More than half of the luxury residences at the Beachmaker are already sold. Prices will rise as construction progresses BY JEFF BEGGINS
FEATURES
7 If You Build It
A clothing-optional beach is a way to attract a new flock of visitors to our destination. BY
DAVE CARLSON
14 Home Improvement
Hurricane Season is just around the corner. Here is a plan for being better prepared for the next one. BY PETER ROOS
16 Pier 60
Sugar Sand Festival
This year’s festival celebrates the replenishment of our sugar sand beaches after the storms BY JANET NUMMI
From breakfast at St. Pete Beach’s La Croisette to dessert of gelato and café, it is a perfect day. STEPHEN RAFFERTY
21 Patient-First Dentistry
We are incredibly lucky to have a number of great, private dental practices nearby that provide terrific patient service. Pier Dental is a great example.
vs Skinny GLP weight loss and health issues
Reclaimed water is a limited resource that conserves a lot of potable water. BY PETER ROOS
39 Music Scene
March brings celebrations for St. Patrick’s Day, plus Blues at the Palladium. Reserve May 21 for Bob Dylan’s 85th Birthday Bash. BY
NANETTE WISER
SUBSCRIPTIONS Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ParadiseNews Instagram @ParadiseNewsFL Website www.paradisenewsfl.com Twitter www.twitter.com/paradisenewsfl
Discover Marina Bay in St. Petersburg, a hidden gem tucked away on Boca Ciega Bay, where 60 acres of lush tropical landscaping, lakes with dramatic water features and abundant wildlife blend to form this vibrant community. Just seven minutes to downtown and seven minutes to St Pete Beach, the new Villas, Estate Homes and Condominiums of Marina Bay redefine luxury and provide resilience by building to Fortified Standards. Visit Marina Bay, next to Eckerd College, to tour our new models
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FORTIFIED goesbeyond code,meaningitexceeds mostbuildingcodesby improvingtheperformance ofbuildingsagainstnatural disastersandreducingtherisk ofpersonalpropertylosses. HOW IMPORTANT IS SAFETY TO YOU?
PUBLISHERS MESSAGE
Welcome to the March 2026 edition of Paradise News, the beloved community newsmagazine serving St. Petersburg and the numerous “cities” on its barrier islands. Designed to help both residents and visitors get the most out of their time in and near St. Pete Beach, the sunset capital of Florida, Paradise News has, for over 30 years, provided Arts and Leisure and Events listings, updated each month, which comprise roughly the back third of each issue. Starting on page 35 this month, there are about 15 categories, of which performing arts is only one. The new issue usually appears online on or near the first of each month (except July and September), and links are provided in the following Thursday’s digital newsletter, which you can subscribe to for FREE on our website www.paradisenewsfl.com.
We are a 30-something community news magazine written mostly by relocated northerners, just like most of our readers. The communities we serve are full of professional people, business owners and retirees. Many of us are still trying to recover from hurricane Helene’s devastating late September 2024 flood and Milton’s winds two weeks later. As an example, St. Pete Beach’s PJ’s restaurant got demolished late in February. We have been including recovery lessons in almost every issue and know that some of you have learned well.
Our cover story this month features the “Beachmaker” a new resort for the heart of Madeira Beach, that will be owned by its guests. Check out the article on page 26 and see if this investment is for you.
The movement to designate an out-of-sight beach at Fort Desoto as “clothing optional” is gaining momentum after several years. Land of Lakes is the “clothing optional capital of the world” but if residents want a clothing-optional beach, they currently have to go to the east coast of our state. It sounds like a good move for tourism in the area.
It is the “height of season” here in Paradise and there are LOTS of fun things going on in the area. The Renaissance Festival, for example, (from Michigan) is in Dade City on weekends through March. It is a lot of fun when the weather is right, especially if you dress up.
After having the same, reasonably priced, efficient, web press for our magazine for the past 25+ years, we had to hunt for a new one in January. If you got this issue in the mail, it should have been there before the 15th. That is our goal. I want to apologize for the late arrival of the February edition. It was printed by the second new magazine printer we have had to use so far this year. The first, in Jacksonville, was quite expensive, and the second, in Miami, was painfully slow. Hopefully, we can now count on the “Goldie Locks effect” so that the third new magazine printer will work out “just right.” At least our newest printer is in Pinellas County, where Paradise News is from.
Our readers are the only reason Paradise News has thrived for over 30 years. Thanks for reading and letting our advertisers know you read about them in Paradise News.
www.ParadiseNewsFL.com
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PUBLISHERS
NEWS
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
Lenny Guckenheimer - Hanging Around Buddy Baker - Arts & Leisure / Events
Dennis Merritt Jones, DDEncouraging Words
Stephen Rafferty - 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
“Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come.” — Victor Hugo—
As the 2026 Florida legislative season gains momentum, lawmakers continue inching toward eliminating residents’ property taxes. Scrape away the shiny election-year veneer, and you’ll find tourism budgets are at the core of proposed financial offsets.
Whichever side of the debate you favor, it’s clear that the Tampa/St. Pete/Clearwater area will feel the impact. Increasing taxes on tourists, whether on second homes, hotel beds, and/or Tourist Development Taxes, will cause visitors to more carefully consider their vacation and travel budgets.
Tourism is the very fuel of Florida’s economic engine and can ill-afford a downturn in visitor sentiment. Local tourism development leaders are already discussing ways to curb the inevitable damage to budgets and tourists’ perceptions.
Circumstances like these call for creative, even visionary, thinking. A what-if, outsidethe-box, no-bad-ideas brainstorming mindset is the order of the day.
So how about this idea... Let’s create a unique tourist attraction, one that costs essentially nothing to build and maintain; one that will appeal to locals and visitors, both national and international alike.
This attraction should create jobs, directly benefit local businesses’ bottom lines, and increase revenue for the responsible governing body.
Conversely, our new attraction should avoid the usual negatives, such as traffic jams, increased crime, and triggering costly infrastructure improvements.
Fantasy? Not if you’re truly thinking outside the box. In fact, what I’m suggesting already exists. There are four such attractions on Florida’s east coast right now!
Four clothing-optional beaches have been attracting millions of visitors and international tourists (and their dollars) to Brevard, St. Lucie, and Miami-Dade Counties for decades now. Their low-key successes and the economic benefits they bring to their communities are undeniable.
Haulover Beach is widely considered one of the top clothing-optional beaches in the world. Since 1991, some 1.4 million visitors annually generate $1.2M in parking revenue alone.
St. Lucie County’s Blind Creek Beach is quickly gaining worldwide recognition for its unspoiled beauty. Playalinda and Apollo Beaches are less well-known but attract thousands of locals and tourists, including families, to the Space Coast.
All four of these beaches are wellestablished and very popular, and their positive economic impacts have stood the test of time. Unfortunately, the tourism dollars they attract accrue to the East Coast.
Competition for those tourists’ dollars is only going to intensify. Clearly, a designated clothing-optional beach in our area is the idea whose time has come.
Haulover Beach, Miami-Dade County
TIDBITS
A community Tech Desk, especially for seniors challenged by their devices, is offering free assistance Tuesday mornings 9am-noon through March at the Lealman Exchange, 5175 45th St. N. www.lealmanexchange.org 727-464-5404
The St. Pete Beach Library also offers tech assistance weekly. You can make an appointment for up to 30 minutes with the librarian on Saturdays from 2-4pm at www.Calendly.com/ stpetebeachlibrary/30minutes or by calling 727-363-9238. Please note, because this program occurs outside regular library hours, no other library services will be available during this time.
Treasure Island Beach Cleanup Join volunteers on the second Saturday of each month for a community beach cleanup, 11260 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island from 8-10:30am. Supplies will be provided, and all ages are welcome. Meet at city of St. Petersburg Municipal Beach, 11260 Gulf Blvd.,
Treasure Island by 8:15am. Volunteers should wear closed toe shoes, sun protection, and weather appropriate clothing. If you have any questions, please contact Megan Jackson, program coordinator, at mjackson@kpbcares.org or 727-533-0402. More info at www.kpbcares.org.
The city of Treasure Island, in partnership with TI - Adopt A Beach, Keep Pinellas Beautiful, and Volunteer Florida, is offering a few environmental education classes in April and May to help you better understand our local ecosystems.
The following classes will be held at Sunset Vista Park (Gulf Blvd. at West Gulf Blvd.) in Treasure Island 10-11am
April 10: Natives and Invasive Plants
April 24: Plastics/Microplastics
May 8: Shoreline/ Coastal Resiliency
Farmers Markets continue weekly. The Corey Sunday Market operates every Sunday from 9am-2pm at Corey Ave. in St. Pete Beach. Fresh produce, crafts, and food trucks are available. On Tuesdays, there is a Gulfport morning market. On Fridays, it is in Treasure Island Community Park, and Saturdays, the market that started the trend continues in downtown St. Petersburg.
St. Pete Beach City Council will meet March 24 at 6pm in City Hall., following a 4pm revenue workshop. Residents may attend in person or online. Contact cityclerk@stpetebeach. org or 727-555-4321 or visit www.StPeteBeach.org for agenda information.
The FREE St. Pete Beach Spring concert series runs every other Friday 7-9pm starting on the second weekend of March.
March 13 - KC and the 70s Flashback Party Band
March 27 -
The American Stones
April 10 - Smooth D & The Boyz April 24 - Beside Myself (Elton John and Billy Joel Tribute) Concerts are on the waterfront at Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Dr. St. Pete Beach; hot dogs and burgers will be sold by St. Pete Beach Fire Rescue. Beer and wine will be sold by the Suntan Art Center. Free to attend! Pets welcome on leashes. Outside food and drinks are allowedNO GLASS.
