As the community celebrates all that we each believe in this holiday season, the King Contracting staff wanted to dedicate this page to honor all the first responders, all of the medical and health care workers, to all the cities' and Pinellas County's crews and especially to all the volunteers who were hard at work at this time last year, dealing with the aftermath of two hurricanes.
You know who you are and you are very special and a vital part of our community! So here’s to you!
18 MORGAN FREEMAN
The legendary actor recently visited St. Pete and shared his thoughts on a range of topics, including his commitment to giving back.
32 GROWING TOGETHER
We visit 15th Street Farm where food becomes a force for good—uniting health, learning and culture through hands-on connection.
38 SAVOR THE SEASON
We share some impactful ideas for hosting and celebrating with more joy, calm and connection this holiday season.
42 SHARING THE SHIMMER
At Top Buttons, fashion is just the starting point for confidence, connection and community.
51 THE GIVING GUIDE
A look at local nonprofits making a difference across Pinellas County and the many ways they help strengthen our community.
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When I enter the room, Morgan Freeman adopts a wide-eyed expression of mock surprise as though he wasn’t expecting me. He smiles and laughs frequently during our chat, but I also get some looks of dismay and he occasionally leans forward in his chair, rubbing the top of his head as if he is straining to stay focused.
TAMPA BAY GETS ITS SHARE OF WORLDCLASS TALENT, BUT THERE WAS SOMETHING PARTICULARLY THRILLING ABOUT MORGAN FREEMAN’S RECENT VISIT TO TOWN. IT COULD HAVE BEEN THE ELECTRIFYING GROUP OF JAZZ PERFORMERS HE BROUGHT ALONG FOR A COLLABORATION WITH THE FLORIDA ORCHESTRA OR THE SEISMIC MAGNITUDE OF HIS PRESENCE. ONE THING IS FOR SURE—HIS WORDS, GATHERED FROM A HANDFUL OF CONVERSATIONS, PROVIDE A PORTRAIT OF A MAN STILL VERY MUCH ON THE MOVE.
By Nick Steele Portraits by Melanie Thortis
The elder statesman of American cinema is a study in shadows and light, with a penetrating gaze and that distinctively commanding voice. Through several encounters over the years, I have found him to be smart, charming and funny, as one would expect, but also downright salty at times. Of course, at 88, he’s earned the right. He also admits that he feels speaking with journalists is “an imposition. You have to do it, but it gets old,” he told fellow actor Dax Shepard on his podcast Armchair Expert. “If I was given a choice, I would not.”
While the sentiment is a sharp contrast from the gentle and benevolent persona he often projects on screen, it makes sense that he feels fatigued by the attention after decades in the public eye.
And though he has embodied a wide range of characters, including one of his favorite roles, playing a pimp in Street Smart opposite Christopher Reeve in 1987, he admits that his breakthrough role as Hoke Coburn in 1989’s Driving Miss Daisy not only placed him in the spotlight but also created a persistent notion in the public’s mind about who he is as a person.
“Well, the character caught on—this wise, old, dignified black man,” he explained during a speech at the British Film Institute. “Some characters become sort of bracketed, identifiable—identified—you and him. Everywhere you go, they're going to expect some aspect of that character out of me. As an actor, I've played just about every role, from a convict all the way to God,” he says, pointing out a unifying thread in the roles he’s been offered over the years. “I am almost guaranteed to be someone with gravitas.”
And though he has become one of the most recognized performers in the world, thanks to roles in such iconic films as The Shawshank Redemption, Unforgiven, Se7en, Million Dollar Baby, The Bucket List and Invictus, to name a few, he offers a rather pragmatic view of how he will be remembered.
“I don’t think in terms of legacy. Who cares? You know what I’m saying?” he asks with a sly grin. “One of these days, in the distant future there won't be me anymore. But they'll be movies. The movies are forever. That's where I'll be.”
Even after all this time, it would seem that who he really is as a person is still overshadowed by our collective perception and shared expectation of who we want him to be. And that’s fine with him.
Among the things you may not know about the Oscar-winner is that he was born Morgan Freeman Jr. and was called Junior as a child. The first film he saw was the 1933 version of
King Kong, which remains a favorite. Some of his other favorites, which came years before he shared the screen with either of his legendary co-stars, are Clint Eastwood’s The Outlaw Josey Wales and Jack Nicholson’s Five Easy Pieces. He’s always wanted to work with Meryl Streep but never had the opportunity. He’s an accomplished sailor, an amateur pilot and an avid golfer. He also says the role he is most proud of is the one that was least like him.
“I really liked Driving Miss Daisy,” he admits. “I was channeling my dad. He was a hustler and he did that work for a while.”
He can also be startlingly honest at times, with a sense of humor that sometimes runs to the bawdy, which can be an issue for men of his age when navigating the modern world. He encountered a bit of that in 2018 when he came under scrutiny for allegedly making comments that objectified some of the women he came into contact with professionally. He quickly issued a statement apologizing and managed to navigate those allegations without any lasting damage to his reputation.
“Anyone who knows me or has worked with me knows I am not someone who would intentionally offend or knowingly make anyone feel uneasy,” Freeman said in a statement sent to The Associated Press. “I apologize to anyone who felt uncomfortable or disrespected—that was never my intent.”
Running parallel to all the other aspects of his persona is his consistent commitment to humanitarian work and activism on behalf of many educational and environmental organizations, regularly speaking out against social injustice and supporting causes he feels passionate about.
“I don’t think of it as charity. This is what I have to do. This is doing what we have to do as human beings. We’re all in this together,” he offers. “I started a foundation. My daughter Morgana drives it.”
Launched in 1991, the Rock River Foundation was established to focus on early childhood education for underserved youth in his native Mississippi. It was later renamed the Tallahatchie River Foundation, after his home county of Tallahatchie.
Morgana Freeman joined in a leadership role in 2012 and wanted to strike a balance between Freeman’s desire for statewide impact and narrowing the focus. The foundation then established the Tallahatchie Early Learning Alliance (TELA) as a countywide holistic approach to early childhood development and the Mississippi Early Learning Alliance (MELA) to strengthen statewide coalitions advocating for early learning systems change. In 2024, the SonEdna Foundation evolved from the Tallahatchie River Foundation.
