By Peter Roos
TIDBITS
By Peter Roos
The New York Times bestselling author Randy Wayne White is visiting all four Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille locations in June to sign copies of his newest book in the beloved Doc Ford series. Two dates in St. Petersburg are even prior to the official June 4 release of “One Deadly Eye,” the 27th mystery-thriller following the escapades of marine biologist – and possible super-secret covert government agent – Doc Ford and friends on Sanibel Island.
White, who co-founded the restaurants with HM Restaurant Group, will also talk about his writing process at each stop. He kicks off his Doc Ford’s book tour Saturday, June 2, in St. Petersburg at the Jungle Terrace location, 8790 Bay Pines Blvd., from noon to 3pm, followed by the downtown St. Petersburg Pier location, 610 Second Ave. NE, Sunday, June 3, from noon to 3pm.
White will stop by the Doc Ford’s at 708 Fisherman’s Wharf, Fort Myers Beach, Saturday, June 8, from noon to 3pm, and the Sanibel location at 2500 Island Inn Road Saturday, June 15, from noon to 3pm. Copies of “One Deadly Eye” will be available for purchase at each location.
“It’s always an honor to host Randy’s book signings,” said Joe Harrity, a partner with HM Restaurant Group, the parent company of Doc Ford’s and Dixie Fish Company. “Fans love the ambiance of Doc Ford’s and feel a real connection with the book and the author whenever Randy visits. It’s like stepping into one of his novels.”
Known for its sauces, spices, passion and signature Yucatan shrimp served daily, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is a perennial Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice winner. The St. Petersburg Pier restaurant was named the Best of the Best Restaurants for Everyday Eats in 2023. It has been TripAdvisor’s #2 out of 500+ St. Petersburg restaurants since January. Its Jungle Terrace sister has been #1 since it appeared on the cover of Paradise News that month. Mention Paradise News there and get a FREE mojito with entrée purchase all year.
Tampa Bay has Florida’s most lightning and Florida is known as the lightning capital of the United States. At any given moment, especially during the summer, life-threatening conditions can arise along the Gulf Coast and pose a dangerous threat to any outdoor activity. To ensure safety of beachgoers, the city of Clearwater has installed a system capable of providing timely warnings to beachgoers when lightning is detected within a 5-mile radius on Clearwater Beach.
Self-service sandbags are always available for free at Egan Park year-round. All residents are encouraged to plan ahead and pick up sandbags in advance of forecasted storm schedules to avoid waiting in long lines. Post-storm evacuation re-entry tags are always available at City Hall, Fire Station 22, and Fire Station 23. Prior year’s tags are valid for 2024 and will be necessary for re-entry to the beach.
Pinellas County is planning a full re-nourishment of Pass-A-Grille beach performed in two phases. During the first phase which begins in early June, between 10,000 and 15,000 cubic yards of sand from the Grand Canal project will be placed between Ninth Ave. and First Ave. Click here for more information. All Pass-a-Grille businesses will remain open and accessible during the project.
Fourth of July Celebration! St. Pete Beach fireworks will take place on Thursday July 4th with watch party viewing areas from Corey Avenue and Horan Park. Horan Park will host a concert with the Smokin Renegade band, food, and drinks. Proceeds from beverage purchases will benefit the Vets of South Pinellas.
The Treasure Island & Madeira Beach Chamber presents its 10th Anniversary Monte Carlo Casino Night on August 24, 2024 6-10pm at the West Events Center in Mad Beach, an evening of unparalleled excitement and glamour. Indulge in thrilling casino games, live entertainment, and gourmet appetizers and refreshments, all while supporting local businesses and community initiatives. Mingle with fellow philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders while making a positive impact. Secure your tickets, including an open bar all night, ($100 each now, $125 after Aug.1) for a night of excitement and generosity you won’t soon forget!. www.timbchamber.org/monte-carlo-casino-night
There is new life at Dolphin Village Shopping Center. Starbucks is already old news, and you have likely seen the golf carts, but have you tried the new Indian restaurant, or Playa Bowls, in the courtyard? There are new stores in the courtyard also: jewelry, fashion, candy, and motorbikes. Blue Fugu upstairs is still serving a delectable variety of Japanese fare at dinner time. Also in the Dolphin Village Courtyard As Above, So Below, the metaphysical store that moved from Corey Ave., is offering classes.
- New Moon Paint & Sip – 6/5 6-8pm $40pp.
