ST PETE BEACH
Friends of Strays will be Jamming at Larry’s Ice Cream, 6595 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, from 1-3pm on Saturday, April 14th for a doggy reunion! Bring your dog or meet some new furry friends! Enjoy complimentary fresh mini-donuts, discounts on Larry’s homemade ice cream and many other wonderful homemade treats! Live Steel drum music by Island Music by Shane will be featured! Contact Claire@FriendsofStrays.org or call 727-522-6566 for more info.
NEW AEROBICS CLASS: LABLAST SPLASH ON FRIDAYS
Dive into the future of water fitness. Cardio building, joint friendly and outrageously fun. Splash celebrates the beauty of true dance in the water! Learn the Disco, Jive, Viennese Waltz, Lindy Hop, and more through whole body movement both in and above the water. The easy-to-learn patterns and music selections from all genres and eras welcome any age and fitness level. Cost: $6. For more information visit www.spbrec.com or call the Aquatic Center at 727.363.9264.
SUMMER CAMPS FOR KIDS
Registration started March 26th at the St. Pete Beach Community Center, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive, for full and half day summer camps. Programs are being offered for children who have completed kindergarten through 6th grade. Our full day camp programs will keep kids entertained all summer long with weekly field trips, swimming and other indoor & outdoor activities. If your child has a more specific interest we are offering halfday specialty camps such as Archery, basketball, robotics and more. For more information, including registration paperwork. Visit www.spbrec.com or call 727.363.9245.
CHOWDER CHALLENGE V
Competitors wanted for the 5th annual Chowder Challenge, Sunday Nov. 11, 2018 at Horan Park. The Pass-a-Grille Woman’s Club has adopted this great local charity and is presently seeking participants for the 2018 Chowder event. Competitors produce, present & serve 16 gallons of their favorite ‘chowder’ for judging by chefs and food critics as well as the public. Pay $15 in Advance – $20 on day of the event, to sample as many chowders as the wish, and vote for their favorite(s).
Encourage your favorite restaurant to participate! The event is held on Sunday of Veterans Day Weekend,Noon to 4 pm. To ask for a participation packet, contact Elaine Jett ebj_38@yahoo.com.
Innovative Pilot Program
TradeWinds Island Resorts is Among 10 Hotel Companies Selected for Innovative Pilot Program to Offer Employees No-Cost Associate and Low-Cost Bachelor’s Degrees “We are honored to be able to offer this cutting-edge program to advance the education of our employees,” said Keith Overton, president of TradeWinds Island Resorts. “Our goal is to promote the well-being of each member of our team and allow them to succeed as individuals, giving them the opportunity to become future leaders of the hospitality and other industries that drive America’s economy.” This new program offers TradeWinds Island Resorts employees more affordable, flexible, and personalized educational paths to complete their high school GED, a cost-free Associate degree, or a low-cost Bachelor’s degree. Employees who pursue & complete post-secondary education tend to earn more money over the span of their careers, are more qualified for promotion, are effective at driving customer satisfaction, and stay at companies longer.
SPRING FLOWERS
The Garden Club of St. Petersburg presents their annual Flower Show in the Community Center Bldg. at the Green Thumb Festival on April 28 & 29. From 9 am- 3 pm. Green Thumb Plant Festival is located at Walter Fuller Park, 7891 26th. Ave. N. St. Pete. 33710.
TREASURE ISLAND
Treasure Island’s new mayor Larry Lunn, 82, will take office this month, hoping to provide the city with the benefit of his experiences from Indiana. Treasure Island has tried to inspire a revitalization of downtown for many years. The clock tower roundabout and two-block path from city hall to the community park are lasting evidence.
With 35 property owners involved, it has proven a challenge to do much else. “We had a similar challenge in Indiana,” recalls Lunn. “We formed a cooperative organization as an umbrella and got almost every downtown property owner on board. I feel like I have three years to get the job done here.” Mayor Lunn said he would like to see city hall, police, fire, and other services relocated off the valuable waterfront, to the community park.
In his vision, the community center could be rebuilt where it stands atop a multi-story parking garage, making it a far more desirable venue for events and providing some relief for the tight Treasure Island parking challenges. Lunn said he learned during his campaign that many residents feel underrepresented. The Chamber of Commercehas the businesses backs, but who looks out for the voters?