“When my father first began the work that would one day become SonEdna Foundation, his goal was simple yet profound: to open doors of opportunity through education and the arts,”
Morgana explains. “When I joined, our discussions turned toward focus and how to take that broad vision and bring it to life in ways that could last. That is when we began shaping a model grounded in curiosity, collaboration and learning in action, which are the principles that still guide the foundation today. TELA and MELA showed us learning doesn’t stop with children. It must extend into adulthood. Engaging with stakeholders revealed the need to build a culture of lifelong learning. As our work expanded, so did our understanding: impact is greatest when done with the people we serve, not for them.”
The next chapter for the foundation is all about building upon that work and continuing to evolve it, to empower others in the community.
“We both believe that giving should be about building something that lasts and that true impact begins when people work together to strengthen their own communities,” she explains. “My father helped plant that vision and I have had the privilege of carrying it forward. I was raised to understand that service is our responsibility. It means seeing where help is needed and standing beside the people who are doing the work every day. That belief has guided my family for generations. My father taught me that when you have the ability to make a difference, you do not wait for someone else to act. You take part in the solution. He showed me that giving is not a moment. It is a way of living. When I think about my father’s legacy of giving, I see more than a pattern of generosity. I see a lifetime of purpose. His legacy lives in many forms. It lives in his body of work,
where the characters he has brought to life have reflected perseverance, integrity and resilience. It lives in the choices he has made to give back to the place that raised him. And it lives in the example he has set for our family about what it means to act with intention and to use what you have to help others rise.”
The reason for Freeman’s visit to St. Pete on September 25th was to bring his national tour of the Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience here for a collaborative concert with The Florida Orchestra. The show is a stirring celebration of the soul of the Mississippi Delta—where the blues genre was born. Freeman has been a lifelong advocate for preserving the music and culture of the region. As a co-founder of the world-renowned Ground Zero Blues Club, Freeman has dedicated himself to celebrating the musicians who shaped this powerful genre and is using the show to highlight the next generation of performers
“The blues comes from the most basic visceral expression of humanity,” he says.
His eyes brighten as he shares that after testing it out with performances in Savannah, Ireland and Austria, he thought, Wait now, this works. This is very cool.
“We're taking two different classical genres and we're merging them,” Freeman explains.” And it is such a wonderfully unique and satisfying experience. What is it about music? It makes us feel good…makes us human. We've had it here as long as we've been here. This music started in cotton fields with some woman snatching cotton and humming, and then everybody picking it up. The next thing you know, we're all in church and we're singing. Then somebody goes out to a juke joint and takes that music and puts a different beat and different words to it. Now we've got the blues. And here we are in 2025 and we're taking music from that far back and we're merging it with European classical music. It works, it just kicks butt. Nobody has come to one of these concerts and said, ‘Why are you guys doing this?’” he continues, drawing his face into a scowl. “They all come away from this concert going, ‘Yeah, that's something else.’ So, we're just gonna keep doing it.”
At the beginning of each performance, he appears on stage with his business partner Eric Meier to introduce the show and partake in some fun banter. He was in exceptionally fine form in St. Pete, laughing and engaging the audience, throwing open his arms to us like a warm embrace.
After the show, Meier guides me to his dressing room door.
“You remember this guy,” he half asks, half urges.
“Yes,” Freeman replies with a wide smile, springing to his feet with his hand outstretched. “What did you think of the show?”
I offer my praise, because it was legitimately one of the most exciting and inspired performances I'd experienced in a while.
It was a beautiful piece of storytelling that touches on our shared humanity and felt like a celebration between the artists on stage and the audience. In that moment, I can feel a sense of pride in him. I can see it in his eyes. He was the conduit for bringing it to life.
I also feel this sort of expectant intensity that comes along with standing face to face with a legend like Morgan Freeman. I have only ever felt it a couple of times before, once with Harrison Ford and once with Nelson Mandela. We are not friends, but for a moment maybe I am also not the imposing journalist. Suddenly, I wonder if he can sense my thoughts because he reaches over and gives my shoulder a slight tap. “Well…” he utters almost to himself, a sly smile forming more in his eyes than on his mouth, “You take care.”
But what I hear in my mind is, Son, I’ve got places to be. And with that, he is on his way. He’ll be in another city the next day, doing it all over again. He seems to be committed to continuing for as long as there are cities to visit, with no signs of slowing down.
Freeman will return to the big screen on November 14th in Now You See Me: Now You Don't and is producing the limited series The Gray House, a Civil War epic, with Kevin Costner, which will stream on Prime Video in early 2026.
As we walk to the car, one of the friends who accompanied me backstage is moved to simply utter, “Wow,” repeatedly. It makes me chuckle because I understand the feeling. It’s a lot to take in. But then, that’s the way it is with legends.
Visit symphonicblues.com for tour information and sonedna.com/ foundation to learn more about its mission.
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At the St. Pete-based nonprofit 15th Street Farm, good food is about more than a meal—it’s a catalyst for learning, health and connection through food, culture and care, starting from the ground up.
By Nick Steele
t would be easy to overlook the gate in the somewhat unassuming fence that stretches along the quiet, mostly residential, street leading to the farm, even with the hand-painted sign bearing its name above a rustic archway. It’s only after you’re on the other side of the fence, navigating a thicket of fruit trees along the sun-dappled garden path, that you catch sight of a few figures working silently and purposefully in the field and notice a shaded pavilion lined with simple farm tables. There’s a serenity to the scene, even with a couple of children and a dog buzzing about.
The children, the dog and the welcoming smile that greets us belong to Meredith Pericles, founder of Do Good Day—a St. Pete event that connects local nonprofits with the community to showcase their missions and recruit volunteers. Produced by her Do Good & Shine Brightly Foundation, the event operates like a career fair for nonprofits, allowing organizations including the farm to highlight their missions and engage volunteers. Today, she’s wearing her director of events hat for the farm— another vitally important nonprofit.
Pericles’ husband John is also on the scene, busying himself with various chores. In fact, they all seem to be so accustomed to having visitors at the farm and are absorbed in their tasks— including gathering ingredients from the garden for the meal
being prepared—that they often slip away mid-conversation, only to reappear moments later with handfuls of colorful flowers or herbs for the chef.
