GULFPORT Pop Ups: Welcome the LocalShops1 Pop-Up! Shop, helping local artists and businesses in the Tampa Bay region to also use the pop-up concept as part of their marketing campaigns in downtown Gulfport at 2908 Beach Blvd. S. Pop-up spaces at the LocalShops1 shop have already been reserved by several local artists and businesses, including White Pine Studio, This Life Photography, Earth Day St. Pete, FinFish and Creative Chaos. The spaces are available by the day, during markets/art walks, and by the month. Contact: ester@localshops1.com; (727) 637-5586
INDIAN SHORES
FOR THE BIRDS: Same location, but completely new organization, the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary has experienced management, a new board and new leadership from the Busch von Gontard family, who have a long history of wildlife and environmental conservation. The mission of the new organization remains the same: the rescue, rehabilitation and eventual release of sick, injured and orphaned birds.
“For as long as I can remember, my family has been devoted to causes that conserve precious wildlife and the environments where they thrive,” said Andrew von Gontard, President of Seaside Seabird Sanctuary. “It is our passion for wildlife that has moved us to step in to invest significant time and
resources into the revitalization of this sanctuary. We look forward to working closely with the staff and volunteers to ensure seabirds have a first class rehabilitation facility working on their behalf.”
Seaside Seabird Sanctuary will work closely with area veterinarians to provide medical care for the birds and guidance to the staff. They will also maintain strict adherence to all applicable state and federal rules and regulations. They have been working closely with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to ensure all essential permits are in place and all policies and procedures moving forward are designed with the health and safety of the sanctuary’s most treasured assets – the birds – in mind. The birds who cannot be returned to the wild are given a permanent home at the sanctuary, which is open to the public 365 days a year. Admission is free, but visitors are encouraged to donate to support the sanctuary’s mission.
MADEIRA BEACH
WATER TRAVEL: Leave your car home and grab the new Ferry & Taxi Service, thanks to the City of Madeira Beach, Hubbard’s Marina & Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber. The boats will run to nine designated locations including John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk, Jungle Prada Park and Gator’s Café and Saloon. Info: http://www.tampabayferry.com/madeira-beach-taxi-route/ Contact: www.tampabayferry.com Captain Mark Hubbard (727) 393-1947.
HOLIDAY PARADE: The 20th Annual Veterans Boat Parade (Nov. 12) seeks sponsors and volunteers to help produce this patriotic event. Help is needed in all areas, from planning to coordinating related events, web development, publicity, social media, fund-raising, correspondence, set-up and tear-down, and booth supervision.
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 queing 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 the Madeira Shopping Center.
After opening ceremonies, the parade gets underway at 11 am proceeding north to the canal off Redington Drive, then turning south and entering the canal behind Madeira Beach City Hall, then entering Boca Ciega Bay, John’s Pass, and the large canal of Capri Isle and Isle of Palms. There is no charge for boaters to participate, only a display of the nation’s colors. 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
KEEP OUR WATERS CLEAN: The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners have created a Countywide Sewer Task Force which would assess and evaluate the infrastructure already in place and work to provide solutions to current and future concerns.
“In light of recent weather events and impacts on the complex network of city, county and private sewer systems throughout our area, I think it is past time that we sit down as a collective body and find solutions,” Chairman Justice stated. “Recent incidents of releasing partially treated sewage into the waters of Tampa Bay is not acceptable and we need to work together to find a solution.”
The proposed Task Force would include the County, 13 municipal partners and 3 private systems which would work to improve management of County-wide wastewater systems and mitigate emergency situations that may arise. Contact: Commissioner Justice (727) 464-3363.
PREVENTING FRAUD: Six individuals have been arrested as a result of a sting aimed at cracking down on unlicensed contractors. The suspects in the sting operation were found through online ads. Investigators sought bids for general home renovations, including kitchen and bath remodeling, flooring and drywall repairs. The purpose of the operation was to protect consumers from the dangers of hiring an unlicensed individual, which could result in financial harm, safety concerns and damage to consumers’ homes. The individuals were arrested and 
charged with six misdemeanor counts of unlicensed contracting and six felony counts of failure to secure workers compensation insurance. The sting operation was a joint investigation between Pinellas County Consumer Protection, the Sixth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office and the Florida Department of Financial Services Insurance Fraud Unit. www.pinellascounty.org/consumer
Consumers are urged to follow these tips before hiring anyone to work on their property:
• Only hire licensed contractors and ask to see their license. Verify the license at www.myfloridalicense.com
• Check the complaint history of a business at www.pinellas county.org/consumer.
