By Peter Roos
DRV Gallery is hosting Deserie’s first solo art show, The Human Condition, April 5-20, Saturdays 11am-4pm. The opening reception on Friday, April 5 from 6-8pm, features live music by Jim Gilmour. Deserie will also perform vocally. In the exhibition, Deserie shares images of people and scenarios we see and experience in everyday life – parenting, family, friendship, and hobbies. The first painting attached is the cover photo entitled “Human Condition I,” a satirical view of today’s parent inspired by a scene Deserie observed in a local coffee shop.
Freefall Theatre presents Nollywood Dreams by Jocelyn Bioh April 12- May 12. Tickets $45-$55 ($25 for youth under 18 and for all seats to previews) or included with your $29/month subscription. It’s the ‘90s in Lagos, Nigeria, and the “Nollywood” film industry is exploding as the second-highest producing film industry in the world. This laugh-out-loud romantic comedy follows the story of Ayamma, a young woman who works with her sister at their parent’s travel agency, who dreams of leaving her job and becoming a star. When she auditions for a new film by Nigeria’s hottest director, tension flares with his former leading lady, and sparks fly with Nollywood’s biggest heartthrob. Community partners: Hal Freedman, Willi Rudowsky, Betsy Schweitzer, and Cherie Willard.
The Annual Pirate Hall of Fame Golf Tournament benefitting the Boca Ciega High School college-bound senior athletes with scholarships will be held early Monday, April 29, at Pasadena Yacht & Country Club, followed by an award’s luncheon. This year’s tournament is dedicated to basketball coach Randy Shuman. Coach Randy Shuman was Boca Ciega High School basketball coach for 31 years, retiring in 2022. He was instrumental in the creation of the Pirate Athletic Hall of Fame, serving as a founding member for many years! He won 10 District Championships, 7 PCAC Championship Titles and a State 4A Championship and was inducted into the Pirate Athletic Hall of Fame as a coach in 2018. Player spots are still available for single golfers or foursomes. Participate as a player or sponsor or to donate, contact a committee member: Linda Punzak ’78 727-452-5858 or lpunzak@verizon.net, Bob Angle ’62 727-423-6135 or rangle@tampabay.rr.com, Steve Hodges ’59 727-573-3594 or shodges41 @gmail.com, Jenni Adams ’62 386-690-1402 or philsin@aol.com. Tournament proceeds benefit the Pirate Athletic Hall of Fame, Inc., a 501(c)3 (EIN 61-1720251) organization supporting student athletic programs promoting leadership, instilling values, developing character, and preparing students for success.
TPA ranked No. 1 again Airports Council International announced that Tampa International Airport has been once again ranked #1 in its annual Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards among North American airports with 15-25 million passengers for calendar year 2023, and this year shares the honor with Dallas’ Love Field Airport. Recognized globally as an industry-best airport customer experience measurement and benchmarking program, the ASQ Awards use passenger survey data to identify the industry’s best-performing airports around the world. Using 30 key indicators such as cleanliness, amenities, helpfulness of staff, wayfinding, and security, the award recognizes airports with the top 20% overall satisfaction score by size and region at departure. In 2023, more than 600,000 surveys were taken, helping to identify trends, set benchmarks and gauge passenger expectations so airports can better serve the needs of customers. More than 400 airports from 109 countries participated in the program.
Tevi Lawson is the commercial real estate broker / owner of Polaris Realty and the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce volunteer of the year. He is also the author of a brand-new book, The Proxy Diet: A Practical Guide to Self-Analysis and Healing, which he is convinced will change peoples’ lives.
The Proxy Diet is a transformative guidebook. Readers will find inspiration in relatable real-life stories, case studies, profound insights, practical tools, and actionable steps toward inner peace. The Proxt Diet is an open invitation to embark on an enlightening journey of self-fulfillment. Available from Amazon for $18.99 or from the author at www.TeviLawson.com where personally signed copies are just $28.
