GULFPORT
SET SAIL:
2016 Cat’s Point Regatta Nov. 4-6 is now a nationally sanctioned Sea Scout event. We will cut off registration at 120 which is about all that we can put up in our boats at BCYC. It is the biggest and most complete regatta in the southern region of BSA. We offer racing on Sunfish and 16 ft. sloops and we hold 14 maritime skill events to challenge the teams and test their boating knowledge and skills. www.sailbcyc.org
GULFPORT COMMUNITY SUPPORT GRANTS:
The Gulfport Merchants Association (GMA) has announced a call for applicants for its 2017 community support grant program. Local non-profit organizations that target or include Gulfport in their activities are invited to apply. Applicants must be certified tax-exempt non-profit organizations, government entities requesting funds for public purposes, or schools and colleges at any level. For more details and to apply, see the application at www.GulfportMA.com
Applications must be received in writing and must be postmarked or delivered no later than November 7, 2016.
The LGBTQ Resource Center at Gulfport Public Library is continuing its new monthly LGBTQ Film Series on Thur., Nov. 10th. This is a free gathering to enjoy a new film on the second Thursday of each month. Enjoy free popcorn and bottled water. Bring your own “brown bag” supper. Film begins at 7 pm in Friends Room at Gulfport Public Library (5501 28th Avenue South).
Next in the film series will be a period piece in which an aspiring photographer develops an intimate relationship with an older woman in 1950’s New York, starring Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara and Sarah Paulson. The film is directed by Todd Haynes and is rated R. Licensing restrictions prohibit naming the title of films in the public press. Call the Library at (727) 893-1074 for titles and other information about the film series. Find more information at the Library’s Facebook page… www.Facebook.com/GulfportLibraryFL
Other upcoming films in the series on Dec. 8th, Jan. 12th and continuing each 2nd Thursday. Watch for other films as they are added to the series.
MADEIRA BEACH
SEE SEA FUN:
The 20th Annual Veterans Boat Parade is Nov. 12. Want to be part of the boat parade the Veterans Boat Parade invites all residents to participate by decorating their boats in patriotic colors and queuing up at 10 am at the dock behind American Legion Post 273, 600 American Legion Drive, Madeira Beach, north of the Tom Stuart Causeway behind Madeira Shopping Center. Contact: Warren (Capt. Shep) Shephard, captshep8@gmail.com (727) 212- 0543.
MARKET TIME:
The Mid-Week Madeira Beach Open Air Market (Wednesday 9 am – 2pm) and the Indian Shores Sunday Morning Market (9 am – 1 pm) reopened this month and run weekly through May 2017. The Markets host local Vendors who offer everything from produce to fine art. Both Markets are beach close, free of charge and family friendly. Leashed pets are welcome. New vendors welcome. www.TheBeachMarkets.com
PINELLAS COUNTY
BETTER CONNECTIONS:
On October 11, 2016, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) awarded $44.4 million in Shared-Use Nonmotorized (SUN) Trail Funding to 45 trail projects throughout the State of Florida. Following the leadership of the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA) and transportation organizations in West Central and Southwest Florida, $11.1 million, a 25 percent share, was allocated to portions of the Coast-to-Coast Connector, Southwest Coastal Regional Trail, Heart of Florida Loop, and Peace River to Nature Coast multi-use trail corridors within the Tampa Bay region.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES:
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) will receive a $500,000 grant from the Federal Transit Administration for a pilot program to provide “real time” transportation to disabled customers so they can get to work, the doctor, and other necessary places.
“This is a great day for Pinellas County, but an even greater day for the residents of Pinellas County” who will use the service, U.S. Rep. David Jolly said in announcing the award. Jolly, a Republican who represents Florida’s 13th Congressional District, said the grant was an example of bipartisan collaboration.
KUDOS TO US:
A recent Brookings analysis identified Tampa Bay as one of 16 “American Middleweight” metros that make up a global mix of 123 large cities. The Washington, D.C., think tank sorted them into seven categories based on such competitive factors as their tradable economic clusters, innovation, talent and infrastructure connectivity.
