ST. PETE BEACH
Corey Avenue hosts the Sunday Morning Market each week 10 – 2. Add an outdoor craft festival January 12 & 13th, 10 – 5 by American Craft Endeavors & you have a great time.
The St. Pete Beach Seafood & Music Festival returns for its second year to Corey Ave. on February 1-3, 2019. Come out and relax for the weekend and enjoy a blending of delicious foods, live music and shopping a marketplace of arts, crafts and fine products. Hours are Friday from Noon – 10pm, Saturday 11am – 10pm and Sunday 11am – 6pm.
Admission is FREE. Hosted by the Corey Area Business Association. Meals are cooked onsite using only the freshest ingredients and seafood dishes using sustainable ocean resources from Florida coastal waters. You will also find meat entrees and a variety of vegetarian and rice dishes. Enjoy some of Florida’s top musical entertainers live on-stage. On Friday: Mike Tozier (blues, rock, variety), The New Rulers (ska, reggae, soul) & the Caribbean Chillers (Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band). Saturday performers include: Kettle of Fish (rock, blues, reggae), CeCe Teneal & Soul Kamotion (blues, soul, roots), the Billy Rice Band (country rock), Reverend Barry & the Funk (soul, funk) and the Bob Marley Tribute Band featuring Yvad, formerly of the Wailers (reggae).
Sunday performances will be by the Sarasota Steel Pan Band (Caribbean), Twinkle & Rock Soul Radio (rock, soul), Black Honkeys Band (rock, soul) and the Shindigs (Beach Boys Tribute Band). Visit the website www.seafoodfestivals.com for the performance schedule.
These events are also a great time to visit some local haunts. Chill is one of SPB’s favorite eateries, Swigwam and Tapz on Corey and Mastry’s two blocks north if you are thirsty. There’s sushi and Thai two blocks north and 12 blocks south, Nori Thai and Basil Leaf.
A house move from 7th Avenue in Pass-a-Grille began on a Friday night in mid-December after being delayed a day due to weather. They’d gotten the house 3/4 into Pass-a-Grille Way, but encountered a tree stump that was being taken out Saturday morning. Then 2 flat tires needed to be changed or inflated. Keeping a Pass-a-Grille tradition alive.
December 11th was “Paradise NEWS Day” as Mayor Al Johnson honored Paradise NEWS for 25 years of faithful service to the city by presenting a Proclamation naming December 11, 2018, our day.
TREASURE ISLAND
Beverly Diny at Diny Diamonds plans another jewelry makeover event February 8th – 11 am – 6 pm. at her shop just north of the clock tower at 130 107th Ave. in Treasure Island. Beverly says jewelry makeovers are a big part of the business she does there. There are a lot of residents who have inherited old fashioned jewelry or have pieces in their jewelry box that no longer have a sentimental attachment. Beverly encourages clients to bring in such things, even broken items, along with dreams of a piece they have always wanted. “People can come in anytime for a free consultation, but on Feb. 8th, they can actually bring in a piece and watch it evolve into a new piece while they wait. They can also trade in older pieces or trade up to a new piece.” Questions? Call 727-827-7902 or visit www.Dinys.com
MISSY HAHN was honored at Women in Tourism with the Pineapple award. It is a top award for a seasoned tourism professional who created and / or accomplished a program, event or legacy that greatly impacts the Tampa Bay tourism community. Missy has a long legacy with beach chambers of commerce, and the Florida hospitality industry. Missy has led the Treasure Island / Madeira Beach Chamber of Commerce for 4 years. www.tampabaywomenintourism.com.
SLOPPY JOE’S HAS NEW MENU ITEMS – Those crunchy creamy homemade kettle chips covered in bleu cheese, bacon bits and green onions are back on the menu at Sloppy Joe’s on the Beach. The executive chef of this iconic tavern and restaurant, Ernest Hahne, says he created the new menu based on feedback from repeat guests. New to Sloppy Joe’s cuisine are Key West Eggrolls, stuffed with chicken, black beans and corn, a Thai chicken salad, Bourbon glazed salmon, and herb crusted sirloin steak and a collection of martinis made with Grey Goose Vodka, flavored with Espresso or Key Lime or the ubiquitous Cosmopolitan.