The farm has a half-acre of cultivated land—which may not sound like a lot, but it produces more than 8,000 pounds of fresh, organic and locally grown produce a year, including 50 varieties of vegetables, greens, edible flowers and fruit, all hand tended by a small crew.
Committed to sustainability, the farm avoids chemical fertilizers and pesticides. It instead embraces regenerative organic practices that turn farm waste into nutrient-rich compost and relies on the natural balance of the soil ecosystem.
What began in 2010 as a small therapeutic garden on the grounds of the former Faith House rehabilitation center has grown into one of St. Pete’s most inspiring community farms. Led by founder and president Emmanuel Roux, who, along with a group of volunteers, transformed a few vacant lots into a thriving source of fresh, nutrient-rich food. Roux, a longtime local restaurateur who previously operated several popular restaurants and is the owner of GateauOChocolat, has championed urban agriculture as both a chef and advocate.
After Faith House lost federal funding in 2016, the farm was revived when social entrepreneur Mark Hunter joined
Roux to reimagine it as a hands-on educational hub. That same year, then–Tampa Bay Times food critic Laura Reiley published an investigative series titled “Farm to Fable,” exposing the widespread practice of Tampa Bay restaurants—many in St. Pete—making false “locally sourced” and “farm-to-table” claims, concluding, “You’re being fed fiction.”
By 2024, a multi-year expansion—including a 2,000-squarefoot commercial kitchen, a wood-fired brick oven and event space—transformed the farm into an urban oasis in the heart of downtown.
Rather than operating as a traditional restaurant, the farm hosts event-based dining through farm-to-table dinners, tastings, cooking classes and monthly yoga sessions followed by breakfast—all available for sign-up on the farm’s website. These gatherings embody the farm’s mission to nourish both body and community.
“Everybody sits at long tables and everything is served family style,” Roux explains. “Because food brings people together. We offer a culinary experience that is also a cultural experience and a social experience. Our mission statement is that we facilitate learning and community building around good food.”
The urban educational farm also grows community through
its mission to facilitate learning and community building about healthy food “from soil-to-fork.” The farm has collaborated with more than 17 schools to create gardens where students can learn about food production and sustainability. It also works closely with the University of South Florida (USF) to offer educational programs and hands-on learning opportunities for students of all ages—from preschoolers to medical students—onsite and across Pinellas County.
Volunteers and students play an active role in the farm’s daily operations, helping sustain its mission.
Fueled by grants, donations and revenue from special events, 15th Street Farm has become a vibrant model of sustainability and community connection, including providing access to healthy food for families of expectant and new mothers in South St. Pete neighborhoods.
The farm also regularly participates in community events and partners with other nonprofits such as the Do Good & Shine Brightly Foundation, the Boley Centers and CASA, as well as with the city and USF in a composting initiative.
In April, Chef Zachary Crossman was appointed head chef, bringing with him a global palate and passion for local culture.
Originally from Massachusetts, Crossman earned his culinary degree in Rhode Island before expanding his perspective through travels across Europe, including Ireland, Paris, the Netherlands and Greece.
He settled in Florida more than 10 years ago to be near family and soon became active in the region’s food community. His experience includes culinary work with Lowry Park Zoo, at Wat Thai Temple helping run their Sunday market, and an ongoing role as a corporate chef with Suncoast Food Brokerage, which links food manufacturers offering a wide range of products—including pasta, beef, pork, seafood, cheese and various plant-based options—with distributors and operators including restaurants, hotels and caterers.
Initially joining 15th Street Farm as a guest chef, Crossman’s leadership, artistry and shared commitment to the farm’s mission quickly made him central to its success. He’s known for artful plating and globally inspired menus that draw primarily on items harvested from the farm, complemented by thoughtfully sourced ingredients. Beyond the kitchen, he’s an accomplished ice carver who has competed in national events in Indiana for the past three years.
It seems that everyone here wears many hats.
“This is our tasting platter,” explains Pericles, as she carries a platter out from the kitchen, piled with intriguing delicacies
arranged around triangles of homemade sourdough bread atop a bed of dark green leaves. “Guests would typically start with this and tea service in the garden.”
The tea is made from flowers harvested from the garden. Today, we are treated to a butterfly pea flower blend that turns purple when a slice of lemon is added.
“We grow the flowers along the fence line and brew the teas,” Crossman offers. “We'll have volunteers come in and help us harvest. We dehydrate them, for when they're out of season. We also do hibiscus orange blossom tea and a butterfly pea rose water.”
Turning our attention back to the tasting platter, Crossman guides us through the offerings.
“This is obviously a share plate. We do our own homemade pickles, sauerkraut, jams and jellies,” he says. “We have fig trees all over the garden, so that's where the fig jam came from. We make our own pickles and sourdough bread. And this is an African spice beef jerky called biltong made with black pepper, coriander, salt and apple cider vinegar. We dehydrate it and slice it thin. Our founder is French but spent a lot of time in Morocco and South Africa. It's one of his favorites.”
From sweet and spicy to savory, the sampling is deliciously diverse and the unexpectedly delicate yet flavorful house-made sauerkraut is a standout.
“The sauerkraut is a labor of love. My background is primarily Greek, but there is also a little bit of German in there. I also have a big influence from the Thai community in there as well. I worked with the temple for five years. I was very fortunate when I first moved to Florida to become good friends and part of the family with the ladies at the temple. I had a lot of aunties and grandmas, who kind of adopted me. It was love at first sight with me and those ladies,” he enthuses. “We resonated with each other on a deep, emotional level and then they invited me over to the temple. I slowly learned and, a couple months later, I was helping them run the show.
With the sauerkraut, I try not to make it too pungent but still have some of the healthy gut probiotics in there to help with digestion. That's kind of our focus here with all the things we do. We try to make them health conscious and promote good gut health. Everything reacts to what's going on in your gut, whether it's your mood or what your body is telling you.”
“On a typical night, we have people show up in between 5:45 and six o'clock. We will have tea service at the front, something similar to this, but more intrinsic to the theme of the event,” he explains. “The tasting platter is a fan favorite. At 6:30, we'll sit down for dinner. Everything we do here at the farm is communal style. So, platters get stationed in the middle of each of the tables and there are six people per table. It invokes a little bit of the community…a little bit of sharing, passing plates, making friends, developing a sense of community amongst the people who come to the farm.