FORECLOSURE REGISTRY APPROVED:
In an effort to minimize the impact of foreclosed properties that may not be properly maintained, the Pinellas County Board of Commissioners recently approved an ordinance requiring the registration, inspection and maintenance of foreclosed homes. The ordinance, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2017, applies to properties in unincorporated Pinellas County that have been foreclosed on or are entering foreclosure. It requires that they be registered with the county and periodically inspected by the registrant to ensure they are being maintained.
The registry will include the name and address of the mortgagee, the registered agent or the property manager’s contact information. This will allow county staff to easily identify a point of contact responsible for maintenance issues on a foreclosed home. The goal of the registry is to reduce the need for recurring code enforcement actions against foreclosed properties, avoid detracting from the character of existing neighborhoods and ultimately, return these properties to the market in viable condition. Once the ordinance goes into effect, the mortgagee will have 30 days to register the property. Failure to register could result in a fine and code enforcement actions may be taken on properties that do not address maintenance issues. FYI: Pinellas County Development Review Services, (727) 464-3888.
PINELLAS PARK
ARTIST HAVENS:
Pinellas Park transforms a once blighted urban area of the city into an eclectic arts village with affordable studio space and housing for working artists and entrepreneurs from bookstores to bakeshops, even Wordier Than Thou events. http://bit.ly/2eaHNi6
SOUTH PASADENA
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HELEN CARGO:
The South Pasadena Community Band dedicates its Nov. 2nd concert at the Treasure Island Community Center to Helen Cargo, 100 year old trombonist who has played in the band since it began. When told that South Pasadena was forming a Community Band in 1989, Helen became a founding member. Even at 100 she continues to perform with both the Masonic and South Pasadena Community bands. Helen is a joy and inspiration to her fellow band members and to all who meet her. Helen attributes her excellent health to her music, both her breathing practice and exercising to keep her breath control. She attributes her mental alertness to the discipline of playing music. Congratulations, Helen!
NOTICE OF GENERAL ELECTION QUALIFYING PERIOD:
The City of South Pasadena will hold a municipal election on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 for the election of two Commissioners. Qualifying begins at 12:00 noon on
Nov. 1, 2016 and ends at 12:00 noon on Nov. 15, 2016. Candidates shall have been a resident of the city for one year and shall be a duly qualified elector of the city. If you need further information, please call the City Clerk’s office at 347-4171.
WALK FOR A CAUSE:
The Hope, Health, and Sunshine Foundation is a local 501(c)3 charity organization that works to provide support and donations to cancer patients. Founded by Justin Doyle of the Horse and Jockey British Pub, the group raises funds through events and donations in order to provide things like gift cards and toys to cancer patients in the area. Join them Nov. 6 for their 5th Annual “To the Moon and Back” Walk (17 mile walk to downtown St. Pete and back) or their 2nd Annual Todd’s Walk
(2 mile walk throughout South Pasadena) www.hhsfoundation.org
LIGHT UP:
On Dec. 2, get in the spirit at the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade and Annual Tree Lighting celebration. Boats start at the North end of the route and arrive in our waters between 6:15 – 7:30 pm. Refreshments will be served; bring your own chairs at Barbara Gilberg Habitat Park 1600 Pasadena Avenue S, South Pasadena.
CITY HALL HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE & CONCERT:
On Dec. 9 from 4-6 pm, enjoy holiday refreshments and mingle with the City
Commission, staff and Santa, then listen to holiday music next door in Galatea Garden performed by Pasadena Fundamental Elementary.
ST. PETE BEACH
ST. PETE BEACH THANKSGIVING SUNRISE SPRINT:
On November 24 at 6:30 am, you can run off the turkey you’re going to eat! www.thanksgivingsunrisesprint.com
SCROOGE ARRIVES:
Starting in December, Reverend Keith Haemmelmann of Pass-A-Grille beach Community Church will host an inspiring series entitled “The Redemption of Scrooge – Connecting Christ and Culture.” www.pagchurch.org
NEW BOOK LEADER:
Betcinda Kettells was recently named SPB Library Administrator. As Interim Administrator since Phyllis Ruscella retired the end of July, Kettels began her
professional career at the Bangor, ME Public Library in 1998. Relocating to Florida in 2002, she worked in the Cataloging & Reference Departments at Palm Harbor Library until 2015 when she came to the SPB Library as the Public Services Coordinator. She did her undergraduate studies at Eckerd College and earned her Masters in Library and Information Science from USF.
