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5801 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 727-367-3636
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St.Pete PeteBeach Beach St
Peter Nemethy 727-685-7170
Isla Del Sol
Downtown St. Pete
STUNNING coastal penthouse located in the heart of St. Pete Beach! Totally updated with covered parking! Wide water views! $349,900.
Weekly rentals are allowed in this gorgeous 5th floor two-bedroom condo! Private beach, pool and spa! Turnkey at $544,900.
Modern 3BR Energy Star Certified townhouse in the heart of bustling St. Pete! Two car garage & rooftop terrace! $675,000.
Allison and Dave Estabrooks (727) 460-4061
Allison and Dave Estabrooks (727) 460-4061
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Exquisitely updated, this gorgeous condo has phenomenal water views! Turnkey at $649,900.
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Bahia Del Mar
Ideally located on the water with views over the pool, this lovely 2BR is turnkey at $385,000.
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Allison and Dave Estabrooks (727) 460-4061
Allison and Dave Estabrooks (727) 460-4061
Beach House Perfection! Island living in this 3 BR/2BA renovated gem with money saving solar power. Close to the beach! $610,000
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CURRENT ISSUE & EVENTS ONLINE
Marina Bay St. Petersburg
26
CONTENTS
COVER STORY
26 Marina Bay – Resilient For decades this Coastal Development was sold as Resilient. It passed the test. BY PETER ROOS
22 Health
Letting Go is Freeing and Empowering
BY LAURA WEBER GARRISON, PHD
14 Home Electrical
Tidbits................................. 8-11 Our Children Have Rights...... 21
BY CLAIRE BRINSDEN JORDAN
BY RED ROYAL ELECTRIC
16 Honoring Bonnie Traiman After 24 years of Dedicated Service the Community Room Bears her Name
The New Year is the Best Time to Start Restart. BYJANET NUMMI
BY PETER ROOS
22
28 Vaughn Voyage
Why a Revocable Living Trust Remains the Smartest Path for Protecting Your Estate
18 Dining
39 Music Scene
Classified Ads................... 48-49
Design by Janet Nummi
34
Artists Spotlight
BY NANETTE WISER
Image Marina Bay St. Petersburg facebook.com/ParadiseNews @ParadiseNewsFL @ParadiseNewsFL info@ParadiseNewsFL.com www.ParadiseNewsFL.com
DISTRIBUTION
39
Music Scene
JANUARY 2026 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
Events............................... 36-46
COVER
Marina Bay St. Petersburg
4
Arts & Leisure................... 35-47
Encouraging Words............... 50
Jazzy Joy, Cowboys on the Beach and More Concerts Around Town
Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ParadiseNews Instagram @ParadiseNewsFL Website www.paradisenewsfl.com Twitter www.twitter.com/paradisenewsfl
Hanging Around..................... 31
Artists Spotlight...................... 34
Saving Our Seabirds The Seaside Seabird Sanctuary asks for our help with Donation, Prevention and first aid.
BY DANIELLE L. VAUGHN, ESQ., B.C.S., LL.M.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Gulfport Matters................ 30-31
Art News........................... 32-33
25 ECO
BY PETER ROOS
New year new restaurants in the Sunshine City.
18
Health & Wellness
When the Waters Recede, the Real Work Begins.
BY KELLY ROUSE
Publishers Message................ 6
Out of eleven different types of Physical Activity – Dance was the only one that lowered participants’ Risk of Dementia.
Dining
12 Natural Wellness
Paradise NEWS Reaching 100,000+ in print, online, social media, web content, weekly eblasts, and more!
DEPARTMENTS
24 New Year’s Resolutions
FEATURES
JANUARY 2026
Copyright: Entire contents copyright © 2026 Paradise NEWS LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the contents of Paradise NEWS in whole or in part by photocopying, entry into any data-retrieval system, or any other means is strictly forbidden, without written consent of the publisher. Paradise NEWS has a non-political policy. Paid political ads are accepted. Signed letters to editors welcomed. NOTE readers: Paradise NEWS does not recommend or endorse any products or services in the publication. Any misrepresentation should be reported to the local authorities. Investigate all conditions and restrictions before making your purchase, understand your individual agreement prior to payment. Use discretion with any business transaction, whether making a purchase or accepting payment.
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Marina is the ToBay the architects FIRSTand community builders of Marina Bay, it’s in Pinellas County EVERYTHING. to receive the Marina Bay is the FIRST FORTIFIED Gold™ BUILDER and ONLY DEVELdesignation. OPMENT in Pinellas County to receive the FORTIFIED
GOLD designation. FORTIFIED™ goes Building to FORTIFIED means beyond code, creating resilient homes that meaning FORTIFIED™ will better with-stand severe weather. Construction far FORTIFIED goes beyond exceeds most building code, meaning it exceeds codesmost andbuilding improves codes by improving the performance the performance of of buildings against natural buildings against disasters and reducing the risk of personal property natural disasters andlosses. reducing the risk of personal property losses.
PUBLISHERS MESSAGE
Peter & Renee Roos
Happy New Year and welcome to 2026. Paradise News has been celebrating its 30th Anniversary for almost two years now. It’s first edition in December 1995 was a 24-page black and white printed on 11”x17” bond paper with green highlights on the front and back covers. It was published by Paradise Associates, a company formed by Renee Roos and Sally Yoder, community newsletter publishers from Pass-a-Grille and Vina Del Mar, who met as volunteers at the fledgling Gulf Beaches Historical Museum. The cover story was about The City of St. Pete Beach’s “new” police and emergency preparedness station (that was demolished in 2015, after the force was absorbed by the sheriff in 2012). City Manager Danny Walker talked about record signups for reclaimed water and announced that the millage was lowered again for 1996, and that Upham Beach would be renourished come spring. We celebrated the upcoming 30th year in our February 2024 issue, the cover of which pictured about a hundred of our latest editions with striking full-color covers. Don’t remember? You can still see it and even read it through our website. For over 15 years, Paradise News has been increasingly active online. Our website, www.paradisenewsfl.com celebrates the local community and introduces everything the magazine embodies. On the home page, under the Current Issue button is one for Past Issues that brings up more than the past 10-years-worth of our publishing history. All copies of the magazine are downloadable, in full or in part, or you can flip through them online. Under “Weekly” you will find the Paradise News internet team’s pick of the five top things to do each weekend, sent to a growing list of folks who subscribe to the weekly digital newsletter for free. Feel free to enter your email address, we do not share that information with anyone. We feel blessed to have been able to provide this community service for over 30 years, thanks to an amazingly loyal group of advertisers and a terrific band of writers, editors, an amazing art director, proofreader and internet team, some of whom have even become longtime friends. While there are times in the past year that we have questioned whether the publication’s name still fit, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and returning “home,” the sunsets and amazing weather reminds us that life on the Suncoast, especially in the Sunset Capital of the Sunshine State, truly is Paradise. This issue we present how Marina Bay, an amazing residential development on the coast that survived the storms intact. We also present programs designed to help reimburse homeowners for out-of-pocket repair expenses for their homes. Another faith-based volunteer program is aimed at helping people avoid mental illness and homelessness. Active links are provided in the weekly digital newsletters and at www.paradisenewsfl.com. To advertise, please call Pete at 813-230-3965 or email sales@paradisenewsfl.com. www.ParadiseNewsFL.com Check out Paradise NEWS online, in print, and like us on social media. Sign up on our website for the FREE weekly eblast on what to do around town.
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JANUARY 2026 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
Special Discounted Subscription Offer Order print, mailed subscriptions online. www.paradisenewsfl.com/get-paradise-news-in-print
Paradise NEWS Volume 32 Number 1 • January 2026 PUBLISHERS Peter Roos | Marketing & Sales 813.230.3965 sales@paradisenewsfl.com Renee Roos | Creative Director 727.421.0341 info@paradisenewsfl.com ART & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Janet Nummi info@janetnummi.com SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITE MANAGER Kaeley Dawson paradisenewsfl@gmail.com EDITORIAL Caron Schwartz - Art News, Hanging Around Buddy Baker - Arts & Leisure / Events Dennis Merritt Jones, DD Encouraging Words Kelly Rouse - Dining Claire Brinsden Jordan - Health & Wellness Marlene Shaw - Gulfport Matters Andrea Martone - Artists Spotlight Nanette Wiser - Music Scene Danielle L. Vaughn, Esq., B.C.S., LL.M., Vaughn Law - Legal Corner CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS visitstpeteclearwater.com City of St. Pete • Visit Florida • Janet Nummi Public Media Resource Images SUBMISSIONS WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Paradise News welcomes submissions. 727.363.6888 • info@paradisenewsfl.com DEADLINES Advertising • Classified • Editorial 15th of the month, one month prior to print PRINT CIRCULATION Mailings by USPS Fall/Winter/Spring; (Monthly) Oct.-May 30,000+ Summer; (Bi-monthly) June/July & Aug./Sept. .3 0,000+ DISTRIBUTION - Mailed on “Island Time” www.paradisenewsfl.com/distribution-locations Downtown St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach, Pass-a-Grille, Tierra Verde, Isla Del Sol, Pinellas Bayway, Harbourside, Pasadena Yacht & C.C., Gulfport (partial), Treasure Island, Yacht Club Estates, Causeway Isles SUBSCRIPTIONS https://bit.ly/subscribe-to-paradise ANNUALLY - (10 issues) $30 US (3rd class) $50-US (1st Class) $50 Canada (3rd class) SINGLE ISSUE - Select desired month(s) Fall to Spring Oct thru May (Monthly) Summer June/July & Aug./Sept. (Bimonthly) $5/@-USA • $7.50/@-Canada • $25/@-Europe MEMBERSHIP AFFILIATIONS Corey Area Business Association Gulfport Merchants Chamber of Commerce 2007 “Business of the Year Award” Recipient Preserve The Burg • Skyway Marina District Entrepreneurial Academy Spring 2019 Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce 2008 “Small Business of the Year” Award 2013 “Woman-Owned Business of the Year” Tampa Bay Watch - Corporate Sponsor Treasure Island & Madeira Beach Chamber PUBLISHED BY: Paradise News, LLC © 2026 P.O. Box 66385, St. Pete Beach, FL 33736 727.363.6888 • info@paradisenewsfl.com www.ParadiseNewsFL.com | Facebook
TIDBITS
Our Children Have Rights announces a charitable gift of $10,000 from the Achieva Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Achieva Credit Union. The funds create educational workshops on financial wellbeing for low-income single, separated and divorced parents navigating child custody and coparenting. Open to the public and offered at no cost to families, each workshop features topics ranging from “Addressing Expenses in Parenting Plans,” “Managing Co-Parent Expenses,” “Parenting Plans For a Professional Career” and more email info@ ourchildrenhaverights.com.
The Wharf waterfront restaurant has live music with rocking Rob Tyre Wed.-Sat. 6-9:30pm. and happy hour daily Mon.-Fri. 3:30-6pm – plus the best grouper sandwich on the beach make this a great spot for locals and visitors. On Taco Wednesday, enjoy two tacos served with rice and beans with grilled or blackened grouper, mahi or shrimp or go traditional 8
with ground beef tacos or a taco salad served with chips and Baja ranch. Sensational seafood, daily specials, wonderful wings and shrimp six ways garner rave reviews from guests: “Cannot say enough good things about The Wharf. Great people and the ceviche is fantastic!” Tuesday is the Wharf’s famous fish fry with fries, slaw and hush puppies and on most Friday-Saturday, ceviche is a special. There are burgers and Reubens, gumbo, seared ahi, seafood chowder and salads plus baby back ribs, fried oysters or scallop baskets. Don’t miss the specialty desserts, especially the key lime pie or cheesecake! Full bar, new boat docks. Kitchen open till 10pm Friday-Sunday. Located at 2001 Pass-A-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach. www.wharfpag.com
Volunteers of America of Florida (VOAF) is proud to partner in Project C.O.P.E. (Caring for Our People in Emergencies), with funds from Central Florida Behavioral Health Network (CFBHN), FEMA, and the Florida DCF. Community Engagement began Oct. 27, 2025, with outreach through workshops at several regional libraries. A new series of free Hurricane Recovery Workshops designed to support Pinellas County residents still feeling the emotional and practical
JANUARY 2026 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
effects of hurricanes Helene and Milton. Their goal is to connect the homeless and hopeless to help, hope and homes whenever possible. Pinellas County is hosting a Virtual Flood Vulnerability Assessment Public Meeting on Jan. 13 from 6-7:30pm This Zoom meeting will present findings from a recently completed Flood Vulnerability Assessment and flood modeling used to reduce risks for critical infrastructure in the county such as roads and emergency facilities. All residents, business owners, and other interested parties are invited to attend. The Assessment focused on areas at risk of flooding during storms and heavy rainfall to better understand and mitigate risks to critical county assets and infrastructure. Register at www.Pinellas.gov/projects/ vulnerability-assessment.
Freefall Theatre presents The Titan & The Muse, Jan. 16. Acclaimed vocalists Raleigh Mosely II and Jazzmin Carson in a richly textured concert experience that moves effortlessly between cabaret and concert stages. Known for their commanding voices, lush harmonies, and undeniable onstage chemistry, the duo weaves classic soul, contemporary favorites, and thoughtfully reimagined
selections into performances that feel both luxurious and deeply personal. Grounded in emotional honesty and refined musicianship, Raleigh and Jazzmin invite audiences into an intimate shared space of connection, elegance, and storytelling – where song becomes conversation and every performance is both electrifying and unforgettable. Tickets are $35 for adults, $20 under 18, or subscribe for $29/month. Did you take a financial hit from the 2024 hurricanes? If you completed documented home repairs after the storms, you may qualify for up to $50,000 in reimbursement for those costs, including repairs, demolition, or reconstruction. Homeowner Reimbursement Programs are open to Pinellas residents who earn up to $87,600 for individuals and $125,150 for a household of four. • Repairs must be fully complete before applying. • The property must not be in the city of St. Petersburg. (they have their own) • You must have owned and lived in the home at the time of the disaster and still own it now. Learn more online at www.recover.pinellas.gov/ homeowner-reimbursementprogram.
Sip, Chat & Paint at the Gulfport Senior Center, Monday, Feb. 2, 6-7pm, will
By Peter Roos
feature “On the Rocks” with area artist John Doyle. For only $30, you will paint an 11”x14” rocky shore. Supplies, snacks & wine included. Questions? Call Amy at 727-893-1244.
On March 21, 1-5pm Passa-Grille Home Tour returns to the beach with guided tours of a few of Pass-a-Grille’s historic and unique homes. Wander through charming local residences, soak in incredible architecture, and enjoy the warm community vibes. Whether you’re a home enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, this tour is sure to inspire. Don’t miss out on experiencing the beauty and character of Pass-aGrille. Enjoy guided tours of historic and distinct homes of Pass-a-Grille, hospitality of the Pass-a-Grille Womanʼs Club, refreshments, and info on this vibrant community. Enjoy a local artist fair inside the fully renovated Woman’s Club (PAGWC) Clubhouse featuring canvas works created in celebration of Pass-aGrille Beach, plus a silent auction benefiting the PAGWC and its chosen charities. Tickets $35 are limited. Get yours at Eventbrite www.eventbrite.com/e/ pass-a-grille-home-tour-2026tickets-1976965802935
OPEN 11AM - 10PM DAILY HAPPY HOUR MONDAY - FRIDAY 11AM - 6PM
Rebecca Penneys brings three dozen carefully screened aspiring concert pianists to RPPF the Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival at USF each summer. The amazing non-profit provides what is essentially a tuition-free finishing school for select college age pianists. Their summer schedule has kept them out of the limelight during the prime winter and early spring season, so they are truly excited to present a number of concerts on the 88th day of 2026, Sunday March 29th in honor of World Piano Day. The Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival (RPPF) announces the launch of 88 Keys. 88 Days., a community-wide fundraising campaign inviting supporters to symbolically “claim” one of the 88 keys of a piano. The campaign will culminate on World Piano Day, March 29, with multiple concerts throughout Tampa Bay, kicking off with a live radio performance (WSMR 89.1) by Rebecca Penneys herself on March 24. Funds raised will directly support RPPF, a tuition-free experience for the most talented collegiate pianists in the world, including but not limited to student sponsorships – covering accommodations, meals, transportation, and excursions; artist faculty honorariums and essential festival operations – from
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TIDBITS university facility fees to piano tuning, critical to the Festival’s success. - Fundraiser runs: Jan. 1-March 29 - Celebration Concerts: March 24–29 - World Piano Day: March 29 - Fundraiser: Online at: www.rebeccapenneys pianofestival.org/ support-contact - Concert Locations: WSMR (89.1), Steinway Gallery (Clearwater and Tampa), Imagine Museum (St. Petersburg) and New Tampa Performing Arts Center (Tampa). Schedule details are available online at www.rebeccapenney pianofestival.org. - Performances featuring award-winning RPPF pianists: Janna G. Pena, Chen Liang, E-Na Song, Spencer Myer and Rebecca Penneys.
Metaphysically Me on Corey Ave. in St. Pete Beach invites you to join them for a guided morning meditation. Each week they focus on a new theme or intention, aligning with the supportive energy of the crystals that fill the space. Whether you’re new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, this is an opportunity to relax, recharge, and immerse yourself in an atmosphere designed to nurture mind, spirit and body. 10
Crystal Infused Guided Meditation ($10)Jan. 14 6-8pm Gallery Reading with Psychic Medium Tracey | $45 Through psychic insight and mediumship, Tracey delivers messages from spirits that offer comfort, clarity and affirmation. Gallery readings weave individual messages into a collective experience, reminding us that we are never truly alone. This evening invites you to listen, feel, and receive whatever wisdom is meant to meet you.
Florida West Coast Orchid Society a Rainbow of Orchids Show and Sale will be Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 from 10am-4pm. Seminole Recreation Center, 9100 113th St. N Seminole. There will lots of orchids with displays. They will have raffle baskets each day and vendors selling their plants.
The Morean Center for Clay gets fired up with fresh 10/10: Wood Fire Again kiln
JANUARY 2026 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
creations and Berit Hines’ Wondrous Vessels on Jan. 10, from 5-9pm. Berit Hines shares her Wondrous Vessels in the gallery that come from coil and slab building, which creates one-of-a-kind ceramic vessels depicting a break from symmetrical objects. Hines manipulates the clay body to emphasize the plasticity and gestural qualities of the material while achieving asymmetry. The exhibitions are free and open to the public Wed.-Sat., 10am-5pm. through March 7 and Wondrous Vessels will be on view through Feb. 7. The Morean Center for Clay is in the Warehouse Arts District at 420 22nd St S. Visit www.MoreanArtsCenter.org for more info. The legal community of St. Petersburg joins St. Pete Beach friends in mourning the loss of Chris Marone, a respected attorney, certified circuit court mediator and qualified arbitrator whose influence on Florida’s legal landscape extended far beyond the courtroom. Mr. Marone lost his 3-year battle with cancer and passed on Dec. 3, leaving a legacy defined by unwavering professionalism, mentorship and service to justice. Chris and his widow Lisa Ann Marone have been treasured members of their Pass-a-Grille community, Chris serving the city of St. Pete Beach as commissioner and Lisa supporting the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum and City Theatre, amongst other interests. Those who feel moved to honor his memory are asked to donate to Pet Pal, a meaningful way to reflect Chris’ compassion, kindness and lifelong belief that animals deserve care, safety and love.