Free Tax Preparation
Assistance - St. Pete Beach Library offers free tax prep help for residents every Wednesday through April. Schedule at taxhelp@stpetebeach.org or call 727-555-4455.
St. Pete Beach Parking Permit Renewals for beach parking permits are open until April 15. Apply online or at City Hall. For assistance, contact permits@stpetebeach.org or 727-555-1020.
Spring Break Safety Tips
Treasure Island Police share safety tips for Spring Break visitors and locals. Visit
www.police.treasureislandfl.gov or call 727-555-6621 for more info.
Volunteer Opportunities
Both St. Pete Beach and Treasure Island seek volunteers for upcoming events. Contact volunteer@stpetebeach.org or volunteer@treasureislandfl.gov for listings and info.
The St. Pete Beach Dog Park at McKenney Park will undergo maintenance March 26-27. Temporary closures expected. For updates, contact parks@stpetebeach.org or 727-555-1234.
Storm Preparedness
Workshop Attend a storm preparedness workshop at Treasure Island City Hall on March 25 at 5pm. Contact stormprep@ti.gov or 727-555-8765 for registration.
Registration for Summer Camps at St. Pete City Theatre opens Monday, March 2, for Family Membership holders, and Monday, March 9, at 10am for the general public. Each
camp is two weeks long, from 9am-4:30pm, Monday through Friday. The camp performance is the second Friday of the camp at 7pm. Camps are open to anyone 7-14 years of age, no theatre experience needed. Camp tuition is $500, with a sibling discount available. Space is limited.Please email youththeatre@spcitytheatre.org.
The Bay Area Renaissance Festival continues in Dade City on weekends through March. Each weekend has a theme which can be seen on their website www.bayareaRenfest. com. The 90-minute drive from St. Petersburg is like a trip in a time machine, taking you back to a small town fair in 16th century England. Ticket prices are $26.95 for adults, $18.95 for children 5-12 and $22.95 for seniors over 65. Some area Circle Ks have tickets for three dollars less.
Dolphin Landings charter boat center behind Dolphin Village Shopping Center in St. Pete Beach has been
By Peter Roos
offering 2-3 hour sailing adventures for almost 40 years. They use some vintage 40-50 foot sailboats built locally by Morgan Yachts and maintained impeccably. Afternoon departures generally see dolphin playing in the Intracoastal. The sunset sail that leaves 90 minutes before sunset daily, weather permitting, is a magical experience. Don’t let the condition of the center concern you. Reconstruction of an elevated Publix store is about to start.
Spring break is here and The Wharf Waterfront Restaurant & Bar in Pass-A-Grille is everyone’s favorite clubhouse featuring Happy Hour Mon.Fri. 3:30-6pm (bar only), rock music on the patio with Rob Tyre Wed.-Sat. 6-9:30pm., daily specials (Fish Fry Tuesday, Taco Wednesday), seafood dinner specials (Grouper Oscar is a favorite), amazing coconut or peel-n-eat shrimp, and the best grouper sandwich on the beach! Come by boat (new docks), dine alfresco on our updated patio or in their breezy dining room or boisterous bar. Enjoy shrimp, wings, burgers, Reubens, seafood baskets and ribs and be sure to leave room for their specialty desserts. There’s even a kids’ menu! Cool merchandise and gift certificates available online at restaurant. www.order.toasttab. com/egiftcards/the-wharf-passa-gril
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TIDBITS
The TradeWinds Resort has launched six new dining concepts since fall 2025, focusing on fresh, coastal, and casual options. Key additions include Pete’s Gulf Bistro (American fare), Playa Taco Cocina y Tequileria (tequila and tacos), Coastal Pizza, Sunshine Grounds n’ Goods (Kahwa coffee), an ice cream and candy bar, and grab-and-go options This new food court area has become the hub of the resort. The Tradewinds are waiving any parking charges for locals that are coming to try these new venues, so just let them know at the reception kiosk that you read about them in Paradise News and are coming to dine. Pete’s Bistro is open 7am-10pm daily.
Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce held its annual dinner last evening in the pavilion at the TradeWinds Resort. The mission of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber is to support businesses, promote tourism, and provide a platform for collaboration
to enhance the business environment and the quality of life in our communities. An expo and cocktail hour was held in the garden near the pool before the dinner event. The weather was so beautiful this pre-event lasted more like two hours. The Tradewinds outdid themselves with an offering of Cabernet braised short ribs of beef with celery root and potato, Latin Gruyere cheese, roasted asparagus, an awesome salad of field greens and berries to start and a delicious Crème Brulee.
Chamber Leader Charlie Justice set the tone for the evening and introduced Scott Berry who led the board very successfully through 2025, a year of struggles for most. Scott introduced Tim Johnson of Waterfront Realty, who is taking over as chairman of the chamber’s large and impressive board. Having recently attended funerals of great men he knew around the country, Tim said none of us have more or less than 1,440 minutes per day for the rest of our lives, and talked about the need to be mindful that this time is our most valuable resource and not to waste any.
After dinner, Chairman Justice thanked an impressive array of sponsors, starting with the title sponsor, Duke Energy. The tourism sector of our
business community was represented by the top hospitality names in the area, TradeWinds Resort. Sirata Resorts, Don Cesar Resort & Spa, Plaza Beach Resorts, and the Hotel Zamora, all as named sponsors.
The Rays and Rowdies donated a package for a door prize valued at $3,000, including a box for 16 people at an upcoming game. The financial sector was well represented in the sponsor group with Mitchell Insurance Services, Bank OZK, Edward Jones and Synovus Bank, as named sponsors. Not-for-profits were represented by Habitat for Humanity and Tampa Baywatch, both of which were awarded top honors. Several service companies also were sponsoring, including Belfor Property Restoration, whose semis were in front of the TradeWinds after the storms.
Kahwa Coffee was the coffee sponsor. The city of Treasure Island and Belleaire Business Association each had a table. We were lucky enough to be seated at one of two Tradewinds tables, front and center and met the folks responsible for keeping the guest experience at the aging resort exemplary. About 250 guests represented the tourism and hospitality
members thoroughly as well as a cross-section of nonprofits and small businesses. Three awards were presented. Awardees included: Habitat for Humanity, Tampa Bay Watch, and Clean Eatz. Clean Eatz is bucking the trend in food prices by offering fresh, healthy affordable meals and meal plans. They have a new location at 6840 22nd Ave. N where Cold Stone used to be, in the shopping center just south of Tyrone Mall. Stop in when you are near Tyrone Mall after 11am. Other locations include: 2927 West Bay Dr., Belleair Bluffs, 4061 Clark Road in Sarasota, plus Winter Garden and Orlando. It was a terrific event.
Corey Avenue is going all-in for St. Patrick’s weekend with a full-day street celebration on Sat., March 14. The avenue will close to traffic as a live music stage takes over the street beginning at 11am, featuring The Sandy Bottom Boys, Beach Rats, Horny Toads, and Big Brother. With live music, kids’ activities, late shopping, and district-wide participation, Corey Avenue continues building momentum as a destination for full-day community gatherings.
Metaphysically Me on the 400 block of Corey Avenue continues to grow as a gathering space this March with a full calendar of weekly and special events. Tuesday Sound Baths, Wednesday Guided Meditation, and Thursday Gentle Yoga & Reiki offer steady midweek morning and evening. Opportunities to reset and recharge. Learn more online at www.metaphysically.me
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission continually tests Florida waters, monitors the Red Tide organism and reports conditions weekly. In the last week of February 2026, the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, was observed in two samples from Northwest Florida. Bloom concentrations (>100,000 cells/liter) were not observed. FWC continues to use satellite imagery (USF and NOAA NCCOS) to help track nearshore and offshore conditions. It has been monitoring an offshore patch of elevated chlorophyll (not suspected to be K. brevis), and imagery from Feb. 26 revealed that it persists. You can get added to email list on their website and get your own copy of the reports.
It is home tour season. Both Gulfport Merchants Chamber and the Pass-a-Grille Womans Club have tours in March. The Pink Flamingo Tour of Homes, March 7, 11am-5pm, features 13 homes and gardens in Gulfport’s Garden District.
If you missed the announcement in our Gulfport Matters column last month under What’s Happening, make a note on your 2027 calendar for the first week of March, 2027. You could still make it to the 2026 Pass-AGrille Home Tour on Saturday, March 21st 1-5pm. There’s a QR code in their ad on page 21 or visit www.passagrillehometour.com. Tickets are $35 online, $40 day of.
By Peter Roos
The 30th annual Tampa Bay Blues Festival is scheduled for April 10-12 at Vinoy Waterfront Park in St. Petersburg, Florida. The three-day event features premier blues and rock artists, including Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Taj Mahal, Jimmie Vaughan and Samantha Fish. A kickoff concert is scheduled for April 9 at 7:30 at the Palladium Theater features GA-20 and Jackie Venson. Tickets are available at www.tampabaybluesfest.com
If you are or know a fan of the beach and country music, you might wish to consider the Country Thunder Beach Package which is being offered at the Tradewinds Resort. 3-night minimum stay (rate valid 2 days pre/post event date May 6-13). Country Thunder Music Festival General Admission ticket (1 for each registered guest on the package, ages 11+).
General Admission tickets are $345 each and are non-refundable. Visit www.countrythunder. com/florida for details.