We tried and enjoyed all the new items (except the melon martini.) Sloppy Joe’s is open daily 11 am – 11 pm, located at 10650 Gulf Blvd. on Treasure Island. For reservations, call 727-367-1600 or use No Wait on Yelp. Follow on Facebook@SloppyJoes Treasure Island.
The annual Gulf Beach Rotary Robbies Pancake Breakfast was huge success, with over 400 friends and neighbors enjoying a delicious pancake and sausage breakfast in spite of a very rainy morning. More than 1,200 pancakes and 800 sausage patties were proudly served along with a lot of coffee. Plenty of Bloody Marys and Mimosas were enjoyed, and tons of toys were donated to the Red Sled for children in foster care. Thanks to the Middle Grounds Grille for cooking the pancakes so expertly and to the Gulf Beaches Rotary Club for again sponsoring this fun remembrance of Robbie’s Pancake House.
Sport Kite Competition & Festival (22nd) January 19-20 2019 (10am – 5pm) on Treasure Island Beach behind the Thunderbird Beach Resort. Windworks and the Eastern League are sponsoring & gathering competitors from around the U.S. to perform on Treasure Island Beach during the Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday weekend. Talented kite flyers perform to music at this 2-day event.
Team Multiline Precision & Ballet! event will be spectacular. Windworks from John’s Pass in Madeira Beach will be on hand for all your kiting needs including kids’ kites, stunt kites and accessories! Windworks will also be holding daily and hourly raffles in the kite tent all weekend. Prism Kites & Revolution Kites will be on the beach allowing passersby a chance to learn how to fly stunt kites at no charge. Spend time with the family on one of the best kite flying beaches in the country as large show kites and giant bubbles paint the backdrop for an exciting competition. Visit the League’s website to register www.easternleague.net For all other event info call Windworks (727) 320-9463
TREASURE ISLAND / MADEIRA
The Treasure Island / Madeira Beach Chamber of Commerce relocated recently from the round building on 107th Ave., where they have been for several years.
The round building is for sale and they were offered a great deal in a two-story building at the southeast base of the John’s Pass Bridge, at the entrance to Gator’s. Chamber president Missy Hahn said the new location is the most visible and accessible location the Chamber has ever had. “Our walk-in traffic has picked up and we hardly even have a sign posted yet. We have more space than we need, in fact, we plan to sublease some offices to chamber members. I would love to have an electronic sign that we can use to advertise for members. Traffic stops here whenever the bridge opens and we have a captive audience.
It would really allow us to maximize the benefit for chamber members of our prime Gulf Boulevard location. On the other hand, it may be more than our chamber can afford. We are a chamber full of mostly smaller businesses. We already have 23 member services, plus a weekly market we hold in season.” You can now find us at 12601 Gulf Blvd. on the east side just south of the John’s Pass Bridge. Our phone number remains 727-360-4121 and online at www.islandneighborschamber.org. The 2019 Annual Dinner will be January 31, 2019, at The Club.
ST PETERSBURG
Five St. Petersburg restauranteurs have joined forces, pooling their time, talents and other resources into a new waterfront dining venture. The Big Catch at Salt Creek will open at the southeast St. Pete site of the recently-closed Fish Tales.
The organization is called Boys in the Burg, LLC. The five principals are all lifetime residents of St. Petersburg. Together, they’ve been feeding locals for more than a half century. Business consultant Mario Farias, a partner in the Pipo’s and Callaloo restaurants, Larry Munch, whose family diner has been in business for 66 years, Jon Reno LaBudde, St. Pete Realtor/developer who has owned and operated numerous restaurants, and other businesses for decades, are joined by Pete Boland and Ian Taylor, longtime friends and business partners whose most recent project is The Galley. Taylor, the build-out specialist, has already removed the Fish Tales bar and has begun building a new one on the other side of the outdoor dining area. Between 1989 and 2001, LaBudde had a nightclub on Beach Drive called the Big Catch. It was successful downtown early on and many people retain fond memories of the original Big Catch. If attendance at the Big Catch “pre-thanksgiving” party LaBudde threw at Trophy Fish or the 43rd annual holiday party on December 23rd at the Vinoy Golf Club were any indication, it would seem such a following still exists. We wish the “Big Catch” Team the greatest success.