Fifteen years ago this month, the St. Petersburg Times reported that Gov. Charlie Crist, in one of his last official duties, named St. Pete Beach the “Sunset Capital of Florida.”
Having St. Pete Beach named the Sunset Capital was the idea of Renee Roos, owner and publisher of Paradise News magazine. A St. Pete Beach resident for more than 23 years, Roos saw the opportunity to give St. Pete Beach international recognition by acknowledging one of the features residents and visitors love so much.
St. Pete Beach will rebuild the popular Merry Pier Bait Shack at 801 Pass-a-Grille Way after hurricanes Helene and Milton left it substantially damaged, but commissioners chose a scaled-down version to conserve. City commissioners unanimously voted to restore the 123-year-old Pass-a-Grille landmark despite it not being designated historic or eligible for historic classification.
“I think this is an important building,” Commissioner Karen Marriott said. “It’s important to the community and a little bit iconic for Pass-a-Grille to have the Merry Pier Bait Shack.”
Tripadvisor says the two top places to dine in Tierra Verde are The Vistas at the top of the Marriott Residence Inn and right next door The Island Grille and Raw Bar. Built on the site of Guy Lombardo’s iconic Port O’ Call Resort, a hand painted mural preserved from the resort with the history of Tierra Verde hangs high in the restaurant’s lobby. The Island Grille and Raw Bar is where locals hang out, for their premium full liquor bar, food, live music and the nicest pool around. Their mostly seafood and steak menu is frequently tweaked by owner Steve Westphal and includes a HUGE rack of melt-in-yourmouth ribs, Old Bay Shrimp, fajitas, bowls and salads, as well as the best bread pudding on the island, all at affordable family prices. From 3-5pm weekdays a 3-course early dinner is under $25 per person. Kolter Multifamily has submitted a much-anticipated site plan to the city for Alton Skyway, an upscale, gardenstyle apartment community at 3200 34th St. S. The 17.25-acre property was formerly the St. Petersburg College Allstate Campus.
City council members unanimously approved a critical land use change in October that allows the Delray Beach-based developer to build 776 housing units. However, if approved by the Development Review Commission in February, Alton Skyway would feature eight five-story buildings with 619 apartments. Kolter will complete the project in two phases, each with four buildings, with the first featuring 342 units and 484 parking spaces. The second would add 277 apartments and 399 parking spaces, according to the application. The Florida Orchestra starts their new Soundwaves Chamber Concerts in January with concerts at both USF campuses. El Amor Brujo Chelsea Gallo, conductor, Michael Francis, narrator
These Clams? Fuggeddaboudit. Reservations suggested ~ JustLetGo.com
Enter the fiery passion of Manuel de Falla’s ballet El Amor Brujo (Love, The Sorcerer), a spellbinding Spanish masterpiece brought to life by a vocalist and dancers that embody the spirit of flamenco. With captivating narration by Music Director Michael Francis. The program also features music by movie mastermind Danny Elfman, with his whimsical yet dark Suite for Chamber Orchestra, along with Piazzolla’s sultry Libertango. Fri, Jan. 30, 7:30pm, Church of the Ascension Sat, Jan. 31, 7:30pm, Peter and Cynthia Zinober Concert Hall at USF, Tampa Sun, Feb. 1, 2pm, USF St. Pete Student Center Ballroom
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NATURAL WELLNESS The Power Of Letting Go Laura Weber Garrison, PhD and her team at Better Wellness Naturally and Better Wellness Retreats (of Sarasota - Accelerated Heart-Centered Healing and Learning) publish a digital newsletter weekly called 3-2-1-Tuesdays. Their December 30, 2025, issue contained 3 Keys, 2 Concepts, and 1 Story, with the following advice which she kindly allowed us to reprint with appropriate credit: “Sometimes letting things go is an act of far greater power than defending or hanging on.” – Eckhart Tolle 3 KEYS: 1. Control is often fear in disguise. Have you noticed how the urge to control tends to show up when we’re feeling unsettled? It’s rarely about the other person or the situation itself. It’s about wanting reassurance that things won’t fall apart. Once that’s clear, we can pause and ask a more honest question: Am I acting from fear, or from a place of choice? 2. Letting go can be freeing. Releasing control doesn’t mean giving up or being careless. It means trusting life to unfold in its own way. Every time we loosen our grip even just a little, we make room for new experiences, growth, and even joy we didn’t expect.
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JANUARY 2026 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
By Laura Weber Garrison, PhD
3. Radical acceptance is a superpower. Accepting things and people as they are doesn’t make us weak. In fact, it takes courage. Radical acceptance lets us be grounded in ourselves while the world around us continues to shift. It’s about surrendering without losing ourselves.
Here’s the interesting part: research in positive psychology and mindfulness studies shows that people who practice letting go – those who embrace radical acceptance – report more satisfaction in life. And yes, this means less stress and stronger relationships.
2 CONCEPTS: Control Fallacy- the Illusion of Control It’s that sneaky belief that we can manage outcomes – or even other people – far more than we actually can. Some actions matter. Trying to control everything, though, usually backfires. Stress builds, tension increases, and frustration take over.
Buddhism teaches non-attachment. Stoicism reminds us to focus on what’s within our control. Even modern therapy highlights the power of mindfulness and acceptance.
Radical Acceptance A mindfulness and therapy concept that’s basically about saying, “This is what is happening. I don’t have to like it. I can’t control it. But I can meet it with presence and calm.” It’s not resignation – it’s emotional freedom. 1 STORY: The human brain is built to anticipate danger. While that once supported survival, it now often drives the urge to control people, outcomes, and situations far beyond what’s possible. Science shows that trying to control things we can’t leads to stress, anxiety, and even physical problems. Yet, what do most of us continue to do? We predict.
They all point to the same truth: trying to control everything keeps us stuck, while releasing even just a little helps us grow, connect, and feel freer. As we often say at Better Wellness Naturally, pain comes from friction, and friction comes from attachment. So, next time you catch yourself trying to “fix” someone or something, just pause and ask yourself: Can I accept this as it is? Can I let go of the urge to control just a little? That tiny release might be the key to a sense of calm, clarity, and emotional freedom you didn’t know was possible. For more wisdom like this, reach out to Laura Weber Garrison, PhD and the team at Better Wellness Retreats www.BetterWellnessRetreats.com
ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2026
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HOME ELECTRICAL IMPROVEMENT weakened grounding systems, overheated panels, GFCIs that no longer respond, and lighting fixtures that now pose serious risk. And we want you to be safe. That’s why we’re dedicating this entire season to helping our neighbors recover with confidence, clarity, and professional safety inspections designed specifically for homes affected by flood water or heavy moisture. Why Flooded Homes Need an Electrical Safety Check Red Royal Electric – Helping Our Neighbors Recover Safely
Water intrusion creates silent electrical hazards that can remain unseen until they become a fire, a shock, or a system failure at the worst possible time.
When the waters recede, the real work begins. Across our beach communities, homeowners are now discovering the hidden damage left behind in their walls, outlets, breaker panels, and lighting systems. Flooding and storm surge do more than leave debris.
At Red Royal Electric, we have spent weeks inside flooded homes across St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, and the surrounding neighborhoods. We’ve seen firsthand what the storms left behind: corroded breakers, damaged wiring,
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Moisture doesn’t need to be standing water to cause danger. Salt air, storm spray, and flooding accelerate corrosion and weaken protective systems long before you can see the damage. Many of the risks we uncover in flooded homes match what we find in older homes as well: • Loose or corroded connections • Breakers that fail internal testing • Damaged outlet or switch wiring • Early signs of overheating
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• Compromised grounding and bonding • GFCIs or AFCIs that appear fine, but no longer trip correctly The goal has always been the same: catch anything unsafe long before it becomes an emergency. Now, in the aftermath of flooding, this proactive approach is more important than ever. Introducing the Post-Flood Electrical Safety Inspection A 31-Point Professional Checkup Designed to Protect Your Home Normally $197, we are offering this comprehensive inspection to our neighbors for just: $49 Flood-Recovery Special During your visit, a licensed Red Royal Electric technician will: • Inspect your main electrical panel for corrosion or overheating
• Test and tighten panel connections • Verify breaker functionality • Assess grounding and bonding integrity • Examine visible wiring for moisture damage • Test GFCI and AFCI outlets for proper response • Confirm safe outlet and switch operation • Inspect interior and exterior fixtures • Evaluate surge protection health
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We’ve served the Tampa Bay beaches for over 10 years. We’ve watched storms come and go, roofs be replaced, and docks rebuilt, but electrical systems are often forgotten until something fails.
Red Royal Electric 727-275-1615 www.RedRoyalElectric.com Licensed. Local. Trusted. Over 1,800 five-star reviews.
Let us help you rebuild safely. Your family’s comfort and protection come first.
We want to keep our community safe, restore peace of mind, and prevent unnecessary emergencies now that families are returning home and beginning to rebuild. This isn’t just a service call. This is neighbors helping neighbors.
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Honoring Bonnie Traiman: The Heart of St. Pete Beach Library Celebrating 24 Years of Dedication and a Lasting Legacy
By Peter Roos For nearly a quarter of a century, Bonnie Traiman was a cornerstone of the St. Pete Beach Library. Her unwavering commitment, warmth, and vision made the library a welcoming haven for readers, learners, and community members of all ages. In recognition of her extraordinary service, the library’s community room now proudly bears her name – a fitting tribute to a remarkable individual who helped shape the heart of this cherished institution. Bonnie first devoted a 30-year career to caring for New Jersey’s most vulnerable patients as a public health nurse, then began her career at the St. Pete Beach Library 24 years ago. Bonnie read more books in a year than most people do in a lifetime. She cruised across France and floated through the sky on a hot air balloon with her writer husband of 62 years, Steve Traiman, a Paradise News contributor for over 20 years. She was a tough cookie with an indelible spirit. She always pushed for what she wanted and fought for the underdog. Throughout her tenure at the library, she wore many hats: librarian, mentor, advocate, and friend. Her deep passion for literacy and education transformed the library into an engaging space where everyone felt valued. Bonnie was instrumental in initiating programs that reached out to children, adults, and seniors alike. From story hours and book clubs to technology workshops and author events, she helped ensure the library continually evolved to meet the needs of a growing and diverse community. In December 2025, the St. Pete Beach Library took a meaningful step to honor Bonnie’s legacy by naming its community room after her. This space has always been a hub of activity – a place where ideas are exchanged, friendships are forged, and the spirit of community thrives. The Bonnie Traiman Community Room stands as a testament to her enduring influence. It will continue to host events, meetings, and gatherings that reflect the values Bonnie championed: inclusion, curiosity, and lifelong learning. The library used generous donations in her honor to rename the room and plant a Bismark silver palm and a resting bench outside in her honor. Bonnie’s impact extends beyond the walls of the library. She was known throughout the city as the “library lady.” Within the library 16
JANUARY 2026 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
she was the “Mischief Manager.” Generations of families recall her kind guidance and helpful nature. Colleagues and patrons alike remember her smile, her encyclopedic knowledge of books, and her willingness to go above and beyond for anyone who walked through the doors. Her leadership fostered a culture where every person felt welcome and respected. The programs she developed and the relationships she cultivated have left an indelible mark on St. Pete Beach, ensuring the library remains a vital and beloved institution. As the community room takes on Bonnie Traiman’s name, her story will continue to inspire future generations. The honor is not just a recognition of her years of service, but a celebration of the values she brought to life every day. The St. Pete Beach Library, its staff, and its patrons extend their heartfelt gratitude to Bonnie Traiman for 24 years of dedication. Her legacy lives on in the laughter of children at story hour, the thoughtful discussions at book club, and the sense of belonging that fills the Bonnie Traiman Community Room. Bonnie Traiman’s story reminds us all of the power one person has to shape a community for the better. The newly named community room is a lasting tribute to her life’s work, ensuring she will always be a part of St. Pete Beach Library and the community she loved.
Friends of EST. 1968
by Cathleen Bowley
What We’ve Been Up To Summer Reading Success: So many of you participated in our summer reading program. Whether you were flipping through mysteries, diving into fantasy, or exploring nonfiction, you made this program a huge success. Give yourselves a round of applause – you earned it! Fresh New Look: If you’ve been in recently, you might have noticed we’ve been working on a shifting project. The librarians are reimagining the shelving and seating to make better use of our small space. It’s all about making the Library as welcoming as possible for you. Growing Collection: The Library of Things expands the traditional concept of a library beyond books and media to include a variety of everyday items available for borrowing. These can range from pickleball kits, WiFi hotspots and musical instruments to board games, CD players and even a metal detector. The goal is to promote sustainability, reduce consumer waste, and foster a culture of sharing by giving people access to items they may only need occasionally. Winter Events: Get ready for big programs such as a festival of Japanese culture and art in January and the March Concert Series. Bring the whole family – it’s going to be a blast, and it’s all free! Tech Help Saturdays: We’re here to help you tackle tech troubles. Every Saturday from 2-4pm, we’ll offer one-on-one assistance with phones, apps, eBooks, email, or whatever tech questions you have. Let’s conquer those gadgets together! Thank you for being the heart of St. Pete Beach Library. Every visit, every book checked out, and every smile shared makes this place special. Let’s keep building this amazing community together. If you have ideas, feedback, or just want to say hi, you’re always welcome. Here’s to a season full of learning, laughter, and connection. See you at the library!
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DINING Slim Charmer
Happy New Year! 2026 finds us with several new restaurants open in the Sunshine City. These four range from the upscale and decadent to the more affordable, yet delicious. A new year is always a good time to try new things – so what are you waiting for? ELLIOTT ASTER
was delicate, perfectly cooked, and topped with a light sauce that didn’t compete with the quality of the noodles and ingredients.
From the moment you walk into Elliott Aster at The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, the setting will have you hooked. The restaurant has beautifully restored the hotel’s historic charm while adding modern elegance – rich velvet banquettes, a fluted-glass chandelier above a sweeping horseshoe bar. The atmosphere feels both glamorous and welcoming.
For dessert, we had a silky tiramisu paired with a well-crafted after-dinner cocktail – a satisfying, indulgent finale. The ambiance, thoughtful touches throughout the meal, and the high caliber of food made the evening exceptional. Tues.-Sun. Dining 5pm-10pm | Lounge and Bar 4pm-12am Brunch 10am-2pm Sat.-Sun. | elliottaster.com
We started with cocktails from their well-curated drink list. The drinks were balanced and inventive, a nice prelude to dinner. For our first course, we shared the antipasti board: house-sliced salumi, whipped ricotta, marinated olives and roasted eggplant spread. As a main, I chose the 45-day dry-aged bone-in ribeye. It arrived perfectly seared from the wood-fired grill with a rich, smoky crust and tender inside. My companion opted for a handmade pasta special, which
SLIM CHARMER From the outside, Slim Charmer feels more like a secret hideaway than your typical downtown bar – a small 800-square-foot cocktail lounge tucked into an unassuming building, lit inside by candlelight with an ambience that whispers “come inside, if you know.”
Elliott Aster
The drinks menu here is clearly a point of pride and they are made to sip slowly. We went all in on small plates and shared several. A standout was the chorizo-stuffed, bacon-wrapped dates: sweet, smoky, and a little spicy. Dessert was the salted-caramel and milk-chocolate tart with crème fraiche – yum! If you’re looking for a date-night out, a quiet drink, or a tucked-away spot where cocktails and well-crafted small plates take center stage, Slim Charmer absolutely delivers. Wed.-Thurs. 5pm-11pm | Sat.- Sun. 5pm-12am slimcharmer.com ADRIAN’S PRIME & WINE Newcomer Adrian’s Prime and Wine in St. Pete Beach has a vibe that is warm, welcoming, and quietly upscale. It’s a spot where people come to savor their meal, not eat in a hurry. The space isn’t massive, which lends itself to intimacy; the lighting, furnishings, and general atmosphere all suggested a casual elegance that felt perfect for a date night or a relaxed evening out. We began with a bottle of wine from their curated list – it was a nice touch to see thoughtful wine selections, and the server offered sensible recommendations that paired well with our meal. Service the whole evening was attentive. For appetizers, we shared chilled lobster (one of their specialties) – the seafood was fresh, the flavors clean, and the portion generous enough for two. For mains, you can choose from a prime cut grilled ribeye and a seafood-forward dish (the menu leans toward surf-and-
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By Kelly Rouse Adrian’s Prime & Wine
were flaky and savory. Then for the main event, we shared one of their signature arepas. It came stuffed to the brim: in our case, with shredded pork, gouda, tomato, and bacon. The meat was tender, the cheese melted just right, and the cornmeal “shell” had the satisfying crisp-outside, soft-inside texture that defines a good arepa. If you want something lighter or vegetarian, try their veggie-style arepa, a mix of chickpeas, tofu, veggies and herbs. Drinks are worth a mention, too. I tried a house juice- it was bright and refreshing; the café-style coffee is good for a little pick-me-up. If you’re in Gulfport and craving something different – hearty Latin comfort fare, generous portions, and a welcoming atmosphere, 1Chick 1Bro Cafe Bistro hits the mark.
turf and fresh seafood offerings). The ribeye came perfectly cooked at medium-rare with a good sear, the seafood dish was light yet flavorful. We finished with a dessert (the house specialty chocolate cake was suggested) and it was a satisfying end to the meal. Paired with a final sip of wine, it felt like the sort of meal that leaves you pleasantly full and already thinking about when you might return. Thurs.-Mon. 5pm-9:30pm | Closed Tues.-Wed. | yelp.com
Closed Mon. | Tues.- Fri. 10am-7:30pm | Sat. 10am-7pm | Sun. 10am-3:30pm | yelp.com
1 CHICK, 1 BRO CAFÉ BISTRO
Best grouper sandwich, wings, and sensational seafood. Daily specials. Full bar. Enjoy NFL, sports on 17 TVs. Waterfront indoor & new back patio dining, boat docks. Live Music w/Rob Tyre Wed.-Sat. 6-9:30pm. Book your party on our private patio (15 max) HAPPY HOUR Mon.-Fri. 3:30-6pm MENU
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1 Chick 1 Bro Café Bistro
Entering 1Chick 1Bro Cafe Bistro felt like stumbling onto a hidden little neighborhood favorite – modest on the outside, but full of warmth and good energy. The space is simple and unpretentious, a cozy café-bistro vibe with friendly staff. You’ll notice immediately their portions don’t mess around. We ordered crispy empanadas that
A FAMILY TRADITION SINCE 1969
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CO-PARENTING FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS By Jake Hornstein & Greg Hill, Our Children Have Rights (OCHR) Child Support and Co-Parent Expenses (Shared Expenses) have distinct differences. These include purpose, what they cover, how they are determined and how they are managed. When separated or divorcing co-parents gain knowledge of each, outcomes improve. PURPOSE Child Support is a regular payment from one parent to the other. It is meant to help the custodial parent cover essentials, such as food, clothing, and a safe living environment.
