THE BEACHES
Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce will host its first ever Festival of Trees event this November 24th. Today they announced that a portion of the proceeds will be charitably donated to Tampa Bay Watch.
The Festival of Trees is a family friendly event to be held on November 24th, 2018 at the five locations. Visitors will be able to vote for their favorite tree and donate to Tampa Bay Watch while getting into the spirit of giving through holiday music and treats. Companies who would like to participate should register in advance, choose a level of sponsorship, and will receive a tree to decorate. The decorated tree will be displayed at a location of their choosing for the enjoyment of visitors and public auction. Visit www.TBBCC.org
Locations:
- St. Pete Beach Comm Center
- Madeira Beach City Center
- Treasure Island Comm Ctr
- Indian Shores Municipal Ctr
- City of Indian Rocks Beach
Link to Tampa Bay Watch: http://tampabaywatch.org Contact Emily Roberts for more information at: emily@tampabaybeaches.com
ST PETE BEACH
SPB Community Activities
Yard Sale – Come and shop over 75 vendors at the Community Center. Someone’s trash is another’s treasure. Call 363-9245 for info. Vendor space is limited Date: Sat, Sept 22: 8am-Noon Fee: $15 / space
Beach Clean Up Semi-Annual event held at Upham Beach. Join us to help beautify our beachDate: Sat, Oct 13: 9-11am – Free Location: Upham Beach Concession Stand
October Concert Series
Come & relax in Horan Park 7-9and enjoy some local bands, food, fun zone and more. Bring your own chair or blanket every Friday in October. Time: Fri: 7-9pm
- Oct 5:Reverend Barry & the Funk
- Oct 12-Trae Pierce & the Stone Band
- Oct 19: Horny Toads
- Oct 26: The Wildflowers – Tom Petty Tribute Band
New Cardio Classes, Cardio Drumming: is a high-energy dance rhythm workout for your body, mind and spirit held at St. Pete Beach Community Ctr. Mondays & Wednesdays 7-8 pm for $7.Cardio Boxing: conditions the total body and provides a complete workout Tuesdays & Thursdays from 6:30-7:30 pm for $6. Visit www.spbrec.com or call 727-363-9245 for more.
Local World War II Pilot lived in St. Pete Beach to Age 96 Cmdr. John William (Bill) JENKINS, (USN Ret.) was born June 27, 1922 in Tampa, FL. Bill joined the Navy in 1942 and by the age of 20 he had earned his Navy Wings. As a pilot, he served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. In 1950, he met the love of his life and best friend, Gail Evelyn Korupp. They married in 1953 and lived in harmony for the next 65 years sharing their love of travel, golf, entertaining, and raising three daughters. Before retiring from the Navy, Bill graduated from the University of Maryland in 1970. He taught at two Pinellas County Schools until 1985.
Silas Dents Steakhouse closed on July 31 after 39 years of service to St. Pete Beach residents & visitors. It has been purchased by the Caddy’s organization and will be rebranded as Caddy’s By the Bay. Rob & Debbie Stambaugh will continue to operate a catering facility adjacent to the restaurant.
Ruthie Buxbaum told us about one of her favorite customers, who passed unexpectedly of a heart attack. Wikipedia says “Lieutenant General Michael DeLong” (also known as Lt. Gen Michael “Rifle” DeLong) is a retired United States Marine Corps Lieutenant General who served as Deputy Commander, United States Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, from 2000 until his retirement in 2003 (with over 36 years of service), Lieutenant General DeLong was 2nd-in-command to General Tommy Franks who as Commander of United States Central Command was in charge of the war on terror including Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Ruthie said he and his wife have been two of her most gracious and generous guests at Chill and that he will be much missed.