Children 10 and under are free of charge in general admission areas. Visit www.justletgo.com and look for the Country Thunder Beach Package.
Nightly Resort Amenity Fee is additional. Parking is $25/nightone vehicle per bedroom. Book by May 8, 2026. To check rates use Promo Code: COUNTRY26 or call 844.890.4396
A coastal American bistro offering an upscale yet casual atmosphere with stunning beachside views. Enjoy indoor and outdoor dining, perfect for relaxing with great food, craft cocktails, and scenic vistas.
Real Estate Scams Are Back and Florida Property Owners Are Paying the Price VAUGHN VOYAGE
Real estate scams are making a strong comeback, and they are costing Florida property owners and buyers real money. These schemes are no longer obvious or sloppy. Today’s fraudsters are sophisticated, patient, and very good at impersonating legitimate professionals involved in a real estate transaction.
One of the most common scams is wire fraud at closing. Hackers intercept or spoof
By Danielle L. Vaughn, Esq., B.C.S., LL.M.
emails from realtors, title companies, or lenders and send “updated” wiring instructions just before closing. Buyers wire funds believing everything is legitimate, only to discover the money is gone and nearly impossible to recover.
Another growing issue is vacant property and fake seller fraud. Scammers target second homes, rental properties, or properties owned by out-of-state owners. They pose as the owner, rush a sale, and disappear once funds change hands. Forged deeds and title fraud are also on the rise, often discovered only when a homeowner attempts to sell or refinance.
These scams succeed because transactions move quickly and people assume someone else is verifying the details. That assumption is dangerous. Any last-minute changes,
Vaughn Law offers its clients a different, more personalized and service orientated approach, by tailoring its representation to its client’s needs. At Vaughn Law, we understand that this may be an overwhelming, unfamiliar and stressful time for our clients, therefore we strive to help our clients understand the intricacies of the legal system and to keep them informed throughout the process.
350 Corey Avenue, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 | (727) 363-6100
pressure to act immediately, or requests for secrecy should stop a transaction in its tracks.
The safest approach is still the traditional one: verify wiring instructions by phone, confirm ownership and authority, and ensure your title company follows strict security protocols and refuses to cut corners. Property owners – especially those who own vacant land – should also sign up for recording alerts with the Clerk of Court to receive notice if documents are recorded against their property.
If you are buying, selling, or own property, now is the time to review your protections. A brief legal review today may prevent devastating losses tomorrow.
Danielle L. Vaughn, Esq., B.C.S., LL.M. Board Certified Real Estate Attorney VAUGHN LAW, PLLC
Coastal flooding is rarely a one-off problem. Storm surge, intense rainfall, and tide-backed drainage can arrive together, pushing water toward homes from multiple directions. The most flood-resilient houses don’t rely on a single “silver bullet.” Instead, they combine three practical layers: keep water away from the building, block or control the most vulnerable entry points, and place critical components above expected flood levels so the home can be cleaned,
dried, and safely reoccupied faster.
Start with risk and constraints. Know your numbers and pathways. Before spending money, get clear on your risk. Find your Base Flood Elevation (BFE) and compare it to your home’s lowest-floor elevation – an Elevation Certificate helps if you have one. Then look for the real-world ways water reaches your structure. Walk the property after heavy rain or a king tide and note low spots, driveway slopes, garage thresholds, crawlspace vents, and places where water pools. Also confirm local requirements early. Permits may be needed for elevation work, flood vents, or wall modifications, and larger renovations can trigger “substantial improvement” thresholds that change what’s allowed. Once you know the rules, choose a design flood level – often BFE plus freeboard – and treat that as the minimum height for protected openings and critical equipment.
Finally, document the home’s condition and each upgrade with photos and receipts; it’s helpful for insurance claims and resale
disclosures. Prioritize by impact. A simple sequence that saves money. Flood upgrades are most effective when done in the right order. Start with life-safety: know your electrical shutoffs, ensure safe egress, and plan for rapid drying to limit mold.
Next, focus on actions that keep water away – drainage, grading, downspouts, and backflow control where feasible. Then harden openings (doors, garage, vents, penetrations) and add flood vents where required. After that, protect the systems that take the longest to replace: elevate HVAC, electrical, and water heaters, and secure fuel tanks. Only then is it worth investing in upgraded materials and bigger remodeling projects like elevating the structure or reconfiguring the ground level.
Keep water away. Small site fixes that pay off. Many “flood” problems start as drainage problems. Make gutters and downspouts work for you by directing roof runoff well away from the foundation using downspout extensions, splash blocks, or tightlined piping to a safe outfall. Where possible, adjust
grading so soil slopes away from the home and doesn’t trap water against exterior walls.
Seal cracks. Utility penetrations, and failing caulking to reduce rain-driven intrusion – but remember that caulk helps with wind-driven rain and nuisance leaks, not storm surge.
In neighborhoods prone to drain or sewer backup, a permitted backwater valve can help reduce water coming up through plumbing or drains.
If you’re adding landscape features like rain gardens or permeable surfaces, use them to slow runoff without inadvertently directing water toward the structure. And don’t underestimate debris: secure outdoor items before storms – floating objects can cause major impact damage.
Protect openings. Don’t “seal” your way into structural damage. It’s tempting to try to make a house watertight, but fully “sealing” a home against deep floodwater can increase structural loads as water pressure builds against walls. In many coastal situations, homes are safer when water can enter
and exit through engineered flood openings (flood vents) rather than pushing the structure sideways.
Focus on practical improvements. Upgrade door weatherstripping, thresholds, and sill pans; consider higher thresholds only where code and accessibility allow.
Reinforce garage doors for wind resistance (hurricane-rated) and consider removable flood barriers only for shallow, short-duration flooding. If windows or other openings sit below your design flood level, use removable shields cautiously and store them where they’re accessible before a storm.
Elevate what matters. Keep recovery fast and safe. Flood recovery slows to a crawl when core systems are damaged. Move electrical panels, disconnects, and critical circuits above the design flood level when feasible, using components appropriate for damp locations.
In areas that repeatedly flood, raise outlets and switches and consider a planned “flood-
By Peter Roos
cut” approach so lower drywall can be removed quickly without chasing hidden moisture.
Elevate HVAC equipment and vulnerable ductwork, and protect refrigerant lines and connections.
Relocate water heaters and appliances onto anchored platforms, secure propane/oil tanks to prevent flotation, and plan backup power for safe placement above flood level with compliant transfer equipment.
Finish smart. Use materials that can be cleaned and dried. Below your design flood level, choose finishes that tolerate water: tile or sealed concrete instead of carpet, water-resistant trim and cabinetry, corrosionresistant hardware, and insulation choices that won’t hold water for long periods.
The goal is simple: when flooding happens, you can remove wet materials quickly, dry cavities, disinfect surfaces, and restore safe indoor conditions without a full rebuild.
PIER 60 SUGAR SAND FESTIVAL
Clearwater Beach’s Sugar Sand Festival returns on a newly widened shoreline.
Clearwater Beach is gearing up for one of its biggest spring traditions: the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, scheduled for March 27 through April 12. For locals, it’s a familiar seasonal marker – sand sculptures, sunsets, and a steady stream of visitors. For Pinellas County leaders and beach-town businesses, this year’s festival arrives with a fresh backdrop: a recently completed countywide beach nourishment project that rebuilt storm-worn shoreline ahead of peak visitor season.
The festival’s centerpiece is the walk-through sand sculpture exhibit housed inside a large tented structure, giving artists a controlled environment to carve intricate scenes from Clearwater’s famous “sugar sand.” Organizers promote the exhibit as spanning roughly 24,000 square feet, turning a beach-day outing into something closer to an outdoor art show –one where the material is temporary, but the craft is serious. That mix – high-visual art plus beach-town energy – has helped make the event a reliable spring draw. A local ABC affiliate reported that more than 130,000 people attended in 2025, and that the exhibit itself can take weeks to build.
This spring, however, there’s another angle shaping the coastline from Clearwater down toward St. Pete Beach: Pinellas County has wrapped a major beach nourishment effort –widely described as roughly $125-$126 million –spanning multiple barrier-island communities. County and local outlets covering the completion noted that the work placed nearly 2 million cubic yards of sand across several beaches, restoring width and elevation after a punishing storm cycle.
The timing is intentional. Fox 13 reported county leaders celebrated completion ahead of spring break, underscoring a practical goal: get shoreline restored before the region’s busiest beach weeks. In other words, the same spring calendar that brings the Sugar Sand Festival also brings the highest stakes for coastal infrastructure – parking lots, dunes, beach access points, and the day-to-day economy that depends on a healthy, welcoming shoreline.
Local coverage of the project points to where that sand came from and why it matters. WMNF reported that dredging drew from areas including Egmont Shoal and inlets such as Blind Pass and John’s Pass, placing sand along a stretch that includes beach communities from Clearwater toward St. Pete Beach.
The St. Pete Catalyst similarly described the initiative as completed “in record time” after being approved in mid-2025, adding context to how quickly coastal towns moved from storm recovery to readiness.
For most residents and visitors, the impact of nourishment isn’t abstract. It shows up as:
• More room to spread out during busy weekends.
• A wider buffer between surf and dunes
• Fewer pinch points at beach access walkovers during peak hours
Those changes matter during large events because crowds behave differently on narrow beaches. When shoreline is tight, the “path” that people naturally walk – right where the sand is firmer – gets congested. When beaches are wider, there’s room for strollers, volleyball games, photo stops, and casual foot traffic without everyone funneling into the same strip of sand.