Co-Parenting App Pros: Centralized platform, transparency, simple reimbursement. Cons: Subscription costs and challenges for those who aren’t tech savvy. Co-Parent Expenses are components of a Parenting Plan. Knowledge of Parenting Plans goes hand in hand with achieving a successful co-parent financial strategy. If you, or someone you know, need our assistance, we’re here for you, at no cost to the family. Why? Because Our Children Have Rights. OCHR is a 501c3 nonprofit that helps parents achieve successful co-parenting strategies, at no cost to the family. Contact info@ourchildrenhaverights.com or visit www.ochr.org.
Co-Parent Expenses are costs beyond basic needs, which both parents pay directly. Examples are tutoring (education), equipment (extracurricular) and cell phone (electronics). AGREEMENT Child Support is a court-ordered financial obligation. In Florida, it’s determined by a formula based on both parents’ income, custody arrangements and other factors. Co-Parent Expenses require negotiation and agreement with a parenting plan. The parenting plan outlines the scope of expenses covered and how payments are made. OPTIONS TO DIVIDE CO-PARENT EXPENSES (PROS & CONS) Reimbursement Pros: A simple method with clear expectations. Cons: Delayed reimbursements, proof of payment, higher potential for disputes. Expense By Parenting Times Pros: Simple, equal financial responsibility and greater control of payments. Cons: Uneven and unanticipated expenses. Joint Account Pros: Increased transparency. Cons: Lack of clarity, misused funds, and potential impact on your credit score. ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2026
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Just Dance While I may be biased, after all dance is my first love, there are few activities more beneficial to overall health than dancing. I’m certain that I came out of the womb needing to dance, which might explain why I was such a miserable baby. As a child I danced around the house to music constantly, prompting my parents to enroll me in ballet class at the age of six. Imagine their surprise when their shy child blossomed on stage! As Martha Graham said, “dance is the hidden language of the soul of the body.” For me, dancing is where my soul always finds freedom and joy. Since childhood it has also been the most important activity in my life for both physical and mental health. Physical Benefits Dancing is very beneficial to cardiovascular health. It’s an aerobic exercise that raises your heart rate, strengthening heart muscles and improving circulation. Moving your entire body burns calories, which helps with weight management and boosts your energy level. Dancing requires the use of every major muscle group, improving muscle
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strength and endurance. As a weightbearing activity, dance increases bone mass, and prevents bone loss. Dancing requires a wide range of motion, improving joint mobility and muscle flexibility. And with the constant changes in direction, dancing teaches the body coordination, agility and balance. While dancing is first and foremost an artform, it could also be considered a sport. This is the reason gymnasts, figure skaters, and tennis, football, basketball and soccer players often add dance class to their training regimens. Ballet is especially beneficial to athletes for core strength and power, as well as injury prevention. Football players like Lynn Swann, Herschel Walker, and current Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean have all credited ballet for their improved performance on the field. Dance requires complete body-awareness and control. Cognitive Benefits A 2003 study by researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine discovered that dance not only improves overall brain health, but out of 11 different types of physical activity, including cycling, golf, swimming, and tennis, dance was the only one that lowered participants’ risk of dementia. Dance requires complex mental coordination. The step sequences, patterns,
and musical rhythms involved in dance force the brain to multi-task. This mental workout increases neuroplasticity and boosts the brain’s processing speed. Over time, dancing creates new neural pathways which support faster thinking, better problem-solving, and enhanced memory skills. Dance has so many beneficial effects on the brain that it is now being used to treat people with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological
By Claire Brinsden Jordan
dog greeting me at the door, tail wagging. The physical movement of dance releases endorphins – those natural stress and pain relievers in the brain – as well as dopamine, which boosts mood. When I dance, the stress and anxiety melt away with every step, and if I need a confidence boost, learning and mastering new choreography usually does the trick. Dancing is a wonderful form of self-expression, allowing the release of emotions in a healthy way. I believe the world would be a better, less angry place if everyone just danced more! Joining a dance class provides social interaction and a feeling of belonging. I have been fortunate to find my closest friends through dance – a link to kindred spirits. movement disorder. For those living with Parkinson’s, dance can reduce slowness, rigidity and tremors, while improving muscle memory and coordination. Mental Health Benefits Like most people I have had low points in my life when I’ve felt sad, depressed, or stressed. The best remedy for me in these difficult times is dancing. There is nothing that lifts my spirits more, except perhaps my
Where to Dance Whether you include dance as part of your nightlife, or prefer to take a dance class, there are plenty of venues in Pinellas County where you can put on your dancing shoes. In our April 2025 issue, Nanette Wiser provided a great list of clubs, bars, and dance studios where you can “get your groove on.” I would add to this list the adult classes at Academy of Ballet Arts, the Saturday morning community classes offered by project Alchemy at Studio620,
and the adult dance classes at both the YMCA, and the city of St. Petersburg Recreation Centers. If you’re not quite ready to “trip the light fantastic,” there are online classes to enjoy in the privacy of your own home, though this lacks one of the great benefits of dancing – the social interaction. I’ve had many people tell me that they simply can’t dance. That’s a load of hogwash. Every culture since the beginning of humankind has included some type of dance. It is the universal human activity. As a former professional dancer and former dance studio owner, I will concede that some people have better rhythm and coordination than others, but everyone can move their body to music. The only thing you really need is a lack of inhibition. I have yet to find a style of dance that I dislike – ballet, modern, jazz, tap, African, hip-hop, Latin, ballroom, country line – I love it all, though I do have favorites. There is a style for everyone – you just need to find it. As you embark on a new year and look for ways to improve your overall health, why not give dancing a try? In the wise words of Lady Gaga and Justin Timberlake, just dance, dance, dance!
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ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
RESOLUTIONS By Janet Nummi
Every January, New Year’s resolutions arrive with a bad reputation and good intentions. They are mocked early, abandoned often, and blamed for things they didn’t actually do – like force anyone to buy a treadmill or promise that kale will taste better this time. But here’s the inconvenient truth: resolutions are not the problem. Quitting them is. Most resolutions don’t fail because they were foolish. They fail because we expect instant redemption in a world that runs on drive-thru windows and same-day delivery. We decide that if change isn’t dramatic, visible, and Instagram-worthy by mid-January, it must not be working. That’s like planting a tree and digging it up a week later because it hasn’t provided shade. Real change is quieter than we want it to be. The people who actually keep resolutions aren’t the loud ones announcing them at parties. They’re the ones making small, unglamorous choices on boring days. They go for the walk when it’s cloudy. They skip the second drink without turning it into a personality statement. They open the savings account and deposit an amount so modest it feels almost insulting. Then they do it again. And again. That’s the trick nobody sells, because repetition doesn’t photograph well. January is not supposed to transform you. It’s supposed to introduce you. Resolutions work best when they’re treated less like vows and more like practice. You don’t fail because you miss a day. You fail only when you decide the whole thing was a sham and stop altogether. One bad meal does not erase 10 good ones. One missed workout does not revoke your membership in the future-you club. The calendar does not reset your progress just because you slipped on a Tuesday. There’s also a strange freedom in realizing that discipline is not punishment. It’s self-respect. It’s choosing tomorrow over impulse. It’s doing something mildly uncomfortable now so life is less uncomfortable later. That’s not misery – that’s leverage. So, if you made a resolution this year and you’re wobbling, good. That means you’re trying. Keep going badly. Keep going imperfectly. Keep going even when nobody notices, especially when nobody notices. Because the people who quietly keep their resolutions don’t look heroic in January. They look different when it’s time to break out the beach wear. And that’s the point. Set those reasonable goals to improve your life and see what happens with some dedication. 24
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ECO
By Peter Roos
AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION Each year, fishing tackle is the number one cause of injury to local seabirds (about 40% of Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary’s case load). In the case of Brown Pelicans, over 80% require care due to fishing tackle injuries. The severity of their injuries varies but the amount of time that a bird is entangled makes a huge difference in their success. Birds that receive immediate intervention often can be released the same day or within a few days, but birds that are found days after becoming entangled can have a far graver prognosis. Constriction injuries can lead to significant issues such as full tissue death due to loss of blood flow or severe joint infections that can impact future mobility. Any birds that are left with trailing line can become trapped in their evening roosts or left unable to feed themselves, leading to significant dehydration, starvation, and death. In November alone, the Indian Shores hospital admitted 62 pelicans. It can be very disheartening to see so many birds suffering from the same kind of injury, and the hardest part is that it is entirely preventable.
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Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary says – “Here are all of the ways that you can help prevent birds from becoming injured by fishing line and hooks:” • Use at least 30# strength test line to prevent line breaks. • Never feed wildlife! Feeding wildlife encourages them to congregate near humans or approach humans, and this will inevitably lead to them becoming injured. • Avoid casting your line(s) into congregating birds. • Watch active lines at all times. • Dispose of tackle properly.
NEVER CUT THE LINE IF YOU ACCIDENTALLY HOOK A BIRD Gently reel the bird in & cover them with a towel/shirt/blanket. Push the hook through until you can see the barb & either cut it away or flatten with pliers. Remove all hooks and line before releasing the bird. If the bird is unable to fly away or you are unable to remove the tackle, call Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary at 727-391-6211. Seaside Seabird Sanctuary | 18328 Gulf Boulevard, Indian Shores www.seasideseabirdsanctuary.org
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COVER STORY
How Marina Bay Survived Helene and Milton Resilience Strategies and Lessons Learned from Extreme Weather Events engineered “continuous load path,” which securely ties the roof and floor trusses to deep-driven piling foundations. By creating a unified structural system from roof to ground, the design dramatically reduces the risk of catastrophic failure during high-wind events. IBHS research has translated into real-world resilience for Marina Bay, demonstrating how science-based building practices can protect lives, property, and long-term value. More information on IBHS and FORTIFIED™ standards is available at fortifiedhome.org. by Peter Roos Marina Bay is a master-planned waterfront community ideally situated along the Pinellas Bayway, adjacent to Eckerd College. Spread across more than 60 acres of lush tropical landscaping, scenic ponds, fountains, and protected wildlife habitat, the community recently faced its greatest test: two powerful storms, Helene and Milton. While much of the surrounding region experienced widespread flooding and wind damage, Marina Bay emerged with virtually no flooding and only minimal impacts. Its performance was not accidental. Marina Bay’s resilience reflects years of intentional planning, advanced construction standards, and infrastructure designed specifically for coastal living. As climate-driven weather events grow more frequent and intense, Marina Bay offers a compelling case study in how thoughtful design and preparedness can dramatically reduce risk. Advanced Construction and Fortified Design A primary reason Marina Bay’s villas, townhomes, and condominiums fared so well lies in their construction. All new homes are built using fortified construction methods that exceed conventional building codes. These standards are based on the FORTIFIED™ criteria developed by the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), an independent nonprofit organization that conducts scientific research to improve building performance in severe weather. Homes constructed to FORTIFIED™ standards incorporate reinforced concrete block construction, impact-rated windows and sliding glass doors, hurricane-rated garage and entry doors, and enhanced roof systems. Critical to this approach is the 26
JANUARY 2026 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
Flood Prevention and Elevation Strategy Flood prevention is equally central to Marina Bay’s design. All new residences feature elevated living areas meeting or exceeding 17 feet NAVD, a standardized elevation benchmark used throughout North America for flood mapping and construction. This elevation ensured that storm surge and heavy rainfall during Helene and Milton never reached occupied living spaces. Villa homes are equipped with private elevators, allowing residents to access elevated living areas directly from ground-level garages – combining safety with the convenience of single-level living. Complementing the elevated structures is a carefully engineered drainage system designed to collect, manage, and redirect excess water efficiently. Routine maintenance of these systems played a critical role in storm readiness and ensured that rainfall and surge were effectively controlled throughout both events. Power Resilience and Emergency Preparedness Every new Marina Bay home includes a natural-gas standby generator as a standard feature. Unlike portable units, these permanently installed systems activate automatically within seconds of a power outage, providing uninterrupted electricity for essential needs such as refrigeration, medical equipment, communications, and climate control. Because they are connected directly to each home’s electrical panel and the natural gas utility, standby generators can operate continuously for extended periods without refueling. They also offer lower operating costs, fewer emissions, and enhanced safety compared to gasoline-powered alternatives. During Helene and Milton, this built-in power resilience provided residents with both comfort and peace of mind.
Landscape Design and Natural Buffers Marina Bay’s landscape architecture is more than aesthetic – it is a functional component of the community’s flood-mitigation strategy. The development’s low-density layout allowed planners to preserve extensive permeable green space, enabling stormwater to naturally infiltrate the ground and recharge the water table. An interconnected system of four large ponds, ranging from approximately 1.5 to more than 6 acres, was designed to manage stormwater runoff for the entire community. Importantly, this system discharges directly into Boca Ciega Bay rather than the City of St. Petersburg’s stormwater infrastructure, reducing strain on municipal systems during extreme events. Adorned with fountains and surrounded by tropical landscaping, these ponds serve multiple purposes: stormwater control, wildlife habitat, and scenic focal points that enhance daily life for residents. During Helene and Milton, they functioned exactly as intended – absorbing excess water and preventing flooding throughout the community. Coordination With Local Authorities Close coordination with local government and emergency management agencies further strengthened Marina Bay’s response. Timely communication ensured residents received accurate weather updates, evacuation routes remained clear, and emergency resources were deployed efficiently. This collaboration proved essential in maintaining order and safety before, during, and after the storms. Lessons in Coastal Resilience Marina Bay’s experience underscores the value of continuous investment in resilient infrastructure and proactive planning. Key lessons include the effectiveness of combining engineered systems with natural solutions, the importance of routine maintenance, and the need for clear communication channels and regularly updated emergency plans. As climate risks evolve, these principles will only become more critical for waterfront communities. Looking Ahead: The Final Phase of Marina Bay The successful performance of Marina Bay during Helene and Milton reinforces its development philosophy and informs its future. The developer is currently seeking approval for the community’s final phase: a $120 million, 96-unit luxury condominium tower planned for the last remaining parcel on the Pinellas Bayway suitable for high-rise development. The tower will offer sweeping views in every direction – from the iconic Skyway Bridge to the south, Gulf beaches and the historic Don CeSar Hotel to the west, Boca Ciega Bay to the north, and downtown St. Petersburg to the east. Two- and three-bedroom residences will range from approximately 1,500 to 3,050 square feet. A limited number of newly completed three-bedroom villatownhomes from $2.2 million and expansive 3,800 square feet, four-bedroom, Pointe condominiums on Boca Ciega Bay from $4.7 million, are also available. For more information, contact sales@marinabaystpete.com or call the Marina Bay Sales Office at 727-906-3300. ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2026
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VAUGHN VOYAGE
By Danielle L. Vaughn, Esq., B.C.S., LL.M.
Vaughn Voyage: Why a Revocable Living Trust Remains the Smartest Path for Protecting Your Estate
disputes, or a decline in business value. It ensures the business continues to operate rather than becoming entangled in court delays. A trust also safeguards long-term intentions – protecting inheritances, preserving real estate, supporting vulnerable beneficiaries, and creating a clear roadmap for your family.
A revocable living trust has become one of the most dependable tools in modern estate planning. It isn’t complicated or flashy – it simply offers control, privacy, and continuity in ways a will cannot. A will only speaks after death, but a revocable trust works the moment it’s created. You remain in charge as trustee and can amend or revoke it whenever life changes. That flexibility is why more families – and especially business owners – are moving away from will-only planning.
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Avoiding probate is one of its greatest advantages. Probate can drag on, cost more than expected, and expose personal and financial details to public scrutiny. A properly funded trust bypasses the entire ordeal, allowing your assets to transfer smoothly and privately. For business owners, the value is even greater. A trust can direct who steps in to manage or transition the business if you become incapacitated or pass away, preventing operational disruptions, partner
Anyone who owns a home, a business, or simply wants to spare their loved ones unnecessary legal headaches stands to benefit. A revocable living trust remains a practical, time-tested way to secure your affairs. If you’d like to discuss whether a revocable living trust may be best for your estate, contact Vaughn Law. Danielle L. Vaughn, Esq., B.C.S., LL.M. Board Certified Real Estate Attorney VAUGHN LAW, PLLC 350 Corey Avenue, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 Phone: 727-223-6080 | Fax: 727-645-4226 dvaughnlaw.com
COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • INTERIOR • EXTERIOR
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*Guided by Faith, Committed to You* our mission goes beyond the job site. We operate on the principles of honesty and excellence. For us, being “faith-based” means: *Integrity in Every Estimate: No hidden fees, just honest communication. Respect for Your Home. We treat your home with the utmost Respect and care. We strive to reflect our values through the quality of our craftsmanship and the kindness of our team. Our Expertise, Your Vision. Whether you are looking to protect your home’s exterior from the Florida elements or breathe new life into your interior living spaces, we bring 21 years of technical mastery to every project. *
Carpentry work *Commercial & Residential Excellence*Experience the Difference* We are excited to become a staple in the Clearwater community. We invite you to experience a level of service where professional expertise meets a servant’s heart. Join our family of satisfied clients and see why our reputation is our greatest asset. Call Today for Your Free Consultation & Estimate Kranenburg Painting Inc. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart.” *21 Years | 4.9 Stars Kranenburgpainting.com
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Experience the difference that dedication and passion make. Visit www.KranenburgPainting.com or call 941-524-2937 (Mon.-Fri., 8am-6pm, or text anytime). Kranenburg Painting – Excellence that lasts.
GULFPORT MATTERS Some of us may finally be catching our breath after an exhilarating holiday season – beginning with multiple community Thanksgiving gatherings and continuing with our annual tree lighting, weekly golf cart parades, holiday concerts, the Santa Rampage and community parade, the welcome return of our BCYC lighted boat parade after the storms of 2024, art openings, the Art Jones Studio Tours, bustling markets, multiple visits from Santa, New Year’s Eve festivities, and all of our regular activities in between. Together with our beautiful sunsets and laughter-filled evenings, these moments have given us countless warm memories to carry with us long after the season fades. As we look ahead, may the new year bring each of you comfort, connection, and bright possibilities. And may we carry that unmistakable Gulfport warmth with us into every day of the year to come. Now, as Gulfport’s vibrancy continues – and with an important election on the horizon – we look forward with hope, clarity, and purpose. This year brings key referendum questions and councilmember elections in Gulfport. There are also proposed changes in property tax legislation, ongoing state pre-emptions that affect our community and numerous proposed bills. Your voice and your choices shape our future. Staying informed, engaged, and involved matters more than ever. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your questions, thoughts, and concerns. I remain committed to our community – and to each of you.