Coffee & Chocolate
The Treasure Island and Madeira Beach (TIMB) Chamber of Commerce hosts its monthly Coffee & Chocolate with the President on Tuesday, April 17 beginning 9:30 am, Chamber, 245 – 107th Avenue, Treasure Island.
Treasure Island and Madeira Beach (TIMB) Chamber of Commerce After Hours Mixer on Thursday, April 26, from 5 to 7 pm at Pipo’s Cuba Café, 9531 Bay Pines Blvd., St. Petersburg, Admission $10 with advance or $15 at thedoor. First drink is free, followed by a cash bar. Complimentary hors-d’oeuvres are provided by
Pipo’s Cuban Café. To donate a door prize, contact the TIMB Chamber at 727-360-4121. Make a reservations at https://islandneighbors chamber.org/event/after-hours-mixer-pipos-cuban-café.
TIERRA VERDE
25 YEARS OF RESTORING THE BAY EVERY DAY
A letter by Peter A. Clark, President of Tampa Bay Watch, Inc. Tampa Bay Watch, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Tampa Bay estuary, is proud to celebrate its 25th anniversary this year. Peter A. Clark, their founder and President, would like to express his gratitude by sharing a few words to kick off this special year. Refer to this link for more details http://www.tampabaywatch.org/tbw-turns-25.html.
SEEKING Special Events Coordinator
Tampa Bay Watch Seeks Special Events Coordinator is a member of the development team and is primarily responsible for spearheading Tampa Bay Watch fundraiser events and working to create new events with the goal of generating revenue and awareness about Tampa Bay Watch. Major events include Bay Life Art Show, Tarpon Rodeo, and Evening for the Bay. Also responsible for leading third party fundraisers and secondary awareness events that arise. Event coordination includes, but is not limited to, sponsor and auction donation acquisition, budgeting, marketing, planning, and execution of pre, day of, and post-event responsibilities.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree preferred with 2-3 years minimum working experience in an events management setting. Send resume and supporting materials to resumes@tampabaywatch.org Potential applicants are encouraged to find out more about our program activities at www.tampabaywatch.org
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
Shuffleboard Tournament
Friends of Strays will host its first shuffleboard tournament at the historic St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club May 6, 2018, 2pm-5pm. Teams of 2 will compete for prizes at this fun and family-friendly Sunday afternoon event. Team tickets include tournament entry fee, commemorative event t-shirt, BBQ lunch, and one drink ticket per person.
Individual, non-tournament tickets are available as well, for those who prefer to play on their own or watch the tournament. Catering by M-N-M BBQ. Sponsorship opportunities www.friendsofstrays.com/shuffle-for-strays. Purchase your tickets or become a sponsor today. Contact claire@friendsofstrays.org or call her at 727-522-6566 x 107
Footgolf Tournament
Piper Fire’s 4th annual Footgolf Tournament Benefits Children’s Burn Foundation of Florida (CBBF) – Friday, April 6: The creative event — substituting soccer for golf balls – is at the Largo Municipal Golf Course, 12500 Vonn Road.
Sponsors include: Brown & Brown Insurance, Ansul, Core & Main, Wallace Welch & Willingham, HikVision, Solutions Insurance, R.S. Williams & Associates, Reliable Sprinklers, Silmar Electronics, Brooks Equipment and Ferguson Fire & Fabrication.
President Chris Johnson noted, “The purpose in forming our ‘Piper Gives Back’ Committee was to help create opportunities to involve our employees in volunteer work and directly give back to the community that has helped our company thrive over the years. Check-in begins at 5 pm with a Shotgun Start 6 pm. Cost including play and awards dinner is $30 for single golfer, $20 for kids, $25 each for Groups of 4 or more. For sponsor opportunities or any questions contact Tricia Kane or Melissa Faint via emailgiveback@PiperFire.com or phone: 727-581-9339.
