If it’s 93 degrees with a high chance of afternoon rains, welcome to the 30th annual August-September issue of your Paradise News. When asked if doing our job gets old after doing it for 30 years, we reply “seldom.” Putting together each issue of Paradise News is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle without a picture to go by – with words, photos, other graphic elements contributing to the visual impact and readability of each page.
As publishers, it is our job to present stories and ads in a logical manner, with enough advertising to pay all of the expenses of freelance writing, photography, editing, layout, proofreading, printing, binding, mailing, and delivery, as well as the operating expenses of the business, and to make a profit.
As editors we are challenged to make the content meaningful, clear, easy to read, non-partisan and helpful to our target market – the residents of and visitors to St. Petersburg and its barrier island communities. Since February, we have steadily added depth to our pool of freelance writers. If you have a favorite writer you would like to tell us about, email info@paradisenewsfl.com.
This month we are pleased to introduce a new legal columnist, Steve Walden, a partner of The Carlson Law Firm. Like many of our readers, Steve is a barrier-island resident with a business on the mainland. He and his office can help with a very broad range of both personal and business legal issues. We appreciate his insight and willingness to provide helpful information for our readers.
There is a wealth of information in this edition, including as usual, whatever Buddy Baker, our arts & leisure/events columnist, could dig up that is going on in the area. Tampa Baywatch is working on a living shoreline at Maximo Park on Aug. 16. Tuesday, Aug. 20, is also primary election day. Please do not forget to vote. Local elections can be very close. Besides the federal primary, Supervisor of Elections Julie Marcus is opposed by an election denier, there are circuit judges and school board seats, and SPB District 2 gets to choose their next commissioner. I noticed the name of Barry Rubin on a list of five contenders for the St. Petersburg Council seat in District 3. Barry has done a great job leading the Greater Gulfport and then the Treasure Island – Madeira Beach Chambers of Commerce.
Saturday, Aug. 24 is the TI-MB Chamber of Commerce Monte Carlo night at the West Events Center in Madeira Beach. August is Gecko season in Gulfport. If you haven’t been, at least go to the Aug. 31 Gecko Fest parade. August / September is also usually the height of hurricane season. We published preparation info in May and June – July and there is more on our website www.paradisenewsfl.com. Make a plan for the whole family. Know in advance what to do and where to go. You do not want to be shopping for supplies when a storm is approaching. Dr. Jonathan Pierce of Island Life Animal Hospital offers storm related pet advice.
Friday, Oct. 4, The Horny Toads perform for the first of five weekly concerts in Horan Park and there Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber kicks off their “Taste of the Beaches Fund-Raiser.”
Does our job get old? Refilling magazine racks in the summertime can get tedious, but the job easily makes up for that: being the source of information that so many neighbors refer to, knowing that the fruits of our labors are appreciated, helping local businesses grow and reach their target markets. Publishing is a creative business which, done right, helps many and hurts none. If you know of a good, trustworthy company or service provider that could stand to be busier, email sales@paradisenewsfl.com. At the risk of sounding repetitive, thanks for reading Paradise News.