A Warm Welcome to our Latest Additions! Hand Made Mystic located at 5226 Gulfport Blvd. S, a metaphysical hub of healing, learning, crystals, jewelry, design your own crystal bracelets, aura photography, and much more. Handmademystic.com August Vernon Galleries located at 3043 Beach Blvd. has returned. www.AugustVernon.com
What’s Happening Jan. 2: The DRV Gallery presents Watercolor of Puma Love with music by Jim Gilmour, 5:30-8:30pm, at 5401 Gulfport Blvd S. www.drvgallery.com Jan. 8-18: The Gulfport Community Players presents “Beyond Therapy,” an off-the-wall comedy by Christopher Durang, at the Catherine Hickman Theater. For tickets, go to www.gulfportcommunityplayers.org Jan. 10: Beyond the Beach Cleanup, Gulfport Beach, 9-11am. Meet at Pavilion #4. Bags, pickers, pails, gloves, water, and more are provided.
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Jan. 10: US Coast Guard Auxiliary Recreational Boating Course, 9am-5pm, at 1617 49th St. S, The course qualifies for the Florida Boating ID Card. $40 per person. Contact Marty Richardson at 630-674-5352 or mericharsonjr@att.net to reserve a seat. Jan. 15: Artist Chat with Susan Livingston, presented by the Brenda MacMahon Gallery, 6pm. What do clay and fossils have in common? Find out and discuss her expansive and impressive career. www.brendamcmahongallery.com Jan. 15: The Gulfport Poetry Open Mic Night at the Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S, from 6-7pm. Hosted by Poet Laureate, Christa Fairbrother, this monthly event on third Thursdays returns following the November and December holiday break. Jan. 17: Plant a Tree, the City of Gulfport’s free tree giveaway, 9-11am, at Clymer Park (Greenway), 23rd Ave. S and Beach Blvd. S Jan. 17-31: DRV Gallery presents Art for a Cause, a juried exhibition for artists to support the cause of their choice. www.drvgallery.com Jan. 24: Blues Night, A Showcase of Blues, Rock and Folk presented by the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation at the Catherine Hickman Theater. The evening will feature Tony & Sal and J Santi & The Vital Groove. 5501 Beach Blvd. S, 7pm. Tickets are available with a VIP option including a BBQ reception. www.gulfportseniorcenterfoundation.org Jan. 24: The 4th Annual Kit’s Stroll, 1pm, to raise funds and awareness for the Phelan McDermid Syndrome Foundation (PMSF. org). Meet at Clymer Park along Beach Blvd. S, then stroll through Gulfport, landing at Stella’s for refreshments, a silent auction and raffle. Suggested donation of $20 per person. Jan. 25: Dixon’s Violin, 3:50-5:15pm, “a premier visionary violinist” - from audiences across North America, to Burning Man and Electric Forest, to TED Talks, and now, at the Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S, www.eventbrite.com Jan. 30: The Lightning Xpress Show: Alx & Memphis Lightning, 7-10pm, at the Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S. Tickets: www.maremilmusic.ticketspice.com Jan. 31: Casino Night, a FUNdraiser presented by the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation returns to the Maria Center, 1500 58th St. S. Doors open at 5pm. Gaming starts at 6pm and includes slots, blackjack, craps, poker, roulette, a silent auction, raffles and big prizes. All proceeds go to the foundation. Eventbrite for tickets: Gulfport’s Hollywood Lights Casino Night or go to www.gulfportseniorcenterfoundation.org
By Marlene Shaw
Gulfport Markets & Traditions – Find produce, crafts, art, local eats, and entertainment on Beach Blvd. S Tues Fresh Market – Every Tues., 9am–2 pm Gulfport Night Markets – First Fri. & Third Sat., 5–9pm Growers & Makers Market has started up again. It is held on the first Sun. of each month from 11am to 3pm on Thirteenth Ave. S at 1301 49th St. S. Taste of the New Year Foodie Fest in Trolley Market Square – Sat., Jan. 10, 12-6pm. This festival will be held on a monthly basis with a variety of themes. Sponsored by Fusion 49th and Saturday Shoppes. 4900 Tangerine Ave. S. Free parking.
New!
Calling all artists! The Gulfport Merchants Chamber has announced a new monthly exhibit and sales opportunity for Gulfport Merchants Chamber member artists. They will host a monthly solo art show and sale at the GMC Welcome Center on Gulfport Blvd. The show will kick off with an opening reception on the third Saturday of each month, from 4-6pm. The opportunity is free for artists members, and all proceeds will go to the artists as well. If you are an interested artist, contact juliearmstrong22@gmail.com or artheart43@yahoo.com.
Coming Up in February
The first annual Gulfport Pride’s For the Love of Gulfport Community Day, Sun., Feb. 1, 11am-4pm at Trolley Market Square on the Tangerine Greenway The 11th Annual Gulfport Fine Arts Festival will be Feb.14-15, 10am to 5pm, in Clymer Park (Gulfport Blvd. S & Beach Blvd. S) Live Music, Open Mics & Jams Gulfport’s got rhythm! Here’s where to catch weekly open mic nights. See Gulfport Matters on Facebook for other music throughout the week: Mon. – North End Taphouse, 5:30–7:30pm Tues. – North End Taphouse, 7–10pm Thurs. – Gulfport Brewery, 6–9pm 1st & 7th – Blueberry Patch Open Mic 11th – Blueberry Patch Open Jam *Follow Gulfport Matters on Facebook and stay connected to the creativity, community, and spirit that make Gulfport shine. Check out other “Things To Do” on the City of Gulfport’s calendar too. Between the venues, businesses, organizations and city activities, there is always something to enjoy.
HANGING AROUND By Caron Schwartz
TAKE CARE: A HEARTFELT REMINDER Recently, I was at a party where one guest was showing everyone the long scars on his arms, telling the story of how they came to be. He and his wife had been biking the Pinellas Trail when, cresting the 34th Street overpass, he stepped off his bike and passed out. By the time paramedics arrived, he was awake and feeling fine. The EMTs couldn’t find anything wrong. Still, he accepted a ride to the hospital while his worried wife biked home alone. A few days later, this 70-something athletic man, who had recently hiked Watkins Glen in flip-flops, had a quadruple bypass. The scars were where surgeons harvested veins to reroute clogged arteries. His story prompted others at the party to share their own medical tales, what we in the senior community call an “organ recital.” Because of a family history of high blood pressure and cholesterol, my partner Lenny has been under the care of a cardiologist since long before we met. When his doctor recommended an angiogram, Lenny scheduled the outpatient procedure and asked me to accompany him, since he’d need a ride home after anesthesia. The cardio waiting room was filled with women. No men. We were an anxious sisterhood, each of us worried about the man we loved. A kind tech brought pillows so my Kindle and I could get comfortable, though reading proved difficult. I couldn’t help overhearing another woman telling her story. She had been at the hospital for four days since her husband’s heart attack. Today, he was getting a quadruple bypass. They had been married for 10 years, and only recently had she learned about his first heart attack 15 years earlier. He was a big guy who smoked, drank, and never saw a doctor. He was 57. She was worried, and she admitted, kinda pissed. Some of this may sound like TMI, but it matters. The lesson isn’t just about resolutions made and forgotten. It’s about paying attention. As Freakonomics podcaster Steven Dubner says, “Take care of yourself. And if you can, someone else.” FYI, Lenny is fine. A few days later, he was playing the trombone with the Gulfport Gecko Marching Band in Safety Harbor. ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2026
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ART NEWS
Just ducky The World’s Largest Rubber Duck is hanging out in Coachman Park this month. All 61 feet of Mama Duck is there to watch over concerts and other family-friendly events. Plus, her son Timmy can be spotted around town, too. We’ll have fun, fun, fun Personal finance platform WalletHub recently compared over 180 US cities to determine those with the most fun. Las Vegas ranked first, no surprise there. Orlando and Miami were second and third, respectively. Tampa placed 16th, just behind Fort Lauderdale. St. Pete came in at a respectable 49th.
Between the sheets Canadian supergroup The Undercovers are coming to The Beach Theatre on 1/25 for two shows @ 12:30 and 5pm. https://bit.ly/the-undercovers
“The creative adult is the child who survived.” – Ursula Leguin 32
Flower power Ikebana, traditional Japanese flowerarranging art, is on exhibit at the Tully-Levine Gallery in the Arts Xchange on St. Pete’s Warehouse Arts District campus. The artists are members of St. Pete’s Chapter 65 of Ikebana International, an organization dedicated to promoting and appreciating ikebana. Thru 1/28. https://bit.ly/nancy-cohen But wait, there’s more Ikebana on display during Chapter 65’s annual Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring exhibit. See 50-plus arrangements emphasizing the seasonal transition. Ikebana masters will be on hand to explain different schools of Japanese flower arranging. At the Quak Center on the Westminster Suncoast campus in St. Pete 1/31-2/1. www.ikebanastpetersburg.com
Coffee on a mission Mission Grounds Coffee is available for a limited time at Imagine Museum in St. Pete. Enjoy a cuppa or take the Colombian, Guatemalan, Costa Rican, or Ecuadorian flavor home. 1/2-3, 9-10, 23-24, and 2/6-7.
JANUARY 2026 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
Coffee gets a break St. Pete-based Kahwa Coffee has won a rare appeal to overturn a US Patent & Trademark Office denial. The agency refused to grant Kahwa’s request due to the company’s misapplication of the “doctrine of foreign equivalents,” which typically bars trademarks with meanings in other languages. A federal appellate judge disagreed with the USPTO’s decision that Kahwa, the Arabic word for “coffee,” was too generic.
Lost & found A 15th-century illuminated Jewish prayer book looted by Nazis and recently restituted, is heading to auction at Sotheby’s in February. Estimated to bring in at least $5 million, the manuscript was made for the Jewish High Holy Days in 1415 and belonged to the Rothschild family before it was seized. The Austrian government returned the book to the family after it was found on a library shelf, unnoticed for decades. Less money for you Gov. DeSantis released his recommended budget for 20262027. Within the arts & culture section of the Department of State budget, he recommends $5 million for Cultural and Museum Grants. That’s about one quarter of the appropriations in 2025-2026, which were $20.8 million.
Punk prophets Discover how Jewish identity, resilience, and post-Holocaust expression ignited the rebellious spirit of punk rock when The Florida Holocaust Museum presents The Heebie Jeebies at CBGB’s: A Secret History of Jewish Punk. The evening features a talk with author Steven Lee Beeber and live punk performances that bring the movement’s roots to life. 1/15, 6:30-9pm at Bayboro Brewing Co. https://bit.ly/heebie-jeebies
St. Pete loves the arts The city of St. Pete has launched the Level Up Arts Grant program, which provides up to $5,000 to nonprofit arts organizations that contribute to St. Pete’s vibrant
By Caron Schwartz
arts and culture landscape. Applications accepted until 5pm on 4/30, or until funds are depleted. https://bit.ly/st-pete-grants Every little bit helps Gobioff Foundation microgrant applications are open now through 3/1. The program’s goal is to enhance the cultural landscape of the Tampa Bay area through small, $500 grants to encourage and make possible publicly accessible art projects and events. For more information and to apply: https://bit.ly/gobioff
Dixon at the Hickman You’ve never heard violin like this! Dixon’s Violin has inspired people at over 1,000 concerts across the US, five TED talks, over 10 years at Burning Man and Electric Forest, and more. 1/25, 4pm, at the Hickman Theater in Gulfport. https://bit.ly/dixons-violin
It’s a small/big world Get inspired at Dimpy Bhalotia: Small Lens, Big World, a new exhibition at Tampa’s Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA). The show celebrates
the potential of the cell phone as a creative tool, proving that powerful storytelling doesn’t require elaborate equipment, just a sharp eye, impeccable timing, and the camera in your pocket. Runs 1/15-4/5, reception 1/22, 5-7pm https://bit.ly/small-lens
Roman recipe There’s a reason Roman ruins have stood the test of time while modern concrete hasn’t. Although we use similar ingredients, MIT researchers found that Romans used a “hot-mixing” process – first mixing dry ingredients, including lime fragments and volcanic ash, then adding water. The approach released heat, allowing lime pieces to expand and fill gaps as cracks form. www.go.nature.com/44vEvON It’s showtime You could wait until March to see the Gulfport Community Players present Ronald Harwood’s Quartet. Or you could audition for a part and enjoy the show about four retired opera singers sooner. Auditions take place 1/11 and 1/12, 7pm at the Back Door Theater in Gulfport. Ushers and behind-the-scenes volunteers are always needed, too. https://bit.ly/gcp-2526
Outside and proud Pride doesn’t end in June, especially since winter is our best time of year. Celebrate Winter Pride St. Pete during art, culture, music, and community events that highlight LGBTQIA+ voices, honor our history, and celebrate progress – all while showcasing the vibrant spirit of St. Pete. 2/15-22. www.winterpride saintpete.com/events
And the winner is a Picasso painting valued at more than $1 million could be yours for a mere $116. A French charity raising money for Alzheimer’s research is offering a raffle at Christie’s Paris on 4/14, and the lucky winner will receive Picasso’s 1941 Tête de Femme. Raffle tickets are available online for €100 ($116). The goal is about $15 million, and if it falls short, ticket holders will be reimbursed. https://bit.ly/100-euros-raffle
It’s the real thing Winners of the Florida State Parks’ 2025 Capture the Real Florida Photo Contest are online for everyone to enjoy. This year’s contest awarded a Grand Prize, Runner-Up, and People’s Choice Award in each of five categories: Landscapes, Waterscapes,
Wildlife, Park Adventures, and Historic Encounters, a special category added in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary. https://bit.ly/ fsp-photos
MORE ART NEWS ONLINE
Ready, aim, click Begin capturing your favorite park moments now for the 2026 Real Florida Photo Contest. Florida State Parks encourage photographers and nature lovers alike to get outdoors, find their perfect moment, and submit their own view of the Real Florida. https://bit.ly/fsp-photo-contest Get your art OUT Connect St. Pete, a new co-working space in the EDGE District, has invited OUT Arts & Culture members to display artwork on their dedicated gallery pillar. Artists can display one standout piece or curate a mini gallery, and works may also be offered for sale. They ask that art stay up for at least one month. If you’d like to be considered for an upcoming display slot, email hello@outartsculture.org. Ceramic inspiration The Morean Center for Clay is the largest pottery studio in the Southeast and one of the largest in the US, and calls a historic freight train depot in the Warehouse Arts District of St. Pete home. Now through 2/7, check out 10/10 Wood Fire Again: 2025 Winter Wood Symposium Exhibition and Berit Hines: Wondrous Vessels, among the amazing colors, shapes, and textures of thrown and handbuilt clay. https://bit.ly/morean-location
ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2026
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ARTISTS SPOTLIGHT St. Petersburg’s music scene hums with a coastal cool that belies its intensity, blending sun drenched Gulf vibes with a restless, urban creative energy. From intimate jazz lounges and indie clubs to church stages and arena-ready hip hop crowds, local venues nurture artists who are as emotionally honest as they are stylistically diverse. It is clear the city’s reputation as a fertile ground for hip hop storytellers, genre bending jazz players, and message driven Christian rappers continues to grow across Florida and beyond. A dynamic incubator for musical talent, Paradise News profiles three producing artists who have made their mark well beyond Tampa Bay. Three of the city’s best-known names span hiphop, contemporary jazz, and faith-based rap, underscoring just how eclectic the local scene has become.
ROD WAVE Rod Wave, born Rodarius Green in St. Petersburg, is one of the most influential voices in modern melodic hip hop. His emotionally charged songs blend confessional lyrics with soulful singing, earning him multiple platinum singles, sold out tours, and a devoted national following. Drawing on a difficult upbringing, he crafts narratives about pain, resilience, and success that resonate with listeners far beyond Florida’s borders. Fans gravitate to the raw honesty in his storytelling, where themes of mental health, loyalty, and survival are presented without glamour. In many ways, Rod Wave’s rise underscores how a local artist can transform neighborhood struggles into national anthems that speak to a generation hungry for authenticity. Part of what makes Rod Wave so compelling is the contrast between his 34
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unassuming, introspective persona and the massive scale of his impact. His songs often feel like pages from a private journal set to lush, cinematic production, inviting listeners into his inner world rather than projecting a larger-than-life image. That vulnerability has helped him stand out in a crowded field and has turned his catalog into a touchstone for fans who see their own hardships reflected in his music. For many, discovering his work becomes a gateway into St. Petersburg’s broader hip hop culture, where local stories carry universal weight.
MINDI ABAIR Jazz saxophonist and vocalist Mindi Abair, who spent part of her formative years in St. Petersburg, represents another facet of the city’s eclectic sound. A familiar name in contemporary jazz and blues, her career includes Grammy nominated projects, high energy touring bands, and collaborations with well-known rock and pop artists. Abair’s sound merges smooth jazz phrasing, blues rock grit, and pop hooks, helping to draw wider audiences toward sax driven contemporary jazz. Onstage, she is known for a powerful, engaging presence that feels as comfortable in a jazz festival lineup as it does alongside rock guitars. Abair’s connection to St. Petersburg runs deeper than geography; it informs the open, approachable spirit of her music. There is a sun washed brightness and sense of fun in her performances that echoes the city’s blend of artsy neighborhoods, waterfront views, and relaxed but passionate creative community. By refusing to stay inside any single genre box, she models the kind of boundary crossing artistry that has become a hallmark of the region. Her success gives younger Gulf Coast musicians – especially women in jazz and instrumental music – a vivid example of how far a bold, hybrid sound can go.
By Andrea Martone
KB (Kevin Elijah Burgess) Christian hip hop artist KB built much of his career from the greater Tampa Bay area, emerging as a leading voice in faith-based rap. Signed to a prominent Christian label, he has released charting albums that combine hard hitting beats with introspective, spiritually focused lyrics. KB’s music bridges church culture and mainstream hip hop aesthetics, appealing both to faith communities and to listeners looking for thoughtful, message driven tracks. His work often explores themes of conviction, identity, justice, and hope, delivered with technical skill and energetic performances. Within the St. Petersburg area music ecosystem, KB occupies a unique lane. He demonstrates that artists grounded in faith can still engage deeply with contemporary sounds, social questions, and the complexities of modern life. His shows feel as much like rallies for purpose and courage as they do concerts, drawing in audiences who might not normally cross paths at traditional venues. For local creatives, his trajectory reinforces the idea that you can stay rooted in your values while still pushing artistic boundaries and reaching national platforms. Together, Rod Wave, Mindi Abair, and KB illustrate the breadth of St. Petersburg’s musical legacy. From arena-filling rap tours to intimate jazz clubs and large-scale Christian festivals, they showcase how one Gulf Coast city continues to produce artists with national impact. Their careers highlight a scene where vulnerability, innovation, and purpose coexist, making St. Petersburg not just a picturesque waterfront destination, but a powerful launching pad for influential musical voices. For anyone curious about what this community sounds like, pressing play on these three artists offers a striking, genre-spanning introduction to the heart of St. Pete.