Council Kills Controversial (Bezu) Blue Lotus Condo tower project. City council members, acting as the Community Redevelopment Agency, voted 4-4 on a motion to approve the 19-story, 18-unit Blue Lotus, formerly called Bezu.
A majority vote was required for approval. Charlie Gerdes voted in favor of the project along with Ed Montanari, Amy Foster and Brandi Gabbard.
Gina Driscoll, Darden Rice, Lisa Wheeler-Bowman & Steve Kornell voted against it creating a tie.The project has ping-ponged between city panels since last December. Both the review commission and the council rejected the original plans, which called for a tower nearly 300 feet tall with 29 units.
Happy Hour with the Historian Returns for 7th Season! The St. Petersburg Museum of History’s popular lecture series which features an evening of wine, words and wisdom – kicks off its 2019 season Thursday, January 10, with Dr. Peggy Macdonald: Florida’s Female Pioneers.
Held six times a year, this season’s Happy Hour with the Historian lineup ranges from the Skyway Bridge tragedy to America’s obsession with collecting Florida souvenirs. The rest of the 2019 Happy Hour with the Historian schedule is:
- March 14 – Ron Heller: Women and African American Experiences in World War I
- May 9 – Bill DeYoung: The Day the Skyway Fell
- July 11 – Larry Roberts: The Golden Age of Florida Collectibles
- Sept 12 – David Schmidt: The CCC – Florida’s New Deal
- Nov 14 – Vinne Luisi: Railroading in Pinellas County
A $5 donation is suggested. Happy Hour with the Historianis regularly filled to capacity, so reserve a seat by visiting www.HistoryStPete.org. Doors open at 6pm and the program begins at 6:30pm. The St. Petersburg Museum of History, 335 2nd Avenue NE on the Pier Approach. For more information, call 727.894.1052 or visit www.HistoryStPete.org.
St. Petersburg has voted to ban plastic straws and polystyrene foam containers, in some cases. The ban on plastic straws will apply to food and beverage vendors in the city, excludes hospitals, grocery stores, and convenience stores.
Straws upon request began January 1. In April 2019, the city will begin issuing warnings to non-compliers. On January 1, 2020, use of plastic straws should end. The plastic straw ordinance affects an estimated 656 businesses. Polystyrene containers for take out purposes, outdoor bar-b-ques etc. are also affected.
St. Anthony’s Hospital Seeks Volunteers
Get your New Year off to a great start by joining the dedicated team of volunteers at St. Anthony’s Hospital. Come to the Volunteer Recruitment Fair Tuesday, Jan. 15, at 10 am. in Classroom D at the hospital, 1200 7th Ave. N, St. Pete.
The hospital’s Volunteer Resources Department is currently recruiting for gift shop, guest relations and patient services volunteers. Adults are needed for all shifts on weekdays and weekends to make deliveries to rooms, assist nurses and greet visitors. During the recruitment event, the Volunteer Resources team will provide information on departments and units that need assistance. There also will be information on the hospital’s Auxiliary program. Refreshments will be served.
For info call Volunteer Resources at (727) 825-1548. You can also visit the volunteer website at BayCare.org/SAH/Volunteers.
GULFPORT
The 14th Annual Pink Flamingo Tour of Homes takes place March 2, 2019, 11 am to 5 pm in Gulfport, Florida. The Tour features homes in the neighborhoods west of Beach Blvd. and south of Gulfport Blvd. Tickets on sale now at the Gulfport Welcome Center, 3101 Beach Blvd. S. and the Gulfport Beach Bazaar, 3115 Beach Blvd. S. Pink Flamingo Tour of Homes is hosted by the non-profit Gulfport Merchants Chamber. www.pinkflamingohometour.com
SOUTH PASADENA
The Community Band performs at 7:30 pm at the South Pasadena City Hall Jan 24, Feb 21 and April 25 and at the Treasure Island Community Center, Jan 23, Feb 20, March 27 and April 24.