By Janet Nummi
That’s the nice thing about pairing a festival story with a shoreline story: it keeps the piece upbeat – art, community, tourism – while also giving readers useful context about how Pinellas beaches are being managed and protected.
Festivalgoers can start with the tented sculpture exhibit at Pier 60, then lean into the rest of Clearwater Beach’s simple formula: sunset + strolling + snacks. The city of Clearwater’s event listing and parks pages provide the basic when-and-where details for the festival at Pier 60. The tourism bureau’s event page rounds it out with “things to know,” including lodging pointers and general planning info for visitors coming from elsewhere in the region.
“You don’t have to treat it like a once-a-year pilgrimage.” The festival runs more than two weeks. A weekday visit can be calmer, parking can be less stressful, and it’s easier to linger over the details in the sculptures without the weekend surge.
The Sugar Sand Festival is fundamentally about turning a local natural asset into shared culture – sand as canvas, beach as gallery. This year, it’s also a reminder that the same coastline powering events and small businesses is also a living system that needs maintenance, planning, and sometimes big public projects to bounce back after major storms.
As Clearwater Beach welcomes the next wave of spring visitors, the story isn’t only that the sculptures are back. It’s that the beach itself – reshaped, restored, and ready – has become part of the headline.
www.sugarsandfestival.com
Presented by award-winning RPPF pianists, these concerts are about connection between artists and audience, pianists and piano-lovers, uniting this beloved instrument with the vibrant community that sustains it. Concert schedule:
March 24 at 11am, Rebecca Penneys performs LIVE on Classical WSMR
FREE: March 27 at 6pm, Steinway Piano Gallery - Clearwater, 5990 Ulmerton Road, featuring pianists Janna Peña, Chen Liang, and E-Na Song
March 28 at 11:30am, Imagine Museum, 1901 Central Ave., featuring pianists Janna Peña, Chen Liang, and E-Na Song
March 28 at 3pm, Steinway Tampa Bay, 2907 West Kennedy Blvd, masterclass with Spencer Myer
March 29 at 7pm, New Tampa Performing Arts Center, 8550 Hunters Village Rd., featuring pianists Janna Peña, Chen Liang, and E-Na Song
World Piano Day marks the culmination of RPPF’s 88 Keys. 88 Days. community-wide fundraising campaign. We invite you to “claim” a piano key by giving a gift that directly supports the tuition-free programming at RPPF for top collegiate pianists from around the world. $250/key or $1000 for Middle C. Donate. Attend. Share.
DINING
Living in our beautiful cities of St. Pete Beach or St. Petersburg, it is easy to forget just how much we have available to us: the stunning natural surroundings, the nearly unlimited activities, a warm and richly diverse community, and of course a bounty of wonderful restaurants and cafés. So this month, I thought we could take an entire day traveling around our neighborhoods, eating some delectable food from a few of our fabulous and unique culinary outlets.
LA CROISETTE
One of the joys of living near the Gulf is of course being able to take a brisk morning stroll on the beach. After this energizing walk, you’ll have probably built up a healthy appetite and there’s no better place on the beach to satisfy your craving than La Croisette on Gulf Boulevard. As noted in a previous column by our editor Peter in 2021, La Croisette is a family owned breakfast and lunch destination which reaches back to the 80s. They have everything you need – a multitude of great egg and potato classics, all the eggs Benedict varieties you could think of plus so many tasty breakfast sandwiches that will satisfy your hunger on any morning. But La Croisette also has their unique Gallic twist with omelet croissant sandwiches, a perfectly cooked Croque Madame and then there are the crepes and French toast! The Crêpe Delight is a favorite of my mother’s, stuffed with honeydew, cantaloupe, blueberries, grapes, and topped off with fresh cream and chocolate sauce. Is their French Crêpe with Nutella, banana, whipped cream and chocolate sauce good? Well, I most certainly think you should try it, I know my answer!
So, whether you’re up early and desiring to fulfill your energy or you’re just out of your slumber and need something to get your day going, La Croisette couldn’t hit the spot any closer.
After your forays on the beach side, head to the Warehouse Art District, a mainstay of St. Pete’s renowned creative makeup. Though not as well known to the public, this neighborhood has always been a haven for the art community, and is now a bustling and thriving hotspot of its own. Nestled in this pocket of refinement is the exquisite breakfast and lunch destination Eat Art Love. The brainchild of Chef Mario Brugnoli (formerly of Michelin starred Rocca in Tampa), this exquisite destination brings out artistry of its own. Combining aspects of breakfast and lunch, Chef Mario serves up delicacies such as Duck & Grits, an exceptional buffalo fried chicken sandwich plus many homemade seasonal jams and sauces.
Eat Art Love is a gallery in its own, so as you relax and enjoy the tasty treats or one of the enticing coffee offerings like Banana Bread Cold Brew; they have taken our love of the coffee bean and made their own art of it. You could feel adventurous and try the surprise of Chef Mario‘s “trust the chef” salad; I will soon. While savoring all of this you can peruse works by local artists. I truly love this area of our city, which is now a feast for the taste buds as well as the eyes.
Wed.-Fri. 8am-2pm | Sat. and Sun. 9am-2pm www.eatartlovestpete.com
LUMA
Once you’ve immersed yourself in all the wonderful artistic areas of the city, it will be time to watch the sunset in one of the many relaxing and delightful restaurants available to us. Newly opened in the southside Vera Manor District, Luma at the SkyBeach resort offers such a breezy yet classy destination. Luma is one of those classic Florida restaurants, as it offers a high-end menu but in a casual setting. If you’re in a group, I suggest taking advantage of the shareables on their menu; the smoky baba ghanoush, a really lovely golden, whipped feta dish, fire kissed peppers and my personal favorite, their golden cauliflower basted in a Chinese honey mustard glaze.
As the sun slips away and you desire something heartier, Luma has you covered. With plenty of seafood and land options, they also entice you with a few extraordinary delights: a four-hour slow-braised short rib kebab, Mediterranean roasted whole fish, plus a standout in a spiced salmon kebab with Moroccan couscous.
Clink glasses with loved ones, filled with the many wines and great beer selection Luma provides, as day slips into night.
At the end of a long day enjoying our unique community, I suggest ending with the ever-popular downtown St. Pete area, especially along the water. After a stroll on The Pier, around the marina, or even a walk through the parks peppered throughout this delightful neck of the woods, it’s time to end the day on a sweet note.
By Stephen Rafferty
Paciugo Gelato & Café on Beach Drive is the perfect spot. Inside, the sumptuous smells and sights of every flavor of gelato you could think of will have your sweet tooth screaming. Chocolate fan? What about an Amaretto chocolate chip or the new Dubai chocolate flavor?
If you’re feeling a little more extravagant, why not dive into the Red Velvet or Dulce de Leche? Paciugo has dozens of more flavors and each one can be tried in cups, waffle cones, milkshakes or even smoothies. My favorite though has to be their Affogato.
Take a few flavors of gelato you like or even one that you really love, put it in a large coffee cup and pour silky espresso over it. Sure, some caffeine in the evening might not be the best choice, but it means you are alert to see the beautiful lights of Straub Park, the kids looking in wonderment at our stunning Banyan trees and our neighbors and visitors enjoying the enticing St. Pete air just like you!
CO-PARENTING: LIFE BEFORE & AFTER A PARENTING PLAN
By Jake Hornstein & Greg Hill, Our Children Have Rights (OCHR)
A parenting plan transforms a single parent’s life by providing structure, clarity, and accountability for both parents. Before a plan single parents face uncertain schedules, inconsistent child support, and emotional strain from ongoing disputes with their co-parent. A formal parenting plan establishes clear expectations, reduces decision-making anxiety, and creates predictability allowing them to focus on the child’s stability and their own well-being.
LIFE BEFORE A PARENTING PLAN
Constant Negotiation: Daily tasks become a source of conflict or last-minute
Boundary Blur: There is often little distinction between “on” and “off” time, leading many parents to feel perpetually “stretched too thin” and lacking personal time.
Lack of Routine: Children experience more disruptions to their schedules, leading to behavioral issues as they struggle to understand the family dynamic.
KEY IMPROVEMENTS TO DAILY LIFE
Parenting plans reduce emotional burden by removing constant negotiation over custody, visitation, and support. Both co-parents gain:
Better Time Allocation: Clearly defined custody schedules let parents plan work, childcare, and personal responsibilities without last-minute changes.
Financial Stability: Child support orders and the division of co-parent expenses are clarified upfront. This helps parents’ budget with confidence rather than financial uncertainty.
Reduced Conflict: Written agreements eliminate daily disputes because the decision-making has been addressed. This allows both parents to focus on their roles.
Better Self-care: Set schedules enable each parent to schedule personal time, rest and recharge.
LONG-TERM BENEFITS FOR SINGLE PARENTS
Renewed Confidence: With logistics settled, parents feel more in control of their family’s future.
Time to Rebuild: Predictable schedules allow parents to invest in themselves, dating, career growth, and hobbies without constant crisis management or conflict.
Legal Protection: Parenting Plans are court orders and enforceable agreements. This prevents future disputes as both parents are legally obligated to stick to the plan.