Arts & Leisure Buddy Baker | Events, Arts & Leisure Coordinator
Venues are listed, alphabetically clubs within category, in the following sequence of categories. Each listing includes address and web link, if available. Most web links are active when you are online at www.paradisenewsfl.com or copy and paste them in your browser.
Through 1/17 – I Will: Middle School Exhibition 1/16-3/26 – S|Art|Q Artist Collective: Day Dreams 1/16-3/26 – NAWAFL: A Journey Through My Imagination 1/16-3/26 – Rebecca Sexton Larson: Where Leaves Remember
IN THIS ISSUE: ART CENTERS/CLASSES ART – GALLERIES ARTS – PERFORMING MUSEUMS MUSIC OPERA FILM ECO GARDENS FERRIES LIBRARIES MARKETS SPIRITUAL ZOOS/AQUARIUMS YOGA Listings for the following categories can be viewed online at www.paradisenewsfl.com CLUBS – SERVICE/SOCIAL CLUBS – ATHLETIC THRIFT SHOPS VOLUNTEERING (Events are subject to change. Please visit website or call to confirm.)
Morean Center for Clay 420 22nd St. S, St. Pete 727-821-7162 ext 2311 moreanartscenter.org Largest pottery studio in the Southeast 1/10-2/7 – Berit Hines: Wondrous Vessels 1/10-3/7 – 2025 Winter Wood Symposium Exhibition
ART CENTERS/CLASSES Beach Art Center 1515 Bay Palm Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach 727-596-4331 beachartcenter.org New hours: Tues-Fri 9am-4pm Heart of Pinellas Decorative Artists Clearwater Garden Club, 405 Seminole St., Clearwater. Local chapter of National Society of Decorative Painters 727-244-4321 hpdafl.com Morean Arts Center 719 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-822-7872 moreanartscenter.org Contemporary art gallery. Art classes year-round.
Morean Glass Studio 714 First Ave. N, St. Pete 727-822-7872 moreanartscenter.org Daily demonstrations. Classes available. Muddy Potter Art & Clay Studio 1140 Main St. #5 Dunedin 813-476-2836 muddypotter.info Classes, open studio Painting with A Twist 5625 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park paintingwithatwist.com Pinellas Arts Village 5600-5800 Park Blvd. (north side), Pinellas Park. First Saturday Art Walk 5-9pm: Studios @ 5663, Saint Paint Arts, Bottles Pub, Painting with a Twist, Pinellas Park Art Society, Swartz Gallery Pinellas Park Art Society 7770 52nd. St. N, Pinellas Park Classes, workshops, open studio 727-331-5558 Meets third Saturdays, 11am-noon pinellasparkartsociety.org Saint Paint Arts Artist/muralist Derek Donnelly 727-342-2593
ARTicles/Leslie Curran Gallery 1234 Dr. MLK Jr St. N, St. Pete 727-898-6061 articlesstpete.com
Studios @ 5663 5663 Park Blvd. Pinellas Park 727-313-2250 Art gallery, event space First Saturday Art Party studios5663.com 1/31 – UNITED MuralFest @5663
Artists of Elements 2638 Sixth Ave. S, St. Pete 727-420-7438 artistsofelements.com Regularly hosts exhibitions, performances, and workshops By appointment only
Suntan Art Center 411 19th St. S, St. Pete suntanart.org Classes, Art Mart every weekend 727-367-3818 Swartz Art Gallery 5609 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park 727- 421-0553 claytonswartz.com Metal sculpture The Clay Co-Op 2724 Sixth Ave. S, St. Pete 727-321-2071 claycoopstpete.com Classes, workshops, kiln firing The Hive Community Clay 559 49th St. S, St Pete 727-290-6515 thehivecommunityclay.com Classes, open studio, pottery, jewelry sales
Atelier de SoSi 2380 Sixth Ave. S, St. Pete 727-370-4192 Tues-Thurs 1-5pm atelierdesosi.com
Veterans Art Center 6798 Crosswinds Drive N, St. Pete 813-504-3092 vactb.org Using alternative therapies through art
ART GALLERIES Art at 400 Studios 400 23rd St. S, St. Pete art-at-400.com By appointment, Art Walk
ARTpool Gallery 2030 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-324-3878 artpoolrules.com Open Wed.-Sun., noon-5pm ArtsXchange 515 22nd St. S, St. Pete Open Fri.-Sat., 11am-5pm warehouseartsdistrict.org
Treasure Island Art Guild 154 106th Ave., Treasure Island, treasureislandartguild.org Weekly classes, workshops, open studio at various venues. Monthly meetings with show, awards, demonstrations. Questions to: theartguild.board@gmail.com
Zen Glass Studio & Gallery 600 27th St. S, St. Pete 727-323-3141 zenglass.com Classes and workshops.
ArtLofts Florida CraftArt Gallery (second floor) 10 Fifth St. N, St. Pete 727-504-8788 theartlofts.com Open to the public every second Saturday 5-9pm and then by appointment, or by chance.
Brenda McMahon Gallery 2901 Beach Blvd. S #104 Gulfport 518-692-7742 brendamcmahongallery.com Bula Barua 2534 Terminal Drive S, St. Pete 727-900-1063 bulagallery.com Blown glass on canvas Chihuly Collection 720 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-822-7872 ext 5102 moreanartscenter.org Pre-purchase of tickets recommended Through 1/18 – Magic + Migration: Nature in Contemporary Glass 1/24-4/19 – Glow Up: The New Neon
ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2026
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EVENTS Scan the QR code for all event listings to take with you or online at paradisenewsfl.com/january-2026. Sign up to receive upcoming event e-news online at www.ParadiseNewsFL.com Follow us on facebook.com/ParadiseNews.
RECURRING EVENTS First Fridays • 10am-2pm, Creative Clay Outdoor Art Market, 1846 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg • 5-9pm, First Friday Art Walk, Downtown Gulfport • 6-9pm, Concert in front of Studio Movie Grill, Seminole City Center, 11201 Park Blvd. N, Seminole Last Friday • 6-9pm, live music at the John’s Pass Bell Tower, John’s Pass Boardwalk and Shopping Village, 12902 Village Blvd., Madeira Beach 1st Saturday • 8am Beach Cleanup, Archibald Park, 15100 Gulf Blvd. Mad. Beach. 2nd Saturday • 8:30am, Beach Cleanup. Municipal Pavilion, 11260 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, 11185 Gulf Blvd. • 9am-2pm, Market on The Bluffs, 2747 Sunset Blvd, Belleair Bluffs. Farmers Market/craft event on the street in front of Belleair Bluffs City Hall. • The Market Marie,10am-3pm, Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater • 5-9pm, St. Pete Artwalk. Artists and gallery owners from 40 studios and galleries in five arts districts show off their latest works. Take the trolley, drive or park and walk. stpeteartsalliance.org/artwalk 3rd Saturday • 10am-2pm, Crossroads Market, Crossroads Christian Church, 1645 Seminole Blvd., Largo • 10am-5pm, Creative Pinellas at Pinewood, 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo • 5-9pm, Indie Faire, Beach Blvd., Gulfport. Outdoor, socially distanced event in Gulfport features local art, handmade crafts, jewelry, and pottery to locally sourced botanicals. 4th Saturday • Pinellas Arts Walk 4-8pm, Pinellas Arts Village Walk, 5600-5800 Park Blvd. (north side), Pinellas Park. Pinellas Park Art Society, Donnelly COVE, Complete Sweet Shoppe, Pompei Factory, Studios @5663, Painting with a Twist, Bottles Pub, and Swartz Gallery. 4th Sunday • Lealman Farmers Market 10am-2pm, Lealman Exchange, 5175 45th St N, St. Petersburg ONGOING Through 4/19 – Alberto Giacometti & Salvador Dalí: Through and Beyond Surrealism $12-$32/under 5 free, 10am-6pm, Dali Museum, 1 Dali Blvd., St. Pete. The exhibition features a rich selection of works by Alberto Giacometti, drawn from the collections of Fondation Giacometti. These are displayed alongside works by Salvador Dalí from The Dalí Museum’s collection. Together, they illuminate the surprising similarities in the artists’ visions, despite their distinct stylistic approaches. www.thedali.org/visit/buy-tickets
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ARTS & LEISURE Clyde Butcher Galleries clydebutcher.com/galleries Venice Gallery & Studio 237 Warfield Ave. S, Venice info@clydebutcher.com 941-486-0811 Through 3/26 – Lifeworks in Photography (at Bishop Museum of Science and Nature) 1/10 – Darkroom Tours Big Cypress Gallery 52388 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee 239-695-2428 Cobb Gallery Eckerd College, Library Circle, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete eckerd.edu/visualarts/program Collectors Exchange Gallery 1234 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N, St. Pete articlestpete.com Open Sat. 11am-5pm Craftsman House 2955 Central Ave., St. Pete craftsmanhousegallery.com Gallery-Café-Pottery Studio Creative Clay Cultural Arts Center 1846 First Ave. S, St. Pete 727-825-0515 creativeclay.org Ongoing studio and performing arts opportunities for individuals with disabilities. 1/19 – Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day Creative Pinellas 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo 727-460-5477 Gallery noon-5pm Wed-Sun creativepinellas.org Crossroads Gallery St. Petersburg College, 2464 Drew St., Clearwater spcollege.edu/friends-partners/ community-resources Open Mon-Thurs: 9am-5pm; Fri: 9am-2pm D Gallerie 1234 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N, Unit C, St. Pete d-gallerie.com
DRV Fine Art Studios & Gallery 5401 Gulfport Blvd. S, Gulfport drvgallery.com 1/17 – Fourth Annual Art for a Cause Duncan McClellan Gallery 2342 Emerson Ave. S, St. Pete 813-760-6600 dmglass.com 1/6-2/8 – Jennifer Caldwell and Jason Chakravarty Joint Exhibition 2/9-3/1 – Mark Leputa and Steve Hagan Joint Exhibition 2/15 – Artist Lectures and Hot Glass Demos w/ Steve Hagan and Mark Leputa Dunedin Fine Art Center 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin 727-298-3322 dfac.org Through 1/9 – Pinellas Elementary Schools A-M Through 1/17 – Staff Exhibition Through 2/8 – Jennifer Caldwell and Jason Chakravarty Joint Exhibition 1/11– Artist Lectures and Hot Glass Demonstrations w/ Jennifer Caldwell and Jason Chakravarty Ekeko Gallery 2620 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-685-5577 facebook.com/Ekeko-Gallery Five Deuces Galleria 2135 Third Ave. S, #5, St. Pete 813-489-9741 Open by appointment & Art Walk Facebook.com/five22222 Through 1/11 – Small Works Florida CraftArt Gallery 501 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-821-7391 floridacraftart.org Sat. Mural Walk 1/10-24 – 2025 Florida CraftArt Emerging Artist Program exhibition FloridaRAMA 2606 Fairfield Ave. S, St. Pete Immersive art experience and events venue floridarama.art
Gulf Coast Artists Alliance St. Pete ArtWorks, 5546 First Ave. N St. Pete 727-738-8010 gcaa-fl.org Art gallery, art classes and meeting place for artists Through 2/16 – The Eye Institute of West Florida: Works by GCAA members (at 6133 Central Ave.) Heiress 2622 Fairfield Ave S, Bldg. 7, Studio A, St. Pete heiressgallery.com Luis Sottil Studios 400 Beach Drive NE, Suite 150, St. Pete 727-220-1567 facebook.com/luissottilstpete Mirella Cimato Art Gallery 2145 First Ave. S, St. Pete (inside St. Petersburg Opera) 727-543-9190 facebook.com/MirellaCimatoGallery Nielsen Center for Visual Arts Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete 800-454-9009 eckerd.edu/visualarts/program Red Cloud Indian Arts 214 Beach Dr. NE, St. Pete 727-821-5824 redcloudindianarts.com Representing authentic Native American arts. Soft Water Gallery 515 22nd St. S, St. Pete 727-327-3473 softwatergallery.com Through 2/8 – Artist Spotlight: Vlasta Smola Stirling Art Studios & Gallery 730 Broadway (second floor) Studio 12, Dunedin 800-325-2050 facebook.com/StirlingArtDunedin Open Thurs-Sun, Second Saturdays #4 place to visit in Dunedin -Trip Advisor Syd Entel Galleries/Susan Benjamin Glass 247 Main St., Safety Harbor 727-725-1808 sydentelgalleries.com The Domingo Studio 2620 Beach Blvd. S, Gulfport 727-821-2315 facebook.com/The-Domingo-Studio
The Werk 2210 First Ave. S., St. Pete 727-289-8685 thewerk.gallery Uniquely Original Art Studio 915 24th St. S, St. Pete 727-239-3696 https://tinyurl.com/mrx4c253 Original Afrocentric art, open by appointment and during Art Walk Vince Anthony Fine Art Gallery 10611 Bay Pines Blvd. #5, St. Pete 727-401-2886 fineartamerica.com/art/ vince+anthony Wild Space Gallery 2606 Fairfield Ave. S, St. Pete, Bldg. 7 floridawildlifecorridor.org/ wild-space-gallery Open Wed-Sat 2-6pm, until 9pm on Art Walk Through 1/10 – You Are Here & Jeff Ripple: Enduring Light (combined exhibitions)
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ARTS PERFORMING American Stage Raymond James Theatre 163 Third St. N, St. Pete 727-823-7529 americanstage.org 1/21-2/15 – The Scarlet Letter Asolo Repertory Theatre 5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 800-361-8388 asolorep.org 1/7-2/11 – Primary Trust 1/21-3/14 – The Mirror Crack’d 2/4-3/8 – Exit, Pursued By a Bear Benchmark International Arena (formerly Amalie Arena) 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa 813-301-2500 benchmarkintlarena.com 1/8 – Barry Manilow 1/10 – Winter Jam 2026 1/23-24 – PBR 1/30 – Bert Kreischer 1/31 – Kings of Leon 2/13 – Rascal Flatts Bilheimer Capitol Theatre 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater 727-791-7400 rutheckerdhall.com 1/9 – CAL: The Beatles: Abbey Road 1/14 – Leo Kottke 1/16 – Jesse Cook 1/17 – Al Di Meola 1/18 – Judy Collins
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EVENTS Through 4/25 – I Will… Word + Image 2025-2026 Free, Morean Art Center, 719 Central Ave., St. Pete. Each year, local students are challenged to create works of art based on a particular theme, and to incorporate a written statement within the piece. This year’s theme I WILL… is the students’ “projection” of their future possibilities and imagination of what awaits them, what their potential roles could be in the real world, and how they might prepare to make a difference. The work is exhibited by grade level. Submissions by high school students were exhibited in November. The remaining schedule is: • Through 1/17/26 – Middle School Exhibition • 1/24-3/7 – Elementary School Exhibition (A-M) • 3/14-4/25 – Elementary School Exhibition (N-W) UPCOMING 1/4-10 – MIXed: Across St. Pete Free, select sites around St. Pete. This week-long city-wide celebration of movement, community, and place performed by projectALCHEMY’s company dance artists will create new site-responsive works in seven neighborhoods across St. Petersburg: Roser Park, Historic Kenwood, Maximo Park, Downtown, Edgemoor, Historic Old Northeast, and The Deuces Corridor. Intentionally ephemeral, they will emerge at various moments throughout the day. They are designed to appear organically – inviting residents to encounter dance unexpectedly in the places where they live, walk, and gather, expanding the idea of where dance can live and makes the art form accessible to everyone in their everyday environment. The project concludes with a ticketed closing event at The Studio@620, 620 First Ave. S, St. Pete ($15 student; $20 general, 7:30pm.) 1/10-11 – Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Craft Festival Free admission, 10am-7pm Sat/10am-5pm Sun, Sponge Docks, Dodecanese Boulevard. Stroll the historic Sponge Docks and explore a vibrant open-air marketplace filled with handcrafted art, jewelry, home décor, fine crafts, and unique gifts made by talented artisans from across the region. Dine at Tarpon’s famous waterfront restaurants and experience one of Florida’s most beloved cultural destinations. 1/10 – Taste of the New Year: Foodie Fest Free, noon-6pm, 4900 Tangerine Ave. S, Gulfport, 4899 18th Ave. S, St. Pete. Start the New Year tasting something NEW! Whether you’re craving tacos, BBQ, seafood, desserts, or international flavors – this event has got it ALL. The best food vendors from across Florida – food trucks and local restaurants. A family-friendly atmosphere with giveaways and prizes. Live music all day long. Hosted by Saturday Shoppes. 1/10-3/7 – 2025 Winter Wood Symposium Exhibition Free, Morean Center for Clay, 420 22nd St. S, St. Pete. Forty potters from around Florida and beyond gathered in December around four kilns and countless logs to practice the ancient of wood firing. The results can be seen in this showcase with a variety of artistic styles and methods of firing.