Pass-a-Grille Woman’s Club will host Chowder Challenge 5 on Veteran’s Day Sunday, November 11th in Horan Park. If you weren’t lucky enough to attend the Challenge last year, know that it is a St Pete Beach community event that draws people from all over the area. About 20 local restaurants each bring enough chowder for 1,000 chowder lovers to taste and vote for their favorites.Celebrity chefs also score the participants, and one restaurant earns “the Golden Ladle” award for the year. Not only is it a fun and amazing afternoon, it is the major fund-raiser for the 96 year-old club. They want to make it even bigger and better this year. This is a huge undertaking requiring the help of many club members. A Silent Auction and a raffle are planned, for which they need many prizes. If you know a restaurant that wants to compete, or you have something to donate for the silent auction, email chowderchallenge@pagwc.com
TREASURE ISLAND
Sea Dog Brew Pub in Treasure Island has opened six new boat slips along the seawall on the north side of the Blind Pass Bridge, with five more expected south of the bridge later this summer. Each dock offers a 30-minute berth for to-go orders. In addition to the new construction of the boat docks, Sea Dog will be selling beer, ice, and bait to boaters. There are also plans for an outdoor tiki bar and small stage for live entertainment on the weekends. General Manager Charles Breakiron says, “This will truly be the place to be, whether you come by car, boat, or tread in straight off the beach!” Mid-Coast Marine Group in conjunction with G & M Contracting, Inc. are contracted to build the docks and are currently ahead of schedule. Owner Fred Forsley shares his excitement, “There’s still a hurdle to overcome. The Pub is seeking permitting to construct a walkway beneath the Blind Pass Bridge.” For more information, visit seadogtreasureisland.com or call at 727.954.7805.
Treasure Island & Madeira Beach Chamber – Resolution Opposes Offshore Drilling – At its June Board meeting, they passed Resolution 2018-06 to urge the US government to refrain from offshore oil drilling and exploration along the Atlantic coast and in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Robert Minning, was appointed to chair the EPIC committee of the Treasure Island & Madeira Beach Chamber of Commerce.
EPIC Environmental Preservation Initiative for our Communities — was created in 2015 by founding committee chair Greg Tong. Minning is a long time resident of Treasure Island and served as Mayor from 2009 till 2018. His interest in environmental preservation goes back further yet.
The Greater Treasure Island Club, Inc. Dennis Fagan, Chairman of The Greater Treasure Island Club, Inc. (TGTIC), announced the formation of this community-based organization. The founding members hope to encourage permanent full-time residents of Treasure Island to come together to enhance the lives of those living in our community, now and in the future. Fagan said, “The Greater Treasure Island Club is a volunteer organization of full-time residents dedicated to capitalizing on opportunities and managing challenges, with the goal of leaving a more beautiful and more sustainable Treasure Island for future generations.” Nominal membership dues are planned to offset communication expenses. The group will meet monthly. For more about The Greater Treasure Island Club, Inc., contact: William Carbone, WJC10208@outlook.com
John’s Pass Gets Dinner Cruise – The Madeira Beach City Commission approved the liquor license for the Calypso Queen, a 150-seat dinner cruise boat that will dock where the gambling boats used to. John’s Pass merchants including Hubbard’s objected over traffic and parking concerns. Operator Starlite Cruises has boats in Clearwater Beach and Corey Causeway in South Pasadena. They plan to sail every night from John’s Pass.
Sloppy Joe’s Restaurant and Bilmar Beach Cafe Retain AboveWater Public Relations – AboveWater Public Relations and Marketing, LLC was named agency of record for Sloppy Joe’s Restaurant, the beach resort outpost of the iconic Key West saloon and the Bilmar Café, both located within the Bilmar Beach Resort. For more info,visit www.abovewater.com or call 239-596-9149
37th John’s Pass Seafood Fest May Be The Final One! Commissioners resent losing $22,000 in parking revenues for the long weekend event, which organizers say is the key to profitability for the annual tradition.
FWC Awards $250,000 In Lionfish Research Funds
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) awarded $250,000 to five organizations in early 2018 to research and develop innovative methods to remove nonnative invasive lionfish from deep-water habitats. While the Florida diving community uses spearfishing gear to control lionfish populations in shallow waters, many lionfish inhabit depths beyond recreational dive limits (130 feet). Research proposals were submitted in fall 2017 and five were selected to each get $50,000 in funding. Contracts will be completed by June 2019.