OCHR is a Pinellas 501c3 nonprofit that helps parents achieve successful co-parenting strategies, at no cost to the family. Contact info@ourchildrenhaverights.com or learn more at www.OCHR.org
PIER DENTAL
A Trusted Return to Patient-First Dentistry in St. Pete Beach
For many residents of St. Pete Beach, finding a dentist who truly listens, takes time, and puts patients before profit has become increasingly rare in our corporate developing world. That’s why there is renewed optimism in the community following the arrival of Dr. Brittany Pierpont, DDS and her FAMILY run and operated practice, Pier Dental. Dr. Pierpont’s practice represents a welcome return to relationship-based, patient-first dentistry. In an era dominated by corporate dental chains, many patients – especially those who value consistency, trust, and thoughtful care – feel rushed or overlooked. Dr. Pierpont offers a different experience. She believes dentistry should be built on respect, education, and long-term relationships, not production quotas. Patients appreciate the way she schedules more time for each visit, ensuring concerns are addressed thoroughly, and treatment options are explained clearly.
Pier Dental blends this traditional philosophy of care with modern technology and updated equipment that improves the patient experience. The practice utilizes advanced digital technology, including an intraoral scanner, which eliminates the need for messy, uncomfortable impression trays. This allows for efficient, more accurate imaging and smoother appointments. Digital imaging also helps Dr. Pierpont clearly display and explain findings and treatment options, empowering patients to make informed decisions with confidence.
Dr. Pierpont is deeply rooted in the St. Petersburg community. She grew up locally, spending summers in St. Pete Beach and Pass-a-Grille and brings that sense of connection and commitment to her practice. Dr. Pierpont completed a rigorous Boston College
By Peter Roos
pre-medical degree before earning her dental doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. She then pursued advanced training during her residency at East Carolina University and has spent over 13 years working alongside some of the most respected dentists in the Tampa Bay area.
Her philosophy of care was shaped long before dental school. As the daughter of a respected St. Petersburg cardiologist of 40 years, Dr. Pierpont learned early the importance of the golden rule – treating every patient as she would want her own family treated. She describes herself as an “ethical dentist” and takes pride in offering treatment plans that consider comfort, longevity, appearance, and overall health.
A quick review of Pier Dental’s online reviews identifies patients consistently praising the practice for its attention to detail, calm environment, and genuine concern for patient well-being. Many mention feeling at ease after years of dental anxiety or appreciating the opportunity to discuss options without pressure. Patients have traveled from as far as Gainesville to receive exceptional care –an uncommon but telling testament to the trust Dr. Pierpont has earned. Conveniently located at 8351 Blind Pass Road across from St. John Vianney Church, our fortunate readers will enjoy a much shorter commute.
Pier Dental is proud to serve patients who value experience, communication, modern technology, and continuity of care. New patients are warmly welcomed.
To schedule an appointment, call 727-363-6169 to speak with a helpful human. Learn more at www.PierDental.net.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
STRONG VS. SKINNY
When it comes to long-term health, which is more vital – strength or maintaining a normal weight? With the now widespread use of GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss, the answer is more important than ever. While trimming the pounds may look good in the mirror and is an important factor in overall health, strength is superior for long-term wellness by promoting muscle retention, increasing metabolism, and reducing the risk of disease. Yes, being significantly overweight is detrimental to your health. The introduction of highly processed foods, often filled with hidden sugar, led to an increase in adult obesity in America between 1990 and 2022. Obesity carries an increased risk of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, which can lead to early mortality. Due to the introduction of GLP-1 drugs, the number of obese people in the US dropped in 2025, but there are still almost 4 in 10 obese Americans.
HOW GLP-1s WORK
For decades a means to quick and easy weight loss has been the holy grail for anyone battling extra pounds. GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy are very
helpful for those with diabetes and people trying to overcome obesity. They work by mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1, which regulates blood sugar levels and reduces appetite. GLP-1 receptor agonists stimulate the release of insulin and suppress the sugar-raising hormone glucagon, lowering blood sugar levels. They also slow the rate of stomach-emptying, and act on the part of the brain that makes you feel full. These effects usually lead to relatively quick and significant weight loss. GLP-1 receptor agonists require a weekly injection into the stomach, thigh, or upper arm. For those who are needle averse, Wegovy recently became available in the form of a daily pill. Evidence shows that both options offer average weight loss of 10-20% of total body weight. For people who have spent years trying weight-loss gimmicks and yo-yo dieting, GLP-1 receptor agonists offer an effective, long-term solution, if you don’t stop taking them.
THE PROBLEM WITH GLP-1s
The weight loss from GLP-1s brings better health to obese adults but comes with significant side effects like nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and potential negative effects on the pancreas and kidneys. Plus, the body’s
stress response to rapid weight loss can disrupt the hair growth cycle and cause hair loss. Perhaps the biggest problem with GLP-1s is what happens when you stop taking them. They can cost $150-$300 a month for low doses, and even more for higher doses, making them difficult to afford long-term. When you stop taking them, blood sugar control worsens and appetite suppression stops, leading to hunger and gaining back two-thirds of the weight lost. The worst part is that due to the rapid weight loss with GLP-1s, muscle is lost along with fat, and when you gain the weight back it is all fat, not muscle. It takes time to rebuild lean muscle mass. Unfortunately, barely
overweight people are now using GLP-1s to “lose a few pounds”. While researching GLP-1s online for this article, my social media feed filled with ads for companies offering GLP-1 “microdosing” through telehealth doctors. It’s very tempting if you just want to lose five pounds before swimsuit season, but the effects of such widespread use of these drugs have not been studied long-term.
STRENGTH IS KEY
Weight is less important than body composition. Our bodies need to be durable and functional, not just thin. Age-related muscle
loss called sarcopenia starts in our 30’s, so it’s important to take preventative measures. Increasing muscle mass boosts metabolism and makes daily activities easier. Having a strong body makes you feel more confident and gives you the power and endurance to enjoy physical activities and try new ones. Strong bodies have better long-term health outcomes, including less physical and mental disease, and lower mortality rates. Maintaining muscle mass fights osteoporosis by increasing bone density and improving balance and structural support. This is vital to preventing fractures as you age. Having plenty of lean muscle will also help you maintain a healthy weight. It is possible to be strong AND lean if you eat and exercise the right way. It’s not easy and it takes time, but it’s attainable.
EXERCISE & NUTRITION FOR STRENGTH
To reduce body fat and increase lean muscle mass, you should do strength training at least twice a week. There are different types of strength training, each applying varying degrees of force, speed, and repetitions which help to build well-rounded fitness. Weightlifting, Pilates, yoga, body pump, TRX (total body resistance exer-
By Claire Brinsden Jordan
cise), CrossFit, and HIIT (high intensity interval training) are just some of the options for strength training. I take HIIT (with some TRX) and yoga classes twice a week to maintain strength, in addition to my dance and tennis for cardiovascular workouts.
Nutrition is also key to maintaining strength. You need to eat lean protein and plenty of vegetables, but if you really want to lower blood sugar and cut the fat, you need to say goodbye to sugar – for good. I know it’s hard, but after a couple of weeks of withdrawal, you will barely miss it.
When it comes to your overall health, it’s best to play the long game. Short gains in weight loss that don’t last, are no gain at all. Good health depends on all your lifestyle choices working together – diet and nutrition, sleep, exercise, stress management, and positive habits. Thinking that rapid weight loss will fix everything and focusing only on appearance is short-sighted and can be detrimental to your overall health.
Respect your body. Be kind to yourself and focus on quality of life and longevity!
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
ACUPUNCTURE
By Peter Roos
ACUPUNCTURE AND HERBS CAN HELP PREVENT SPRING ALLERGY SYMPTOMS
Some people use acupuncture and herbal remedies to help reduce seasonal allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion. While results vary person to person and the research is mixed, these approaches may be useful as part of a broader prevention plan – especially when started a few weeks before symptoms typically flare.
Some studies suggest acupuncture can lessen nasal and eye symptoms and reduce the need for antihistamines. Many practitioners recommend beginning two to four weeks before your usual allergy season and continuing through peak weeks. A common approach is one session per week at first, then spacing out based on response. Choosing a provider: Look for a licensed acupuncturist; tell them what medications you take and what triggers your allergies.
Herbal formulas are often tailored to your symptoms and overall health. Evidence varies by product and quality, and “natural” does not always mean “risk-free.” If you want to try herbs, it’s safest to do so with guidance from a qualified clinician who can consider your health history and medications.
• Butterbur (PA-free): May help some people with allergic rhinitis; product quality matters.
• Stinging nettle: Traditionally used for allergy support; may cause mild side effects in some people.
• Quercetin: A plant compound sometimes used for seasonal symptoms; evidence is still emerging.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulas: Often prescribed as a customized blend rather than a single herb.
Herbs and supplements can interact with allergy medicines and other prescriptions (including blood thinners). Pregnancy/breastfeeding and children: Get medical guidance before using herbs or supplements. Allergy cross-reactions: If you have ragweed allergies, be cautious with related botanicals and stop if symptoms worsen. Quality and dosing: Use reputable brands and avoid products with unclear labeling or “proprietary blends” that don’t list amounts. Make sure needles are single-use and sterile; tell your practitioner if you have a bleeding disorder or take anticoagulants. For best results, combine these options with proven allergy-prevention steps: track local pollen counts, keep windows closed on high-pollen days, shower after outdoor time, use a HEPA filter if helpful, and consider starting OTC medications (like antihistamines or nasal sprays) before peak season if your clinician recommends them. Seek medical care promptly for wheezing, shortness of breath, facial swelling, or severe symptoms.
PSA TESTING IN MEN 55+
PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) is a protein made by the prostate. A blood test measures PSA levels and can help estimate the likelihood of prostate cancer, but it is not a perfect cancer test. PSA can also be elevated from non-cancer causes such as benign prostate enlargement (BPH), inflammation/infection, recent ejaculation, and some medical procedures.