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ARTS & LEISURE 1/21 – Stop Making Sense: Live Event (film) 1/22 – Gaelic Storm 1//23 – The Weight Band 1/24 – Rumours ATL 1/30 – John Waite 2/1 – Los Lonely Boys 2/4 – The Wood Brothers 2/5 – Matthew Morrison 2/6 – Chazz Palminteri’s A Bronx Tale 2/12 – Don Was and The Pan-Detroit Ensemble 2/13 – Hotel California: The Original Tribute Band 2/14 – Keb’ Mo’ Bininger Theater for Performing Arts Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete 727-867-1166 eckerd.edu/theatre Catherine Hickman Theater 5501 27th Ave. S, Gulfport 727-893-1070 mygulfport.us Central Park Performing Arts Center 105 Central Park Dr., Largo 727-587-6793 largoarts.com 1/8 – The Kingston Trio 1/14 – The New York Voices 1/16 – St. Paul & the Minneapolis Funk All-Stars 1/23 – Close Enemies ft. Tom Hamilton of Aerosmith 1/26 – Totally Tom Petty Las Vegas 1/29 – Take It Easy: The Ultimate Eagles Tribute 1/30 – Almost Abba 1/31 – Fleetwood Mach 2/5 – Solitary Man: A Tribute to Neil Diamond 2/6 – Zee-R’s Heartland Hits 2/10 – The Mersey Beatles: Direct from Liverpool, England 2/11 – Jane Monheit 2/12 – Seals & Crofts 2 2/15 – The Four Freshmen Early Bird Dinner Theater 13355 49th St. N, Clearwater 727-446-5898 earlybirddinnertheater.com/site 1/10-2/15 – Where You Are, by Kristen Da Silva
Eckerd College International Film Series Free, 7pm, Miller Auditorium, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete 727-867-1166 eckerd.edu/international-cinema Eight O’Clock Theatre 105 Central Park Drive, Largo 727-587-6793 eightoclocktheatre.com Floridian Social 687 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-322-4600 thefloridiansocial.com A 21+ venue Jazz every Sunday, beginning at 2pm Francis Wilson Playhouse 302 Seminole St., Clearwater 727-446-1360 franciswilsonplayhouse.org 1/15-25 – Brighton Beach Memoirs 2/12-3/1 – Newsies freeFall Theatre Company 6099 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-498-5205 freefalltheatre.com 1/30-3/8 – Himself and Nora Green Light Cinema 221 Second Ave. N. St. Pete 508-816-8968 greenlightstpete.com 80-seat art house theater 1/2-8 – Resurrection (2025) 1/9-15 – Father Mother Sister Brother (2025) 1/10 – Hell on Hells: Rocky Horror (Live) (plays every second Saturday) 1/16-29 – No Other Choice (2025) 1/25 – Page to Picture: Gone Girl ticket includes book & film screening) Gulfport Casino 5500 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport 813-840-3715 mygulfport.us/recreation/casino Weekly dancing/instruction Closed until further notice. Gulfport Community Players Back Door Theater 1619 49th St. S, Gulfport gulfportcommunityplayers.org 1/8-18 – Beyond Therapy At the Catherine Hickman Theater
MUSIC SCENE Alexis Cole & The Helios Jazz Orchestra
JAZZY JOY David Manson conducts, teaches and performs with his Latin band O Som Do Jazz and others. Don’t miss his virtuoso performances February 17@7:30pm when Craig Kallas & Helios Jazz Orchestra perform at Palladium Side Door. Mark your calendars now for the annual St. Petersburg Jazz Festival produced by EMIT & WADA at the Warehouse Arts District ArtsXChange stage in April! 4/8 - Alexis Cole & The Helios Jazz Orchestra; 4/9 - Johnbern Thomas Quintet & Randy Bordon Trio; 4/10 - Markus Gottschlich Trio & Hot Club SRQ; 4/11 - Martin Bejerano #CubanAmerican Trio featuring special guest Dafnis Prieto & the Downtown Trio Plus One.
By Nanette Wiser
a powerhouse supporting cast that includes Randy Houser, Max McNown, Shaboozey, Dasha, and many more. Tickets and Premium packages are available online for the beachfront stages with performances from Gretchen Wilson, Braxton Keith, Cole Goodwin, Elizabeth Nichols, Solon Holt, Jay Webb, and additional rising acts. Beyond the music, the concourse promises all-day action: cowboy hat and apparel vendors, a wide range of food offerings, signature carnival rides plus an additional stage spotlighting rising artists from the “Sunshine State” and Songwriter Showcase featuring the writers behind the Main Stage’s biggest smashes. With surprise artist meet & greets known to pop up unannounced, fans will want to stay on their toes.
January 31
BEST BETS Crash land into your seat at The Mahaffey with The Rocket Man Show 1/31, starring Scotsman Rus Anderson – Elton John’s official 70’s body double as featured in the “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” world tour promo videos and photos. Celebrate love with Whitney James for her annual Jazz Valentine Concert at The Palladium 2/14, a show that sells out early.
KUDOS The Warehouse Arts District (WADA) Executive Director and acclaimed Steinway pianist/composer Markus Gottschlich won a prestigious silver Anthem Award for helping stabilize and support the St. Pete arts community after funding losses and hurricane impacts through emergency grants. Anthem recognized his non-profit leader work in the category: Sustaining the Arts in St Petersburg: Silver Winner in Education, Art & Culture. Gottschlich’s efforts led to nearly $700K in new city arts funding and WADA’s distribution of $20K in emergency grants. The campaign preserved creative livelihoods, strengthened civic partnerships, and affirmed the arts as essential to community recovery and resilience. Said Gottschlich in his video: “The arts and culture are what turns space into place, and people into community.” The ArtsXchange will be named the Rosie Cohen Stage thanks to a major gift by Nancy and Richard Cohen. This stage will be the official venue of the 2026 St. Pete Jazz Festival.
Markus Gottschlich
Whitney James at the Palladium
COWBOYS ON THE BEACH Country Thunder – the largest country music festival brand in North America – is making history next year with its first-ever beachfront festival, Country Thunder Florida May 8-10 on the Tradewinds Resort’s iconic sugar-white Gulf sands. Rolling Stone announced the line-up including superstar headliners Zach Top, Gavin Adcock and Kane Brown, with
PARTY WITH THE CREW On Feb. 21, the St. Petersburg Museum of History will host A Grove of Giving: The Sunshine City Soiree featuring the one and only Bryan J. Hughes and The Crew, with James Suggs at The Vinoy. Suggs’ new CD – For All We Know – is topping the jazz charts and has everyone talking, and this unforgettable fundraiser will be illuminated by one of jazzy American Songbook music. https://bit.ly/48ZGM7g
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EVENTS 1/13 – HotMess St. Pete: Pickleball Open Play $10, 6-9pm, SkyBeach Resort, 6800 Sunshine Skyway Lane S, St. Pete. Come play LGBTQ+ pickleball in St Pete!. Ten dollars lets you play for the night; free if registered for the fall season. To check in early, click the link: www.hotmesssports.com/stpetersburgsubs 1/14 – Wordier’s Blah, Blah, Blah! Open Mic $5, 7-8:30pm, The Studio at 620, 620 First Ave. S, St Pete. Bring your finest prose or a true story to share. Everyone gets 7 minutes on the stage to present their work. Questions? Email WordierThanThou@ gmail.com. 1/14 – Renee Fleming: Voice of Nature – The Anthropocene $60.80 and up, 7:30pm , Straz Center, 1010 N Macinnes Pl, Tampa. Renée Fleming has performed in the world’s finest opera houses as well as at the Super Bowl, Buckingham Palace and the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. This performance features music ranging from classical to contemporary; includes a National Geographic-produced film spotlighting the beauty of the natural world. www.strazcenter.org 1/15–1/18 — St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show $24, 10am–6pm (Sun. until 4pm), Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin & Albert Whitted Park, 400 First St. S, St. Pete. The largest boat show on the Gulf Coast returns with an impressive lineup of powerboats and sailboats displayed both in-water and on-land, plus a 40,000sq-ft tent showcasing marine gear, accessories, and equipment. Enjoy educational seminars, kids fishing clinics, on-water training courses, and more. stpeteboatshow.com 1/16-18 – Treasure Island Kite Festival Free admission, 10am, 10700 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island. Giant kites will fill the sky with color, with free demonstrations and lessons. Be awed by the sport kike competition with kite ballet routines. Sign up for the sport kite competition at https://tinyurl.com/yvf8cz43 1/17 – Tiny Wildlife Experience Free, 9:30-11am, Weedon Island Preserve, 1800 Weedon Dr. NE, St. Pete. Wildlife abounds at the Weedon Island Preserve, especially the tiny kind, like butterflies, bees, crabs and other invertebrates. Join naturalist Liz Childress to learn how to see Weedon’s little creatures and discover the hidden beauty of the Preserve. The total walk length will be variable, but no more than a mile or so. This tour is for adults and youth ages 10+. Youth must be supervised by an adult. Save your spot at https://tinyurl.com/mr3d3tnu 1/18 – Fourth Annual Black Art Gala $42/$66 VIP, 8-10pm, Ferguson Hall, Straz Center, 1010 N Macinnes Pl, Tampa. The evening honors artist and community leaders whose contributions have shaped the cultural landscape locally and beyond. It features Emcee EJ Greg from 101.5 The Vibe, cash bars, live music performances and visual artists showcasing their exceptional talent. https://tinyurl.com/2r57xejk
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ARTS & LEISURE Jannus Live 200 First Ave. N, St. Pete 727-565-0550 jannuslive.com Outdoor standing-room-only venue 1/8 – California Honeydrops 1/15 – Runaway Gin: A Tribute to Phish 1/18 – BI2 1/20 – Nothing More w/Catch Your Breath, Archers and Doobie 1/29 – The Wombats 1/31 – Jump: America’s Van Halen Experience 2/5 – Lettuce Cook World Tour 2/6 – Boogie T: Odyssey Tour 2/7 – Chris Janson 2/13 – Monster Energy Oubreak Presents: Joey Valence & Brae 2/14 – Goldfinger LAB Theater Project 812 E. Henderson Ave., Tampa 813-586-4272 labtheaterproject.com Produces only works from emerging playwrights. M.A.D. Theatre of Tampa (Music Acting Dance Theatre of Tampa) @ The Straz Center, 1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 813-229-7827 madtheatre.com 1/15-2/1 – Guys and Dolls Manatee Performing Arts Center 502 Third Ave. W, Bradenton 941-748-5875 manateeperformingartscenter.com 1/6 – Fleet Max 1/8-25– Terms of Endearment 1/22-2/8 – Once Upon a Mattress MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre Florida State Fairgrounds 4802 US Hwy. 301 N, Tampa 813-740-2446 https://tinyurl.com/52rmv4ex Music4Life Living Arts Center 1204 Rogers St., Clearwater All tickets advance sale only wileyhouseconcerts.org 1/17 – Christian Lopez 1/24 – Chris Tropper 1/27 – Jan Tyler Wiley & His Virginia Choir 2/7 – Me(a)g(h)an
New Tampa Performing Arts Center 8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa 813-829-2760 newtampaartscenter.org 1/16 – Tampa Qipao Team: 10th Anniversary Celebration 1/17 – New Tampa Jazz Nights: Chuck Redd w/ La Lucha 1/18 – New Tampa Unplugged: Alexis Carra 1/22 – REVolutions Dance Presents: REVMoves (TYA – Theatre for Young Adults) 1/23 – REVolutions Dance Presents: REV20 1/30-2/1 – New Tampa Players Presents: The Spongebob Musical 2/6 – Pavlo in Concert 2/7 – Free Film: The Little Mermaid (1989) 2/9 – Broadway Open Mic Night 2/11 – Creative Arts Theatre Presents: Angry Lizard – An Experiment 2/13 – Tampa Bay Symphony 2/14-15 – Til Death Do Us Part… You First! NoiseMakers Inc. 2616 Emerson Ave. S, St. Pete. A live music venue, as well as St. Petersburg’s longest running music school. 727-345-7472 noise-makers.org Patel Conservatory 1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa, Dance / Theater / Music / Adult Classes 813-229-7827 strazcenter.org/patel-conservatory 1/26 – Music Faculty Recital 2/7-8 – Theater for Young Audiences Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center 4951 78th Ave. N, Pinellas Park 727-369-5746 https://tinyurl.com/mryswajs Tickets: ticketsales.com 1/31 – The Boulevards Raymond James Stadium 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa 813-350-6500 raymondjamesstadium.com
Riverwalk Tampa thetampariverwalk.com Latin Thursdays Second Sundays – 11am-3pm: Market + Art Walk, Armature Works Ruth Eckerd Hall 1111 N McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater 727-791-7400 rutheckerdhall.com 1/11 – Mutts Gone Nuts! 1/13 – Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass 1/14 – TFO: H2Orchestra 1/16 – Kevin James 1/18 – Invincible: A Glorious Michael Jackson Celebration 1/23 – Diana Krall 1/24 – Yacht Rock Revue 1/25 – Barricade Boys 1/25 – TFO: Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe 1/30 – Geoff Tate 2/1 – A1A Jimmy Buffett Tribute 2/3 – Riverdance 30: The New Generation 2/11 – TFO: Love & Destiny 2/14 – Gipsy Kings Safety Harbor Art & Music Center 706 Second St. N, Safety Harbor 727-725-4018 safetyharborartand musiccenter.com 1/9 – Yates McKendree 1/10 – Kelli Baker 1/11 – Noah Guthrie 1/13 – D.K. Harrell 1/20 – Pete Muller 1/21 – Rhett Miller 1/23 – Dixon’s Violin 1/29 – Banshee Tree 1/31 – Ronnie Baker Brooks 2/1 – Vanessa Collier 2/6 – The Soul Rebels Seminole Hard Rock Event Center 5223 Orient Rd., Tampa 813-627-6649 seminolehardrocktampa.com 1/15 – Stavros Halkias 1/26 – Xuan U’orc Hen Lunar New Year Concert 1/27 – Aaron Lewis & The Stateliners 1/29 – Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo 2/1 – Lance Burton Master Magician 2/5 – Needtobreathe 2/11 – Mitchell Tenpenny
Skipper’s Smokehouse 910 Skipper Rd., Tampa 813-971-0666 skipperssmokehouse.com Sundays: Acoustic Brunch 1-4pm (free) Sparkman Wharf 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa sparkmanwharf.com St. Petersburg City Theatre 4025 31st St. S, 727-866-1973 spcitytheatre.org 2/6-15 – Jake’s Women Stageworks Theater 1120 E Kennedy Blvd., West Bldg., #151, Tampa 813-374-2416 stageworkstheatre.org 1/16-2/1 – Touching the Void Straz Center for the Performing Arts 1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 813-229-7827 strazcenter.org 1/9 – TFO: Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 1/10 – YAGP 2026 Gala 1/14-2/8 – The Comedy of Errors 1/14 – Renee Fleming 1/15 – Asi Wind: More Than Magic 1/15-2/1– Guys & Dolls 1/16-18 – Blue Man Group 1/16 – The Billy Joel Songbook 1/18 – Fourth Annual Black Art Gala 1/19 – Arts Legacy Remix (free) 1/21 – Opera Tampa open rehearsal 1/23 – TFO: Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe 1/26 – Patel Conservatory Music Faculty Recital 1/29 – Voices of the Community Town Hall 1/30-2/1 – Opera Tampa’s The Shining 2/4 – A Taste of Ireland 2/6 – TFO: Beethoven’s Triple Concerto 2/7-8 – Patel Conservatory’s Theater for Young Audiences 2/7 – The Choir of Man 2/10-15– & Juliet (Broadway Series) 2/12 – Menopause the Musical 2 2/13 – Kathy Griffin 2/13 – Arts Legacy Remix (free) 2/14 – Samara Joy 2/15 – Tampa Bay Symphony
Studio Grand Central 2260 First Ave. S, St. Pete 727-202-7019 theoffcentral.com 1/2-18 – Gruesome Playground Injuries Sunshine City Comedy Club 5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach 727-435-0327 sunshinecitycomedyclub.com Tampa Theatre 711 N Franklin St. Tampa tampatheatre.org 813-274-8286 One of America’s most elaborate movie palaces Films Through 1/8 – Marty Supreme Through 1/8 – Song Sung Blue 1/7 – The 400 Blows 1/14 – Hiroshima Mon Amour 1/21 – Breathless 1/28 – Cleo From 5 to 7 Live Shows 1/16 – Tig Notaro 1/17 – Bored Teachers “Is It Friday Yet” Comedy Tour 1/22 – Jared Freid 1/23 – Henry Cho 2/14 – Dan Soder Tarpon Springs Cultural Center 101 S Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs 727-942-5605 tarponarts.org 1/16 – Perfect Wedding Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center 324 Pine St., Tarpon Springs 727-942-5605 tarponarts.org 1/18 – The Highwaymen Show (tribute show) 1/23 – Brit Pack 1/31 – Tapestry: The Carole King Songbook 2/8 – The Sixties Show The Baycare Sound Coachman Park 301 Drew St., Clearwater 727-791-7400 rutheckerdhall.com 2/14 – Inzo The Beach Theatre 315 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach Built in 1940 and restored in 202425, now a classic movie theatre and live entertainment venue thebeachtheatre.org 727-340-2866 1/25 – The Undercovers
The Mahaffey Theater 400 First St. S, St. Pete 727-300-2000 themahaffey.com 1/9 – Classic Seger 1/10-11 – TFO: Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 1/12 – Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! 1/15 – The Coral Reefer Band (Jimmy Buffett tribute) 1/16 – Mania: The ABBA Tribute 1/17 – TFO: The Billy Joel Songbook 1/18 – Gregory Alan Isakov 1/20 – Morrissey (new date) 1/21 – Numbers Don’t Lie 1/24 – TFO: Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe 1/26-27– Mad Libs Live 1/28 – Forever Motown 1/29 – Penn and Teller 1/30 – Neil Diamond Legacy Concert 1/31 – The Rocket Man Show 2/1 – Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular 2/5 – TFO: Inside Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4 2/6-8 – Shen Yun 2/9 – How to Survive Middle School 2/11 – Bam! Fest: Cirque du Bam! 2/12 – TFO: Love & Destiny 2/13 – 7 Bridges: The Ultimate Eagles Experience 2/14 – TFO: The Envelope Please The Palladium 253 Fifth Ave. N, St. Pete 727-822-3590 mypalladium.org 1/8 – A Tribute to Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman feat. Elona and Alex Roth 1/9 – The Petty Experience 1/10 – Brendan Nolan 1/14 – Palladium Concert Series: Symphonic Titans, Chamber Voices: Brahms & Tchaikovsky 1/16 – Benise & Pavlo 1/17 – John Lamb’s Birthday Concert 1/30-2/3 – St. Pete Opera: Handel’s Guilio Cesare 2/5 – The Lionel Ritchie Songbook starring Malcolm Pitt 2/6 – Desoto Tiger’s Testimony 2/7 – Tribute to Frankie Beverly & Maze: Soul Caravan 2/11 – Palladium Chamber Series: Echoes in E-flat: Mozart & Schumann 2/13 – Backtrack Blues Band w/ Annika Chambers Band 2/14 – Whitney James Jazz Valentine
ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2026
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EVENTS 1/22–1/25 — Dunedin International Film Festival Various times and venues around Dunedin. The eighth annual celebration of cinema returns with inspiring independent and international films, bringing filmmakers, storytellers, and movie lovers together for four days of screenings, cultural exchange, and creative conversation. Expect a diverse lineup of thought-provoking features and shorts that showcase global voices and local talent alike. www.dunedinfilmfestival.org 1/23 – The Great Plate Fundraiser Dinner $75, 6-8pm, Morean Center for Clay, 420 22nd St. S, St. Pete. Enjoy an art-filled evening of pottery, presentations, and a delicious dinner while supporting creative makers. Each attendee receives a unique ceramic plate crafted by a Morean artist in residence and has the chance to meet the artists throughout the night. The event also features raffles and a silent auction of original artworks, with proceeds helping to send resident artists to the annual ceramics conference, NCECA. Space is limited – reserve your plate soon! www.moreanartscenter.org/classes/2025-air-fundraiser 1/24-25 – Fifth Annual Taco Fest Free admission, 10am-7pm Sat; 10am-5pm Sun., England Brothers Park, 5010 Dave McKay Way, Pinellas Park. An exciting weekend filled with an assortment of tacos, delicious indulgences, tasty competitions, and lively music. 1/24-2/1 – Pinellas Medieval Fair $18/$22 at gate, DK Farms & Gardens, 1750 Lake Ave. SE, Largo. Step into a living fairytale as DK Farms transforms into a realm of magic, merriment, and medieval wonder! Enjoy non-stop family fun featuring thrilling entertainment, delicious food and drink, unique artisan shops, and an unforgettable fantasy experience. Take a leisurely stroll through the farm and meet the many animals who call it home. https://tinyurl.com/498kb8j7 1/25 – Plantapalooza Free with admission, 12-4pm, Sunken Gardens, 1825 Fourth St. N, St. Pete. This fourth annual Plantapalooza is dedicated to Florida native plants. It seeks to connect the wildlife populations in our largest parks with backyard native gardens. Take home free native seedlings (while supplies last!). Browse unique native plants and more for sale by Tampa Bay area vendors. Learn from local organizations who are working hard to protect Florida’s plants and pollinators. Attend themed lectures by native plant experts. 1/30 – Fresh Start Market: Pets Night Out Free, 6-9pm, 418 Cleveland Street, downtown Clearwater. Bring your pup, your cat, or any pet that’s up for an adventure! This is their night to shine: pet-friendly vendors with toys, treats, and accessories. DJ by LC3 Entertainment. Dress your pet(s) for the costume contest and he/she/whatever could win Best Dressed Pet, Cutest Pet, and more! For the humans, there will be food from local restaurants, plus giveaways and prizes. Free parking across from Coachman Park.
