.WINE tours can be scheduled by calling the Church Office at 894.4661. For information on the First United Methodist Director of Cuisine and Hospitality for Boisset Family (9463) or online at can be www.WineWeekendSt.Pete.org. Church docents, you can reach Ginny Sexton at 894.3182. ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER Business Briefs... ABC NOW OPEN One of the largest liquor stores in the area, ABC Liquors has reopened at 3535 4th Street N. after a complete remodel, both inside and out. Liz Holland is the manager. Stop in and say hello. ______TRADER JOE’S OPENS NEXT MONTH While still under construction in the 2700 block of 4th Street N., they are planning a February 13th opening. The store is accepting applications in person Monday-Friday, 8am to 5pm, through January 31st. Positions pay $10-$12 an hour for most jobs. Visit TraderJoes.com for employment information or to download an application. ______COMING SOON The large New York company, iQor is relocating their headquarters to downtown St Pete. More than 100 of their employees are expected to transition here with the move into the Tower at One Progress Plaza. The move comes after months of negotiations and tax incentives. “This shows that the county is rich in talent to support tech businesses,” says Karen Seel, County Commissioner. Mayor Rick Kriseman said iQor liked the city’s strategic location, airport, and overall quality of life. He said, “It is the exact kind of business that we need to attract to downtown near the innovation district.” Any new jobs are expected to pay about $84,000. ______ST. PETE CLEARWATER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (PIE) FLIGHTS For those wanting to skip Tampa Airport, Silver Airways is adding service to Fort Lauderdale and Key West from PIE. They now have two flights a day, Monday through Friday, to Fort Lauderdale and one flight per day on weekends. Flights to Key West are being offered daily starting at $119, with no service on Sundays. ______NEST This new furniture and décor store was recently opened at 1545 4th Street North by Shannon Sharp. They are located in the shopping center just south of Bob Lee’s Tires. ______NEW SKYLINE The Kolter Group of West Palm Beach and The Edwards Group have broken ground on a new 41-story mixed use building in the vacant lot east of Jannus Landing. The $300 million project will include 253 condos, plus a 173 room hotel. There will also be retail on the ground level. The average size of the future condos will be between 1,800 and 1,900 square feet. 25% of them will have three bedrooms. The Kolter Group is also building the Water Club in Snell Isle. ______NEW NAME The apartments complex being built at 430 Third Avenue S. changed its proposed name from The Sol to Beacon 430. They plan to have 326 apartments ranging from studios to three bedroom units and still expect to be open by the end of the year. ______CLOSED Radio Shack in North East Plaza, next to Publix closed last month ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER CAN PEOPLE CHANGE? by Professor Abné M. Eisenberg Conversely, there are those who welcome such a change While a life threatening illness might cause some people to and see it as an exciting challenge. make a change in their lifestyle, most of them prefer to Change of any kind does not occur in a vacuum, but in a keep things as they were. If a six-year old child displays given context. There has to be a readiness and a inconsiderate behavior, chances are that it will be a fifty- willingness to accept change. Some of the consequences year old inconsiderate adult. Perhaps the adage, “The more associated with change are blame, praise, shame or guilt. things change, the more they remain the same “ has some History is replete with the negative and positive side-effects validity. of change. Although people do make changes in their job, residence, Every day, millions make an effort to stop smoking, lose relationships, or eating habits, these changes seldom alter weight, stop drinking or gambling. and become more their basic character or personality. Only those that are tolerant of culturally or racially different people. To be deeply-rooted resist change. successful, each of these aspirations demand will power There are givers and takers. These individuals aggressively and determination. resist being changed. Their actions are reluctantly tolerated Few things are more emotionally gratifying than making a by their family, friends, and social relationships. change that works. When successful, it provides the Change usually involves some degree of risk. Most people confidence to take future risks. Unsuccessful attempts prefer to keep things the way they are. Going from the discourages future risk-taking. A rich and rewarding life known to the unknown is not an inviting option. encourages a willingness and readiness to embrace change and to responsibly accept its consequences. According to Ken Blanchard, a management consultant, there are several dynamics of change. When you ask Without change, civilization is on a slippery slope – people to either think, feel, or do something different, you backwards. Change should never be viewed as a board disrupt their habitual way of doing things. They have game where the number of correct choices declares the difficulty abandoning old ways and adopting new ways, for winner. Each change must be judged on its own merit and example, learning how to use a new computer program, in a specific context. driving a new car with a dashboard that presents twelve Reinhold Niebuhr’s prayer provides us with an emotionally different options, or figuring out how to set the alarm of a moving perspective on change: “God grant me the serenity high-tech time piece. It takes time to change to new ways. A to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to quick and unexpected change can be overwhelming. It can change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the make a susceptible individual mentally or physically ill. difference.” ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER ALL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FLORIDA HOLOCAUST MUSEUM HERITAGE VILLAGE “I am originally from Lima, Peru and have been GET INVOLVED The warmth and touch of a human hand can be The Florida Holocaust Museum has more than volunteering for five years at Ronald McDonald This time of year, many make New Year’s With only three paid staff members, our 400 beneficial to a newborn. Rocking babies with a 70 active and semi-active volunteers fulfilling volunteers allow us to provide programs and House East with well over 400 donated hours. It Resolutions promising to lose weight, exercise lullaby is one of the many valuable services our multiple roles. Many are young students. gives me a great feeling to help others. If there is more, stop smoking, travel more or just do services we would not otherwise be able to offer. dedicated volunteers at All Children’s Hospital Volunteers of all ages work in administrative They are the heart and soul of Heritage Village. any way I can alleviate someone else’s pain, or something different. Why not make that something provide. They also assist with our popular Pet areas, the gift shop, admissions, as gallery help with their needs during a stressful time, I am different volunteering somewhere? In addition, our maintenance and grounds Therapy Program which brings trained dogs into guardians and security assistants, and as event volunteers help us preserve our 30 historic happy to do so. Especially to those that don’t Many local attractions and events would not exist hospital rooms and the library (Paws For greeters. Volunteers also serve as docents in the structures and 21 acres of land, while keeping speak English. That can be very isolating.” without volunteers working behind the scenes Reading) to help kids cope with their illnesses. Museum. Many Holocaust survivors volunteer the site safe for visitors. Last year, our volunteers Carolina Holtz, Ronald McDonald House volunteer donating sometimes hundreds of hours of their Approximately 500 volunteers greet visitors and their time to speak to visiting groups. Volunteers contributed over 32,000 hours of service. That time and expecting nothing in return except the work in 40 departments throughout the hospital, are an invaluable part of the foundation of the 84 year old Romano Moglia volunteers 10 hours a number included hours from our tour week with the St. Pete Police Department. He personal satisfaction of helping others. donating over 30,000 hours of volunteer service museum. New docent training begins soon. If guide/docents, museum greeters, receptionists, Are you ready to become a volunteer? The first per year. To become a volunteer, e-mail Brittany you’d like to become a docent or a volunteer, started in the Communications Center where they historic craft demonstrators, junior docents, asked him to create an Excel spread sheet step is to decide where you want to donate your Circharo, Volunteer Resourses Coordinator at call 727-820-0100 or e-mail historic house caretakers, grounds and time. Pick something you are good at and like to [email protected] or call 767-8671. [email protected]. detailing employee productivity statistics. He then maintenance volunteers, office assistants, moved to Accreditation where he has been since do. Do you like animals? Call Pet Pal Animal RONALD McDONALD HOUSE PINELLAS COUNTY COURTHOUSE archives and collection volunteers, gift shop Shelter or the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. 2005. He became a part-time city employee in July Volunteers are the backbone of the Ronald The Pinellas County Courthouse needs volunteers, volunteers, auxiliary rangers and special events at age 82. He now has the responsibility of History? Call Heritage Village. Want to help McDonald House of Tampa Bay, with over 250 called Ambassadors, too. Ambassadors are often workers. A number of civic and business people? There are endless places needing help developing the City’s Human Resources volunteers in St Petersburg alone. In our three St your first contact when you enter, as they staff the organizations also provide days of service to confidential files. Even so, he continues to devote such as Meals on Wheels, Habitiat for Humanity, Petersburg houses (and one in Tampa), shift Information Station in the Courthouse lobby at 315 assist us with special projects. St. Pete Free Clinic and more. ten hours a week to the Police Department, but volunteers are needed to help families check-in Court Street in Clearwater. They assist people with BAYFRONT HEALTH spliting his time between paid and volunteer work. Consider doing something different this year and and out. Other volunteers assist in areas such as: directions, information and answer questions ST. PETERSBURG Although he is assigned to the Accreditation unit, give of yourself. You will be glad you did! dog therapy, serving meals, donation pick-ups concerning County Departments. The Romano volunteers part of his hours in the Fiscal and meal preparation. We have teen volunteers, county also operates a facility Bayfront Health St. Division. At age 84, Mr. Moglia is a valued part of too. Visit www.RMHCTampaBay.com. at 1st Avenue North, Petersburg offers volunteer the St Pete Police Department. Submitted by TOP 10 BENEFITS downtown. opportunities throughout Melanie Bevan, Assistant Chief of Police #10: It's good for you. Volunteering provides GREAT EXPLORATIONS the hospital. Volunteers physical and mental rewards. Our many volunteers range from high school help visitors find their “My husband Dan and I volunteer for the #9: Saves resources. The estimated value of a students to senior citizens. Since our way around the American Red Cross in different areas. I am a volunteer's time is $15.39 an hour mission is to stimulate learning hospital, provide member of the disaster action team responding through creativity, play patient assistance or to home fires by driving the emergency response #8: Volunteers gain professional experience. You and exploration, many can test out a career. work in administration vehicle, I have dabbled in client casework, the volunteers engage offices. In some cases, volunteers #7: It brings people together. As a volunteer you mass care/sheltering functions and some directly with museum play an important hands-on role assisting government liaison. Dan is more involved with assist in uniting people from diverse backgrounds guests, although some full-time staff. While volunteers range in age and building camaraderie and teamwork information technology and communications. We work behind the scenes from 18 to 88, student volunteers find it a great enjoy interacting with those we help, so the Red #6: It promotes personal growth and self-esteem. running our museum. To TAMPA BAY way to decide on future careers and fulfill Cross is a good fit. We also like the variety of #5: Volunteering strengthens your community. It volunteer, visit WATCH graduation requirements. Senior citizens skills needed, not to mention that 91 cents of supports families, improving schools, supports www.GreatEx.org or call Tampa Bay Watch, a non-profit volunteer at the hospital because even though every donated dollar goes to those who need it. 821-8992. organization, is dedicated to protecting and they are retired, they still want to stay active in youth and beautifies the community We both stepped outside of our comfort level to #4: You learn a lot. restoring the Tampa Bay estuary’s marine and the community. Some volunteers work many SUNSHINE CENTER wetland environments through scientific and hours a week, not only at Bayfront Health St. join the Pillowcase Project that teaches 3rd to 5th #3: You get a chance to give back. When you come to the educational programs. They have a small staff of Petersburg, but also at