Should older men get PSA testing?
It depends on age, overall health, life expectancy, and personal preferences. Many professional guidelines emphasize shared decision-making – a conversation with a clinician about benefits and harms before ordering the test.
Ages 55-69: PSA screening may be considered for some men after discussing pros/cons. Higher-risk groups (e.g., strong family history, certain genetic mutations, Black men): some clinicians discuss starting earlier and/or continuing selectively –individualized decision.
Age 70 and older: Routine PSA screening is often not recommended for most men, because harms can outweigh benefits, however, like most cancers, prostate cancer
is survivable these days when discovered and treated early.
Possible benefits:
• May find some prostate cancers earlier.
• May reduce the chance of dying from prostate cancer in a small number of men.
Possible downsides:
• False positives are common (elevated PSA without cancer), leading to anxiety and more testing.
• May lead to biopsy, which can cause bleeding, pain, and infection.
By Peter Roos
• Overdiagnosis/ over-treatment: some detected cancers would never cause problems, yet treatment can cause side effects.
• Treatment side effects can include urinary leakage, erectile dysfunction, and bowel symptoms. Practical next steps:
• Discuss your age and estimated life expectancy (overall health matters more than the number of birthdays).
• Review your risk factors: family history of prostate cancer, genetic testing results (if any), and race/ethnicity.
• Ask what happens if the PSA is elevated (repeat PSA, additional tests, MRI, biopsy).
• If screening is chosen, discuss how often to test and when to stop.
Note: This is general information and cannot replace medical advice. If you have urinary symptoms, bone pain, unexplained weight loss, or a very high PSA, seek medical evaluation promptly.
BECOME A BEACHMAKER
Own the Resort. Live the Experience. Let It Work for You.
There are beach homes…there are beach vacations. And then there are RARE ONCE in a lifetime beach ownership moments.
The Beachmaker Resort isn’t just another Gulf Coast development. It’s the moment Madeira Beach becomes … iconic.
For less than $170,000 down, you can own a fully furnished beachfront residence inside a Marriott Autograph Collection resort – professionally managed, income-producing, and ready for you whenever you are. Depending on if and how you finance your unit, little or no more may be required with our DSCR financing lender partners.
This is not just buying a condo. This is owning your piece of the Beachmaker resort.
The Location Everyone’s Talking About
Madeira
Beach –
The Crown Jewel of the Gulf
Recently ranked a Top 10 Beach in the U.S. by Tripadvisor, Madeira Beach delivers sugar-white sand, turquoise Gulf waters, and authentic Florida charm.
Steps away sits Johns Pass Village – drawing nearly 4 million visitors annually for waterfront dining, boating, shopping, and nightlife.
Here’s what matters most:
There is no true luxury resort competition within 30 minutes in any direction.
Scarcity plus demand equals opportunity.
Beachmaker sits directly on the sand at the center of it all.
Backed by the Power of Marriott International
With more than 8,800 properties worldwide and the global loyalty engine of Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott delivers:
• Global brand recognition
• Built-in worldwide demand
• Professional operational systems
• Long-term value protection
Beachmaker is part of the prestigious Autograph Collection – meaning it is boutique, distinctive, and “Exactly Like Nothing Else.”
You get individuality with institutional strength behind it PLUS ownership perks and discounts at all Marriott resorts Globally. That combination is rare.
Own It. Use It. Let It Pay You.
Beachmaker ownership is designed to be simple and powerful:
• Full Condo Hotel ownership. NOT a timeshare.
• Up to 90 days of personal use annually
• No blackout dates
• Dedicated Owner Concierge
• Private owner’s closet
• Fully furnished luxury interiors
• Professionally managed through Marriott systems
When you are not there, your residence works for you. This is a hands-off income-producing asset –not a second job.
The Numbers Make Sense
For under $170,000 down (20%), you secure:
• A fully furnished beachfront residence
• A favorable rental split
• Access to full resort amenities
• Professional management
• Income potential
• Depreciation opportunities (consult your tax advisor)
Many owners are utilizing:
• Cost segregation strategies
• DSCR financing (income-based lending)
• Strategic leverage to control a premier beachfront asset LLC purchases are allowed so you can partner with friends and family to buy a unit(s).
This is the rare blend of lifestyle, income, tax efficiency, and long-term appreciation potential.
A Resort Designed to Drive Demand and Room Rates
Beachmaker is more than rooms –it is a destination:
161 Rooms - Choose from King/Double Queen /1 Bedroom suites /2 Bedroom family suites
10 Branded Luxury Penthouse Residences
200-person banquet and wedding facility 100-person business conference facility
Two resort-style pools
Direct skybridge to the beach
26,000 square feet of restaurants, boutiques, and bars
Shuttle service to John’s Pass Professional management by Davidson Hospitality Group
Programming and Hotel Amenities create repeat guests.
More than half of the residences are already sold.
As construction progresses: Prices are scheduled to increase. Early buyer incentives will be reduced. Selection will narrow.
Experienced buyers understand: The strongest opportunities come early. Waiting costs money.
This Will Sell Out.
You can continue renting beach vacations. Or for less than $170,000 down, you can:
Own the resort.
Enjoy it with your family. Depreciate it.
Earn income from it.
Build long-term value. This is your moment to become part of something iconic.
Become a Beachmaker.
Exclusively Marketed by:
CENTURY 21 Beggins Enterprises 727-595-3343
Jeff Beggins
Listing Broker Head of Sales and Beachmaker Resort Development Partner
Visit the Sales Center daily 12–5pm at 14995 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach, FL 33708
Take a picture /scan this code to see an overview video, explore floor plans, and see current unit availability at:
www.TheBeachmakerResort.com
Own the Beach.
Own the Brand.
Own the Moment.
Become a Beachmaker.
By Peter Roos
RECLAIMED WATER AND CONSERVATION
Reclaimed water is a valuable resource that St. Pete Beach embraced early, when there was plenty of supply and the county was looking for people to use it. Mayor Michael Horan, after whom St. Pete Beach’s Horan Park was named, included reclaimed water service as an election platform in 1992 to promote the greening of the beaches.
Originally priced at $15 bimonthly, the price has risen to $25 per month, which seems like a big increase until one examines the rest of the utility bill. There is also an additional $75 connection and/or disconnection fee. In St. Pete Beach, at least, sewer is by far the biggest line item, twice the cost of potable water. In addition, they assume that any increase in potable water use is going down the drain, so you will be charged a sewer fee for potable water you use in your yard too. If you are trying to grow any fruit or greens at home, you should be trying to collect rainwater for cultivation to save money on what you grow.
When the weather is drier than usual, reclaimed water becomes scarce as well as potable water, so we are forced to conserve. We have just been limited, starting Feb. 25 to one day/week reclaimed use to stretch the resource as much as possible.
Addresses:
Ending in even numbers (0, 2, 4, 6, 8): Tuesdays
Ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Thursdays
Mixed or No Address: Thursdays
No watering from 8am-6pm
Low-volume watering (micro-irrigation, soaker hoses, hand watering) of plants and shrubs is allowed any day, any time.
Wasteful and unnecessary use of water is prohibited. This includes:
Leaving a hose on unattended.
Hand-watering a lawn on a restricted day or more than once a day.
Hosing down a driveway, solid surface or structure when another method could be used.
Not fixing an irrigation or plumbing issue, like broken sprinkler heads or outdoor faucets, after receiving a verbal or written notice.
Fines for Violations - For first offenses, customers will be issued a “warning.” For any more offenses, customers will receive a notice of violation and $193 citation.
New plant materials may be watered for a 60-day total establishment period. Details are available through Pinellas County Utilities www.pinellas.gov/watering-schedule-and-rules For additional information, contact Southwest Florida Water Management District 800-836-0797 | www.swfwmd.state.fl.us
GULFPORT MATTERS
A Women’s History Month Reflection
During Women’s History Month, it’s especially fitting to pause and honor women in Gulfport. Over the decades, women have worked to help shape the Gulfport we know and love today.
Long before Gulfport became known for art walks, colorful cottages, and front-porch conversations, the town survived on something quieter – women’s work that rarely made headlines but shaped daily life.
In the early 1900s, when much of Gulfport was still sand roads and shoreline, women ran boarding houses for railroad laborers and winter visitors, took in laundry for extra income, cooked for fishermen coming in before sunrise, and watched one another’s children so families could keep working. The town’s first dependable services were not municipal – they were neighbors.
By the mid-century, women were organizing school activities and neighborhood improvement efforts – not as volunteers filling spare time, but as residents shaping what kind of place Gulfport would become. Many of the traditions we think of as “how Gulfport has always been” were once deliberate choices made around folding tables, handwritten sign-up sheets, and coffee percolators.
Decades later, when artists began moving into the small cottages, it was again women who opened galleries, started informal art gatherings, art walks, and encouraged neighbors to come outside and meet one another. The welcoming reputation the city now carries did not appear overnight; it was practiced, repeated, and protected.
Today’s festivals, small businesses, and civic conversations are part of a long continuum – one where women moved steadily from keeping the town running, to shaping its culture, to helping guide its decisions.
While much of early history records land sales and buildings, many of Gulfport’s civic foundations came from individual women who simply saw what was missing – and fixed it.
Local Gulfport historian and former councilmember, Lynne Brown, also shared that public safety followed a similar path. In the 1940s, Edna Christmas became the city’s first female police officer – a rarity for the time – and later continued her service as a member of council.