She told Paradise News, “While we regret that a new library building is not forthcoming, we are proud of our award-winning building; the Library’s strong book, DVD, audio and periodicals collections; our dedicated staff and volunteers, and our valued patron base. I am thrilled for the opportunity to continue building on the successes of our past Administrator, Phyllis Ruscella. The City has rededicated its effort to fund necessary repairs and enhancements to the current Library building so that we may continue to serve the community through the functioning of this vital asset. Proposed improvements may include technology upgrades, new circulation and reference service areas, private study rooms and quiet spaces. Vital maintenance items are currently under evaluation and will be paid for with City funds. We all look forward to a future commitment from the City to honor its pledge for a much-needed new Library.”
ST. PETE DOWNTOWN
When you’re alone and life is making you lonely, you can always go… DOWNTOWN! Petula Clark never made it to downtown St. Pete, but for those Paradise NEWS beach lovers who enjoy good eats and entertainment, it’s the new hotspot. Check out:
- Fuego Lounge has a unique twist on the hamburger, serving a blend of Short Rib & Beef Brisket Burger, Mojo Pork, Queso Blanco and Pickled Red Onion. You can also enjoy Latin favorites such as Fuego Ceviche, Drunken Chicken, Paella & Casuelita de Marisco (steaming tropical presentation of seafood on a delicious Caribbean stew), Empanadas and Churrasco skirt steak. Part nightclub, part restaurant.
- Get yummy Cajun dishes via UberEats. Relocating from downtown, Ricky P’s Creole Kitchen now has a new luncheon menu with some cheaper eats and all kinds of new dished. 11002 4th Street North, North of the Gandy Blvd. in the Bayview Shopping Plaza with Winn Dixie. Don’t miss the Sunday Brunch 11 am – 3 pm.
- Asian cuisine explodes downtown, from Hawker’s Asian Street Fare to Bula’s ramen bowls. Other players worth trying include Souzou’s Asian Fusion, Lure, La Vie and Asie. Closer to the beaches, Alesia, Osaka and Nori Thai makes for a Happy Happy Cherry Blossom day.
- Locale Market debuts new, healthy eats including Build Your Own Healthy Meal Heat and Eat station, acai bowls, fresh juice and Zen Belly station (sushi, ramen, poke bowl) and a gluten free section.
- St. Petersburg Saturday Market is the place to nosh, from Brooklyn Knish to empanadas, French crepes to handmade pickles and fresh veggies, it’s a fun way to start the weekend and listen to the live band du jour.
- Green Bench Brewery and Three Daughters is expanding their campus, taking their role as neighborhood funzones as seriously as ever with lots of events, many family-friendly.
- Dog friendly dining abounds, including 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House, Acropolis, Bella Brava, Cider Press, The Oyster Bar, Parkshore Grill and Stillwater’s Tavern.
- Jimmy Hula’s burgers and tacos casual fare is opening on 4th Street.
- Fit for Life, Cider Mill Café and Fresh Kitchen take healthy dining to a whole new level.
- Get your charcuterie with a side of vino at Annata Restaurant & Wine Bar and Mazzaro Italian Market.
- Swanky, Sicilian & delicious is Beau & Mo’s Italian Eating House serving steaks, seafood, pasta & vino.
- Ciccio Restaurant Group will debut Better Byrd from barbecue to buttermilk fried.
- Want to drink beer while playing in an arcade filled with board games, darts, pool table, pinball, shuffleboard and a 600-game multicade system? It’s Right Around The Corner.
- Hollander Hotel/Tap Room offers yoga Saturday morning poolside and indie music on Sundays. Saturday and Sunday, you can enjoy $5 Bloody Mary & mimosas and on Sun. $10 all you can eat breakfast special.
- Don’t miss Wed. Night blues at The Hideaway and Thursday blues at Ruby’s Elixir. The Hideaway is now open for lunch Wed. – Fri. with a new menu including handcrafted flatbreads and pizza, salads and more.
- Drag queen bingo fun at Punky’s (and Tyrone’s new Hamburger Mary) light up the nights with a mix of risqué jokes and winning cards.