other organizations in the graders about preparing for disasters. Dan and I #2: V olunteering encourages civic responsibility. Sunshine Center, you are welcomed by one of only 15, so they are forced to rely on volunteers area. They find their time spent very rewarding also joined Lealman Fire Department Community #1: You make a difference. Every person counts! over 60 volunteers on our roster. They run our to accomplish habitat restoration projects. Tampa and enjoy playing a part in making the hospital Emergency Response Team (CERT) recently. Thrift Store, Garden and Greenhouse, the Fitness Bay Watch’s efforts to restore and protect the a pleasant experience for staff, visitors and In addition, Dan and I are passionate about the WHO USES VOLUNTEERS Center, two reception desks, a café, Wii Bowling bay’s habitat through stewardship and patients. Volunteer applications are online at: environment and volunteer for Tampa Bay Watch. Team and more. We could not have the Sunshine community awareness provide effective long term www.bayfrontstpete.com/about/careers/volunteer We also belong to Egmont Key Nature Preserve AMERICAN RED CROSS Center without them. All our volunteers are and participate in road-side cleanup on Tierra The American Red Cross is always looking for improvements to the bay. Volunteers and staff -opportunities or call (727) 893-6161) seniors 55 and over, but most are in their 70s. participate in salt marsh plantings, oyster reef Verde. Dan also teaches folks how to take the volunteers to help fulfill our mission to prevent They love coming to the Center to help; it gives mystery out of computers and iPads once a month and alleviate human suffering during construction, coastal cleanups and storm drain WHY THEY DO IT them a sense of community, purpose and a markings to help restore the bay. Tampa Bay “I volunteer at the Sunshine Center. I live at at the Tierra Verde Community Assn. emergencies. It is through the time and care of reason to get up in the morning. For many Burlington Towers and take the bus to and from ordinary people that we do extraordinary things. Watch sends out an e-mail weekly announcing Most importantly, what I have learned about seniors staying home creates loneliness, their up coming volunteer opportunities. E-mail the Center. I am scheduled on Mondays and isolation, depression and physical ailments. volunteering is to find an organization that is Red Cross volunteers respond to local disasters Rachel Arndt at [email protected] or Wednesdays, but sometimes I am there every day. involved in your passion. It is great way to meet including home fires and large disasters, such as Getting out and being useful can eliminate all call 867-8166 to receive those e-mails They joke I should start paying them rent since I these conditions. like-minded people interested in the same things hurricanes and tornadoes all over the U.S. am there all the time. Mainly, they have me answer you are. If you are young, it gives you a unique Volunteers staff shelters and provide care and BROOKWOOD FLORIDA the phones, but basically, I do whatever needs to NORTHEAST LITTLE LEAGUE Brookwood Florida provides a home for girls, experience you won't get in school or work. If comfort in times of disaster. Some drive The Little League is a great place to volunteer. be done. I like working there because it gives me middle-aged, you will make new friends and emergency response vehicles serving meals and diverted by abuse, neglect or family dysfunction. something to do, and gets me out of the house.” Volunteers have an opportunity to impact the lives Due to the nature of the program, opportunities demonstrate abilities which may help you later. If distribute cleaning supplies. Our volunteers of about 500 kids every season. We have very Margaret Cross (88), Sunshine Center volunteer retired, you can share your knowledge and support military families and work with patients to volunteer directly with the girls are not always active parents and wonderful players. All Little possible, however, there are several other ways “I volunteer at Great Explorations. When we experiences with others. in VA hospitals. Volunteer teach lifesaving skills League tournaments require volunteer umpires. like CPR and first-aid. Some work in volunteer including: Improvement Projects - typically one volunteer, we typically play with the kids and My warning though is start slow. There are many Current, the Little League District 5, to which we time, group-oriented projects, Clerical, and help clean up after them. I build block buildings so great, worth-while organizations and it is easy to administration supporting new volunteers or belong, has a shortage of volunteer umpires. We answering phones. Training is free. Background with Special events, big and small, that raise that they can knock them down, then I help them over-commit. If you find an organization you like, offer them training. Northeast Little League is a money to support Brookwood. Call 822-4789 or build something else. Without us, I imagine but don’t find your niche right away, keep trying. checks are required. For information, visit great place to start. Come out to Opening Day on www.RedCross.org/Support/Volunteer. visit www.brookwoodflorida.org Great Explorations would have less interactivity Keep putting yourself out there and you will be February 21st to see what we mean. with all the kids who visit us daily.” Colin rewarded.” Virginia Harter (50), American Red Mulligan, Great Explorations volunteer Cross volunteer ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER GOOD HEALTH STARTS IN THE GUT VOLUNTEERS WANTED by Dr. Stacey Robinson and has a nervous system that functions independently from CITY OF ST PETE More than 2,000 years ago, Hippocrates said, “All disease the brain. The gut contains as many neurotransmitters as •The City of St Petersburg – Cliff Smith, (727) 893-7627 begins in the gut”. Modern medicine often ignores this the brain and 95% of our serotonin which gives us a sense or Aubri Haley, (727) 892-5446, organ that is central to our health. Conditions associated of well-being. This explains the link between health of the www.StPete.org/ICAN/docs/VolunteerOpportunties with poor gut health include common gastrointestinal gut with mood, memory and attention disorders. • Parks & Recreation - Sally Marvin, (727) 893-7190 conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory Steps to a healthy gut: • Police Department Public Safety - (727) 893-7780 bowel disease and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) but also 1. Avoid high sugar food and refined carbohydrates. These • Sunshine Center - Sally Marvin, (727) 893-7190 diseases manifested outside of the gut. These include foods do not promote of health friendly bacteria. ATTRACTIONS osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases, cancer, allergies and • American Stage - (727) 823-1600 