ST PETE BEACH
Quinn Construction, Inc., has been hired by FDOT to perform repairs on the
Corey Causeway Bridge. Onsite construction continues through September 2018. They anticipate full bridge closures in order to perform the roadway grating replacement as well the painting of the bridge.
Full bridge closures will be done at night and the bridge will be opened at 6 AM each morning. They will close one side of the bridge at a time, allowing 2-way traffic over the bridge. They are expecting lane closures throughout the project, but they do not anticipate any delay in the traffic flow during lane closure. During rehabilitation of the bridge, Quinn Construction contacts are as follows: Office – 941-722-7722, After Hours – 941-527-6892, Emergency – 941-812-4739
St. Pete Beach Beer Fest Saturday, May 12th, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM • Horan Park, The St. Pete Beach Beer Fest is a one-of-a-kind craft beer experience. Last year over 500+ attendees enjoyed more than 100 local craft beers along with brewing demonstrations. General admission includes a commemorative festival tasting cup and water. Food will be sold on-site by the SPB Fire Department.
VIP tickets will be available for early admission and access to a private selection of special release local craft beers. St Pete Beach Festivals, Inc is a registered 501C3 providing support for childhood education and recreation programs on St Pete Beach. For tickets, more information, event sponsorship, please visit St Pete Beach Festivals website or Facebook event page.
Pass-A-Grille Thrift Shop 75% OFF Sale
Pass-A-Grille Beach Community Church’s Thrift Shop concludes its 59th year of service with a 75% off sale on all merchandise. In addition to the full line Women’s & Men’s sections, a large inventory of kitchenware, small appliances, jewelry, linens, wall pictures, books, games and toys are available. The shop stocks only new and gently used items and is fully stocked due to the generous donations. Proceeds support local charities such as Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, PARC, Pinellas Hope, Clothes for Kids, and church missions. Located at the corner of 17th Ave Pass-A-Grille Way, St Pete Beach and is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 9 AM – noon. The shop closes for the summer at noon May 31st and reopensin early September.
St John Vianney Catholic Church is registering for its “Shipwrecked” Vacation Bible School. Camp is held on the Church campus at 445 82nd Ave, St Pete Beach, FL 33706, June 18th – 22nd, 8:30 am-11:30 am for rising grades PreK – 5th. All faiths welcome. Bible Stories brought to life, Sciency – Fun Gizmos, team-building games, cool Bible songs, and tasty treats are just a few of the standout activities that help faith flow into real life. For information and registration, http://stjohnsparish.org/vbs.html.
St. Pete Beach commission is considering hiring a lobbyist next fiscal year to aid projects in state budget. Commissioner, Terri Finnerty suggested employing a lobbying firm. “When we had a past lobbyist they did a great job,” she said. Mayor Al Johnson agreed. “A lobbyist to secure funding for capital projects could be “worth the investment.”
“It’s worth our time to start the process,” Commissioner Melinda Pletcher agreed. City Manager, Wayne Saunders said funds to hire a lobbyist, perhaps $50,000, would have to be allocated in next year’s budget. Commissioner Pletcher said a lobbyist may even be able to assist the city on the national level, such as meeting Americans With Disabilities Act requirements. “If the federal government is requiring mandates for things like ADA, maybe we are missing the boat on getting funding,” she said. If the city is not represented in Tallahassee at the end of each legislative session, it will likely miss out on its projects being funded, staff and commissioners agreed. Many times, the items that receive funding are decided on in the last few days of each legislative session.
Basil Leaf is now open for lunch and dinner every day, according to Joy, from Nori Thai, who recently took over management there, in addition to her well-loved restaurant just ten blocks away on Blind Pass Road. If the way she runs Nori Thai is any example, Basil Leaf will be much improved under Joy’s leadership. Now their delicious Thai and Japanese cuisine is available for lunch on weekends too!
New China at Dolphin Village in St Pete Beach has embraced Uber Eats, offering prompt delivery of your favorite Chinese dishes. Order online or call 727-363-8181.
The City of St. Pete Beach has released the Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) Annual Report 2017. The report illustrates successful mitigation and preventative efforts by the city to protect citizens, property, infrastructure, and the environment in the community. It also depicts proposed future projects that are intended to mitigate and prevent hazards. The St Pete Beach Local Mitigation Strategy was developed as part of the county-wide Local Mitigation Strategy and was adopted by the city in 2015. The Annual Report highlights planned and implemented activities that are specific to
St Pete Beach. The LMS and the Annual Report are part of the city’s participation in FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS). The CRS rating that a community receives directly impacts the amount of rate reduction that all policy owners in the city receive on their flood insurance. Copies of the report are available at www.stpetebeach.org or by calling 727-363-9266.