• Don’t pay more than 10 percent as a down payment.
• Be suspicious of individuals who ask for payment in full up front, solicit door-to-door, or ask to be paid in cash only.
STAY CONNECTED: and access useful resources. Pinellas County can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. www.pinellascounty.org
SECURE HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS:
Rid your home of chemicals you don’t use anymore. Take them to the Household Electronics – Chemical Collection Center (HEC3), operated by Pinellas County Utilities. Simply drop off your hazardous chemicals for free at 2855 109th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. myclearwater.com; (727) 464-7500.
If you bring chemicals to the HEC3 center, remember not to mix chemicals together; keep products in original labeled containers, if possible; place leaky containers in clear plastic bags and transport in boxes with newspaper; put boxes in the trunk or in the back of vehicle away from passengers.
The HEC3 Center cannot accept automotive/marine batteries, biological/infectious waste, empty paint cans, explosives, fire extinguishers, propane tanks, radioactive waste or smoke detectors. For more information, contact the city’s Environmental Division at (727) 562-4750.
SEMINOLE
Have you explored the new Seminole City Center? Pollo Tropical, Home Goods, Five Below, Beal’s and a brand new SteinMart will be getting a delicious new neighbor, Earth Fare organic market from North Carolina. What’s really cool is their inclusion of local Tampa Bay vendors including: Go Fruitti, Dakin Dairy Milk, Beagle Bay Organics Local Krauts, Goldenrod Apiaries Honey, Deland Bakery, Brimstone Jellies, Blazing Bean Coffee, Buddy Brew Coffee, Fat Cat Hot Sauces, Watson Kitchen Pickled Tomatoes and Green Beans. Out of the Weeds salad dressings, Pirate Jonny’s Sauce, Tom’s BBQ Sauces and Molly’s Suds Laundry Products.
SOUTH PASADENA
KICKIN’ IT: Pasadena Community Church offers recreational soccer for adults in an informal pickup game, no experience needed. The Church provides the smaller goals, marked pitch and the soccer balls. Just bring your soccer cleats or sneakers, water and a $3 church donation for each Saturday game starting Oct. 29 at 8:30 am. Contact: Norman Fisher, normfisher@msn.com; (727) 643-7282.
ST. PETE BEACH
BEACH THEATRE: Yes, the Beach Theatre just got a facelift. This improvement is suspected by many to be a sign of new ownership. It is however, only the result of a city citation, not a sign of a new life yet.
FREE MUSIC: Come and relax in Horan Park at St. Pete Beach Community Center (7701 Boca Ciega Dr.) where you can enjoy local bands, food, fun zone and more. Bring your own chair or blanket from 7 -9 pm. 10/7 – Trae Pierce & T-Stone Band; 10/14 – Impulse; 10/21 – 2 Dog Night; 10/28 – Horny Toads.
BEACH CLEAN UP: On Oct.15 9 – 11am, meet at Upham Beach Concession Stand and help beautify our local beach.
ST. PETE BEACH THANKSGIVING SUNRISE SPRINT: Nov. 24, 6:30 am, you can run off the turkey you’re going to eat! www.thanksgiving sunrisesprint.com
SINK or SWIM: Learn “How Overcoming Obstacles Makes Life Worthwhile,” in this new anthology published by the Bay Area Professional Writers Guild Inc. (BAPWG) This collection of 20 stories & poems highlights personal challenges experienced throughout the authors’ lives and how they overcame those obstacles. One member wrote about challenges she faced when forced into labor in Cambodia and escaped The Killing Fields. Two student graduates of the Poynter Institute Writers’ Workshops; high school senior, & St. Petersburg College Student are included. Available in print or e-edition on Amazon.com www.bapwg.org
FALL BOOK SALE: The FRIENDS of the Gulf Beaches Library hold their FALL BOOK SALE Nov. 4 10 am – 5 pm and Nov. 5 10 am – 4 pm. at the Library, with proceeds supporting this reader’s best friend. 200 Municipal Drive, Madeira Beach
ST. PETERSBURG
WATER FERRY ST. PETE/TAMPA: St. Petersburg City Council issued its final approval for a water ferry service connecting its downtown to downtown Tampa. The approval green-lights both the operating agreement with HMS Ferries and the interlocal agreement splitting the $1.5 million pilot project at $350,000 each from St. Pete, Pinellas County, Tampa and Hillsborough County. The ferry will begin service as soon as Nov. 1, but no later than Nov. 29. It will run from downtown Tampa in the Vinoy basin to downtown Tampa near the Tampa Convention Center.