Depending on the style and the level of the event that we're doing, we'll either do a plated appetizer or a salad course. Our mango rosewater sorbet dish is an intermezzo course (a light, refreshing bite served between courses to provide a moment of pause and prepare the taste buds for the next dish), so we send it out to the table to cleanse the palate. Then we'll do our entrees, normally some sort of protein themed around a particular cuisine. We've done everything from French, Thai, Moroccan, Mediterranean and Greek. We like to try to offer different varieties and things that people maybe haven't experienced before, utilizing what’s in season.”
He shares that he tries to offer a brief explanation to diners between each course for context.
“I'll come and introduce and explain the dish and the cultural relevance of it,” Crossman advises. “We recently did a Silk Road dinner, so we had six courses that emphasized different elements of Turkish and Chinese cuisine and certain communities that were there in those time periods—what they ate and the inspiration for the dishes.”
Saturday night dinners are open to the public, accommodating up to 60 people. They also rent the farm out for private events.
Next, we sample the sweet potato medallions, which are sweet, earthy and melt in your mouth.
“These are an individual bite to start off the meal,” he says. “This is something traditionally you'd see as one of our first course appetizers, something small, something a little bit involved in terms of the plating. I like to lean into culinary gastronomy elements a lot. The sweet potatoes we actually grew and harvested here at the farm. We have some moringa blossoms and butterfly peas here. We locally source some of our microgreens from a couple of different vendors in the area. We do our best to grow as much as we can here and everything in the garden is edible. We also source from others in the area to ensure we're staying local and provide needed revenue for farms and entrepreneurs.”
From there, we move on to the beet salad.
“Here we have golden beets and peppermint beets, a little bit of arugula, candied pistachios, goat cheese, some of our microgreens and Bartlett pears ,” Crossman explains. “I made a mustard, maple, apple cider vinaigrette that goes with it. This is one of my favorite things to prepare and has a lot of good memories for me.”
His early memories are also centered around food.
“I'm one of the lucky few that has known for just about my entire life that this is what I wanted to do. I started washing
dishes when I was just a wee lad, before I probably should have. As soon as I could get to work, I was working,” he recalls. “I worked in a breakfast place and was able to develop a lot of my core skills there. After that, I worked in pizza places, yacht clubs, country clubs and then slowly just kind of got more notches under my belt. My family has always been in the restaurant industry, even our extended family back in Greece.
My father passed away from leukemia when I was 5 years old,” he continues, reflectively. “I grew up with just my mom and my three sisters. When I was a teenager, I would gravitate towards my favorite things in my mother's kitchen, the beat-up wooden handle knife or the cutting board. Then I learned that these were things my father loved to cook with.”
We move from meaty topics to meaty dishes. The farm has a way of encouraging sharing and food is the catalyst for connection.
“Here’s our bone-in pork loin, seared, coated in a black bean hoisin sauce and blasted in the oven to kind of get some of that nice crackly element to it. We have some braised oyster mushrooms, some long beans, a little bit of cabbage and tomatoes. Then we have sesame seaweed flavored rice on the outside and then we have our papaya salad, which is one of my favorite things. You have the acidity in there, the garlic—a little bit of the sweet and savory.”
I press him further about the genuine camaraderie and unguarded connection a visit to the farm seems to inspire, as we indulge in the symphony of flavors before us.
“People are always surprised about kind of the environment that we've developed here,” Crossman shares. “Whether it's the team, the volunteers or the community, everybody puts their best foot forward in terms of helping, developing and wanting to become a part of it. We're a network of individuals that are all about supporting each other. It’s about developing the com-
munity and making sure that everyone always feels welcome and understood.”
Pericles and Crossman then take turns conveying the story of a young man who came to the farm as part of a program with another nonprofit.
“He was a part of a workforce program with the Boley Centers, which help individuals gain skill sets they wouldn't gain without employment,” Pericles explains.
“We mentor them and try to teach them,” Crossman offers. “So that after they get out of high school, they're ready to hit the workforce. A lot of times it's showing them a little inspiration and the different world we have here on the farm.”
“Emmanuel said to him one day, ‘We have to go to this business meeting. We would like you to come with us, so you can see what these meetings are like.’” Pericles recalls. “He goes and a lady at the table asks him, ‘What are you learning at the farm?’ And he said, ‘I'm learning to be of value to others.’ That's a 17-year-old boy and that's what he took away.”
We leave with plenty of food for thought. If it all sounds a bit idyllic, that’s because it just may be. And this farm-to-table tale, unlike the previously mentioned Times story, has a happy ending rooted in goodness and resulting in a harvest of community connections.
Visit 15thstfarm.com to learn more.
At Top Buttons, Sara Garas is creating more than a boutique—she’s building a community where young women learn to stand tall, feel confident and shine.
By Mo Houston | Photography by Emily Will
Dazzling baubles on the back counter of the boutique catch the morning light as a woman leans over to set down a gown she has draped between her arms, its sequins giving their first shimmer of the day. The countertop’s display of silvery studs and slender chains wink back.
“I almost forgot—I have a few earrings to donate, too!” she adds brightly.
A young woman steps forward to accept the items. Beside her is Sara Garas, CEO of Top Buttons St. Pete, her Middle Eastern accent warm, her big smile framed by a crown of curly hair. She speaks with passion about the store and its mission, then gestures toward the counter.
“That’s Chloe,” she says with pride. “She first came to us as a volunteer—resonating with our mission. Now she helps other girls and just shines when she’s with them.”
The nonprofit boutique blends revenue from public sales with its mission: providing free, private shopping experiences for girls who are referred through local partner organizations. Tucked along Central Avenue, the store feels both intentional and inviting, just as Garas envisioned. She wants the young women who shop here to feel as though they are at the heart of a vibrant city—surrounded by healthy, active streets and endless possibilities. Inside, the bright walls are lined with carefully selected racks of clothing. Brands like Trina Turk, Reformation, Faith & Joy, Halston and Loft hang from blonde wooden hangers, each piece curated with care.
