ST PETERSBURG
What are you doing New Years Eve?
We plan to be Swinging in the New Year again with some of our favorite people at the biggest dance floor in the southeast U.S. the St. Petersburg Coliseum. Tony Castelano will be leading an eight piece band with three horns behind songbird Gloria West. Should be great music. Visit: www.newyearsswing.com.
Tony Belmont, Alan Freed’s Protégé, who brought Beatlemania and a great Johnny Cash tribute to Gulfport, is promoting a New Years Eve Dinner, featuring an amazing array of musical entertainment and a champagne toast at midnight for an affordable $95 per seat in the center of Pinellas. Located at Banquet Masters, at 49th St and Ulmerton, with special rates for the night at the hotel next door, “Rock Around The Clock” starts at 7 PM with “Music for Everyone” featuring Bill Haley’s Comets, Keith Coleman’s Johnny Cash Show, Zombrano, Julio Inglesias of Spain, The Clovers and the Marcels and a Tribute to Abba. Call 727-541-7876 or email comedyhall@aol.com.
The City of St. Petersburg annually sends three high school juniors to represent the city as ambassadors to St. Petersburg’s sister city, Takamatsu, Japan. Students selected receive round trip airfare to Takamatsu and live with a Japanese family for up to three weeks during the summer. Those interested in the program should visit the city website or speak to Zachary Blair-Andrews, who was a part of the program in 2017. To apply, complete the application and mail or hand deliver it to the St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society by 3 pm, Thursday, February 19th, 2019. Host families for visiting Japanese students are also being sought.
Application and more info is at the Arts & Culture tab of the City of St. Petersburg website. http://www.stpete.org/arts_and_culture/docs/Student%20Application%202018.pdf.
Adventures In Paradise, one of the newest outfitters downtown specializes in the salty water lifestyle and outdoor living apparel for the adventurous soul. Brands include Patagonia, Vineyard Vines, Orvis, Tommy Bahama, Peter Millar, Southern Tide, Fish Hippie, OluKai, Faherty, Katin, Island Company and many more. Guests will discover books, outdoorsy gifts, beautiful hand-etched glassware and classic timepieces, fine cigars, a billiard table filled with fashion, chess sets and delightful scents for men and ladies alike. Fly Fishing rods along with flies, tackle, fishing new years shirts, water shoes and everything you need to head out and catch a big one. Located at 40 Beach Drive NE, St Petersburg. For info call 727-317-4943. Visit www.stpetestore.com or email stpete@adventuresinparadise.com.
Gator Jim’s Tackle Outpost If there’s a fisherman on your gift list, you would do well to visit Gator Jim’s Tackle Outpost. Jim used to have a store at Dolphin Village Shopping Center. That was quite a store, and I feel that he got a lot of business when he advertised his Holiday specials in Paradise NEWS. The new store is just a few minutes farther, and it is definitely worth the effort.
The merchandise, prices and knowledgeable help can’t be beat. Located at the southern edge of St. Petersburg, at 3301 Pinellas Point Drive S., 33711, the best way to find it is to head west on the Pinellas Bayway past US 19 (34th St and I-275 toward the older Publix store. Turn south at the light on 31st Street from the Bayway (54th Ave. South) about ¼ mile to Pinellas Point Drive (62nd Ave. South) and turn right. You’ll see their fence on your right. They are open 8 am – 7 pm 6 days and 8-5 on Sunday.
The outpost is set up in a way that allows boaters to trailer their boats by for outfitting with everything they need from depth finders and electronics to tackle and live bait. The selection of fishing equipment and tackle is amazing and you will find some incredible deals advertised on pages 62 and 63 of this issue for half off retail. The store truly has gifts for every budget. Everyone who works there fishes, and their online reviews say they are even tolerant of stupid questions. You can check them out online at www.GatorJims.com or call (727) 363-0900.