PIECES OF A DREAM GIFTS:
Offering distinctive gifts, jewelry, home décor, clothing, candles and cards, Pieces Of A Dream Gifts relocated to the Grand Central District at 2430 Central Avenue
from 7126 Central Avenue. Owned by local entrepreneur, avid environmentalist and humanitarian Patti Bradfield, the shop hosts a Ribbon Cutting sponsored by the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce Nov. 17, 5:30 – 7 pm. FYI: 727-317-2031;
ST. PETERSBURG
ASSETS UP: The fiscal year ended on September 30th and the results are in…
FY16 was our biggest year ever for total construction value with $654,677,009 permitted! This represents a 40% increase over FY15. After FY16, the next biggest year for construction was FY07 with $635,400,369 permitted. Between FY15 and FY16, the total number of permits issued increased 13.17% and the city saw almost 17% more in permit revenue.
ENTREPRENEURS R US:
Check I’m Here, a St. Petersburg-based startup, caught national attention in Tech Crunch recently for their success in raising a million dollars of funding to grow their cloud-based platform which helps colleges and universities manage, track, assess and engage students with campus activities. Some of the angel investors include Jeff Vinik, owner of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Ronald Scholosser, the former Executive Chairman of McGraw-Hill Education. In the video above, watch Reuben Pressman, founder of Check I’m Here, discuss why he loves St. Pete as a place to grow his company.
NEW EDC LEADER:
The St. Petersburg Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is getting ready to launch. J.P. DuBuque, who recently served as the interim CEO of the Tampa/Hillsborough EDC, will become the EDC’s president beginning November 7th.
“St. Petersburg is building an enviable brand as an inclusive, forward-thinking community that can stack up quite favorably against any other market when it comes to opportunity for success and quality of life. I can’t wait to work with all the partners in this city to show the world what we have become,” said DuBuque.
RESOLUTIONS:
Smithbuilt Fitness is offering year-end, get a jump on New Year’s Resolutions specials including a FREE 1 hour fitness assessment or three personal training sessions for $50. Stop in “Spin the Wheel” for up to 75% off regular prices on Black Friday! Located at 5600 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 33707. Call Dave at (727) 345-5000. www.SmithBuiltFitness.com
HELPING CHILDREN SURVIVE DIVORCE TRAUMA:
Pinellas County has one of the highest divorce rates in the United States with 14.5% of residents divorced, up from the national average of 10%. Dr. Kim Costello Psy.D., LMHC, FAPA, DAPA, BCPC, CEDS and her colleagues from The Costello Center in St. Petersburg have witnessed the pain and trauma children of divorce endure and have made it their mission to work with divorcing parents to help provide the best resources to support children during this difficult time. “We can’t stop divorce, but we can figure out a method of parenting kids in divorce,” Costello said.
Recently, Dr. Costello & her daughter, Ashlee B. Orozco, PH.D. rewrote the mandatory Florida Department of Children and Families four hour Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course, which parents are required to take prior to dissolution of marriage.
What’s unique about The Costello Center’s course is it captures the true emotional effects on parents and especially children of divorce. Their course also includes a new component concerning the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) based on a seminar recently held by the Sixth Judicial Circuit Family Law Division and USF Family Study Center. Classes are held at the Costello Center located at 8081 38th Ave. N., St. Pete. FYI: 727.345.2667; info@thecostellocenter.com www.conflictresolutioncounseling.com
TAMPA BAY
FLY AWAY:
Tampa International Airport (TIA) landed another major international flight with Icelandair announcing nonstop service from Tampa to Reykjavik, Iceland, beginning Sept. 7, 2017. With Iceland being a popular stopover destination to the rest of Europe, this new flight connects Tampa area travelers to 25+ European destinations while opening our area to receiving more European tourists. Several significant nonstop flights have come to TIA in recent years including Edelweiss Air to Zurich, Switzerland, Copa Airlines to Panama City, Lufthansa to Frankfurt, Germany, United Airlines to San Francisco, and soon Southwest Airlines will be offering service to Cuba.
WATER COMMUTE:
Community and business organizations are invited to “test the waters” November 4-18 for pre-scheduled trips. During Thanksgiving week, the public can test the ferry for free. View the schedule, rates and ferry info on the new Cross-Bay Ferry website. Tickets go on sale November 1st. Residents can receive a free roundtrip commuter ticket for participating in an online survey designed to help HMS better understand our community’s needs.