TREASURE ISLAND
Beach Nourishment has begun in Treasure Island.
After Treasure Island it will move up to Clearwater, then head south, ending in Redington Beach.
Treasure Bay Golf & Tennis offers Summer Specials
Play a 9-hole round of golf for just $5 on Mondays at Treasure Bay, the only 9-hole golf course on the “Golf” beaches. Extended weekend hours until October 31st means you can play on the new pirate ship playground, enjoy a round of foot golf or have a party in the new picnic area with barbeque grill from 8 am – 8 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Treasure Bay offers many recreational activities. Call 727-360-6062 or visit 10315 Paradise Blvd, Treasure Island, FL.
The Treasure Island & Madeira Beach Chamber of Commerce hosts its monthly After Hours Mixer on Wednesday, May 23rd, from 5:30 PM – 7 PM at Vino Simpatico, 722 Pasadena Ave, S, South Pasadena. Contact Jill Foraker at 727-360-4121. “Our After Hours Mixers are an exceptional way to meet others in our business community,” stated Joe Dise, of Dise Wealth Management and Chamber Board chairman, “We expect a good crowd at this popular venue.” Admission is $10 with advance, online reservations at islandneighborschamber.org or $15 at the door. First drink is free, followed by a cash bar. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres are provided by Vino Simpatico. Tickets for door prize drawings are available. “We had a great time at our April mixer at Pipo’s: The Original Cuban Café,” adds Dise. Contact the TIMB Chamber at 727-360-4121.
GULFPORT
Gulfport Grand Prix, June 1st – 3rd, 2018
Featuring the NGK Spark Plugs Formula One Powerboat Championship and a Boat Show. The Gulfport waterfront is a mecca of boating activity along Shore Blvd, between 54th St S and 58th St S, the first weekend of June.Formula One Boats make the Gulfport Recreation Center home for the weekend with their open to the public pit area along with an antique boat show as well as the pleasure boat display and vendor booths lining Shore Blvd S and Beach Blvd. Proceeds to benefit the Michael J. Yakes Foundation (www.mygulfportfoundation.org) a local non-profit organization whose mission is to help underprivileged children and seniors in the Gulfport area. For more, please visit www.gulfportgrandprix.com.
The Gulfport Welcome Center is located in the Waterfront District of Gulfport, Florida, with information for visitors, residents and area businesses and Gulfport-themed merchandise and souvenirs for sale. Located at 3101 Beach Blvd S, Suite #1, Gulfport, Florida. The Center houses the office of both the Gulfport Area Chamber of Commerce and the Gulfport Merchant’s Association (GMA). The two non-profit community organizations provide services to visitors and local businesses. The Chamber’s focus is on the entire City of Gulfport and nearby areas, while the mission of the GMA is focused on the Gulfport Waterfront District 727-344-3711 www.gulfportwelcomecenter.com
Hurricane Preparedness Do you know your zone?
Is the closest shelter to me pet friendly? How do I sign up for special needs evacuation assistance? How do I volunteer to help? These are all important questions to ask before the storm is here. The city of Gulfport will be hosting the 2018 Hurricane Seminar – Thursday, May 31st, at 7 PM inside the Catherine A. Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave S (enter on 26th Ave S). This informative seminar is open to the public and will feature Mary Burrell, the Outreach, Education & Program Coordinator for Pinellas County’s Emergency Management and Bobby Deskins, a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) from WTSP Channel 10 News.
Vendor space is free and located inside the Theater Lobby at 6 PM. If you are interested in becoming a vendor or would like more information on the event, please contact the city of Gulfport Public Information Officer at info@mygulfport.us or call 727-893-1118.
ST PETERSBURG
Perfect Timing
Two weeks ago, one of Creative Clay’s vans was diagnosed with a bad transmission. The cost to repair was more than the value of the vehicle, so CEO, Kim Dohrman was forced to take it off the road. That impacted their ability to serve their artists. Led by Branch Manager and Senior Mortgage Consultant Tammy Boldt, a former Creative Clay board chair, the entire staff of On Q Financial’s local branch visited Creative Clay April 3rd to present them a check for 10,000. Creative Clay was among three non-profits chosen in a competition where On Q Financial offices around the country nominated their favorites. “The perfect kick-start to our fundraising drive for a new van,” said Dohrman. “The donation is also the result of strong community relationships and the advocacy of friends who believe in our vision of creating arts access and equity. Thanks to On Q Financial, we’re already half-way to our goal of purchasing a new van,” said Dohrman. To helpwith their fundraising drive, contact Creative Clay, 1846 1st Ave S, St Petersburg, FL, 727-825-0515 or
James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art
St Petersburg’s newest museum, the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, opened its doors with a soft opening on Saturday, April 7th. Tom and Mary James purchased the 134,000 square foot building at 150 Central Avenue in 2015. The museum holds over 400 pieces on view in 80,000 square feet of transformative space. Additional space will house businesses including Datz restaurant, Woodhouse Day Spa and Club Pilates. “I wanted to have a museum that tells the story of the West,” said James, 75, chairman emeritus of financial giant Raymond James. The Grand Opening celebration was April 29th with a weekend of festivities, including Native American dancers, artist talks, live music, and create & take workshops for kids.