Fresh Markets are back in full swing in our area. The grandfather is the Saturday Morning Market in the Al Lang Stadium parking lot in downtown St. Petersburg from 9 – 2. The market is managed by a steering committee for a 501c(3) not-for-profit group. Spaces are sold out weeks in advance and people travel to attend. In the summer the market shrinks and moves to the shade of Williams Park.
Tampa Bay Markets operates our favorite Sundays 10 – 2 on Corey Ave – St. Pete Beach. Sunday breakfast or $16.95 brunch, with or without bottomless Mimosas or Bloody Mary’s, but definitely with some of Chill’s great coffee. Sitting outdoors this time of year with a view of the fresh produce tent and people watching is a terrific way to enjoy your Sunday. The City of Madeira Beach is also starting to host a Sunday Market 10-3 on Madeira Way afterthe prior market operator relocated to Seminole.
There’s also a new 3rd Sunday market in downtown Tierra Verde, only on the 3rd Sunday each month. The Tuesday Fresh market year-round in “downtown” Gulfport is along the street that dead ends into the Casino, and this time of year it should be at its peak. On Fridays, the Treasure Island / Madeira Beach Chamber of Commerce hosts a market in Treasure Island Community Center park from 10 – 2. All these markets help us find local and organic vegetables and seafood, as well as some great baked goods, herb plants, preserves and relishes. There are also some handy kitchen and clothing items, artwork, souvenirs and décor items. This is the perfect time of year for an early morning walk. Make it a point to check out all the markets.
Merry & Bright: 2018 Holiday Show & Sale through – December 28
With a buy-local retail focus, the annual members holiday show and sale supports local artists and give you the opportunity to pick up some truly unique gifts for your friends and family this holiday season. The exhibition includes one-of-a-kind items from a variety of hand-crafted jewelry, functional pottery, hand-blown glass pieces, paintings, ornaments and more. On view at the Morean Arts Center. Morean Arts Center – 719 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg,
ST PETE BEACH
Chowder Challenge V on Veteran’s Day was blessed with perfect weather and late breaking publicity, a wave from food critic Laura Reiley in the Tampa Bay Times on Nov. 7th & a TV interview on the 10th, with accompanying social media, so the crowd was described as “impressive.” With plenty of raffle and silent auction items available, we expect a record fundraising result for the Pass-a-Grille Woman’s Club who hosted the 2018 CC5.
Winners are:
The Golden Ladle – Kao Thai Kitchen
Judge’s Best in Show Chowder – Donnie B’s
Judge’s Best in Show Non-chowder Soup – Kao Thai Kitchen
People’s Choice 1st Place – Shells
People’s Choice 2nd Place – The Rowe Bar at the Don Cesar
People’s Choice 3rd Place – Isla Del Sol Yacht & Country Club
TradeWinds Island Resorts Undergoes $13 Million Guest Room Renovation Modernized Rooms Feature New Look, Added Balconies. TradeWinds Island Grand & Guy Harvey Outpost are undergoing a $13 million room renovation. The Guy Harvey Outpost’s 211 rooms are being revitalized for completion by February 2019. The Island Grand room renovation will begin with 288 rooms in the Jacaranda building this fall. All rooms will be done by the end of 2020.
There’s been a few shake-ups in the local restaurant inventory.
- Shrimpy’s is now open where the Salty Rim used to be. There has been an ownership change at CrabDaddy’s.
- Rumor had it they were buying Shark Tales next door, but landed at CrabDaddy’s instead. Craig Munroe, owner of Shark Tales used to manage Salty Rim in its heyday. Craig’s in the midst of reworking the Shark Tales menu to add in some of the favorite items he had created for the Rim. He’s also planning to add a complete breakfast menu at Shark Tales. Craig also claims his pizza shop, A Slice of New York, that ‘s been shuttered for months is reopening where Jackie’s used to be on Corey Avenue. Can’t wait for one of their bar-b-que chicken pizzas.