Karen Aust, who served in the Gulfport library for decades, was an in-depth researcher and was relied upon as a community go-to source tells how the city’s first female mayor, Yvonne Johnson, helped guide another quiet but lasting change – moving the community from a small rental library to a cooperative library model, expanding access to books and shared learning. But even that effort had roots earlier. According to Aust, Marie Bryan carried a basket to Haslam’s to purchase books to stock the town’s library.
These stories, and so many more, share a common thread. The institutions many residents think of as permanent – city hall, public safety, the library – did not begin as government programs. They began with
women acting long before recognition followed. Their work created an expectation that residents help shape their town. Today, that same engagement – from conversations to celebrations – turns participation into belonging for neighbors and offers a genuine welcome to all who come to enjoy Gulfport.
So, the abundance of events here isn’t coincidence – it’s the tradition of connection made visible.
Now, for What’s Happening
March 12-22: Quartet by Ronald Harwood will be presented by the Gulfport Community Players at the Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S. Tickets $20 online/$25 cash at the door. Thurs./Fri./Sat. at 8pm. Sat.-Sun. at 2pm. www.GulfportCommunityPlayers.org
March 14 (Rain date: Mar 15): Gulfport City Wide Garage Sale and Nautical Flea Market at the Marina. Brochures listing all participating addresses printed and sponsored by Olympus Printing, will be available at all city facilities starting Mar 12, and in the Gulfport Public Library lobby (5501 28th Ave. S) on the day of the event. The library opens at 10am on Saturdays. Participants are also listed on Google Maps for easy navigation. FMI: call 727-893-1118.
March 19: Gulfport Poetry Open Mic Night at the Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S, from 6-7pm.
March 21 (Rain date: Mar 22): Art in the Yard Community Art Sale when artists’ yards become an open-air gallery. 10am-4pm. www.mygulfport.us
March 21: Third Saturday Gulfport Merchants Chamber Art Opening, 4-6pm at 5317 Gulfport Blvd. S.
March 21: Brenda McMahon Gallery’s opening reception for featured artist, painter Cedar Kindy’s exhibition, Heaven, Earth & Gulfport at 2901 Beach Blvd. S. The exhibition will include Kindy’s award-winning watercolor and oil paintings on display PLUS her popular Plein Air paintings of Gulfport. 6-9pm. FMI: www.brendamcmahongallery.comAd
March 21: Plant a Tree, Gulfport’s free tree giveaway, 9-11am, at Clymer Park (Greenway), 23rd Ave. S and Beach Blvd. S. Proof of residency is required. FMI, contact the Gulfport Parks & Recreation Superintendent at 727-893-1062
March 21: DRV Gallery will present The Gilded Guitar by Rick Schettino with music by Front Porch Picnic, 5:30-8:30pm. 5401 Gulfport Blvd. S. Rick Schettino, a solo singer/songwriter, infuses his passion for guitars with a deep-rooted understanding of design and meticulously transforms new and rescued stringed instruments into “wall jewelry” – elaborate sculptures, melding “found objects” with deliberate design. Each piece is a chronicle of the destruction of function and re-imagination into pure form that creates one-of-a-kind state-
By Marlene Shaw
ment sculptures. Front Porch Picnic plays a collection of 20th century hits in an acoustic setting, with strong vocal harmonies. Front Porch Picnic has appeared at freeFall Theater, New Tampa Performing Arts Center, Dunedin Public Theater, The Studio@620, The Palladium Theater, The Muse Awards, The Fenway Hotel and beyond. FMI: www.drvgallery.com
March 22: Enroy Foundation Backyard Concert Series presenting the Empty Hats (Celtic). FMI: enroy@yahoo.com
A LOOK AHEAD…
HANGING AROUND
By Lenny Guckenheimer
A MAN’S HOME IS HIS CASTLE, LITERALLY
April 3: Art opening reception at the Brenda McMahon Gallery, 6-9pm. 2901 Beach Blvd. S. FMI: www.brendamcmahongallery.com
April 4: Fun in the Sun Day hosted by Gulfport and Stetson College of Law Public Service Fellows is a fun-filled morning from 10am to 12pm at the Gulfport Recreation Center, 5730 Shore Blvd. S. This free community event kicks off with an egg hunt at 10am for children 8 and under. There will be a raffle for baskets, children’s activities, music, food, and kids may also explore a police car, police boat, fire truck, ambulance, garbage truck, and more. Bring a basket for the egg hunt and a camera for a photo op with Peter Cottontail. FMI: 727-893-1068.
April 11: Beyond the Beach Cleanup, with organizers Gulfport Grassroots and Keep Pinellas Beautiful, 9-11am. Meet at Beach Pavilion #4. Supply bags, pickers, pails, gloves, water, and more are provided. www.facebook.com/events/1666123201428582
April 13-18: The Seventh Annual Gulfport Plein Air Festival. The Gulfport Merchants Chamber (GMC) is proud to present the seventh 7th Annual Gulfport Plein Air Festival, an immersive art experience showcasing artists as they capture the charm and vibrancy of Gulfport in real time, culminating at the Exhibition & Collector’s Sale on April 18th from 4-6pm at the Gulfport Welcome Center. FMI: please contact art@visitgulfportflorida.com or www.visitgulfportflorida.com/events
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
*For more information, follow Gulfport Matters on Facebook and stay connected.
I have begged my love, Caron, to go on a day trip to a quaint, whimsical place in Central Florida. When her sister and brother-in-law came to visit, we went off to Solomon’s Castle. I had been there several times years before with my late wife, Carol. It is always worth the trip to see again.
Solomon’s Castle offers whimsical art created from scraps and found objects. A word of caution: if you don’t like puns, this place is NOT for you. Examples: a sitting cat with a large red heart attached to his chest. The name of the piece? “Cat with a Heart On!” A sculpture of a cow with a hole in the belly? You guessed it! “Holy Cow.”
A craftsman of many skills, Howard Solomon wanted a remote location to build his house and workshops. He found property in rural Ona in the early 1970s and started building his dream home: a fairy-tale castle, complete with turrets and a drawbridge guarded by knights in armor.
Howard scavenged for scrap materials long before upcycling became trendy. He asked neighbors to give him materials or equipment they didn’t want. He used discarded aluminum printing press plates for the exterior of the castle. Worn-out gears, pistons, and auto parts became statues. He fashioned chains to look like hair. He made objects of all sizes, from small figurines to a full-sized elephant made from oil drums.
Because every castle must have a moat, Howard dug a moat. What to put in a moat? A boat! And so, there is the “Boat-in-theMoat,” a full-service restaurant offering home-made delicacies. The chicken potpie is heavenly! Savory and creamy, with fresh vegetables and tender chicken inside a buttery crust.
Until his death in 2016, you could see Howard walking the grounds or puttering on some piece in a workshop. I treasure a figurine Howard gave me that I had watched him make. Solomon’s Castle is a two-hour drive from Gulfport on FL-64. Tours are available Tuesday through Sunday, 10am-4pm. Visit www.solomonscastle.com or call 863-494-6077.
ART NEWS
If you like tribute bands, you’ll love the nostalgia the Palladium is serving up. Traveling Wilburys 3/8! Steely Dan by The Expanding Man 3/11! Nicole Henry channels Whitney Houston 3/28! Chris MacDonald’s Memories of Elvis 3/29! Road to Nowhere aka Talking Heads 4/17! Go Now! (Moody Blues-icians including drummer Gordy Marshall) 4/18! www.mypalladium.org
Prefer the real deal? Peter Asher invites you to join him for an intimate live concert at the Palladium. We first came to know him through the global smash World Without Love as one half of the British Invasion duo Peter & Gordon, whose 10 Top 40 hits included Lady Godiva, I Go To Pieces, and I Don’t Want to See You Again 3/24 www.mypalladium.org
Donations wanted Gulf Coast Artists’ Alliance Inc. asks folks to please donate your gently used arts and crafts supplies, artwork, equipment and more for their annual Artsy Rummage Sale. Donations accepted at 5546 1st Ave. N in St. Pete thru 3/19, sale held 3/21. www.gcaa-artworks.com
Applications wanted for GCAA’s spring exhibition GROWTH. The theme can relate to physical growth, or personal growth – a continuous journey of self-discovery and improvement. It can involve
developing your capabilities, gaining new skills, learning how you fit into the world, and enhancing your understanding of yourself. Deadline: 4/3. The show will run 4/30-5/30. https://bit.ly/gcaa-artists
One heck of a color-bynumber set New York Metropolitan Museum of Art teamed up with Danish toy company Lego on the company’s latest Lego Art set: Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies by French Impressionist Claude Monet. The kit has an intimidating 3,179 pieces, and costs $249.99 – the most expensive entry in the series, which includes a Lego version of the Andy Warhol Marilyn Monroe silkscreen and Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers https://bit.ly/lego-artwork
Art of travel Rise, the third exhibition from the Creative Pinellas and St. PeteClearwater International Airport (PIE) partnership, showcases photography, woodworking, ceramics, and poetry. Located at Sightline Gallery at Gates 7-11 at PIE, the exhibition
celebrates the power of renewal, nature, and sense of place with works that invoke both the literal and spiritual meaning of the word “rise.” On view thru 6/15. www.creativepinellas.org/ sightline-gallery
Phoebe’s first pedicure After three years of wear and tear, Tampa International Airport’s Phoebe the Flamingo got a good cleaning and minor repairs. Artist Max Muraski spent a 15-hour spa day repairing small divots in Phoebe’s fiberglass feet, then touched up her toes, carefully working to restore TPA’s iconic art installation.