asthma, skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, acne, 2. If possible, avoid medications that damage the gut environment, such as anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, acid • Morean Arts Center - (727) 822-7872 neurological conditions such as autism, ADD, dementia, • Florida Holocaust Museum - (727) 820-0100 and depression, and nonspecific symptoms such as blockers, and steroids. Always consult your doctor before headaches, joint pain and fatigue. Working towards healing stopping medications. Work on healing the gut, then • Great Explorations - (727) 821-8992 the gut can improve and sometimes cure these conditions. tapering off medications under your physician’s supervision. • The Coliseum - (727) 892-5202 3. Lower stress with relaxation techniques and/or controlled • The Florida Orchestra - (727) 892-3331 Proper gastrointestinal function is a complex process that • Mahaffey Theater - (727) 892-5798 requires a multitude of hormones, neurotransmitters, breathing. Stress can damage the lining of the gut and can cause an imbalance of the good bacteria. • Museum of Fine Arts - (727) 896-2667 digestive and pancreatic enzymes, cofactors, and good • Museum of History - (727) 894-1052 bacteria. The gut is central to good health and provides 4. Eliminate foods which can damage the gut. The most • Palladium Theater - (727) 822-3590 more functions than most people realize: common food allergies/sensitivities are wheat (gluten), soy, • Salvado Dali Museum - (727) 823-3767 •Most people appreciate that digestion and absorption take tree nuts, corn and dairy. Cut these foods out for 4 weeks • Sunken Gardens - (727) 551-3100 place in the gut, allowing for breaking down and then bring them back into your diet every 3 days to see if these foods cause a problem. • Tampa Bay Rays Tropicana Field - (727) 825-3137 absorption of nutrients that are essential to life. • St. Pete Chamber of Commerce - (727) 821-4069 5. Eat a diet high in fiber: veggies, fruits, beans, nuts/seeds, •Few people realize that 70% of our immunity, our ability to MEDICAL fight infection, lies in the gut. The trillions of “good” and whole grains which promote regular elimination and growth of good bacteria. • American Red Cross - Virginia Harter, 727-453-1511 bacteria that should live in our gastrointestinal tract help • Bayfront Medical Center - (727) 893-6907 control the “bad guys” such as bacteria, parasites, and 6. Certain supplements such as probiotics, Omega-3 fatty • St Anthony’s Hospital - (727) 825-1445 viruses from causing disease. acids, digestive enzymes, zinc, glutamine and herbs can be • All Children’s Hospital - (727) 767-8195 •The gut is integral in detoxification and elimination of the used to promote the health of the GI tract. • Ronald McDonald House - Lisa Fields, (727) 767-7600 many toxins we are exposed to daily including pesticides, 7. If you have any of the conditions listed above, consider • St. Pete Free Clinic - (727) 821-1200 preservatives, hormone-like substances, and heavy metals. consulting a physician specializing in Functional or If the gut is not healthy and bowel movements are not Integrative Medicine. Go to FunctionalMedicine.org or PINELLAS COUNTY regular, then this detoxification process will be hampered. ABIHM.org for a list of physicians. • Coast Guard Auxiliary - (727) 469-8895 • Keep Pinellas Beautiful - (727) 533-0402. •The gut has been referred to as “the second brain” Dr. Stacey Robinson, owner of Robinson Concierge Medicine, is a private physician practicing downtown. Reached her at (727) 329-8859 or via • AARP TAX AIDE - Free Training Dan Trembulak, because it contains more nerve cells than the spinal cord www.RobinsonMed.com. (727) 242-5603 or Mike Noonberg (703) 915-4438 • Heritage Village (Largo) - Paige Noel (727) 582-2125 or [email protected] • Courthouse Ambassadors, Volunteer Services (727) 464-8477, www.PinellasCounty.org/Volunteer ANIMALS • Clearwater Marine Aquarium (727) 441-1790 • Pet Pal Animal Shelter - (727) 328-7738 • Southern Guide Dogs, Puppy Raisers and Walkers – (727) 498-6582, www.GuidDogs.org MISC. • Northeast Little League (727) 526-9602 www.NELL.com • Mainsail ArtFest - (727) 893-7465 [email protected] FOOD BANKS/PERSONAL ASSISTANCE • Brookwood - (727) 822.4789 • 2-1-1 Tampa Bay Cares - (727) 210-4233 • HEP - (727) 442-9041 • Shepards Village – (727) 216-1402 • Clothes To Kids - (727) (727) 327-7100 • Alpha House of Pinellas - (727) 822-8190 • ASAP Homeless Service - (727) 823-5665 • Beacon House Men’s Shelter - (727) 823-5780 • Benedict Haven - (727) 525-5205 • CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse) - (727) 895-4912 • Daystar Life Center - (727) 825-0442. • Mary's Outreach for Women - (727) 323-5100 • Resurrection House - (727) 823-4742 • Salvation Army - (727) 822-4954 • St. Vincent de Paul Society - (727) 823-2516 • YWCA/USF Family Village - (727) 823-2859 ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER NICK DICEGLIE NEW PINELLAS Bar & Restaurant News... GOP CHAIRMAN LOCALE MARKET It is possible more people know his wife The a 20,000 Erica, a popular local performer, than square-foot him, but people will soon know Indian gourmet shopping Rocks Beach resident Nick DiCeglie as store’s much the new Pinellas County Republican awaited opening Executive Committee Chairman (Pinellas was last month, in GOP). He was recently elected by a Sun Dial super majority vote. Shopping Center DiCeglie was officially nominated by hasn’t state Representative Larry Ahern. “I disappointed as a nominated Nick to revitalize the party foodies dream and to recruit the next generation of come true! The party activists,” says Ahearn. market sells many DiCeglie (41) has lived in Indian Rocks ready to eat Beach since 1996 with his wife Erica and their two meals to take children. Erica sings professionally, teaches music, and is home or to eat at the music director at St Jerome’s Catholic Church. He is tables upstairs and to the left of the Muvico theaters. President and owner of the family founded waste The market’s ever changing menu also includes food management company Solar Sanitation, Inc. made to order at the The Grill kitchen. Shown here is the St. Petersburger, the signature dry-aged beef burger. DiCeglie is active in other local organizations including: Plans are underway to open a small restaurant with • Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, b______eer and wine on the second floor. • Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce PIZZA Top This Pie, a new pizza restaurant, located at • Pinellas County Economic Development Council 1535 4th Street North, opened across from Three Birds • Pinellas County Solid Waste Management Committee Tavern. They have a nice variety of pizza and they • Leadership Pinellas, Board of Directors deliver. Call them at 914-4969 . ______From 2010 to 2014, DiCeglie served on his city’s Planning and Zoning Board and has been active in local politics