The January show is “IT’S SHOWTIME!” will feature Broadway show tunes and Hollywood melodies. Highlights include selections from Porgy and Bess, Funny Girl, Disney classics, Cabaret and more. This concert will be presented at Treasure Island Community Center (1 Park Place, 106th Avenue) on Wednesday, Jan. 23rd and repeated on Thursday, Jan. 24th at South Pasadena City Hall (7047 Sunset Drive South). All concerts start at 7:30 PM. Check our website to find the complete program music list at https://www.southpasadenaband.com/upcoming-program/.
ISLA DEL SOL / TIERRA VERDE
The Deck is now open where Boardwalk used to be.
Donnie B’s Local Eatery and Spirits won people’s choice at the Chowder Challenge in November. You are invited to their 1st Anniversary Celebration and Party, January 11. Black Honkeys play 8-11 pm. Come and join the Fun! 1110 Pinellas Bayway S #206, Tierra Verde, FL 33715 (727) 289-6249
SKYWAY MARINA
- The Maximo Marina has officially its docks and Getaway Maximo opened its doors.
- Phillips “Sur Club” plans to start construction on the apartments in 2019. Two restaurants are to be developed in the front section of the property along 34th St S.
- A new restaurant in the Publix complex, Yummy Teriyaki.
- A Brick Oven Pizza restaurant is coming to Marina Village
- City Review Board approved new apartments and restaurant by Contravest at K Mart property.
- A new car wash is planned for the Region’s Bank property in front of Walmart
- Wawa is back on track to start construction next to St. Bart’s Church.
- FDOT is re-surfacing 34th St. from 22nd Ave N to 54th Ave S. in 2020. The project includes an 8’ to 10’ sidewalk on the east side of 34th from 22nd Ave S to 54th Ave S
Plans for the next year include:
- May Day Race
- Food truck rally
- Activity with St. Petersburg City Theater
- Apply decorative paint themes to dumpsters
- Wrap signal light boxes with marine-oriented themes
- Artwork including murals on identified buildings and fences.
DUNEDIN
Dunedin City Commission approved 100 Percent Clean, Renewable Energy Resolution Dunedin City Commission voted on a resolution committing to 100 percent clean, renewable energy.
The resolution establishes a goal of powering municipal operations entirely with renewable sources of energy by 2035, and community-wide by 2050. Dunedin joined nearly 100 cities across the nation to commit to a 100 percent clean, renewable energy future by a date certain.
All across the U.S., cities, counties and states are making commitments to do their part to fight climate and completely free themselves of fossil fuels and the air pollution created when burned for energy.
If the City Commission passes the resolution, Dunedin would join five other cities in Florida – Largo and St. Petersburg also in Pinellas County, as well as Orlando, Gainesville, and Sarasota — to commit to transitioning to 100 percent renewable sources.
AREA WIDE
FEMA to insurers: No flood policies during shutdown Dec. 27, 2018 – The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) yesterday issued new guidelines instructing insurers not to sell or renew flood insurance policies during the partial government shutdown. The announcement took many by surprise, since last week
Congress passed and the President signed legislation reauthorizing the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through May 31, 2019.
FEMA cited the Anti-deficiency Act (ADA) as the source for its ruling. The ADA generally prohibits federal expenditures/obligations in excess or advance of appropriations, except in cases of “emergencies involving … protection of property.”
Wreaths Across America Succeeds at Bay Pines In its first year as a fundraising group for wreaths, the DAR Caravel Chapter exceeded its goal, sponsoring 212, chair Diana Schwarz reports. Bay Pines National Cemetery in St. Petersburg had a total of 4,800 wreaths delivered on December 15, with its website showing 5,007 sponsored. Although still a far cry from the 34,000 gravesites to be covered, twice as many were sponsored this year – a good upward trend. About 200 volunteered to lay the wreaths, including a number of DAR Caravel Chapter members, Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber member Barry Foster, Wayne McKenney from the Kiwanis Seminole Breakfast Club that sponsored 10 wreaths, and Jolene Bivens, who responded to the notice in Paradise News for wreath laying volunteers. Pinellas Technical College sponsored the semitrailer, which drove up to Maine to pick up the wreaths and bring them to Bay Pines. The work ahead is to get many more gravesites covered at Bay Pines National Cemetery next year.