UBER TO/FROM HOCKEY: AMALIE® Arena is partnering with UBER, HART, the City of Tampa and other organizations to provide various transportation options for games and events. These options allow patrons of Tampa Bay Lightning and Tampa Bay Storm events, as well as special events and concerts at the arena, many different ways to attend their favorite event. Transportation options include: UBER EATS also debuts in the Tampa Bay area.
TIERRA VERDE
OKTOBERFEST BENEFITS MIRACLE LEAGUE:
The Tierra Verde Business Partnership will donate $5,000 to the Miracle League from Oktoberfest! It’s the largest donation they have ever given to a charity. The check will be presented during lunch, the first Wednesday in December at the Island Grill.
PRETTY LADY:
Just when it seemed as though the $1 million beautification grant along the Pinellas
Bayway was dead and buried, the Pinellas County Commission stepped in and breathed new life into it. Mary Scott Hardwick, the intergovernmental liaison for Pinellas County commissioners gave an update on the grant’s reactivation at the Tierra Verde Community Assoc. meeting in September. The county submitted a
letter of acceptance, the grant is being accepted, and FDOT and the county will enter into a memorandum of agreement,
TREASURE ISLAND
PANCAKES ANYONE?
Members the Rotary Club of the Gulf Beaches will hold the annual Robby’s Pancake Breakfast on Nov 13 at Treasure Island Comm. Center, 1 Park Place at 106 Ave., Treasure Island. They will also collect clothes & toys for children in foster care for christmas in a Big Red Sled. There will also be a Chamber Members Appreciation Show with table top exhibition from 9am-3pm that will feature memberes of the local chamber.
SANDING OVATIONS KICK-OFF:
On Nov. 16 from 7-9 pm, you can party with the masters before the artists start sculpting. Meet the sculptors, hang out, taste beers from Great Bay and munchies from Sloppy Joe’s. Crystal Sands Room, Bilmar Beach Resort 10650 Gulf Blvd. Event is Nov. 17 to 20. www.mytreasureisland.org/visitors/sanding_ovations_sculptors.php
WALK WITH SAFETY:
Treasure Island kicked off its pedestrian safety campaign Oct. 26, reminding everyone that stopping at crosswalks, both with and without flashing lights, is mandatory as pedestrians have the right of way. Moved to action by the high rate of pedestrian injuries and fatalities along Gulf Blvd., the Rotary Club of the Gulf Beaches launched the pedestrian safety campaign in the cities of Treasure Island and Madeira Beach with the support of the Pinellas County Sheriff, the Treasure Island Police Department, and Bike/Walk Tampa Bay, a regional coalition engaging local communities to make walking and bicycling safe and enjoyable
BEACH CLEAN-UP:
Sunset Beach Civic Association sponsors another keep our beaches clean event on Nov. 12, 8:30 am – noon. www.sunsetbeachcivicassociation.org
LAST TIDBITS:
NO DRINKING & DRIVING!
An active Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber Member, one-year-old Thirsty Pelican Tours picks guests up at their hotels.
Their all-inclusive guided tours chauffeur folks around to breweries in luxury air-conditioned vehicles, and guests experience local culture along the way. Long-time resident Maris Jeffery’s local tour company started out running private custom tours for locals and has recently expanded into tourism promotions. Their feature charity is The Public Art Project, who initiated and continue to expand upon Tampa Bay’s up-and-coming mural art scene. Maris’ passion for our community is genuine and infectious! “Tampa Bay is now home to over 65 craft breweries, all with something special to offer. We want everyone to experience what all the buzz is about!”
Thirsty Pelican is hosting an Anniversary event at Green Bench Brewery, 8-11pm on Nov 11th. Stop in to meet the entire team & enjoy a Cupcake & Beer pairing! Find Thirsty Pelican Tours on Facebook, Instagram, or on-line at BrewersTours.com Cheers!
UPHAM BEACH DECK: Replacement Project
– The replacement began on St. Pete Beach in mid October. Paradise Grill,
including the shower & beach access at this location will be closed during this project through November. All remaining access points to Upham Beach as well as the beach itself will remain open during construction. PN
Tidbits compiled by Nanette Wiser