- Oyster Shucker closed for good in the midst of red tide.
- Silas Dents, also, a fixture on the beach for 39 years, sold their location andparking lot to become Caddy’s Bayside in the not too distant future.
- Skidders was closed in September for a complete remodeling and reopened looking like brand new.
- Where Selene closed in April, Sea Hag is about to open.
- The owners of Nori Thai have taken over at Basil Leaf. Joy at Nori Thai held her 10th Anniversary Celebration with Buddhist monks and some of her closest friends.
- St. Pete Beach Mediterranean Deli has taken another step in its conversion from produce stand and deli into a market and restaurant. The kitchen area has been expanded and a commercial hood installed, allowing the restaurant to begin cooking with gas. Additional seating is in place, and while the produce inventory has declined, they still sell what they use in the kitchen, so count on some of the best tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and some really delicious salads you can’t find anywhere else.
PASS-A-GRILLE
According to Jay Anderson’s report, the PAG Road Project is 68.37% complete, with a finish date of June 9th 2019.
The PAGCA Christmas bonfire on the beach is Dec. 13th at 7pm at the 11th Avenue Beach Overwalk. Bring some cookies!
Next road meeting would be Dec 20th (if holidays don’t get in the way).
An underground vault found 5’ below PAG Way at 8th Ave. It might have been icestorage for fishing pier. Next is storm water 6th – 10th Ave. Conduit for utilities coming in the new year. When curbs get installed, all pipes and underground work is done. Sidewalks are to follow curbs being put in, but that seems to be lagging. Everywhere a storm water pipe to the bay is put in, the seawall might have to be upgraded the pump station at 3rd is an example.
Speaking of the pump station, until it is up and running, maybe February, the clanging of the storm water manhole covers at 4th during high tide will continue. The city was not aware of this problem and said (for now) the pressure needed to relieve the water buildup will come thru running the pump station. If pump stations loses electric during a storm what happens – The answer… the city has a running contract with a generator company that would supply a generator either before or after storm, depending on severity. This goes for all pump stations in city.
A house at 7th & PAG Way has been in preparation for a move to 15th, might be moved between Dec 21 & 30th, likely the best window for the contractor, that could be fun to watch!
Traffic at 8th and PAG Way is still a work in progress but seems to be working…. The tentative plan is to put back crosswalks at 8th and PAG Way just like 21st Ave’s and then when paving of Gulf Way is being done, put same crosswalks at 8th and Gulf Way.
All stop light fixtures at PAG Way and 21st will be removed then by Feb or March it will become a 4 way stop with some new signage better designating that, if commission at their January meeting approves it.
The county potable water project south of 8th down Gulf Way and then side streets to put in new pipes has been on slow a track and city has met with them to get it going as they want to pave Gulf Way sometime near the completion of PAG Way (and use contractor we have now on road who is already set up and running) so county would not come back in and dig up a newly paved road (We’ve all seen that happen).
Am I making sense??
City of St. Pete Beach is negotiating with Army Corp of Engineers to extend their agreement on beach renourishment from the present 2030 contract end for another 50 years (Okay, I guess) but that does nothing for the sand we lost south of 8th due to Michael. The city has committed to a program to bring LED lights everywhere. Blind Pass Road (south from Corey to Gulf Blvd) project is another 6 months.
St. Pete Guitars is open at 6630 Gulf Blvd., in St. Pete Beach. Stevie B, Florida’s #1 guitar buyer, is back and wants to buy YOUR used and vintage instruments! Paying CA$H for your unwanted gear. Tuesday – Friday Noon to 7pm, Saturday 11am to 5pm, Buy • Sell • Trade/Used • Vintage • Repairs & Lay aways 727-318-0986
TREASURE ISLAND
If you like to tell people where to go, here’s your chance! The TI & Mad Beach Chamber is seeking help for its Information Kiosk at 113-1/2 – 107th Ave., in front of Vine & Grind.