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ARTS & LEISURE The Studio@620 620 First Ave. S, St. Pete 727-895-6620 thestudioat620.org Through 1/10 – MIXed: Across St. Pete (1/10 is closing event) 1/7 – Poetry Open Mic: hosted by Keep St. Pete Lit 1/14 – Blah, Blah, Blah open mic (hosted by Wordier Than You) 1/21-24 – Drilled! The Final Term? 1/26 – The Radio Theatre Project 1/29 – The Pink Unicorn USF Yuengling Center 12499 USF Bull Run Drive, Tampa 813-974-3111yuenglingcenter.com 1/11 – Harlem Globetrotters 2/10 – Sabaton: Legends on Tour 2/14 – Blues is Alright Tour Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-953-3368 vanwezel.org 1/9 – Renee Fleming 1/10 – Mutts Gone Nuts Unleashed 1/11 – Tango After Dark 1/13-14 – Blue Man Group 1/15 – Revisiting Creedence 1/16 – Kansas 1/17-18 – Masterworks: Pictures at an Exhibition 1/19 – Royal Philharmonic 1/21-25 – Some Like It Hot 1/27-29 – Riverdance 30: The New Generation 1/30 – Pops: On Broadway, Defying Gravity 2/1 – The Beat Goes On 2/3-8 – MJ 2/11 – Choir of Man 2/12 – Gipsy Kings feat. Nicolas Reyes 2/13-15 – Masterworks: Variations on America West Coast Players 21905 US 19 N, Clearwater 727-437-2363 wcplayers.com 1/16-2/1 – 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota 941-366-1505 westcoastblacktheatre.org 1/8-2/8 – Paradise Blue 1/18 – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Celebrating His Legacy
Zubrick Magic Theatre 1211 First Ave N, Suite 101, St. Pete. Thur.-Sat. 7pm; Sun. 2pm 866-ZUBRICK (866-982-7425) zubrickmagic.com MUSEUMS Florida Holocaust Museum 55 Fifth St. S, St. Pete 727-820-0100 flholocaustmuseum.org Exhibiting Thor, a Danish fishing vessel used in the 1943 rescue of more than 7,000 Jews. 1/26 – Still Standing: Healing Through Movement, Memory, and Spirit 1/27 – International Holocaust Remembrance Day 1/29 – Confronting Distortion: Safeguarding Holocaust Truth in 2026 Florida Museum of Photographic Arts 1630 E Seventh Ave., Ybor City, Tampa 813-221-2222 fmopa.org Through 1/11 – A Sublime Obsession: Photographs from the Hazlitt Collection Through 1/25 – The Soldier’s Lens Children’s Museum 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa 813-443-3851 glazermuseum.org Created specifically for children 10 and under. Home of Big John, the world’s largest fossil Triceratops Great Explorations Children’s Museum 1925 Fourth St. N, St. Pete 727-821-8992 greatex.org First Sun. of month open special hours for special needs families. Families with a SNAP, EBT, or WIC card get in free every Tues. Limited hours. Gulf Beaches Historical Museum 115 10th Ave., St. Pete Beach 727-552-1610 gulfbeachesmuseum.org Closed until further notice, but holding events in community.
Gulfport History Museum 5301 28th Ave. S, Gulfport 727-201-8687 gulfporthistoricalsociety.org 2/13 – Songs of Gulfport (at Catherine Hickman Theatre) Henry Plant Museum 401 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa 813-254-1891 plantmuseum.com Live classical music performances every third Thur. Most Sundays – Upstairs/ Downstairs at the Tampa Bay Hotel A National Historic Landmark Heritage Museum 100 Beekman Lane, Tarpon Springs 727-942-5605 tarponarts.org History and culture of the Greek community 1/27 – Tarpon Talks: Tampa Bay History Center Imagine Museum 1901 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-300-1700 imaginemuseum.com Contemporary American Studio Glass. Thur. $5 after 5pm Through 1/18 – Exceptional Voices: A Celebration of Creativity John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art 5401 Bay Shore Road., Sarasota 941-359-5700 ringling.org Mon. – Free admission all day Thurs. – Art After 5 One of the preeminent arts institutions in the United States. Through 1/11 – Yoshida Hiroshi: Journeys Through Light Through 3/4 – Joseph’s Coat: Skyscrape by James Turrell Through 3/22 – Nuestro Vaiven (Our Sway) Through 4/12 – Ancestral Edge Through 5/31– Juana Romani: Forgotten No More Through 8/29 – As Earth is to Sky Through 11/1 – SeventeenthCentury Dutch Paintings from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston 1/9 – Windjammers Circus Music Concert 1/15-16 – National Theatre Live: The Fifth Step 2/5-4/2 – Ringling Underground 2/12-13 – National Theater Live: Hamlet (2025)
Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art 600 E Klosterman Road, Tarpon Springs 727-712-5762 leeparattner.org Docent tours on Sundays Features work of 20th and 21st century masters. Through 9/13 – Abraham Rattner: French Watercolors 1/18-2/15 – 51st International Miniature Art Show Museum of the American Arts And Crafts Movement 355 Fourth St. N, St. Pete 727-440-4859 museumaacm.org Sun. Film Series – 12:30/2pm Daily Arts and Crafts-inspired films Museum of Fine Arts 255 Beach Dr. NE, St. Pete 727-894-4368 mfastpete.org Thur. $10 after 5pm 1/18 – Spanish-Speaking Tour with Alice Dasenbrock 2/5 – Baroque Unbound: Immersive Opera with Nathan Felix 2/15 – Spanish-Speaking Tour with Richard Perea Museum of Motherhood 2606 Fairfield Ave. S, St. Pete, Bldg. 7 877-711-6667 mommuseum.org Thu-Sat Noon-6pm, Sun Noon-3 Second Saturday Art Walk. Escape Womb Experience (18+)
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ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2026
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EVENTS 1/31 Gasparilla Pirate Fest Free. Gasparilla is Tampa’s signature event, celebrated annually since 1904 and hosted by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla. Each year, a merry band of pirates invades the city with a fleet of more than 500 vessels, culminating in a celebratory parade down Tampa’s famed Bayshore Boulevard with 68 “Krewes” and 120 floats with more than 300,000 people cheering them. The three-weekend festival begins 1/24 with the Children’s Parade and concludes 3/1 with a sendoff as the pirate ship Jose Gasparilla II sails out of Tampa. More information at www.gasparillapiratefest.com 2/5–2/16 – Florida State Fair 11am–9pm daily, Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 U.S. Hwy 301 N, Tampa. The annual Florida State Fair returns for 12 days of family fun, thrilling rides, over-the-top fair food, live entertainment, agricultural and livestock exhibits, hands-on activities, and more. This long-running celebration of Florida’s heritage and community spirit draws visitors from across the state for midway adventures, unique exhibits, and memorable experiences for all ages. Advance tickets and parking options are available now. www.floridastatefair.com 2/6 – Ninth Annual Fit City 5K & 1-Mile Walk Fees vary, 5-8pm, Vinoy Park, downtown St. Pete. Lace up your sneakers, grab your glow gear, and get ready to move, shine, and celebrate community health under the stars! The 5K race registration includes a free T-shirt, race bib, medal, and glow kit. T-shirt is guaranteed for registration by Jan. 5. The 1-mile walk registration includes a race bib, medal, and glow kit. Register at www.healthystpetefl.com/fitcity Day-of registration is based on availability. • Until Feb. 5: $30 for the 5K and $15 for the 1 Mile • Feb. 6: $35 for the 5K and $20 for the 1 Mile. 2/7 – 2026 St. Petersburg Science Festival Free, 10am-4pm, University of South Florida St. Petersburg and Poynter Park along the waterfront. This is an annual regional celebration where families and the public can explore the wonders of hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). It’s held annually in conjunction with MarineQuest, the open house of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. The two events happen side-by-side and attendees can walk from one to the other. 2/7 – Tampa Bay Whiskey Riot 2026 $90.40-$134.07, 3-7pm, Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave N, St Pete. The Whiskey Riot is for the Whiskey Lover, the Whiskey Curious, the Whiskey Enthusiast, the Whiskey Aficionado, and the Whiskey Rookie. The festival offers samplings of hundreds of whiskeys, seminars and conversations with whiskey lovers, distillers, brand founders and more to arm you with the tools you need to become a whiskey expert. A 21+ event. Tickets: http://bit.ly/49ixdR0
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JANUARY 2026 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
ARTS & LEISURE Sarasota Art Museum 1001 S Tamiami Trail, 941-309-4300 sarasotaartmuseum.org Through 3/29 – Art Deco: The Golden Age of Illustration Through 3/29 – Selina Roman: Abstract Corpulence Through 4/26 – Janet Echelman: Radical Softness Tampa Bay Automobile Museum 3301 Gateway Centre, Pinellas Park. 727-579-8226 tbauto.org Sundays: Historian guided tours 1/10-4/30 – The Wankel Rotary Engine: Innovation That Never Went Mainstream Tampa Bay History Center 801 Old Water St., Tampa 813-226-0097 tampabayhistorycenter.org Walking tours of Tampa neighborhoods Through 1/11 – The Lure of Florida Fishing 1/10-5/17 – The Sport of Kings and Queens: Florida’s History of Horse Racing 1/31-5/3 – America at the Crossroads: The Guitar and a Changing Nation Tampa Museum of Art 120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa 813-259-1720 tampamuseum.org Thur. 4-8pm: pay-as-you-will admission. Houses one of the most significant collections of Greek and Roman antiquities in the southeastern U.S. Through 2/1 – American Gaze: Impressionism Through 2/22 – Joseph Veach Noble: Through the Eye of a Collector Through 4/19 – The David Hall Photography Collection Through 8/23 – Jun Kaneko: Silence Before Sound Tarpon Springs Railroad Depot Historical Museum 160 E Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs 727-943-4624 tarponspringsarea historicalsociety.org
The Dalí Museum One Dali Blvd., St. Pete 727-823-3767 thedali.org Thur. and Fri. reduced admission after 5pm Through 4/19 – Gala’s Wines Through 4/19 – Dali and Harpo Marx Through 4/19 – Alberto Giacometti & Salvador Dalí: Through and Beyond Surrealism Through 4/19 – The Endless Garden Advanced-purchase timed tickets recommended The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art 150 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-892-4200 thejamesmuseum.org Tues. $10 all day Through 3/22 – A POP of Art! Through 3/29 – Edward S. Curtis: Photographer of His Time USF Graphicstudio 3702 Spectrum Blvd., Ste 100, Tampa 813-974-3503, free admission Woodson African American Museum of Florida 2240 Ninth Ave. S, St. Pete 727-323-1104 woodsonmuseum.org One City Chorus – Mon. 7pm MUSIC Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association Jazz Jam, Mon., 7-9pm, Hangar Restaurant, 540 First St. SE, St. Pete. Last Saturdays: Youth Jazz Jam, Pinellas Community Church, 5501 31st St. S, St. Pete aldowningjazz.com New Horizons Band of Gulfport Gulfport Senior Center 5501 27th Ave. S, Gulfport 727-345-0285 newhorizonsbandgulfport.org Novice, intermediate musicians
School of Rock St. Petersburg 2401 Central Ave., 727-871-7625 schoolofrock.com Guitar, drum, singing, keyboard/piano lessons South Pasadena Community Band 727-515-5407 southpasadenaband.com All-volunteer band St. Petersburg College Gibbs Campus Music Center 6605 Fifth Ave. N, 727-341-4360 spcollege.edu/events Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Society Cove Cay Golf Club 2612 Cove Cay Drive, Clearwater sdjs2022.org Tampa Bay Symphony Performances in various locations 727-827-8087 tampabaysymphony.org 2/13 – Strings of Fire, Echoes of Empire (at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center) TomKats Jazz Orchestra Monday Nights: CJ’s Backstage 7022 22nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg 727-202- 8881 tomkatsjazzorchestra.com OPERA Opera Tampa at Straz Center, 1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 813-229-7827 strazcenter.org 1/30-2/1 – The Shining Sarasota Opera House 61 N Pineapple Ave., 941-328-1300 sarasotaopera.org 1/9 – PMP Celebration Concert 1/10 – Tribute to Hall and Oates, presented by Moxie Events 1/18 – MLK: Celebrating His Legacy in Word and Song 1/30 – Sarasota Opera Gala: Winter in Paris 2/8 – Stars of Tomorrow 2/14-3/28 – La Boheme St. Pete Opera 2145 First Ave. S, 727-823-2040 stpeteopera.org Various performance locations 1/16 – Maestro Series: Guilio Cesare Preview 1/30-2/3 –Guilio Cesare
St. Petersburg Opera Guild stpeteoperaguild.org The Pinellas Opera League Thur.: Opera at the Dali pinellasoperaleague.com ECO Monthly Treasure Island Beach Cleanup Second Saturday 8:30am St. Petersburg Municipal Beach, 11260 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island. Supplies provided mjackson@kpbcares.org 727-533-0402 Boyd Hill Nature Preserve 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Pete 727-893-7326 https://tinyurl.com/yc3k32ms Closed Mon. Environmental education center, Terry Tomalin Campground, Pinellas Pioneer Settlement 1/17 – Wildflower Walk 2/14 – Astronomy Night Brooker Creek Preserve 3940 Keystone Rd., Tarpon Springs 727-453-6800 brookercreekpreserve.org Through 2/15 – Nature’s Medicine Chest: An Exhibition of the Florida Circle of Nature Artists.
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Fort De Soto Park 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde 727-552-1862 pinellascounty.org/park Campgrounds, ferry services to Egmont and Shell Keys. Some areas closed or limited Parking $6/vehicle Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center 700 Second Ave. NE, at The St. Pete Pier 727-291-4103 tbwdiscoverycenter.org Daily boat tours of Tampa Bay ecosystem, interactive exhibits, daily talks, guided tours. Weedon Island Preserve 1800 Weedon Dr. NE, St. Pete 727-453-6500 weedonislandpreserve.org Guided hikes, birding, and photography tours. Archaeology lectures, classes and webinars. 1/10 – Naturalist guided tour 1/17 – Tiny Wildlife Experience 2/7 & 14 – Naturalist guided tour
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EVENTS 2/7–2/8 – St. Petersburg Fine Art Festival Free admission, 10am–5pm both days, South Straub Park, Bayshore Drive NE, St. Pete. The festival showcases hundreds of exceptional artists working in a wide range of media, including painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, and more. Meet the artists, discover unique original works, enjoy live music, and explore vibrant local food vendors while taking in beautiful waterfront views. This free, juried event is a highlight of the Gulf Coast’s cultural calendar and perfect for art lovers of all ages. www.paragonfestivals.com/festival/st-petersburg-fine-art-festival 2/8 – St. Petersburg Distance Classic Races start at 6am. North Shore Park, 901 N Shore Drive NE, St. Pete. Join the St. Petersburg Distance Classic is a scenic feast, taking place on Florida’s west coast overlooking Tampa Bay. With a USATF-certified Marathon (BQ), Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K, plus a Virtual option, the St. Pete Distance Classic offers a distance for every level of runner and walker. www.stpetersburgdistanceclassic.com 2/8 – Road House Nation presents: 2026 Super Bowl Party Prices vary, 4pm, OCC Road House and Museum, 10575 49th St. N, Clearwater. Enjoy a guaranteed seat in front of the largest LED TV (30 feet) in the area and hear the game in full stereo sound! Plus, an all-you-can-eat buffet and great specialty drinks! No age restrictions. Tickets must be purchased for a seat. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/yzrkevrt 2/14 – Localtopia Free admission, 10am-6pm, Williams Park, 330 Second Ave. N, St. Pete. Localtopia is St. Pete’s largest “Community Celebration of All Things Local,” showcasing more than 300 of our city’s favorite independent businesses and community organizations. It features art and handcrafted goods, clothing and accessories, home décor, jewelry, and more, as well as family and wellness villages, and plenty to eat and drink at the Food Truck Rally Alley. No pets, please! 2/14 – 2026 Knight Parade by The Krewe of Sant’ Yago Free, 7pm, Seventh Ave., Ybor City. A Tampa tradition for more than five decades, the nighttime spectacle celebrates the city’s Latin heritage, civic pride, and spirited sense of community. Known for its dazzling lights, vibrant costumes, and elaborately decorated floats, the Knight Parade remains one of the largest illuminated parades in the Southeast and a signature event on Tampa Bay’s social calendar. Arrive early for the best spots! ON THE HORIZON 2/21 – Cupid’s Undie Run, St. Pete 2/27-3/8 – My Fair Lady, presented by Eight O’Clock Theatre, Central Park Performing Arts Center, Largo 3/10 – Confronting Distortion: Safeguarding Holocaust Truth in 2026, The Florida Holocaust Museum 3/15 – Listening Room Festival, Palladium 3/27 – Opening night of Into the Woods, by American Stage, at Demens Landing. 4/5 – Dunedin Highland Games and Festival 4/25-26 – Green Thumb Festival, Walter Fuller Park, St. Pete 5/9-10 – Next Generation Ballet’s Coppelia, Straz Center, Tampa
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ARTS & LEISURE GARDENS
FERRIES
Florida West Coast Orchid Society Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 10891 102nd Ave. N, Seminole 727-420-7230 fwcos.org 1/31-2/1 – 2026 Annual Orchid Show & Sale (Seminole Rec Center)
Egmont Key Ferry Fort De Soto Boat Ramp 727-398-6577 hubbardsmarina.com Departs from Fort Desoto Boat Ramp. Voted #1 fishing charter in U.S. four years in a row
Garden Club of St. Petersburg 500 Sunset Dr. S, 727-381-8920 gardenclubstpetersburg.org Ikebana International Lealman Exchange Community Center, 5175 45th St. N, St. Pete ikebanastpetersburg.com 1/31-2/1 – The Art of Ikebana: Japanese Floral Exhibition (at Westminster Suncoast) Marie Selby Botanical Gardens 1534 Mound St., Sarasota 941-366-5731 selby.org Through 8/30 – Robert Louis Stevenson: A Child’s Garden of Verses 2/8-5/21 – Alexander Calder: The Nature of Movement Pinewood Cultural Park 12520 Ulmerton Road, and 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo Heritage Village pinellas.gov/parks/heritage-village Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026 Creative Pinellas – creativepinellas.org Florida Botanical Gardens – Free 100-acre park flbg.org Third Saturday – Gardens open 7am-5pm; Creative Pinellas open noon-5pm; Heritage Village open 10am-4pm Sunken Gardens 1825 Fourth St. N, St. Pete Adult and child classes sunkengardens.org
Shell Key Ferry Fort De Soto Boat Ramp 727-398-6577 hubbardsmarina.com See website for overnight camping LIBRARIES Gulf Beaches Public Library 200 Municipal Drive, Madeira Beach 727-391-2828 gulfbeacheslibrary.org Gulfport Public Library 5501 28th Ave. S, Gulfport 727-893-1074 mygulfport.us/gpl 1/19 – Library closed for MLK Day St. Pete Beach Public Library 365 73rd Ave., St. Pete Beach 727-363-9238 https://tinyurl.com/yc583mmy Mon, Wed: 10am-8pm Tues, Thurs, Friday: 10am-6pm Sat: 10am-2pm, Sun: Closed See spblibrary.com for daily events. 1/19 – Library closed for MLK Day President Barack Obama Main Library 3745 Ninth Ave. N, St. Pete 727-893-7724 splibraries.org Sun, Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat: 10am-6pm Tues, Thurs: 10am-8pm 1/19 – Library closed for MLK Day SPIRITUAL Sacred Lands 1700 Park St. N, St. Pete 727-347-0354 sacredlandspreservation.org Florida’s largest American Indian mound on private land. Drum circle first Fri.; Sun. tour, meditations, special events
Soothe Our Souls (S.O.S.) 4737 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach 727-360-7411 sootheoursouls.org Provides complimentary sailing for seriously health-challenged people and their support groups Spiritual Conditioning Program 153 107th Ave., Treasure Island Pat Jano at 727-324-9222 Small group Bible study ZOOS/AQUARIUMS Clearwater Marine Aquarium 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater 727-441-1790 cmaquarium.org Rescue, rehab and release Home of Hope, of Dolphin Tale II Florida Aquarium 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa 813-273-4000 flaquarium.org Mote Science Education Aquarium Nathan Benderson Park, 225 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota. Purchase tickets online to guarantee date of choice: https://tinyurl.com/5n7adtup 941-374-2673 A world-class, 110,000-square-foot facility dedicated to marine science, education, and immersive public experiences.