Run times and fares have not been finalized, but service will focus primarily on weekends and for special events. Weekday commuter trips are also expected. Revenue on the project up to $125,000 is reserved for HMS Ferries because the company is absorbing any financial risk associated with the project if there is a loss. Any revenue after that will be split among the participating localities. Depending on ridership, county revenue is projected between $50,000 – $200,000 for each county. St. Pete’s portion of the funding comes from settlement funds from the BP oil spill. The city is also kicking in a maximum of $50,000 for upgrades and retrofits to the ferry docking area.
2016 GOOD BURGER AWARD WINNERS: DJ Fresh and DJ Jimmy kicked off the evening spinning the hits as about 500 attendees gathered at Jannus Live for food, live music by Shevonne and the Bad Boys, a live pop-up painting exhibit with Michael Valh and ‘Burg Blonde on draft! Congratulations to the nominees and winners in the following categories: Arts & Culture – The Dali Museum; Hot Spots & Hang Outs – St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market; Community Conscious -YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg; Eats & Treats – 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House; Makers & Creators – Creative Clay; Cool Companies: Small (1-50 employees) – Eagle Datagistics; Cool Companies: Large (50+ employees) – Tampa Bay Rowdies; Most Valuable ‘Burger – Mayor Rick Kriseman; People’s Choice – The Kind Mouse.
THEY LOVE US: Forbes Travel toasted St. Petersburg as one of the “Top 5 Unexpected Travel Destinations” this summer, advising readers to skip Miami and try St. Petersburg instead. The article highlights the city’s craft beer scene, on par with other craft beer destinations like Portland, as well as our arts scene and our proximity to beautiful beaches. Other cities that topped the list include Cooperstown, NY; Manchester, VT; Atlantic City, NJ; & Collins Park, FL.
Redfin ranked St. Petersburg 4th on their list of “Top 10 Cities Leading the Way in Walkable New Construction.” The list ranks cities by the percentage of new homes with a “walk score” higher than the average citywide score (42%); ours was 88%! Other cities on the top 10 list include Philadelphia, PA; Chicago, IL; Cleveland, OH; Boston, MA; Seattle, WA; Washington, DC; Denver, CO; San Francisco, CA and Dallas, TX.
PIER UPDATE: Although it may seem quiet out on the Pier, a lot of important work is happening behind the scenes in design development and permitting. Raul Quintana, City Architect, provides a quick update on the project schedule in this “Just a Minute on the Pier Construction” video. In addition to the timeline, two often discussed topics about the Pier (and throughout downtown) are parking and restaurants.
The former Pier approach included 825 parking spaces. The new St. Pete Pier will reclaim more of the waterfront by offering 550 spaces and placing pedestrian and cycling paths along the water’s edge. In fact, the Pier Parking Study by Kimley-Horn estimates that more than 20% of weekend visits to the new Pier will use alternative methods of transportation such as biking, walking and ride share. The new Pier will have an inclusive design for all modes of transportation.
On the restaurant front, the three originally proposed restaurants will be two for now: a mid-Pier approach location with 8,000 S F and a Pier head location with 7,500 S F. Both restaurants will offer scenic water views for diners to enjoy.
SOUTHSIDE RISES: The St. Petersburg City Council approved more than $468,000 in 2016 Tax Increment Financing, or TIF Grant funds, from South St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) this summer. To celebrate the grants, Mayor Kriseman and staff visited six of the grant recipients: Delores M. Smith Academy, 1766 49th Street S; Imagination Station, 3242 22nd Avenue S; FL Brake and Tire, 1254 34th Street S; Power Sports, 1234 34th Street S; Advantage Solutions, 833 22nd Street S; and Chief’s Creole Cafe, 901 22nd Street S.