MORE PIZZA POW is still under construction in the since moving here. Before becoming Chairman, he served space formerly occupied by Wood Fired Pizza, next to as Vice-Chairman for two years. World of Beer, at 344 1st Avenue North. Principal Owner Philippe Theodore is also a partner franchisee in What does the Chairman of the GOP actually do? The the World of Beer. Chairman serves as the local head of the party representing ______registered Republicans in Pinellas County. Currently, HOOKS 2 OPENS Hook’s Sushi Bar and Restaurant 220,000 county residents are registered Republicans. opened a second St Petersburg’s location at 7900 DiCeglie is responsible for setting strategy, fundraising and Fourth Street North. This is the former location of Sake’s other electioneering duties deemed necessary to support Sushi Grill. This new location is larger than the the GOP mission statement of electing qualified restaurant on MLK Jr North. It has 102 seats and more Republicans to federal, state and local offices. p______arking too. The Chairman also is responsible for keeping the state STATION HOUSE OPENS This new restaurant, in the and national party officials informed of the GOP’s status in location of the now gone Cafe Alma, featuring an Pinellas County. His position includes a position on the “American cocktail cuisine” has opened to great reviews. Executive Committee of the Republican Party of Florida. Their one-page playful cocktail list compliments the “Although we won many seats on a national and statewide reasonably priced menu of tapas and small entrees. level, I was disappointed that we lost Republican control of V______isit them at 260 First Ave. S. the Pinellas County Commission,” says DiCeglie. “One of my goals is to turn that around in the next election.” UNDER CONSTRUCTION Stillwater Tavern, 224 Beach Drive N. H______ofbrauhaus, 200 4th Street S. FREE WEDDING For the 9th year, the Pinellas Clerk of the Circuit Court, NOW SERVING LIQUOR TOO For those that don’t like Ken Burke and staff are offering a FREE wedding in a beer, World of Beer at 100 Fourth St. S, recently added beautiful garden setting, but only on Saturday, February liquor to their drink selections. Now in addition to beer 14, Valentine’s Day. The mass wedding ceremony in the a______nd wine, you can get favorite cocktail too! Wedding Garden at the Florida Botanical Gardens will be CHANGES ARE HAPPENING Two closed area performed by the Clerk of the Court. The ceremony is restaurants have had some construction activity going on limited to the first 50 couples and will take place at 11am. lately, but no one has announced any plans. The first is Couples will receive a special Commemorative Marriage the old Lee Chinese Restaurant on 4th Street at 45th Ave. Certificate. To participate, couples must sign up at one of The other is Midtown Sundries on 1st Avenue South. the designated Pinellas Clerk’s offices by Friday, January ______30th. In order to be eligible to register in this event, CLOSED application for a marriage license must be made before DeLuria’s Italian Baker and Café, 119 1st Avenue North February 10th. For information, call 464-3008 or visit Midtown Sundries, 200 1st Avenue South www.MyPinellasClerk.org or www.FLBG.org. Yard of Ale Gastro Pub in Feather Sound ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD A CITY OF OPPORTUNITY by Mayor Rick Kriseman reserves. Instead of being produced using the inefficient Coming in to office, there were a number of challenges silos of each department, this budget aligned resources facing the city: from a stalled Pier process to a stalemate to meet our priorities. with the Tampa Bay Rays, there were issues to be For example, we invested $350,000 in housing addressed on the first day. programs. There is $175,000 in a neighborhood grant On the day I was sworn in to office, I announced the program, and $25,000 in summer youth employment. opening of the Pier to pedestrian traffic. Today, our We hired three new Codes Compliance officers as well. process for the Pier has brought together all sides of a In total, you will find more than $825,000 in new contentious issue, and one of the first acts of 2015 will investments for our Neighborhood Affairs Administration. be a public, non-binding vote on Pier designs. We are raising the profile of our city on the national and That non-binding vote will be available in the form of an international stage: online survey beginning February 23. I strongly • We have joined the U.S. Conference of Mayors encourage you to make your voice heard on the new St. • I attended the Mayor’s Institute for Civic Design Petersburg Pier. • We have joined the Tampa Bay Partnership Another of my first acts in office was to tighten the high- speed pursuit policy. • We attended an education event hosted by the Gates Foundation This past year we reached an historic deal with Pinellas County leaders regarding funding and deployment of our • I traveled to Chile with Mayor Buckhorn and County emergency medical services. There has also been near- officials on a trade mission universal praise for the city’s new Police Chief, Anthony There is much more that has been accomplished – and Holloway. much, much more to be done. But we can’t do it without As you may have noticed, our downtown is in the midst you. of a building boom. Last year, 800 residential units were I want to take this opportunity to invite you to our first built, and there are 1,200 more coming soon. I am also ever State of the City event. It is the first event of its kind looking forward to construction starting soon on the new at City Hall – Saturday, January 24, at 10:00 AM. Arts and Crafts Museum. I look forward to seeing you there, and to having you Finally, we submitted a fiscally responsible budget for join us in building that City of Opportunity where the sun Fiscal Year 2015, putting an unprecedented $1 million in shines on us all. ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER TREE MULCH by Jon Wilbur, ISA Certified Arborist & co-owner of Pinellas Tree Service How can you create a uniform look to your landscape, while giving your trees the vital elements they need to grow? It‘s easy; just add mulch. In some other areas, arborists recommend mulch be applied in the springtime. However I tell my Florida customers they can add mulch at any time of year. Here are some frequently asked questions about mulch. What is mulch? Mulch is any material placed on the ground around trees and plants. It comes in two forms, organic and inorganic. Organic mulch will break down over time and become part of the soil. Inorganic mulch will not. The most popular forms of organic mulch are shredded tree parts, pine bark, pine needles and compost. Examples of inorganic mulch include small rocks such as gravel, pebbles and lava rock as well as recycled rubberized products. Is organic mulch better than inorganic mulch? Most arborists prefer organic mulch because it decomposes over time and feeds the soil and the tree. I never recommend inorganic much. However if you do use inorganic mulch because it won’t have to be replaced as often, be sure to add fertilizer to help your trees get the nutrients that they need. Why do trees need mulch? Trees growing in the forest have rich soil with all the essential elements they need to thrive. Leaves and other organic matter cover and feed both the soil and the root system of all these trees. But trees that grow on developed lands are less fortunate. The soil is not as rich and organic matter does not naturally cover the soil around the trees. For these trees we need to mimic the forest floor. Adding mulch creates the environment that nature intended. What are some of the benefits of mulch? Mulch can give your landscape a uniform and well-maintained appearance. But there are more practical reasons for applying mulch. Mulch helps aerate the soil and improves soil fertility. Mulch can reduce water loss from the soil by as much as 20% and also impede the growth of weeds. Mulch insulates the soil around the tree keeping it cool in the summer and warm in the winter and it also protects the trunk of the tree from getting struck by lawnmowers. Can I get mulch from a tree service company? Yes you can and it’s usually free. But while many reputable tree service companies offer clean quality mulch, some think mulch is whatever comes out of the wood chipper. Their mulch can include palm leaves, vines and poison ivy as well as toxic or diseased trees - not the kind of mulch you want anywhere near your trees. How much mulch should I apply? For best results we recommend you apply between two to four inches of mulch around the tree and if possible, out to the drip line to extend over the entire root system. Some over enthusiastic homeowners can mulch by piling too much around the base of their trees. This creates what is referred to as the “volcano effect.” But over mulching can cause a number of problems. It can lead to root rot in some trees when too much moisture is retained in the soil. It can also negatively affect soil pH, cause insect and disease problems for trees and prevent water and air from reaching the soil and the tree’s roots. Does mulch attract termites? No. Termites like large pieces of wood. Free Information Guide - Want to learn more? Our FREE Information Guide: “How To Choose The Best Tree Service Company To Care For Your Trees” can help. Just call us at 727-474-0356 for your copy. ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER

ART & MUSEUM NEWS PARAGON FINE ART FESTIVAL ARTPOOL GALLERY 324-3878 January 31st 10am-5pm & February 1st 1am-5pm 2030 Central Avenue ArtPoolRules.com This Fine Arts event in North Straub Park features They sponsor a monthly Crafty Fest local indie market filled original works. The event, sponsored by St. Petersburg with amazing vendors, Saturday & Sunday 11am-5pm Arts Alliance, Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, February 7-8, March 7-8. ARTpool is open Tuesday- Florida, City of St. Petersburg, Florida USA and the St. Saturday 11am-6pm with local art, vintage fashion and Petersburg Chamber, is FREE. accessories, handmade jewelry, vinyl records, retro boots, Indie designer goods, gifts and books. MAINSAIL ART FESTIVAL MainSailArt.org Held April 18-19 in Vinoy Park, they are expecting 250 GALLERY WALKS STPETEARTSALLIANCE.ORG professional artists. There will be a Young at Art Student Held on the second Saturday of every month, most Show, Kids Activity tent, live music and a variety of food downtown art galleries stay open for the walk and many vendors. As always, admission is free. Volunteers are restaurants offer discounts. The scope of Gallery Walks is needed, email to [email protected] it interested. expanded to include galleries in St Pete Beach’s Corey Avenue and Pass-A-Grille. Walks are from 5 to 8:30pm. THE DALÍ MUSEUM 895-6620 The next one is Valentine’s Day, February 14. 620 1st Ave. South www.studio620.org MOREAN ART CENTER 822.7872 The “Invention as Art” exhibit, featuring more than 75 719 Central Ave moreanartscenter.org works by the renowned genius Leonardo da Vinci, has been added to the repertoire of special exhibits in The Chihuly Collection presented by the Morean Arts March, following “Picasso/Dalí, Dalí/Picasso Center, is proud to present Italian Traditions, curated by Duncan McClellan and the Duncan McClellan Gallery of FLORIDA CraftArt 821.7391 St. Petersburg. It features a wide variety of works by 501 Central Ave. FloridaCraftArt.com contemporary glass masters influenced by traditional Living With Mysticism: The Power of Visual Vodou, open glassblowing techniques. This collection of works by through February 21, 2015, is an exhibition of Haitian renowned glass artists showcases the influence of artists, features an overview of some of the finest traditional Muranese techniques, originated in Murano, examples of Vodou Flags, utilizing Sequence and expert Italy, on contemporary works. The Influence of Traditional beadwork, as well as found object sculpture by Haitian Muranese Techniques on Contemporary Glass Masters Artist Guyodo. runs January 23 - April 19. ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER Organizational News... Organizational News... GFWC ST PETERSBURG WOMAN’S CLUB HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD ASSN. Their meetings are quarterly on the third Monday of the February 13 (Noon), Covered Dish Luncheon month (except for holidays). Visit www.HONNA.org or You bring something to share, they furnish the drinks. call 342-0653 for events and voicemail. Peter Maggie Barco, RN, nationally certified in Naturopathic Motzenbecker, President, can be reached at 248-9288 Medicine will share her suggestions on having a happy, or email [email protected]. healthy 2015. It is American Heart Healthy Month, so wear something RED to this meeting. Guest are welcome. Please ST PETERSBURG PRESERVATION SOCIETY call 822-4982 to RSVP. Their Historic Walking Tours continue each Saturday morning starting at 10am. Most tours start at 243 The St Petersburg Woman’s Club, with over 100 years of Central Avenue. On the 4th Saturday they start at the service to the community, is affiliated with the General Craftsman House Gallery at 2955 Central Avenue. Each Federation Of Woman’s Clubs. A not-for-profit volunteer tour takes a different path. For tour information, call organization with members from 40 to over 100 years old, 824-7802. they are committed to serving the community through hands-on projects and fundraising as well as leadership For more information about the organization, contact development. Peter Belmont, Chairman, St Petersburg Preservation at 463-4612. Get more at www.StPetePreservation.org. Their clubhouse on Coffee Pot Bayou, 40 Snell Isle Blvd Follow them on FaceBook by searching for Saint NE, was built in 1929 and is listed on the State and Petersburg