“I always ask myself if the clothes will build her up,” Garas says. “Everything we put out needs to feel modern, fresh and
dignified. When she walks out of here, I want her to feel proud of what she’s wearing.”
Above the shelves, words stretch across the space with affirmations like “Worthy,” “Confident,” “Believe” and “Kindness Matters.”
Clothing, shoes and handbags fill the space, creating an atmosphere that feels both aspirational and welcoming.
Beside the dressing rooms, in the back corner of the store, is where a seasonal glow-up recently occurred. Sequined gowns, rhinestone purses and golden-buckled kitten heels were all gathered for the very special event.
“Homecoming is a big deal—and it’s expensive,” Garas offers. “Most girls wear the dress only once and then it just hangs in the closet. We wanted to create a way for those dresses to have a second life and for girls who might not otherwise afford them to still feel beautiful, included and confident.”
That vision took center stage on September 30th, when the boutique hosted its first Let Her Shine event. Eight young women, nominated by partner organizations for their effort and resilience, were invited into a private celebration. They shopped for dresses, received professional makeup tutorials and even learned to “stand tall and be confident, how to walk and how to own it,” with guidance from Aileen Cerchiara, the reigning Miss Belleair Beach. It was more than a dress-up day—it was a confidence-building rite of passage designed to make sure no girl felt left out of one of high school’s biggest nights.
Social events like homecoming are pivotal moments because it’s often the first time a young woman steps into the spotlight on her own terms—choosing how she’ll present herself to her peers, her community and to herself. For Garas, creating access to that experience is about more than just fashion. It is about
reinforcing the mission of Top Buttons, which is to move girls from surviving to thriving and show them they are worthy of every opportunity to shine.
Garas often describes her work as a calling. Growing up in the Middle East, she saw firsthand how limited opportunities for women could be and how narrowly their roles were defined. She believes everything happens for a reason. What once felt like injustice, she now sees as the imbalance that pushed her toward her purpose. Those early challenges became the foundation for her empathy and determination.
“I used to wonder why I was born there,” she recalls. “But now I see how it shaped me to have the heart for women. It gave me the push to make a path not just for myself, but for others.”
What grew from those experiences was a deep love of women and a desire to protect in others what had once felt so vulnerable within herself. That protective instinct, combined
with her belief in determination and the importance of letting others step in where they can, fuels her.
At Top Buttons every step is taken with care, safety and intention in mind. Girls come through a referral program, connected by schools, churches and case management organizations that already know their stories and needs. Local partners such as Pace Center for Girls and Brookwood Florida are among those who help make introductions, ensuring the space remains safe and purposeful. When a girl arrives through one of these referrals, the store closes to the public so she can shop in private, at no cost to her. Guided by a stylist, she selects clothing that feels current and affirming—an experience that’s equal parts shopping trip and reminder of her own worth.
The organization isn’t just about the fit or the label, it’s about support and the belief that positive change is not only
possible but inevitable when the right community and mindset come together. Still, the right outfit can inspire you to stand a little taller—and sometimes that’s all it takes to start believing.
As Garas looks ahead, she talks about building systems, strengthening partnerships and welcoming more volunteers into the fold. The vision is to make Top Buttons not just a store, but a movement sustained by community hands— stylists, mentors and ambassadors, all playing their part.
It’s here that Chloe reappears, her role bringing the story full circle. She began as a volunteer, drawn to the mission, and quickly found herself at the heart of it—connecting, encouraging and growing alongside the girls she serves. In between, she’s spent time on mission trips to Panama and Costa Rica, experiences that reflect the broader spirit of Top Buttons as a gateway to purpose, confidence and a light carried far beyond Central Avenue.
Our community is home to many remarkable organizations doing extraordinary work. While we couldn’t feature them all, this curated list highlights some of the nonprofits making a meaningful impact across Pinellas County. Each plays a vital role in building a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone. Discover how you can support their missions—through donations, events or volunteer opportunities.
“Between Two Worlds” by St. Pete artist Karel Garcia.
Academy Prep serves motivated students from historically under-resourced communities on an extended 11-month schedule. Through strong academics, enrichment, mentoring and college-prep guidance, we foster a supportive, highexpectations culture that empowers each student to achieve at the highest level. Visit academyprep.org to learn more.
ALPHA House offers residential shelter, counseling, life skills, education and parenting support to homeless pregnant women and their babies, helping mothers rebuild stability, secure permanent housing and self-sufficiency. Visit alphahousepinellas.org to learn more.
The American Heart Association in Tampa Bay leads efforts in cardiovascular health, funding research, promoting healthy living, advocating public policy and equipping communities with CPR training and lifesaving education to fight heart disease and stroke. Visit heart.org to learn more.
Angels Against Abuse is a beacon of hope for children and youth who are victims of abuse and neglect. Through its Angel Assistance Program, the organization provides vital resources, advocacy and support to help rebuild young lives. Its mission is strengthened by generous community partners, including
St Pete Fools Charities, a nonprofit coalition of more than 50 local business leaders dedicated to supporting children and families in need. Visit angelsagainstabuse.org to learn more.
Arts Conservatory for Teens ignites creativity, offering intensive training and mentorship in music, theater, dance, visual art, film, leadership and entrepreneurship. With a research-based curriculum and scholarship support, it empowers underserved youth to graduate high school, pursue college and build self-esteem and resilience. Visit artsconservatoryforteens.org to learn more.
Serving children and adults from across the region with a wide range of physical and developmental disabilities, the Bakas Equestrian Center provides therapeutic horseback riding through lessons, camps, recreational riding, Special Olympics training and challenge shows. Programs also build social connections and support networks. Visit bakasridingcenter.com to learn more.
The Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts uplifts our community through arts and world-class performances at the Mahaffey Theater and by funding free youth arts education programs and field trips throughout the school year. Visit billedwardsfoundationforthearts.org to learn more.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tampa Bay provides afterschool and summer programs in academics, leadership, health, mentoring and workforce readiness. With dozens of clubs across the region, it helps young people—especially those who need it most—build confidence and graduate with purpose. Visit bgctampa.org to learn more.
Brooke’s Butterfly Bash supports children and families facing pediatric lupus through fundraising events, awareness campaigns and program funding that enhances medical care, education and emotional support. Visit brookesbutterflybash. com to learn more.