This is the first year for the So. St. Petersburg CRA competitive grant program, designed to help boost private investment by property owners and businesses in South St. Petersburg. The Mayor expressed his appreciation, “This is a momentous occasion and another illustration of our belief that the smartest investment a city can make is in its residents and business owners. I want to extend my gratitude to the members of the St. Petersburg City Council and Citizens Advisory Committee for their support.” The second round of TIF grant funding for south St. Petersburg will begin in the first quarter of 2017. An estimated $1.2 million will be available. www.stpete.org/southstpete
CRA COMMUNITY LEADERS: LocalShops1 held their annual Community Awards attended by 150 local businesses and community leaders, and featuring Mayor Kriseman as the keynote speaker. The awards ceremony celebrated the Best in Biz winners across 16 categories, as well as four Community Awards recipients. Additionally, Robin King, co-founder of Three Birds Tavern was named the LocalShops1 Member of the Year. Community Awards
• Local Business Success Story: Sarah & Raphael Perrier, Kahwa Coffee
• Business Incubator: Gail Eggeman and Mark Johnson, Saturday Morning Market
• Boosting the Arts: John Collins, St. Pete Arts Alliance
• Watchdog Award: Features Staff, Tampa Bay Times
• Best in Biz Awards Staying Power (10+ years): Mazzaro’s Italian Market
• Best Hospitality Staff Member: Justin Cabarga, Three Birds Tavern
• Favorite Newcomer: Magnolia Lane Boutique
• Area’s Biggest Cheerleader: Raymond, Tampa Bay Rays
• Most Iconic Style: Carla Bristol, Gallerie 909
• Best 501c3 Non-Profit: CASA
• Future Billionaire: Milind Bharvirkar, Priatek
• Write-in Candidate for President: Rita Lowman, C1 Bank
• Favorite Mural: Alice in Wonderland, Sarah Sheppard
EDGE WINS: For the second year in a row, the EDGE District was recognized for outstanding achievements by Florida Secretary of State at the Florida Main Street Annual Conference, winning three awards:
• 2016 Honor Award for Outstanding Economic Restructuring Program of the Year – EDGE Business Mentoring Program
• 2016 Merit Award for Outstanding Main Street Business of the Year – Creative Clay Cultural Arts Center
• 2016 Merit Award for Outstanding Local Main Street Program Supporter – Roger Curlin
BIZ WATCH: Nine St. Petersburg companies rank among the fastest growing in America, according to Inc. Magazine “2016 Inc. 5000 List”, ranking America’s fastest growing companies. Included were #32, The Penny Hoarder; financial advice website; #281 Private Label Skin, skin care manufacturer; #1281 Focus School Software, student information software; #2120 Rapid Web Services, computer hardware & storage; #2174 Tower Cloud, broadband transport services; #2262 Kobie Marketing, customer loyalty marketing; #2994 Eagle Datagistics, IT services; #3559 Power Design, electrical contracting; and #3821 Squaremouth, travel insurance.
SUNDAY FUNDAY: Let’s Play in the Streets! Open Streets St. Pete, a pedestrian-friendly celebration that closes the streets of St. Pete to vehicular traffic, is scheduled for Oct. 9, 1 – 5 pm. The event route is from Mirror Lake Drive to Williams Park. The event is a celebration of cyclists, pedestrians, runners, skaters, and all forms of people-powered movement. Family-friendly activities will be programmed throughout the day, including fitness classes, bike safety obstacles, music, food, games and giveaways. Open Streets St. Pete celebrates Cyclovia (also known as ciclovía or “open streets”), a popular tradition that began in Bogota, Colombia, where major city streets are temporarily closed and re-purposed into safe and open, car-free environments every Sunday.
HAIR CARE: Bambu the Eco Salon is now open and the Bambu team is committed to enhancing hair’s natural integrity without the use of harmful chemicals that deprive your hair of strength and beauty.
SKI UPDATE: Clearwater/St. Pete Ski Club donated $1,800 to the Bay Pines Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Team. Every winter, disabled veterans from all over the country descend on Snowmass CO to attend the National Veterans Winter Sports Clinic – Miracles on a Mountainside in Snowmass, CO. This unique rehab clinic costs around $1,800 per person to attend and this donation funds one Bay Pines veteran’s costs to be covered. www.wintersportsclinic.org
The Clearwater/St. Pete Ski Club is Pinellas County’s only snow ski club and is part of the Florida Ski Council. They meet the second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm at Mike’s Pizza Pub, 13560 49th Street. On Oct. 11, Nov. 8, Jan. 10, Feb. 14, March 14, May 9). 2017 trips include Beaver Creek Colorado, Crested Butte Colorado, Snowmass Colorado & an adventure trip to Costa Rica. Details about the club’s trips, social events, and the Winter Sports Clinic can be found on our web site, www.snowshark.org or on their Facebook page.