St Pete – Where Entrepreneurs Go to Work and Play
A recent editorial recognizedSt Petersburg as a top destination for entrepreneurs to start and grow their companies due to the beautiful weather, affordable housing, and rich cultural life. What is drawing in these young entrepreneurs? Inc.com notes that St Pete has everything necessary to run a successful company: a growing talent pool, an educated workforce, reasonable costs, and a city committed to seeing them succeed from day one.
Memorial Day Weekend
Saturday May 26th is a big night for Patriots in downtown St Petersburg. The Florida Orchestra presents their Patriotic Salute at the Mahaffey at 8 PM. Meanwhile, the Central Florida USO transforms the St Pete Coliseum (biggest dance floor in the southeast US) into a USO Dance Party, featuring a Jitterbug lesson at 7:30 PM and the G.I. Jive Band 8 – 11 PM. All are encouraged to wear vintage military attire to be a part of the transformation. Paradise NEWS will be there in an alcove with a few of our friends. Come by and say hi!
The City of Treasure Island & the American Legion Post 158 Memorial Day Parade Monday, May 28th, 9 AM,
Treasure Bay Golf & Tennis Center, 10315 Paradise Blvd., at the Treasure Island Community Center just east of Walgreens at 106th Ave. A Memorial Day ceremony hosted by the American Legion follows at 11 AM at Post 158 located at 111 108th Ave. Contact the American Legion Post 158 at 727-363-8375 to participate.
A more lasting new patriotic tribute can be found at the St Petersburg Museum of History, as the “American Soldier” A Photographic Tribute, Storms Back into St Petersburg. A dramatic exhibition of nearly 70 wall-to-wall photographs capturing the essence of American soldiering for more than 150 years, the exhibit will take guests on a soldier’s journey from the Civil War to the streets of Baghdad. The oversized, award winning photographs capture the emotions of danger, frustration, humor, camaraderie, death, and victory that American soldiers encountered in this odyssey through history. Museum curator Nevin Sitler and collections manager Amy Anderson have added various military artifacts from the museum’s collection, including weaponry, uniforms, and equipment, to complement the award winning exhibit.
The American Soldier made its St Petersburg debut in 2014 to record-breaking attendance for a three month run. Originally on loan from curator Cyma Rubin and her Business of Entertainment, Inc, Rubin decided to retire the world renowned traveling exhibit in 2018 and graciously gifted it to the St Petersburg Museum of History, where it will now become part of the Museum’s permanent collection. See some examples of the images on page 39 in this edition. Imagine them super sized. Go see them as your Memorial Day celebration. 10 AM – 5 PM, Monday – Saturday and noon – 5 PM on Sundays. 727-894-1052 or visit www.historystpete.org.
PINELLAS COUNTY
Coyotes are here to stay in Pinellas County. Pinellas County Animal Services does not trap or remove coyotes or other wildlife. However, coyote reporting is informational and Pinellas County Animal Services gathers this data for confirmation of coyote locations. To report a coyote sighting in your area, visit www.pinellascounty.org.
Annual Water System Maintenance Program is set for May 14th – June 8th. A short term change from chloramines to chlorine disinfection is a routine maintenance measure designed to maintain system integrity. Those impacted include Pinellas County Utilities customers. Visit www.pinellascounty.org/utilities.org call Pinellas County Utilities at 727-464-4000 for more.
2018 Best Florida Beach Bar Winners
2nd place – Jimmy B’s on St. Pete Beach Best Florida Beach Bar 2011, 2012, 2014-2017. Top Florida Beach Bar 2013 and 2018
4th Place – Bongos Beach Bar and Grille, St. Pete Beach, Best Florida Beach Bar:
2011, 2012, 2014-2017. Top 10 Florida Beach Bar: 2013, 2018
Caddy’s on the Beach in Treasure Island just missed the placement for top ten. But we know better, it’s an awesome place to wiggle your toes in the sand, eat, listen to live music and watch a sunset!
Toasted Monkey on St. Pete Beach also was listed as one of the best beach bars in Florida.