CASA offers crisis support, emergency housing, counseling, legal advocacy, safety planning and prevention education for survivors of domestic violence in Pinellas County, working to break cycles of abuse and strengthen survivors. Visit casapinellas.org to learn more.
Children’s Dream Fund grants dreams to local children ages 3–21 battling life-threatening illnesses, creating moments of joy through trips, special experiences and tangible gifts to support families emotionally and practically. Visit childrensdreamfund.org to learn more.
Clearwater Free Clinic delivers comprehensive healthcare to uninsured low-income residents in mid to Upper Pinellas, leveraging volunteers and partnerships to fill critical gaps in access to care. Visit clearwaterfreeclinic.org to learn more.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium rescues, rehabilitates and where possible releases marine wildlife while educating visitors through exhibits, research and conservation programs to foster stewardship and ocean awareness. Visit cmaquarium. org to learn more.
Community Foundation Tampa Bay connects donors, nonprofits and community leaders to maximize impact, distributing grants, managing funds and fostering initiatives for equitable growth, sustainability and regional vitality. Visit cftampabay.org to learn more.
Copperhead Charities operates the Valspar Championship, an official PGA TOUR® event, to benefit charitable organizations in the Tampa Bay area, with over $52 million generated for local organizations since its inception in 1977, including $1.64 million in 2025. Visit valsparchampionship.com to learn more.
Cultured Books curates and promotes culturally relevant literature, fosters literacy, hosts workshops and programming to amplify diverse voices and supports literary engagement in underserved communities. Visit culturedbooks.com to learn more.
Dunedin Cares is a nonprofit client-choice food pantry established in 2015, serving Dunedin, Clearwater and Palm Harbor. It supports more than 30,000 individuals annually through pantry services and outreach programs for seniors, veterans, students, trafficking victims and those in recovery. Visit dunedincares.org to learn more.
Equality Florida Institute works to secure civil rights and promote understanding to end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Through grassroots organizing, policy advocacy, education programs and coalition building, it drives lasting change for the LGBTQ community. Visit eqfl.org to learn more.
A private non-fundraising organization, The Foundation, welcomes support for its mission to advance health equity and strengthen community well-being through partnerships, advocacy and initiatives that improve access to care. Visit healthystpete.foundation to learn more.
Friends of Strays operates a no-kill animal shelter in Pinellas County, providing rescue, adoption, spay/neuter, trapneuter-vaccinate-return services, medical care and education to reduce pet homelessness and promote responsible pet ownership. Visit friendsofstrays.org to learn more.
Since 1985, Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside has helped over 1,000 families achieve affordable homeownership in Pinellas, West Pasco and Hernando Counties. Through zero-interest loans, homebuyer education and sweat equity, families build strength and stability. Mortgage repayments fund future builds, turning every donation into a lasting legacy. Habitat believes homeownership fosters family and community stability, creating stronger, more resilient neighborhoods. Learn more at habitattbg.org or call (727) 536-4755.
Girls Rock uses music, artistic experimentation and collaboration to empower women, girls and gender-expansive folx to cultivate self-confidence, leadership and community. Music camps for youth and adults provide radically supportive spaces for campers to learn to love themselves, love each other and rock out. Visit girlsrockstpete.org to learn more.
Heels to Heal is dedicated to helping children and adult victims of domestic violence and sexual assault through free counseling, resources and compassionate support to process trauma as a result of an abusive incident, restore stability and rebuild lives with hope. Visit heelstoheal.org to learn more.
HEP provides transitional housing, life skills training, case management, employment support and counseling for homeless men, helping reintegration into society and breaking the cycle of street homelessness. Visit hepempower.org to learn more.
Hope Villages operates a food bank, domestic violence shelter for women and children and offers counseling and support services for individuals and families in crisis. Visit hopevillagesofamerica.org to learn more.
Since 1949 the Humane Society of Pinellas has provided compassionate, no-kill care for animals, ensuring every pet has a chance at a loving home. With a 99% live release rate and a new adoption center, it now places up to 2,000 animals each year. Visit humanesocietyofpinellas.org to learn more.
The organization supports and empowers local individuals and families by pooling resources, hosting fundraisers, providing a hand-up during crises, spreading kindness and promoting violence prevention education throughout Tampa Bay. Visit handsacrossthebay.org to learn more.
Keep Pinellas Beautiful provides volunteer opportunities that develop individual responsibility and environmental stewardship through community cleanups, beautification and education efforts across Pinellas County. Visit kpbcares.org to learn more.
Keep St. Pete Lit promotes literacy by organizing reading events, distributing free books, hosting author engagements and encouraging community-level reading initiatives to foster a literate engaged city. Visit keepstpetelit.org to learn more.
Lighthouse helps people with low vision or blindness live independently through vision rehabilitation, training, assistive devices, counseling, community outreach and support services. Visit lhpfl.org to learn more.
Metro Inclusive provides comprehensive medical, mental health, HIV care, prevention programs and community support to promote equitable health outcomes regardless of background or income. Visit metrotampabay.org to learn more.
Parc Center supports individuals with developmental disabilities by offering programs in recreation, education, vocational training, early intervention, therapy and family support to enhance inclusion and quality of life. Visit parc-fl.org to learn more.
The foundation is committed to partnering with individuals, other foundations and organizations to raise funding for Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital in St. Petersburg and supports programs like the James Heart Center, the Orlando Health Center for Women and Babies and the only trauma center in Pinellas County. Visit ohfwestflorida.com to learn more.
Pet Pal rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes companion animals and provides veterinary care through their affordable care clinic. They are dedicated to community education to promote spay/neuter and animal welfare. Visit petpalanimalshelter.com to learn more.
PCF connects donors with local needs through grants, scholarship funds, civic leadership and community investment to strengthen nonprofits and broaden philanthropic impact across Pinellas County. Visit pinellascommunityfoundation.org to learn more.
The Pinellas County Urban League advances economic and social justice through programs in workforce development, education, advocacy, health and quality of life to empower underserved populations. Visit pcul.org to learn more.