NEED ADDITION OR PTSD HELP: Donna Zappin introduces ZHENDEN Comprehensive ‘Concierge’ In-Home Detox Program for Addiction and PTSD. Donna Zappin’s career in the addiction treatment industry began in 2007 and she was long puzzled by the high failure rate with traditional treatment programs for addiction and PTSD. Working with medical professionals, she found a way to help replace the feelings of helplessness for those addicted, and their families, with great hope through ZHENDEN.
Zappin says, “This is the only in-Home addiction detox that uses Neurotransmitter Restoration Therapy (NTR), a 10-day IV protocol administered by Registered Nurses with addiction and detox experience. The all-inclusive program is especially designed for busy executives, business owners, medical professionals, entertainers and athletes anyone who can’t be away from work for a long period of time.”
An active member of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, Zappin hosts a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Tuesday October 4, 5:30 – 7 pm at the Indigo Hotel, 234 Third Ave. North, downtown St. Petersburg. www.ZHENDEN.com
TIERRA VERDE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDS: Tampa Bay Watch received $10,500 for being one of the beneficiaries of Cure on Wheels Cure the Bay’s Challenge. Tampa Bay Watch hosted the bike ride event on
Sunday, May 1. Ten dollars from all of the rider’s registration fees went to Tampa Bay Watch and each rider received a one-year membership to the environmental organization. Additionally, Tampa Bay Watch formed a team who rode the race and fundraised for their mission to restore and protect the Tampa Bay estuary through scientific and educational programs.
“All of us at Tampa Bay Watch are honored to partner with Cure on Wheels,” says Peter Clark, Founder and President of Tampa Bay Watch. “The 2016 Cure the Bay Challenge raised significant funds toward cancer research and contributed to our ability to restore and protect our Bay waters.” 727-867-8166. www.tampabaywatch.org
TREASURE ISLAND BE EPIC: The beauty of the Gulf beaches is what keeps the local economy going. The Treasure Island & Madeira Beach Chamber of Commerce are asking local businesses to engage communities in maintaining clean air, clean water, and clean beaches by sponsoring and participating in its newly adopted EPIC (Environmental Preservation Initiative for our Communities) educational program. The first phase of the comprehensive, voluntary EPIC program involves working with restaurants and bars to raise environmental awareness by eliminating Styrofoam and single-use plastic items, among other initiatives. The program will eventually include hotels and other businesses. Both cities support this initiative as do Rep. Kathleen Peters, Caddy’s on the Beach, Bilmar Beach Resort, John’s Pass Village Association, Sloppy Joe’s, William Karnes Enterprises and SERVPRO. Sponsors and program participants will be recognized on the Chamber’s website, http://islandneighborschamber.org/epic/ Chamber media, and on the EPIC Facebook page, EPIConTIMB.
VOTE YES NOV. 8: The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce is urging local residents to support the local redevelopment referendums regarding hotels to enhance the economy and overall quality of life. “Treasure Island needs to remain competitive in the tourism market to keep taxes low for residents and maintain their quality of life. Residents alone are not enough to support all the small businesses afforded to them.
Every 85 visitors create 1 job. We need to vote YES in November to update regulations allowing for adequate height and density and save Treasure Island’s livelihood,” says Doug Izzo, Government Affairs Representative. (727) 360-6957; doug@tampabaybeaches.com
SEASONED TO TASTE: Jared Leal’s new specialty store, Vine and Grind (111 107th Ave.) offers fine specialty oils, vinegars, and more as well as tastings and events. Vine and Grind offers the largest and most extensive collection of lab tested and certified UP (Ultra Premium) extra virgin olive oils and infused oils from around the world as well as over 44 different aged and flavored balsamic vinegars from Modena, Italy.
Jared Leal, only 21 years old, has always dreamed of owning a business that would somehow help people live healthy lives. It was after reading about the many fake oils on the market today, that this research began. His goal became to educate and then ultimately replace all the fake, unhealthy oils (727) 360-2021; visit www.VineandGrind.com.