Preservation. National Historic Registers. It is available to rent for special events. Proceeds from events held there help to GRAND CENTRAL DISTRICT ASSOCIATION maintain the property. For more information, visit Their Annual Chili Cookoff Competition and Street www.StPetersburgWomansClub.org or call Judy Festival is Saturday, January 31st from 11am on. Zamanillo at 822-6659 They hold a monthly Flea Market on the first Saturday of DOWNTOWN ST. PETE TOASTMASTERS every month along the 2500 block of Central Avenue, the Having confidence is one of the key ways we find personal next one are February 7, March 7, and April 4. and professional success. The good news is that self- For information on the Grand Central District confidence can be learned. City Power Toastmasters Club, Association, call Lauren Ruiz at 828-7006 or email her a nonprofit communication and leadership club, teaches at [email protected]. skills to help you listen, think, speak and gain leadership qualities. Participants gain poise, positive body language ALBERT WHITTED AIRPORT PRESERVATION SOCIETY and speak more easily. They are an upbeat, fun loving Pancake Breakfasts - February 7, March 7 and April 4. club in an organized setting, all with the desire to better Their monthly Pancake Breakfasts at Albert Whitted in themselves. Guests are always welcome to visit for free the Hangar Restaurant includes pancakes, eggs, meat, with no pressure to join, Wednesdays from noon to 1 pm home fries, grits, orange juice and coffee. People of all at the Municipal Services Building, One 4th Street N., 6th ages are invited. Breakfast is from 8am until 11am. floor, room 600. For more details, call 727-893-7918. Free Flights - January 31, 10am to 2pm Visit DTSPToastmasters.com for more information. Free airplane trips are available for young people who ROTARY CLUB OF ST. PETERSBURG might have an interest in learning to fly. They only do Rotary Club of St Petersburg was founded in 1920. They this a few times a year. No reservations needed. meet every Friday at noon at the Orange Blossom For more information on AWAPS, go to www.Awaps.org Catering facility, at 220 4th Street N. For more or call Terri Griner at 822-1532. information, call 822-3277 or visit www.SPRotaryf.org. SNELL ISLE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION ST PETERSBURG SAIL & POWER SQUADRON Their annual meeting was January 15th where their They meet monthly at the St Pete Yacht Club. In addition, 2015 board was installed. Contact Scott Youngblood, they sponsor local seminars and provide courses several the 2014 President at [email protected]. times a month. Their next public meeting is March 23rd. See th eir web site for updated meetings information. They To join, contact Jeff Eckhart at 424-9800 or email him meet at the Women’s Club, 40 Snell Isle Blvd NE. at [email protected]. DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION DOWNTOWN RESIDENTS CIVIC ASSOCIATION Porch Parties are held several times a year normally at This is an association of associations representing the area restaurants and sometimes area businesses. Tickets interests of the residents of downtown St Petersburg. are $10 for members and $15 for non-members. This Membership is open to all downtown residential includes most food and beverages served at the event. community associations in the area to the east of 10th They are normally held on a second Wednesday, but consult their web site for exact dates. Street, from 14th Avenue N. to 14th Avenue S. They hold business meetings on the fourth Friday of the month in Quarterly business meetings are held at the Sunshine Bayfront Tower. Contact Marion Lee, President, at 894- Center and provide members with valuable information 9491 or visit www.StPete-DRCA.org. and a forum for discussion regarding downtown issues. The DNA represents residents and homeowners in the FRIENDS OF THE MIRROR LAKE LIBRARY area between MLK Blvd. to the waterfront. Membership They meet the first Wednesday of the month at 6pm, is $15 a year and includes a quarterly newsletter. Call Next meetings are February 4, March 4, and April 1. President, Gary Grooms at 404-667-3970 Call President, Wayne Finley at 813-767-5503 or email [email protected] or visit www.StPeteDNA.org. [email protected]. ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER HISTORY MADE WITH NEW COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA By Kenneth T. Welch, Pinellas County Commissioner We expect similar positive results from the Southside St. The new Southside St. Petersburg Community Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area – not just by Redevelopment Area is significant, as it is one of the few in building things, but also by empowering residents to break Pinellas County that is located outside of a downtown area, the cycle of generational poverty through education, job and if approved by the County Commission, will be the only training or other programs identified by CRA stakeholders. non-downtown CRA to receive County Tax Increment Community Redevelopment Areas are established by local Financing. It was developed by a partnership between the governments under the authority of the Community city of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County in an effort to Redevelopment Act, which is a Florida law that provides revitalize and rejuvenate the area. specific tools for local governments to overcome the The Community Redevelopment Area’s 4,700 acres are economic burdens of blighted areas within their boundaries. comprised of the Greater Childs Park Strategic Planning The act outlines requirements which must be met for local Area, most of the Midtown Strategic Planning Area, more governments to undertake the highly complex task of than 20 neighborhood and business associations, four redeveloping Florida's cities. existing community redevelopment areas and two Florida Recently, Pinellas County advertised vacancies on the Citizen Main Street Districts. Approximately 34,000 people reside Advisory Committee for the Southside St. Petersburg within this Community Redevelopment Area. Community Redevelopment Area. This committee serves in In response to concerns from community groups, the issues an advisory capacity to the Community Redevelopment present in Southside St. Petersburg were thoroughly Agency and has nine members, three of whom are investigated and a plan of action was developed. Some of appointed by the Pinellas County Board of County these issues include disproportionately higher Commissioners, with the remainder appointed by the mayor unemployment rates, more crime, less educational of St. Petersburg. The committee was created by an interlocal achievement and worse healthcare outcomes, when agreement between Pinellas County and St. Petersburg. compared with other areas of Pinellas County. We live in a great county, with great communities. To reach Community Redevelopment Areas have proven successful in our highest potential, however, all parts of our community areas such as Ybor City, which is comparable because it is must move forward. Making a tangible impact on poverty is located outside of a downtown area. In this area key to our collective progress. The Southside St. Petersburg commercial and retail expansion along Seventh and Eighth Community Redevelopment Area is a collaborative effort to avenues has led to a resurgence of activity. Thanks to the improve the neighborhoods of Southside St. Petersburg, by focus and success of that Community Redevelopment Area, making steps to reduce generational poverty, and replace residential expansion has occurred and continues to take negative community impacts with new paths of opportunity. place in the Ybor City neighborhood. More information about the Citizen Advisory Committee can be found online at www.pinellascounty.org/boards. ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER ST PETERSBURG DOWNTOWN NEWSLETTER PUBLIX NOW PARTY PLANNERS BIRDS ON BEACH The Publix Grocery Store at 3700 4th Thanks to Northside Christian High School senior Molly which turned out better Street North once Doyle (17), Downtown St. Petersburg has a new family of than a flat sheet. I never was an Albertsons. birds that never fly north. They are bronze sculptures. thought of including a After Publix bought The sculptures are a permanent exhibit called “Birds on map until someone else it, they tore it down Beach” - Beach Drive that is. They are not in a museum; you suggested that, too.” and built a new will find them along sidewalks and in parks. But, you have to “I was really excited state-of-the-art look for them because finding them is what it is about. about being involved in grocery store with It is similar to a scavenger hunt, and is based on the tale of something that could be many new the imaginary winged family the Warblesons. Buddy, the a fun, interactive project departments and youngest Warbleson, is lost and the family must find him. that would benefit the features. The clues point to the places each bird has stopped. entire city,” says What makes this Gordon. She created Molly, now a senior, got the idea in Greenville, SC, where the birds out of clay and sent them to be cast in bronze at a store different? The there is a similar project called Mice on Main. “I wanted to new store features more Greenwise, organic products and Port Charlotte foundry. “Molly wanted each bird to have a start Birds on Beach because I wanted to make the city a distinct pose. They are each charming in their own way.” they have a greatly expanded product mix unique to only a friendlier, fun place to visit and live,” said Molly. “I thought it few Publix stores. would be fun for people of all ages to find these little Molly’s parents, Bob and Jillian Doyle, founders of Doyle The store has many dedicated staff specialists including a bronze birds in unexpected places by using the clues on the Wealth Management, sponsored the $15,000 project that cheese expert, a wine connoisseur and a body care brochure or the web site; they will learn a little history, too.” included the sculptures, website design, legal fees, trademark search and brochure printing. authority for makeup and health related products. These Molly approached City officials and they put her in touch are people you can talk to who knows their products. with local artist, Donna Gordon who made each bird “My role was chauffeur and cheerleader,” says mother Jillian. “Since Molly does not have a driver’s license, I drove “We have studied our customers and want to save them Molly decided where each bronze bird would be. She time,” says Jennifer Kras, store manager. “We know the her to meetings with sponsors, the artist and city officials. approached the businesses and museums to explain her Molly learned many skills and life lessons from this project.” customer would rather be someplace else. No one wants to plan. The first to agree was Bruce Watters Jewelers. The grocery shop. We want to help them get what they need, as Birchwood Inn jumped at the opportunity. “It is important “One thing I learned is projects like this require a lot of time fast as possible.” we embrace downtown’s artistic culture,” says Chuck and input from lots of people,” Molly explained. “I learned The store has a new party department called the Aprons Prather, owner of The Birchwood. about branding, trademarks, logos and copyrighting plus how to writing proposals and make presentations. Event Planning. It is much like a caterer and a concierge, “The scale of the birds integrates well with the museum’s all rolled into one. The Event Planner will help you plan any natural setting,” says David Connelly, Museum of Fine Arts’ “Most importantly, I learned if you have an idea, and are size party by advising you on what to order and how much Marketing Director. One is near the museum’s entrance. passionate about it, you should go for it - no matter what you will need based on the size of your event. your age. It is cool to see that I’ve left my mark on “I had tons of help on this project,” Molly recalls. “The downtown St Petersburg.” Visit www.BirdsOnBeach.com. They offer help when ordering cakes, deli platters, flowers, Museum of Fine Arts suggested making a tri-fold brochure, ice and drinks. Actually, anything you may need in store except alcohol. What makes this different? They gather everything together and have it ready when you are ready to pick it up. They offer delivery within a 20 mile radius. Aprons operates seven days a week from 10am to 7pm. You must place your order at least 24 hours in advance. Apron’s direct number is 526-8505. 2015 FLORIDA STATE FAIR KEY EXHIBITS AND CAMPAIGNS In addition to its educational exhibits, rides, food and entertainment, the Florida State Fair announced its 2015 promotional campaign theme and key exhibits for their annual twelve-day event. The fair run February 5 – 16 and will be located at 4800 U.S. 301 N., Tampa, FL A Timeless Tradition, will include two poignant and patriotic mobile exhibitions. The Wall that Heals, a half-size replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall and traveling educational museum, will run from opening day, February 5 through February 9. The 9/11 Never Forget Traveling Exhibit, a museum tribute and educational memorial of the events of September 11, 2001, will be on display from February 10 through February 16. The Wall that Heals was created and is managed by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF), the same non- profit organization that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall) in Washington, D.C. The 9/11 Never Forget Traveling Exhibit was created in 2013 by the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. A high-tech, tractor-trailer will unfold into a 1,100 square foot exhibit and provide interactive education, artifacts, news and video recordings, and live tours from FDNY heroes .