Reach St. Pete provides essential resources including free groceries, after school education and wraparound services for individuals and families experiencing financial hardship, homelessness or at-risk situations. Their programs help remove barriers to access and create sustainable paths toward stability. Visit reachstpete.org to learn more.
Ready for Life is changing lives beyond foster care by giving foster youth the resources, education, mentoring and transitional support they need to succeed in adulthood—
focusing on housing, vocational training, life skills and college readiness. Visit readyforlifepinellas.org to learn more.
To reduce animal suffering and elevate the human-animal bond, SPCA Tampa Bay rescues, shelters, fosters and finds families for homeless pets, operates low-cost vaccine clinics and pet food pantries and provides wildlife rehabilitation. Visit spcatampabay.org to learn more.
St. Pete Free Clinic, Pinellas County’s largest emergency food bank, provides free nutritious food, health/dental care and community navigation to Pinellas County residents in need. Visit thespfc.org to learn more.
The St. Petersburg College Foundation secures philanthropic support, grants scholarships, funds institutional priorities and partners with donors to expand educational access and student success at SPC. Visit spcollege.edu/foundation to learn more.
The St. Petersburg Foundation builds capacity at the organizational and community level for social impact, leveraging public, private and philanthropic resources to help solve our community’s most challenging issues. Visit stpete. foundation to learn more.
Tampa Bay Watch restores and protects Tampa Bay’s ecosystems by conducting habitat restoration, oyster reef projects, educational programs and advocacy to safeguard the
region’s waters, shorelines and wildlife. Visit tampabaywatch. org to learn more.
United Way Suncoast mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive. Its focus on educational opportunities, financial security and community resiliency creates an interconnected path that empowers individuals and families. Visit unitedwaysuncoast.org to learn more.
Wheelchairs 4 Kids provides wheelchairs, home and vehicle modifications as well as other equipment at no cost as well as fun events to enhance mobility, accessibility, inclusion and independence. Visit wheelchairs4kids.org to learn more.
Woodson Warriors invests in the success of college-bound scholars by providing life-changing financial support. Started in 2019 as a silent auction of Jane Bunker’s paintings that raised $43,000, it has grown to award $250,000 annually, empowering students to pursue higher education and achieve their dreams. Visit woodsonmuseum.org to learn more.
WWAR's mission is to inspire veterans and adaptive sports athletes to get out and be active. At their facilities in St. Pete, they offer a wide range of adaptive recreational programs, team sports and community events to support veterans of all eras and individuals with physical challenges. Visit woundedwarriorsabilitiesranch.org to learn more.
The Y offers inclusive programs in youth development, health, fitness, aquatics, camps and community engagement to strengthen neighborhoods and foster holistic well-being. Visit stpeteymca.org to learn more.
Not all groups could be reached at press time to verify the content of their listing. If you find an error or do not see your favorite organization listed here and you would like to consider highlighting that organization in the future, email editor@ stpetelifemag.com
NATIONAL AND LOCAL TRENDS INDICATE A SIGNIFICANT SHIFT IN HOUSING PREFERENCES, WITH RENTING GAINING PROMINENCE OVER BUYING. SUSAN SMILEY-HEIGHT SPEAKS WITH INDUSTRY INSIDERS TO EXPLORE THE REASONS BEHIND THIS CHANGE.
ur area, renowned for its sun-kissed beaches and vibrant cultural scene, is experiencing a notable transformation in its housing market. Once predominantly characterized by homeownership, the area is now witnessing a surge in rental demand. This shift mirrors national patterns, where renting is increasingly seen as a flexible and financially prudent choice.
In the second quarter of 2025, the number of renter households in the U.S. rose by 2.6 percent to approximately 46.4 million, driven largely by affordability challenges for prospective homebuyers. Pinellas County mirrors this trend, with rental demand climbing as the cost of homeownership becomes increasingly out of reach. Escalating
property taxes, surging home and flood insurance premiums—particularly in coastal communities due to increased costs from natural disasters—along with high interest rates, sizable down payments, ongoing maintenance expenses and costly homeowner association (HOA) fees or special assessments are pushing many toward renting rather than buying.
According to reporting by Alex Gailey, based on a Bankrate study comparing average monthly mortgage payments to average monthly rent across the 50 largest U.S. metropolitan areas to determine short-term affordability, renting is cheaper than buying in most metro areas—especially in high-demand coastal markets like ours.
Despite these challenges, investing in rental property in Tampa Bay remains a smart choice for both new and seasoned investors. Strong rental demand, steady home appreciation and significant population growth make real estate investment in our communities a compelling strategy for building passive income and long-term wealth.
For instance, the median price of a single-family home in the St. Pete area in August was $400,000. Monthly rental costs ranged that month from $5,200 on Snell Isle to $3,500 for downtown and $1,725 in Old Northeast. These figures underscore the financial considerations influencing residents' housing decisions.
Real estate investors Ted and Jamie Garber focus on “affordable housing—not low, not high—something that just the everyday person can rent," Ted offers, explaining that they prefer to rent at or below market rates. "That allows us to get a lot of applications to really be able to pick and choose our tenants. And our tenants value the fact that they're renting slightly below market rate, so they're going to want to take care of the place. They're getting a deal and we're still making money from it all.”
As of 2025, the Garbers own 28 units across 15 commercial and residential properties. They report six figure earnings from their rental units since they began investing in 2020 to accelerate their progress toward financial independence, creating a compelling positive cash flow. They estimate they only spend about 10 hours a month on their real estate-related ventures.
“There’s appreciation—adding to your net worth and your end goal; depreciation—the ability to offset your income and your taxes; and then another main benefit is that your tenants are paying off your mortgage for you,” he advises.
Their approach to finding undervalued properties or negotiable deals while building their portfolio was simple.
"We would look for things that had been sitting for a while—maybe the marketing wasn't very good or it needed a cosmetic renovation," Jamie explains, describing how they focus on projects that require only a small lift, value-add improvements like fresh paint, or updates such as new flooring.
Kelly Strom, president of Pink Chair Realty, a brokerage she co-owns with her husband, licensed Realtor Joshua Holloway, highlights the appeal of short-term rentals, noting, "A lot of what we do is more like transitory rental. So, it’s a fully furnished, high-end product. You’re going into a home, just bringing your suitcase. It’s not necessarily just a vacation rental either. It might be 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, up to six months—not somebody coming for a week on vacation, but also not somebody who wants to drag in all their furniture."