Project Awardees and Details University of Florida: Will field test and evaluate development and retrieval strategies for harvesting lionfish in deep water habitat with the use of a non-containment curtain trap.
Reef Environmental Education Foundation: Will assess modified lobster trap and curtain trap designs and gather field recordings of lionfish vocalizations to assess whether sound can be used as an attractant or an aggregation tool.
American Marine Research Company: Will work to develop an agile and versatile underwater drone that can be used to control lionfish populations.
R3 Digital Sciences: Will develop and promote fish trap extension kits for existing commercial spiny lobster traps that will convert them from indiscriminate traps into “smart traps” capable of specifically targeting lionfish from depths greater than 130 feet.
Atlantic Lionshare Ltd.: Will complete the development of a remotely-operated vehicle called the Reef Sweeper that can be used to harvest lionfish from beyond recreational diving depths.
Kathleen Peters Wins Pinellas GOP Straw Poll – Kathleen Peters emerged as the top candidate for Pinellas County Commission in District 6, with 41 percent of the vote In a straw poll at the Pinellas GOP’s annual picnic. Peters, who is currently serving her final term in the Florida House of Representatives, has vowed to continue to keep taxes low, protect Pinellas beaches and waters, develop a coordinated
system of care for mental health, and ensure that Pinellas County prioritizes job creation with its business-friendly climate. The primary election takes place on August 28. District 6 encompasses northeast St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park, Seminole and the barrier island beaches from Redington Shores to Tierra Verde.
INDIAN ROCKS BEACH
Tuesday, August 21, 2018, 10 – 11:30 a.m., FREE Senior Roundtable at Calvary Episcopal Church, 1615 1st St., IRB. RSVP to Jackie Tatsak at 813-928-6494 or
Topics and presenters include:
- Estate Planning & Advance Directives – Diana Mangsen, RN, BSN, JD, Mangsen Law,
- Senior Scams – Joel Quattlebaum, Senior Services Officer, Largo Police Department;
- Insurance Options – Joseph Tedesco, Medicare Specialist, Health & Asset Protection
- Senior Living Options – Jackie Tatsak, Retirement Living by Design, and
- Funeral Planning – Fr. Jon Roberts, Calvary Episcopal Church.
ST PETERSBURG
The State Theater has been SAVED! Treasure Island REMAX agent James Brylinke Sr. helped broker the theater’s sale for $2.1 mil. It’ll undergo $1 million worth of renovations and will remain a concert venue. The new owner’s parents had their first date at the State Theater. James had also sold the State Theatre to its prior owners.
Hillsborough County approves $150,000 for Cross Bay Ferry At Mayor Rick Kriseman’s urging, Hillsborough County joined St. Petersburg with its $150,000 share of the Cross Bay Ferry for a 2nd round of ferry service beginning November 2018. Pinellas County and Tampa each still need to contribute $150,000.
New Pier Gets New Food Partner Chuck Prather, owner of the Birchwood Hotel and Canopy rooftop bar, has announced plans for a three-story restaurant and bar at the new St. Pete Pier head building. The Driftwood Cafe for casual food and ice cream will be located on the lawn level, a full-size restaurant, Teak, will be a couple levels up, and Pier Teaki, a rooftop bar, on top.
New restaurants are open in St. Petersburg
Zoes Kitchen – a fast-casual spot with fresh, quick Mediterranean dishes, opened its St. Pete location in June at 1320 4th St N.
Trophy Fish – Ryan Griffin of Mandarin Hide and partners Blake Thompson and Bill Griffin, at 2060 Central Ave. The concept is fresh-from-the-gulf seafood and nautically inspired cocktails.
Oak & Stone – Located at 199 Central Ave next to the new Hyatt Place Hotel, serving up wood-fired pizzas mated with a self-serve beer wall highlighting regional craft beers.
Ford’s Garage – The sports bar and restaurant that replaced the Rowdies Den and Mid-Town Sundries is now open at 200 1st Ave S. It includes Yeoman’s Cast and Lion, an attached ultra-modern pub that is extraordinarily spacious, and full of eclectic pop art and memorabilia.