“This is the perfect volunteer gig, especially for those in business on our beaches,” said Chamber president Missy H. Hahn in announcing the opportunity. “It only requires a 3-hour commitment, and we can accommodate weekly or monthly schedules.” Contact the Chamber at 727-360-4121 and speak to Missy H. Hahn to volunteer.
The Chamber holds business classes 10 – 11 am on the second Thursday of each month at the Chamber office, 245 – 107th Avenue, Treasure Island, 33706. Chamber member Mel Lenahan (Charles Rutenberg Realty, Inc.) is coordinating these classes. Upcoming classes are:
- December 13: Anna Marie Millett, Investigator and Outreach Coordinator, Pinellas County Consumer Protection An overview of protecting consumers from unscrupulous practices and scams. Topics include auto purchase and repair, credit, home solicitation, financial literacy, landlord/tenant law, hiring a contractor, identify theft, scams, shopping tips, technology, telemarketing fraud, and charitable solicitations.
- January 10: Tom Cox, Attorney – Why and how to designate a Health Care Surrogate or Pre-Need Guardian, how to prepare a Last Will and Testament, and how to establish a Revocable Living Trust, Durable Power-of-Attorney, Living Will and Limited Liability Company.
- February 14: Shrimatee Ojah-Maharaj, Urban Planning/Economic Development
- March 14: Hon. Mike Twitty, Pinellas County Property Appraiser
MADEIRA BEACH/PINELLAS COUNTY
Wreaths Across America Dec. 15 at Bay Pines – The tradition of placing wreaths on the graves of fallen soldiers and veterans started in 1992 at Arlington National Cemetery. Wreaths Across America has grown to include cemeteries all 50 states, and more than 20 cemeteries overseas.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Caravel Chapter, has a mission this year to place a wreath at every veteran’s grave on December 15 at Bay Pines on Bay Pines Blvd. in St. Petersburg. The 2018 Wreaths Across America ceremony will be held Saturday, December 15, at Bay Pines National Ceremony at 12:00 noon. The wreaths are due to be delivered at at 10:00 AM that morning. Trucks will be unloaded and the laying of the wreaths will take place at 11:00 AM. The ceremony will take place at noon. To volunteer to help lay the wreaths, plan to be at Bay Pines (parked and at the meeting spot) by 9:45 AM. Please contact Diana Schwarz at First Home Bank for more information and a map showing wreaths meeting location at dianaSF11@aol.com.
PINELLAS COUNTY
Pinellas County emergency management officials hired contractors to minimize the effects of red tide on our beaches and tourism. The county has received a reported $4.3 million, and has requested $3 million more in emergency funds to help defray expenses thanks to a state of emergency declaration by Governor Rick Scott.
Help is available to pay for out-of-pocket expenses associated with ambulance transportation costs through Sunstar membership. Membership covers some of the cost that insurance does not. Savings available for individuals and families, with or without insurance. Coverage may begin as early as January 1, 2019.
Applications are available at www.pinellascounty.org/firstcare. Info call Sunstar at (727) 582-2008.
TAMPA BAY
The Florida Aquarium has signed another historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Acuario Nacional de Cuba (National Aquarium of Cuba) which focuses on coral reef protection and restoration. The partnership, which started in 2015, is the only official agreement between the Acuario Nacional de Cuba and any aquarium or AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) institute in the United States.
SOUTH PASADENA
Progress is under way. A new state of the art Regions Bank opens, an old eyesore derelict Chinese restaurant disappeared and Autozone is building out between Publix and Pasadena Jewelers new spot. We reported last issue that Verducci had moved to the building next door, where they had opened the market a couple years ago. Johnny is running that location. We had Thanksgiving dinner there. The food was as awesome, as always, and the building a big improvement.
While Johnny was preparing to move here, his partner Vinny Fortunato has been preparing a new space at South Pasadena shopping center, where he just opened the latest Fortunato’s Restaurant. PN