- Intro to Your Chakras: 6/12 6pm $40pp
- Create a Vision Board – 6/20 6-8pm $20pp
- Crystal Bingo Night 6/26 6-8pm – $20pp
Register and check for future classes online at www.AsAboveSoBelow.com or call 727-289-1199
Summer fun at Suntan Art Center! Art classes are offered during the day to get you out of the heat, in the evenings for those who are busy and for the kids! Suntan Art Center typically packages classes in sets of four, but individual class sign-ups are available too. Visit www.suntanart.org/art-classes for details.
Treasure Island Art Guild is back with their weekly portrait workshops June through August! In July, there are two days of jewelry making classes and this fall Eric Jacobsen will offer his three-day workshop, Painting Expressive Landscapes. Visit www.suntanart.org/art-workshops
Tropical Art Chick Susan Coulis loves the tropical lifestyle. She moved to Anna Maria Island from Vermont in 1978, planning to stay for just one winter, but after 46 years she is still here. “The beautiful colors and nature of the Gulf Coast, Everglades & Keys have been the inspiration for my bright, whimsical artwork. What started as a hobby and creative outlet has turned into a successful business offering collections to enhance coastal décor,” Susan said.
In addition to selling online and participating in local craft shows, she offers wholesale consignment pricing to retail stores, gift shops, boutiques, souvenir and artisan markets. The most popular collection, “Salty Sayings,” was created from her love of tropical things and the joy she gets from a “beachy” saying. Some are silly, some sage, some sassy, some sweet but all a bit salty! “Beach Town Salty Sayings” started with the Anna Maria Island print. The “Tropical Prints” collection comes from Susan’s work in acrylics. She has painted on all kinds of surfaces including palm frond shucks, crab buoys, wall murals, furniture and more. These framed prints come matted with an off-white, distressed wood frame. You can see her stuff online and buy directly at www.tropicalartchick.com, or look for her art in your favorite beachy or resort gift shop. Prospective retailers can reach out to Susan Coulis, info@tropicalartchick.com, 941-350-5484.
The Treasure Islettes, the women’s club in Treasure Island, has announced the recipients of their 2024-25 scholarship program. They are: James Alton, University of South Florida; Isabella Pichardo, Tallahassee Community College; Andrew Tallman, Tallahassee Community College; Enzo Biagi, Georgia College & State University; Benjamin Hartmann, Florida State University; Isobel Keyser, St. Petersburg College; and Ryan Wingard, Cumberland School of Law, Samford University. Each student has met the academic requirements, is sponsored by a club member, and will receive a $4,000 award for the academic year.
The scholarship program is funded in part by Bingo, which is held every Thursday at the Treasure Island Community Center, 154 106 Ave. (behind Walgreens). The public is welcome with doors opening at 5:30pm, early birds beginning at 6:30pm and the regular games at 7:30pm. Other fundraising efforts include a yearly luncheon and craft show and participation in city-sponsored events.
Founded in 1955, the Treasure Islettes is open to all women who are interested in the promotion of civic, social and community assistance work, primarily in Treasure Island and surrounding communities. Meetings are held September through May on the fourth Monday, 7pm, at the Treasure Island Community Center. More info visit www.treasureislettes.weebly.com.
Caladesi Island State Park in Dunedin has been named in the Top 10 Beaches List of 2024 by Dr. Beach! Dr. Stephen Leatherman, renowned for his expertise in beach evaluations, has recognized this stunning location as one of the top beaches in the United States.
Boogie Woogie – Blues Piano Stomp Saturday, July 13, 8pm $18-$45
Two grand pianos, five great boogie & blues artists in an award-winning lineup:
- Indiana’s best boogie-woogiepianist, Craig Brenner
- Former St. Pete Pianimal & Key West legend Barry Cuda
- France, UK and now Austin, Texas, phenom Henri Herbert
- St. Pete’s premier piano & guitar duo, Liz Pennock & Dr. Blues.
Tickets available only from the Palladium box office or their website. The Palladium, 253 Fifth Ave. N, St. Petersburg, 727-822-3590.
Warehouse Arts District Association (WADA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit designed to create sustainability by subsidizing studio spaces in the arts community. Their mission has evolved to includenot only the provision of studio spaces but also the offering of educational resources to studio and member artists, as well as creating community-minded events and retail opportunities for artists. The ArtsXchange campus now boasts a unique blend of visual and performing artists and arts organizations, enriching the cultural landscape of the entire city. They have 17 board members with diverse
backgrounds and viewpoints, all of which are highly valued. Notably, three of the board members, as well as the executive director, are actively working artists. Their board chair is Mark Aeling. To join WADA and stay up to date on events, please visit their website www.warehouseartsdistrict.org.