St. Petersburg EDC partners with Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital & USF – St. Petersburg to host ‘Big Data Analytics’ The St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corp. (EDC) partnered with Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and the USF-St. Petersburg Kate Tiedemann College of Business (KTCOB) to host, ‘Big Data Analytics.’ All Children’s’ Hospital’s data science team presented their innovative healthcare informatics model that is transforming medical practices around the world and can be applied similarly to other industries.
“Artificial Intelligence models developed here by Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, will help children all over the world,” said Mohamed Rehman, M.D., chair of the Department of Anesthesia. “We act locally but think globally.” ‘Big Data Analytics’ marks the third data analytics- exclusive event hosted by the EDC-USFSP partnership lately to strengthen the already thriving data analytics industry in St. Petersburg, which has been identified by the City’s Grow Smarter Strategy as a target sector primed for the most growth. USFSP and the St. Petersburg EDC are planning the next Data Analytics-exclusive event for the fall of 2018. The St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation, a private-public partnership between over 40 investors and the City of St. Petersburg. For more visit www.stpeteedc.com
The Nickel RideThe Nickel Ride is an innovative and eco-friendly transportation service that connects your community with local commerce. We elevate local brands and generate market awareness by providing unique and free transportation experiences to visitors and residents alike. The Nickel Ride vehicles are tastefully decorated with local business-branded messages, both inside and out. Inside, there is space for branding and giveaways for spreading your message to captive targeted audiences.
SKYWAY MARINA DISTRICT
More than the big Publix store is new in the Maximo Marina area. The Getaway opened with an all-new indoor / outdoor restaurant and lounge and the ‘reborn’ Maximo Marina facility.
Portofino Italian restaurant also has a new lease on life with new ownership and management. You’ll find Chris & Patty Conley and their children Zac and Sophia in the dining room, making sure you are happy. You can dine in, takeout or get food delivered by Bite Squad almost anywhere we mail Paradise NEWS.
ST. PETE’S EDGE DISTRICT
A 34-unit townhouse development near St. Petersburg’s Edge District will include “live-work units” that feature a separate 800-square-foot space that can be leased out to commercial users, like a coffee bar or bike shop at Arlington Ave. N. and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St N. Four will be live-work units, with the 800sf space meant for commercial tenants, which could include anything from a fitness studio to office space to retailers. The townhomes range in size 1,500 – 2,600 sf.. Prices will range from $800 – $900K.
GULFPORT
Gulfport celebrated the merger of its Chamber of Commerce and Merchants Association into the Gulfport Merchant’s Chamber. Mayor Sam Henderson said
“It is a great thing for the city to be able to deal with a single merchant’s group instead of two. Sam joked the event, July 23rd at Scouts Hall was the most people Sam had seen in the building since his daughter’s 16th birthday party. Barbara Banno is president of the merged group. We will have a story on the new group, its committees and their goals next issue.
City of Gulfport announced the launch of the new Gulfport app for iOS and Android mobile devices, the newest way to connect with its citizens. The app offers citizens a simple way to submit requests – like reporting potholes, signs, trash or debris, code violations, and inquiring about an event venue. Users can include an address and description, GPS-specific location, as well as a photo of the issue. Once submitted, you can keep track of pending and completed requests.
Ghost Tours of Gulfport begin on Sept 8th at the Peninsula Inn of Gulfport, home of a friendly spirit named Isabelle, after whom the iconic Bread and Breakfast Inn named their famous restaurant.
TYRONE AREA
Lucky’s Market has just opened at Tyrone Square. Lucky’s Market was started in 2003 by two chefs, Trish and Bo Sharon, when they bought a convenience store in Boulder, Colorado. The Sharon’s shared a vision of creating a grocery store where food lovers like themselves would want to shop, with quality products sold at affordable prices with genuine personal service.
TAMPA AIRPORT
Norwegian Airlines will offer flights to London from Tampa beginning Fall 2018 Airlines is coming to Tampa International Airport this Fall. Beginning October 31, 2018, the airline will offer service to London’s Gatwick Airport twice-weekly aboard a 787 Dreamliner. PN