To learn more about the Foundation, visit www.childrensburnfoundationoffl.com
PARC Golf Tournament Weekend, presented by Raymond James! Beginning at 7 P.M. on Friday May 4th it’s Casino Night at the Station House, 260 1st Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Poker, blackjack, and roulette for fantastic raffle prizes. Partake in rooftop LED golf, feast on a buffet of delightful foods, sip open-bar drinks, and enjoy spectacular entertainment. Grab your golfing gear for Saturday May 5th at the Bayou Club, located at 7979 Bayou Club Blvd, Largo, FL 33777. Enjoy an afternoon of laid back enjoyment for pros and novices alike, with an 11:30 am lunch & registration, 1 PM shotgun start in scramble style format, followed by dinner and an awards ceremony. Ticket and sponsorship information, visit www.parc-fl.org or call (727) 341-6929.
PINELLAS COUNTY—Pinellas County Beaches Shorebird Workshop
Status, protections, and threats to beach-nesting shorebirds. 9 am – 11 am Thursday, April 12th, St Pete Beach City Hall, 155 Corey Ave., APB. There is plenty of parking in the City Hall parking lot. Coffee and water will be provided. All are welcome!
COYOTES RETURN
Coyotes they are here to stay in Pinellas County. Sightings of Coyotes—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 http://www.pinellascounty.org/forms/4coyote.htm. Living with coyotes in your neighborhood http://myfwc.com/media/2675483/Living-With-Urban-Coyotes.pdf
CONTROLLING THOSE PESKY PESTS
Gulfshore Pest Control – In terms of career transitions, this one makes sense. Wes Tallyn, a biologist with 15 years of experience in environmental science and his wife Samantha, an accountant, have launched Gulfshore Pest Control. Raised in St. Petersburg, Wes earned his degree in Environmental Science from Eckerd College. He worked in pest control for three years to obtain his certification to open Gulfshore Pest Control. Call Gulfshore Pest Control, LLC today for a free quote or to schedule an appointment at (727) 410-5853 or visit www.gulfshorepest.com
Touch-A-Truck
The 4th annual “Touch-a-Truck” event will be held on April 14, 10 am – 2 pm.
This family-friendly event is fun and free for members of our local community. Children, teens, and parents will see impressive vehicles up close, learn about their functions, and the exciting careers and job opportunities associated with those vehicles.
More information regarding sponsorship or participation in SPC Allstate Center’s “Touch-a-Truck”, contact (727) 341-4480 or complete this survey to RSVP for the event: http://web.spcollege.edu/survey/25484
Pinellas Citizen University
Pinellas County residents can experience an up-close and behind-the-scenes look at the first-class services provided by their county government in this year’s Pinellas Citizen University. Registration is now open for the 6-week course scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday evenings from April 13 through May 17, with a bonus Saturday class on May 20. Participants will get a behind-the-scenes look at various Pinellas County operations each week and talk to the experts as they explore a wide range of county functions.
Classes meet 5:30 to 8:30 pm. During this 6-week course, students will learn about the five goals of the county’s Strategic Plan with a focus on how employees are doing things every day to serve the public, improving the quality of life and making Pinellas an even better place to call home. Enrollment applications and a complete course schedule is available online at pinellascounty.org/citizen or by calling (727) 464-4600.
HELPING OUT IN THE KITCHEN
CASA Community Action Stops Abuse) needs new kitchen supplies, spatulas, ladles, mixing bowls, potholders/oven mitts, dish towels, aluminum foil, dish detergent, pitchers, paper plates and cups, plastic utensils, plastic storage containers, etc.. There is a donation barrel in the entryway of Pass-a-Grille Beach Community Church 16th Ave., St Pete Beach.
ARTS ALLIANCE AWARDED PLATINUM RANKING!
The St. Petersburg Arts Alliance has achieved the highest ranking possible at Guidestar. . . Platinum! Guidestar is the world’s largest source of information on nonprofits. Just a small number of organizations nationwide have earned Platinum status. Out of 1,654 nonprofits in St. Petersburg, only 8 have earned Platinum designation.
John Collins, Exec. Dir. of the Arts Alliance says, “I have stated … that as a nonprofit we are stewards of the public trust. We want EVERY DONOR to see how their investment is being used. To reach the Platinum level ….”
You should be very proud of your small but mighty St. Petersburg Arts Alliance… Thank you so much for your support! PN