This model caters to individuals in transition, such as those relocating for work or undergoing home renovations.
“We get a lot of people who are in transition for one reason or another,” she explains. “They’re moving to the area, they’re working remotely. I have a client who is renting a property in the Old Northeast area for three months while they are having their kitchen remodeled.”
She has clients who have just moved to the area and want to rent for a year and maybe even try out two or three different locations.
“I think people are seeing the value, even if they want to buy, of renting first,” Strom shares. “They want to keep their options open and sometimes home-ownership isn’t compatible with that.”
The demographic landscape of St. Petersburg is also evolving. One big change is that the median age of the 263,000+ population is currently 43.5 years.
“It used to be more of an elderly population, but that has changed so much,” she offers. “I would still say, at the price point that I’m renting, there are a lot of people who are sort of mid-career and a lot of retirees, while that younger demographic has expanded. This is somebody, both buyers and renters, who is pretty well off and is not opposed to splurging a little. I have a house pending now for a girl in her mid20s who is buying in St. Petersburg and the house is over a million dollars.”
Strom also notes that many homeowners are rethinking how they utilize their properties because the current climate is a buyer’s market.
"A lot of homeowners with a second or third or home have thought about selling but haven’t been able to,” she explains. “So they turn it into one of these rentals, short- to mid-term, where they can still block off dates and go back there as they like." This strategy allows property owners to generate income while retaining personal use of their homes.
In the wintertime, she adds, “We have condos and houses that rent for $15,000 a month. And maybe they are not as extravagant as you would think at that price. I think a lot of people are surprised when they know what they can get for renting their house and still having it available for them to use as they want.”
Holloway advises that many people are choosing to rent rather than buy. “Even when people own their home outright, they still have to pay property taxes, possibly HOA dues, insurance and all that,” he says. “There is quite a bit of home maintenance when you are an owner and a lot of people prefer to punt the ball on that and rent. I think it’s also the ability to get up and go. If you’re renting, you’re kind of free to go, as long as you give notice, so I would think those are some of the reasons we are seeing that turn.”
Investor Rick Rivich, who has six properties that are managed by Pink Chair, asserts that geopolitical factors and post-hurricane recovery efforts have altered the rental market dynamics.
“Canadians were a large part of my target market and the combination of the current geo-political situation along with post-hurricane, a lot of them are not coming down to rent like they used to,” he explains. “And they have been backfilled by people who are still renovating their homes from the hurricane. My places are still rented, just not by Canadians. And I purchased my 2/2 condo from a Canadian, who, from a political standpoint, said I’ve had enough and sold and went back north.”
In Florida, and most of the country, he says, the buyer’s market is causing two things to happen.
“People who have low-interest rate loans stick where they are. If you are a buyer looking at 6.5 to 7 percent interest and trying to decide whether to get in now and pay a higher rate to refinance in the future, chances are you could probably rent, get all your expenses covered in that rental, not pay the 7% rate, and take the extra money—the difference between the rental and the higher mortgage rate—and put that out in the market, likely making more than if you put it towards the mortgage,” Rivich points out. “My advice to my own kids and everybody else is to let math be your answer. Don’t be emotional. Put it on paper. Go to a calculator. Figure out all the costs.”
Ultimately, our local housing scene continues to evolve, shaped as much by personal priorities as by the realities of the market. From young professionals exploring the area before settling down to seasoned homeowners turning spare properties into short-term rentals, the area reflects a community in motion. Flexibility, freedom and financial savvy are becoming just as important as square footage or location, showing that how people live here is as dynamic and vibrant as the region itself.
Thorpe Chiropractic & Wellness redefines modern integrative care—merging medical precision with aesthetic artistry. Led by Dr. Lorraine Thorpe, the clinic offers a full spectrum of advanced, results-driven treatments designed for total transformation:
•Body & Brain Optimization - Emsculpt NEO, Emface, Exion RF, ExoMind Therapy, and Exion Body
•Aesthetic Enhancement - Botox®, dermal fillers, and advanced laser rejuvenation for radiant, youthful skin
•Regenerative Nutrition - IV vitamin therapy and IM nutrient boosters to restore energy, immunity, and glow
•Functional Health & Chiropractic Care - Alignment, decompression, shockwave, and rehabilitative protocols for foundational wellness
•Medical Weight Loss - GLP-1 and custom metabolic programs tailored for long-term success
•Intimate Wellness Solutions - Gainswave®, Emsella®, and Emfemme® for improved circulation, strength, and confidence
Every treatment reflects Dr. Thorpe’s whole-house philosophytreating the body as a complete system to achieve beauty, balance, and strength from within.
Experience concierge-level care in an elegant, restorative environment - because feeling extraordinary is the new standard.
Tires: 235/50R20
Wheelbase: 127.5 inches
Length: 195.4 inches
Width: 78.1 inches
Height: 76.2 inches
Weight: 6,197 pounds
Tow capacity: 3,500 pounds
MPGe: 87/74/80
This Thanksgiving season, we’re celebrating spaces that bring people together. This newly completed kitchen on Bayshore blends clean, modern lines with timeless details, creating a space made for everyday living and memorable holiday moments.
The striking waterfall island anchors the room, offering plen-ty of space for prepping, serving, or simply gathering with friends and family. Custom cabinetry and carefully chosen finishes add depth and character, while natural light pours in through large windows, creating an inviting atmosphere from morning coffee to late-night conversations.
Every element was designed with connection in mind. It’s a kitchen that’s as functional as it is beautiful; a place where holiday meals come to life, stories are shared, and laughter fills the room.
At Strobel Design Build, we believe great design isn’t just about how a space looks, but how it feels to live in. It’s about effortless flow, thoughtful details, and creating rooms that truly work for the people who call them home.
This Thanksgiving, we’re grateful for the trust our clients place in us to bring their vision to life and for the homes where those visions become lasting memories.
S ylv ia H opk ins
VP of Operations at Strobel Design Build
Ex p lo r e wha t’s possible by visit in g st r obeldesignbuild .com or gi vin g us a c all at 72 7-3 21- 5 58 8