YOGA
MARKETS
Beach Yoga Pinellas Redington Shores Beachyogapinellas.com
TUESDAYS
Salty Souls Yoga 6798 Crosswinds Drive N, D-106 St. Pete. 727-459-9178 (text for fastest response) saltysoulsyoga.com Silver Sneakers Yoga Community Center, St. Pete Beach Fri. 11:15am spbrec.com South Pasadena Yoga • Gentle Yoga: Thursdays, 9:30-10:30am • Yoga Flow: Thursdays, 10:40-11:40am, South Pasadena City Hall, 7047 Sunset Drive S barbmoeller1@gmail.com Sunken Gardens 1825 Fourth St. N, St. Pete 727-560-7317 Mon. & Wed. 10:30am Sun Sea Air Yoga & Wellness 2321 49th St. S, Gulfport 727-220-0231 sunseaairyoga.com/ sun-sea-air-yoga Booking ahead recommended. Sunset Yoga at The St. Pete Pier First Wed. 7-8pm. Free https://tinyurl.com/3m2wbmc6
Seaside Seabird Sanctuary 18328 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores 727-391-6211 seasideseabirdsanctuary.org Cares for approximately 3,500 birds every year; home to over 80 permanently injured residents. Free. Donations accepted. Tours.
The Centre of St. Pete Beach 7525 Blind Pass Road, 727-258-2001 thecentreSPB.com/calendar1
ZooTampa at Lowry Park 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa 813-935-8552 zootampa.org
Yoga at The Dali Dali Museum, third Sun., 9-10am https://tinyurl.com/bd6e88mz
Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market 9am-3pm, Oct. through April 9am-2pm, May through Sept. Beach Blvd. below 28th Ave. S, First Tues. Clothing Swap: Russian Club, 2920 Beach Blvd. S visitgulfportflorida.com WEDNESDAYS Madeira Beach Market Nov.-May 10am-3pm 15000 Madeira Way
Sunset Market First and third Fri. nights, 5-10pm, parking lot of Imagine Museum, 1901 Central Ave., St. Pete. Creative Clay Outdoor Art Market First Fridays, 10am-2pm 1846 First Ave. S, St. Pete
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY Dunedin Downtown Market 9am-1pm, Pioneer Park, 420 Main St., Fri. market Nov.-May until 2pm; Sat. market year-round.
Crossroads Market Third Saturdays, 10am-2pm, Crossroads Christian Church 1645 Seminole Blvd., Largo
SUNDAYS 49th Street Makers/Growers Market First Sunday, 10am-2pm Red Feather Studios, 1301 49th St. S, Gulfport Corey Avenue Sunday Market 10am-2pm/June-Oct. 9am-1pm Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach coreyave.com
Treasure Island Friday Morning Market Dec.-April, 9am-2pm Community Center Park islandneighborschamber.org
SATURDAYS
The Market Marie Second Saturdays, 10am-3pm Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St., Clearwater Mezzo Market One Saturday a month Oct.-May, Baum Avenue between Intermezzo Coffee & Green Bench Brewing, St. Pete mezzomarket.com
FRIDAYS
Gulfport Night Market First Friday and third Saturday Downtown Gulfport, 5-9pm
St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market Oct.-May, 9am-2pm Al Lang Stadium parking lot, 230 First St. SE June-Sept. 9am-1pm, Williams Park, 350 Second Ave. N saturdaymorningmarket.com
Indian Shores Sunday Market Nov.-April, 9am-1pm Indian Shores Town Hall, 19305 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores facebook.com/ IndianShoresSundayMarket St. Pete Sunday Market Third Sun. of the month, Noon-6pm Arts Xchange 515 22nd St. S, St. Pete Sunday Market St. Pete Weekly, 10am-5pm, St. Petersburg High School, 2501 Fifth Ave. N SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS Art Mart at Pass-a-Grille Sat. & Sun., 9am-2pm (+ Fridays through April) 900 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach
ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2026
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CLASSIFIED ACCOUNTING / BOOKKEEPING & TAX SERVICES David J. Strickler, CPA, PA, djscpa1@aol.com 727.906.9600 ACUPUNCTURE Ancient Healing Acupuncture & Herbs Authentic oriental healing arts are still the foremost healing methods in China. 6600 31st. Terrace N., St. Pete. 727.384.4826 AIR CONDITIONING / HEATING Red Royal Services can service your existing HVAC or replace it. 727.315.0793 ANNUAL HOME RENTAL Keyrenter property management takes the work and worry out of being a landlord. KeyrenterStPete.com or call Sam 727.202.2700 BLINDS & SHUTTERS Shopping for Window Treatment? Blinds, shades and shutters from Déco and energy-saving to Storm Protection. Act quick (install by 12/31 to get 30% tax credit) on ALTA Shades. Call The Shutterman 727-810-4606 or TheShuttermanFL.com Call for a free in-home consult. See ad for 30% off next purchase. Call Budget Blinds 727.821.0976 or the motorization, automation experts Saphire Shades and Shutters 727.289.1629 sales@SaphireShades andShutters.com CARPETS & RUGS Professional Rug Cleaning & Invisible Repairs – Free pick-up and delivery.Also, the largest selection of imported Handmade works of art you can walk on. Oriental Rug Bazaar 727.726.8787 COLLEGE ADMISSION FL-based College Counselor Helping students with college admissions ic-prep.com CLOSET DESIGN & INSTALLATION Get organized. Maximize the space you have in closets, pantries, laundry rooms & more. newclosettoday.com Call for a free consult 727.641.6448 CONDO FOR SALE Downtown St. Pete Condo @The Beacon on 3rd Eighth floor 1BR/1BA unit with a north view Secure Older building w/good reserves, pool, gym, HOA, Includes Power, A/C, cable, Club Room, Balcony, Pets OK. Assigned Parking Next to USF, Dali, Publix $295,000
DEMOLITION If Demolition is your next move… visit www.Down2Ground.com Call 239-955-9855, Or email Down2Ground Demo@gmail.com DENTAL SERVICES Century Dental, Advanced Dental Technology,bImplants, Reconstructive, Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry, 617 75th Ave., St. Pete Beach,n40 Years Experience – Free 2nd opinions CenturyDental.org 727.367.3313 Pier Dental, 8351 Blind Pass Rd., SPB Family-owned General and Cosmetic Dentistry with Personalized Care. Florida native Dr. Brittany Pierpont. PierDental.net 727.363.6169 DRY CLEANERS & LAUNDRY Free Pick-up & Delivery Dry Clean, Wash-Dry-Fold, Alterations, Patio Cushion Cleaning, Shoe & Handbag Repair, Pick-up at home or office 2x weekly, Sacino’s Cleaners sacinoscleaners.com 727.471.0573 EDUCATION Hire an advocate to get your child(ren) an education designed to meet their unique needs. Call Bill 302.745.7472 drwilliamlane.com ELECTRICAL SERVICES Your contact for all things electrical. Solar hookup, generators, wiring and rewiring homes and businesses. Red Royal Electric 727.228.1065 FITNESS Top Shape Fitness Open gym, personal training, in-body testing, infrared sauna. Mention Paradise News for $5 off. 727.338.32694615 Gulf Blvd. #116, St. Pete Beach HAIR BRAIDING Get your hair braided by an Expert. Braids by Serina 727.241.3948 HANDYMAN Yard Work, Concrete, Stucco, Block, Painting, Pressure Washing, Handyman. No Job Too Small! 727.222.7599 HEALTH & NUTRITION Ancient Healing Acupuncture & Herbs Seasonal Allergies, Hip & Back Pain April Wang 727.384.4826 Certified Chinese MD, (Tyrone Area) 6600 31st Terrace, St. Pete Worried About Your Memory? HOUSEKEEPING & CLEANING Dependable European Lady15+yrs exp., High Quality, Reasonable Rates, References. 727.564.1473
CLASSIFIED Reasonable cleaning. Homes, windows, offices. Experienced and insured. Pinellas county. 727.259.3558 Laddy’s Cleaning Service on thebeaches over a decade 727.430.8826 Home & Office Cleaning Experienced, Efficient European Cleaning LadyFree Estimates, Great local references, 10+ years Irina 727.481.1364 INSURANCE Bentley DeNight Insurance Services can save $$$ on Flood Insurance and can quote Homeowners, Auto & Business Insurances 727.344.4500 JEWELRY Beverly Gianna Luxury Jewelry & Design is a full service jeweler and diamond expertwho loves to redesign inherited jewelry intomodern wearable pieces. 6647 Central Ave. St. Petersburg 33710 727-513-3469 LOCKSMITH SERVICES Lock Repair Service during daytime hours, weekdays. Vet owned. Tommy Locksmith 727.755.3975 LUMBER Need wood to match your old house? If it isn’t in stock, ask if we can make it for you. Anderson Lumber 666 49th St. S 727.321.3111 MARKETING SERVICES Janet Nummi, Graphic Design info@janetnummi.com Buddy Baker, Copyediting melvin.baker@gmail.com MASSAGE SERVICES Helios Health – Zoe (MA31664) offers massage and Infrared sauna therapy on West Central Ave. at 57th St., St. Petersburg 727.322.8883 MEDICAL SERVICES Primary Care, Concierge Medicine, Lifestyle and Obesity Medicine, Men’s Health, Sports Medicine Chronic Disease Management Jason Philippe 727.322.4226 Reverse Aging while you still can! Colin Chan MD 727.571.1688 PAINTING SERVICES Residential or Commercial Painting Flo-Pro Painting 727.337.6888 PLASTIC SURGERY Coundouriotis Facial Plastic Surgery and Laser Center 727.525.9900 “Reverse the Signs Of Aging Anywhere on your body, Rebuild collagen & reduce wrinkles.”
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Marina Bay – New Construction Near Eckerd. More than beautiful. Resilient, Private, Peaceful, Protected FORTIFIED 727.906.3300 MarinaBaystPete.com RESIDENTIAL PROTECTION Insurance Companies are now rejecting claims if no one has been there in 14 days. Property Watch Ninja’s are your boots on the ground When you’re not around. PropertyWatchNinja’s.com or Call 727.620.2620 SCREEN REPAIR Screen Repair for Pool Cages, Patios and Lanais, call or text for a FREE Estimate. Rescreen Rescue 727.348.4307 SLIDING DOOR REPAIR Stop struggling with old sliding doors.We fix it to open for a fraction of thecost of a new door. We replace windows too. Lic. C1050, YouTube.com/user/SliderRepairs Slider Repairs 727.493.2644 TOURS & TRANSPORTATION Paradise Tours & Transportation Call us 1st for your transportation needs. We will take you where you want to go! Sightseeing tours and transportation around Tampa Bay. 727.417.8036 Free Beach Rides 727.776.7553 TUTORING Portuguese & French Tutoring Conversational-Grammar-Literature parigitropicale@gmail.com 727.301.5917 Piano lessons your home or my studio.All ages & styles, affordable, 25 years of experience. 727.688.2782 French lessons by French native All levels. Text or call 571.435.5606 Reading tutor. Certified. Grades 2-8. 1:1 Zoom or in-person. 941.962.5782 actuallylearnit.com Hire an advocate to get your child(ren) an education designed to meet their unique needs. Call Bill 302.745.7472 drwilliamlane.com WINDOW CLEANING See Life More Clearly, 30 yrs. exp., Residential, Commercial. Estimates are free. Call Tim 727.488.8516 CLASSIFIED ADS 10 Words 10 issues $100 20 Words 10 Issues $200 Single issue or less than 10 $2.50/word. Email: sales@paradisenewsfl.com Or call 727-363-6888.
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ParadiseNewsFL.com | JANUARY 2026
49
ENCOURAGING WORDS
By Dennis Merritt Jones, DD
USE IT – OR LOSE IT!
Using What We Have Before the Expiration Date Is the Mark of a Wise Person “What gift has been laid at your feet today? Perhaps now would be a great time to stop, look down, and appreciate it, because it may not be there forever.” ~ The Art of Being Have you ever noticed that life’s greatest lessons often sneak up behind us, waving from the rearview mirror like a cheeky hitchhiker? The good news is, if we keep our eyes open and our minds awake, we might just catch those lessons before we zoom past them. As an example, this morning I was eagerly anticipating my one and only, sacred, daily cup of coffee. That is, until I added some half and half, which curdled on impact, transforming my cup of joy into a “cottage cheese” science experiment. A quick glance at the carton revealed the grim truth: my cream had joined the expired goods club a few days back. Cue the facepalm and the age-old wisdom of hindsight being 20/20. There’s a lesson here for us all, nestled like a prize in a cereal box, if only we’re willing to dig for it.
“Life is ever giving of Itself. We must receive, utilize, and extend the gift.” ~ Ernest Holmes
In my quest to find a silver lining in every cloud – or curdled coffee – I had an epiphany: everything that exists has an expiration date – everything. Sure, we don’t have labels or scan bars on our foreheads (thank goodness), but whether it’s our bodies, relationships, jobs, or that ancient jar of pickles in the fridge, nothing lasts forever. Even our planet is on a timer. Dr. Holmes knew this when he urged us to utilize our gifts before they turn into pumpkins. Notice he didn’t say “Hoard the gifts that flow into our lives because there is no more in the pipeline.” The operative word in his quote is “utilize.” Utilization of what we have opens the portal and primes the pump for more of the same – whether through ignorance, negligence, there is no need to mindlessly cling to – or fearfully hoard – anything.
Realizing that today will turn into yesterday at the stroke of midnight, I share this nugget of wisdom not to bring you down, but to give you a friendly nudge. If everything, including you and me, has an expiration date, how can we savor the blessings and gifts of today before they slip through our fingers? Suddenly, “wake up and smell the coffee” feels like a rallying cry, don’t you think? Try this affirmation on for size: “This day is a precious gift set before me to use wisely. Because it expires at midnight, I enter it with mindfulness and gratitude, knowing I shall never see it again.” So, let’s embrace each day like it’s the last cookie in the jar – before someone else grabs it! Peace, Dennis Merritt Jones, DD
Copyright © 2026 - DMJ Presentations LLC • www.DennisMerrittJones.com
Dennis Merritt Jones’ vision is “Guiding People to Purpose.” He is an award-winning author of seven books, a keynote speaker, and personal mentor/coach who loves living in St. Petersburg. If you would like more information regarding his availability as a speaker, his mentoring programs, and his books, please visit his website at DennisMerrittJones.com.
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JANUARY 2026 | ParadiseNewsFL.com
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Paradise News | P.O. Box 66385, St. Pete Beach, FL 33736 | 727.363-6888 | www.ParadiseNewsFL.com
= Melinda participated in the sale
#1 AGENT in St. Pete Beach
TOP 25 AGENT in Pinellas County
TBBJ Who’s Who in Real Estate
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
VINA DEL MAR
10+ YEARS of Experience
FOR SALE
350 N JULIA CIRCLE 4 BED | 3 BATH | 2,571 SF
VINA DEL MAR
VINA DEL MAR
251 S ISLE DRIVE 3 BED | 2 BATH | 2,193 SF
403 HERMOSITA DRIVE 3 BED | 2/1 BATH | 2,248 SF
SOLD
SOLD
FOR SALE
BELLE VISTA
VINA DEL MAR
PASS A GRILLE WATERFRONT
221 42ND AVENUE SOLD FOR: $940,000
243 HERMOSITA DRIVE SOLD FOR: $1,975,000
1401 PASS A GRILLE WAY FABULOUS VIEWS
CONTACT MELINDA FOR ALL PRICES Melinda Pletcher, REALTOR® | 727.455.6633 mpletcher@smithandassociates.com | melindapletcher.com