Isabella G. from Troop 60912 Hoxie Group, Girl Scouts of West Central Florida built and donated a toy box she built by herself for use at Pass-A-Grille Beach. Isabella, a 14-year-old career Girl Scout is earning her Silver Award, which focuses on a sustainable idea to help the community. The project is to be re-useable or provide a service which can be maintained or passed on. The design concept was to use similar building methods and materials for an outdoor deck (i.e., pressure treated timber, exterior stainless steel deck screws, Thompson water seal stain for decks). The toy box was constructed to sit off the ground to allow for any drainage. It is built sturdy enough to withstand the natural elements.
Residents 65 years of age and older are exempt by Florida law from needing a Florida hunting or fishing license. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission is sharing an opportunity that allows seniors to contribute to the conservation of our state’s diverse wildlife and wildlands. By choosing to purchase a license, you’ll be making a direct impact on the preservation of Florida’s natural treasures. The proceeds generated from license sales play a crucial role in funding essential conservation initiatives that benefit our local ecosystems, ensuring a thriving environment for generations to come. Licenses available include Silver Sportsman’s 64+ (Fresh/Hunt) – 1 / 5 year $17.50/$61.50/$136.50. Saltwater Fishing – 1 or 5 year $17.50 / $61.50 / $136.50. To purchase a license, visit www.GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
VETERANS Want to discover if you can enroll in Medicare? Are you or someone you know turning 65? How do Medicare and Veteran benefits work together? Are you a caregiver to someone with Medicare? Does your loved one need help with Medicare plans, lowering Rx costs, or getting their Part B premium paid for? Do you know a senior or disabled individual who could benefit from services like food delivery, transportation, and counseling? We can provide advice on where to start.
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas. Specially trained volunteers can assist veterans with Medicare, Medicaid, and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information. SHINE services are free, unbiased, and confidential. SHINE counselors can be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111. www.floridashine.org or www.agingcarefl.org
La Segunda Bakery & Café is celebrating the second anniversary of its Fourth Street North store in St. Petersburg. The 100+ year old brand expanded their business, originated in Ybor City. Famous for its Cuban Sandwiches and Guava Turn Overs, La Segunda is open daily from 6:30am to 3pm.The Clean Cities Coalition unveiled a new name and look for Clean Cities as the U.S. Department of Energy partnership moves into its fourth decade of advancing clean transportation nationwide! The new name, Clean Cities and Communities, conveys the diversity of areas coalitions serve. The new logo reflects the clean transportation focus.
Downtown Tampa’s Straz Center announces their 2024-2025 Broadway at the Straz Season. A music lover’s dream, sponsored by The Bank of America, The Straz continues to bring the best of Broadway to Tampa Bay. The 2024-2025 line-up looks very tempting, including three shows in a row about superstars from our generation – Cher, Neil Diamond and Michael Jackson. Get a season ticket early for the best seating.
- The Boy Who Loved Batman, Oct. 1-Nov. 10. WORLD PREMIERE – an inspirational comedy about one man’s vision that became a national phenomenon.
- Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, Nov. 12-17 – The New York Times says “100 times better than any bedtime story.”
- Some Like it Hot – Dec. 10-15, “A super-sized, all-out song-and-dance spectacular!” – The New York Times.
- The Cher Show – Jan. 14-19, 2025, The Tony Award®-winning musical of her story, 35 smash hits, six decades of stardom.
- A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical – Feb. 11-16 Brooklyn Kid becomes a chartbusting American rock icon.
- MJ the Musical – Feb. 25-March 2, 2025, A rare look into Michael Jackson’s creative mind and collaborative spirit.
- Disney’s The Lion King – April 2-20, 2025, Tampa’s best-loved musical returns to the Straz Center.
- Mystic Pizza, April 29-May 4, 2025, About the MGM romantic comedy that launched Julia Roberts career in 1988, the score includes “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” to “Hold On” to “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.”
- Shucked, June 3-8, 2025 – Tony Award®–winning musical comedy The Wall Street Journal calls “flat out hilarious!”
- The Straz has also scheduled: Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations – Jan. 3-5, 2025, and MAMMA MIA! – Jan. 28-Feb. 2, 2025, in addition to the nine show Broadway season.
The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg (MFA), is thrilled to unveil a remarkable exhibition centered around the restoration of a gilded, painted, and carved tabernacle from Northern Spain, dating back to the mid-1600s. Despite enduring centuries of wear and tear, including losses due to woodworms, deterioration owing to environmental conditions, and damage from daily use, this remarkable acquisition retains much of its original surface. Yet, the once vibrant gilded and painted finishes have been dimmed by the passage of time and the accumulation of dust, candle soot, and other contaminants. Over the coming months, Luis Seixas–an alumnus of the conservation program at the prestigious Universidade Nova Lisbon, will meticulously undertake the task of cleaning, consolidating, and restoring this precious artifact live within the Miriam Acheson Gallery.
Live Conservation: Restoring a 17th Century Spanish Tabernacle will be on view through June 23. With a focus on preserving the tabernacle’s authenticity, every effort will be made to return it as closely as possible to its original splendor – a fundamental objective of modern conservation practices. The conservation of art – preserving objects through professional, specialized treatment – is one of the Museum of Fine Art’s most important goals. This immersive project offers a unique opportunity for visitors to engage directly with the conservation process, interact with a skilled conservator, and gain insight into the intricate techniques, materials, and methodologies employed. From observing delicate cleaning procedures to understanding the significance of preservation decisions, guests will have the chance to delve deep into the fascinating combination of art and science that is art conservation.
The time has finally come to open the city of Treasure Island’s new and enhanced City Hall with a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 2 at 6pm at City Hall’s new location, 10451 Gulf Blvd. The newly renovated, 28,347-square-foot building cost $11 million including acquisition and renovations. The facility will serve as a central hub of the city, providing public space that is accessible, functional, and a source of pride for residents, as well as The City Commission Chambers, City Hall departments, Public Works Administration, and rentable recreation spaces. The main (2nd) floor of the new City Hall will consist of the City Commission Chambers with a beautiful view of the beach, a lobby, and the Community Development Department. There will also be enhanced security features requiring electronic access to other floors. The third floor will be the main staff working floor, with a primarily open floor plan, designed to keep staff located in close proximity for efficiency and collaboration. The fourth floor will provide some storage space for the Treasure Island Historical Society but will remain vacant until plans are made as to what should be housed on this floor. The fifth floor will be dedicated to serving the community, with multiple-sized rooms available for classes, meetings, and community activities. This floor also features a premiere event space with a catering kitchen, making it an attractive venue for a variety of functions. This floor will also house the city’s Parks and Recreation offices. City Hall is also designed to promote community engagement and provide residents with expanded recreational facilities. If you miss the April 2 ribbon cutting, tours of the new City Hall may be had during the city’s Community Appreciation Day on April 13 from 11am to 1pm. For more information, including the cost breakdown, visit www.mytreasureisland.com/cityprojects.
The Original Gulfport Walking Tour April 20 at 3pm. Gulfport History Museum, 5301 28th Ave. S., Join the Gulfport Historical Society as they take a stroll through history in Gulfport. The tour examines the creation of this small seaside hamlet; the tour guides–all Gulfport locals with a penchant for history and storytelling–share the town’s history and stories with the group. The tour starts at the Gulfport History Museum where you can take a peek at some of their historic photos. Tour is free for Gulfport Historical Society members. Non-members pay $15/person. Our guides do appreciate tips. Please bring your refillable bottle to fill up at the museum water cooler before the tour. These tours sell out, so advance ticket purchase is highly suggested and members should pre-register. Whether or not you can attend, please consider donating to support our mission to preserve and celebrate Gulfport culture and history through exhibits and programs that educate and inspire the community and visiting public. Cathy Salustri Loper, President, cathy@gulfporthistoricalsociety.org.
A landmark donation of $2 million from philanthropists Tom and Mary James is the largest private donation ever received by the PARC organization. It is earmarked for the groundbreaking of the new Children’s Services Center. This transformative gift significantly elevates Parc’s capacity to empower individuals with developmental disabilities.“People should know that, despite the size of the community we’re in, we have a very good place for people with special needs, which you can’t find everywhere. I’ve known the people with Parc for a very long time. The fact is, they have demonstrated time and time again, they’ll bend over backwards to help all the kids and all the adults who need services. I speak from experience knowing some of the people who live there. I’m proud we are associated with Parc Center for Disabilities,” said Mr. James.