No time like the present to enter the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts’ 2026 International Photography Competition. Photographers from around the world are invited to submit their work to be reviewed by an international jury. Winners will be featured in a group exhibition at the FMoPA Ybor City location from 6/168/2. Submission deadline 4/21. https://bit.ly/fmopa-contest
Musicians wanted Play alongside The Florida Orchestra with Play Out Tampa Bay Whether you’re a student, a lifelong player, or returning to your instrument, this program invites you to take the stage and experience what it’s like to perform in a professional orchestra. Rehearsal: 5/20, 7:30-10pm. Concert: 5/21, 7:30pm. Both at the Straz. Registration deadline 3/20. https://bit.ly/tfo-play-out
Where’s Lake Wobegon?
The February Capitol Theatre performance by longtime Prairie Home Companion host Garrison Keillor has been postponed until 10/24. The 83-year-old humorist fell and broke his shoulder in January and is now recovering from shoulder replacement surgery. Get well soon, Guy Noir.
Recognize anyone? A man near Salisbury, England, paid around $10 for a 1930s Zeiss camera and discovered an undeveloped roll of film inside from 1956. The camera specialist he took it to was able to develop and print the photos,
mostly of skiers in the Swiss Alps. Maybe AI can do its face recognition magic to reveal their identities. https://bit.ly/popsci-70
Senior singers The Gulfport Community Players present Quartet by Ronald Harwood Set in a retirement home for musicians, the play centers on four opera singers, once a celebrated quartet, who reunite to perform a concert celebrating Verdi’s birthday. The play explores themes of aging, forgiveness, love, and friendship, culminating in a bittersweet performance where the quartet lip-syncs to their past recording. 3/12-22 at the Catherine Hickman Theater. www.gulfportcommunity players.org
There’s a new laureate in town Denzel Johnson-Green is St. Pete’s new poet laureate. Johnson-Green, the creator and editor of 17 poetry journals and a Roy Peter Clark Literary Prize recipient, is the city’s first Black poet laureate. He will present his works at city events
and youth activities to inspire emerging generations of literary artists and poets.
Urban/Arts The artists in the Warehouse Arts District will soon have Urban Office as a neighbor. Lapin Development plans to transform the building at 2301 3rd Ave. S in St. Pete into a coworking location that will include shared conference rooms, a podcast studio, a kitchen, lounge areas, phone booths, an outdoor workspace, and, naturally, retail and dining. www.urbanofficetx.com
Never forget And Then They Came For Me: Remembering the World of Anne Frank opens at freeFall 4/10 and runs through 5/17. James Still’s multimedia play combines videotaped interviews of Holocaust survivors Ed Silverberg and Eva Schloss and live actors recreating scenes from their lives during World War II. Talk Back with the actors will follow the 4/12 matinee. www.freefalltheatre.com
By Caron Schwartz
Let’s get nostalgic Marisa Scheinfeld’s images and storytelling bring the Dirty Dancing days of the Catskills to life in The Borscht Belt: Revisiting the Remains of America’s Jewish Vacationland Scheinfeld reveals the beauty and history of abandoned Borscht Belt resorts, which once pulsed with Jewish culture, laughter, and summer escape. Florida Holocaust Museum thru 5/21. https://bit.ly/borscht-belt
Arts & craftsman The film Pursuing Beauty: The Architecture of Bernard Maybeck celebrates the long and fruitful life of one of America’s greatest architects. Discover Maybeck’s long, distinguished career, his most important projects, and his reverence for nature, community, and beauty. Museum of the American Arts & Craft Movement Sunday Film Series, 4/12. www.museumaacm.org
March wisdom Brenda McMahon Gallery Presents: Women’s History ~ Leading the Change during March, Women’s History Month. The exhibit comprises 30 female artists illustrating what positive change looks like with women at the forefront. During the month the gallery will also feature Tampa poet Gemini Fox on 3/12 from 6-8pm and an artist meet & greet 3/21, 6-9pm. www.brendamcmahon gallery.com
Tastier than Gasparilla The Tampa History Museum invites you to sail aboard Craft’s History Brunch Cruise to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the first cigar rolled in Ybor City. Historian Rodney KitePowell brings Tampa’s cigar story to life. Special guest: Drew Newman of the J.C. Newman Cigar Company. And there’s a chef-crafted brunch! 4/13, @ 11:15am-2pm. https://bit.ly/history-lunch
“The subject matter of art is life, life as it actually is; but the function of art is to make life better.” — Gertrude Stein
ARTISTS SPOTLIGHT
Jazz Swings: 2026 Sarasota Jazz Festival Turns Up the Heat with Star Headliners and a HighSpirited Jazz Trolley Pub Crawl
The 2026 Florida All-State Jazz Ensemble, featuring top high school musicians, performed under director Sherrie Maricle at the FMEA conference in Tampa. Recent images from January 2026 show the ensemble in performance with saxophones, brass, and rhythm sections.
The Sarasota Jazz Festival has grown into one of Florida’s signature celebrations of jazz, drawing fans from across the country to Sarasota’s sunny Gulf Coast each March. Presented by the nonprofit Jazz Club of Sarasota, the 46th annual edition runs March 9-14, filling the city with concerts, cabarets, and club dates that showcase both legendary headliners and rising talents. With main stage shows at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium and special events at venues around town, the festival blends big-stage excitement with the intimate feel that jazz lovers cherish.
Now in its 46th year, the festival’s artistic centerpiece is its main stage series, held indoors at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, where award-winning, nationally renowned jazz musicians perform evening concerts. For 2026, music director Terell Stafford guides the program, underscoring the event’s commitment to high-level artistry and jazz education. Highlights include performances by the Terell Stafford Quintet, the John Pizzarelli Trio, percussion great Sammy Figueroa, trumpet icon Arturo Sandoval, and a special appearance by the Florida All State High School Jazz Band, which spotlights promising young players from across the state. Local talent is represented as well, with bassist Michael Ross and the SRQ All Star Band bringing a homegrown flair to the closing night.
Beyond the main stage, the festival offers a variety of experiences that showcase Sarasota’s vibrant downtown and cultural venues. The week opens with the Monday Night Jazz Cabaret at Florida Studio Theatre’s John C. Court Cabaret, pairing an intimate dinner setting with a performance by pianist and vocalist Danny Sinoff. VIP festival packages bundle this cabaret, the main stage concerts, the Jazz Trolley Pub Crawl, and a special reception, giving dedicated fans a seamless way to enjoy multiple events with priority seating. Most festival parking is centered at the Van Wezel parking lot on North Tamiami Trail, where attendees are encouraged to carpool and can park free of charge for many events.
One of the most distinctive elements of the Sarasota Jazz Festival is the Jazz Trolley Pub Crawl, a rolling jazz party that turns downtown Sarasota into an extended club district for a night. Operating from the Van Wezel parking area, a fleet of trolleys makes continuous loops among 12 participating clubs, restaurants, and bars, where live jazz bands perform from early evening into the night. Guests purchase a single wristband or ticket that grants access to the trolleys and preferred seating at many venues, then “hop on, hop off” to sample different bands, atmospheres, and menus at their own pace. Past trolley nights have included stops at spots such as Fogartyville, Cask & Ale, Lefty’s Seafood and Oyster Bar, and Art Ovation Hotel, with music from local favorites including Eddie Tobin, Darcie Allen’s Five Points Quintet, and Hot Club SRQ.
Ed Linehan, president of the Jazz Club of Sarasota, says that the festival draws thousands of attendees from many Gulf Coast counties each year, particularly at the Jazz Trolley Pub Crawl, a highlight of the festival. Last year, 900 people attended the Jazz Pub Trolley Crawl. “Jazz is indeed alive and well here in Sarasota, and obviously the same applies to the St. Petersburg community who also supports the festival,” says Linehan. He says the festival will be expanded next year (2027) to seven full days including Saturdays.
By Andrea Martone
By pairing world-class concerts with neighborhood-scale events like the Jazz Trolley Pub Crawl, the Sarasota Jazz Festival captures the spirit of jazz as both an art form and a social experience. Whether you settle into a seat at the Municipal Auditorium or ride the trolley from club to club, the festival offers an immersive way to hear great music, explore Sarasota, and feel part of a passionate jazz community.
For 2026, the main stage lineup includes:
Terell Stafford Quintet – Featured on the Thursday night main stage concert, led by festival music director and GRAMMY-winning trumpeter Terell Stafford.
Florida All State High School Jazz Band – Shares the Thursday main stage bill, spotlighting top student jazz musicians from across Florida.
John Pizzarelli Trio – Performs on the Friday 7pm main stage show, bringing Pizzarelli’s celebrated guitar-and-vocal take on the Great American Songbook.
Sammy Figueroa – Also on Friday’s main stage program, the GRAMMY-nominated percussionist appears in a featured set following the John Pizzarelli Trio.
Arturo Sandoval Band – Headlines the Saturday night main stage concert, billed as the festival’s closing headliner appearance.
Tickets: www.sarasotajazzfestival.com/tickets About the Jazz Club of Sarasota: www.jazzclubsarasota.org
Gulf Coast Jazz sensation, Michael Ross opens the Jazz Festival’s Saturday’s main stage show, representing the Gulf Coast’s local jazz scene alongside the SRQ All Star Band.
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.
IN THIS ISSUE:
ART CENTERS/CLASSES
ART – GALLERIES
ARTS – PERFORMING MUSEUMS
MUSIC OPERA FILM
ECO GARDENS
FERRIES
LIBRARIES MARKETS
SPIRITUAL ZOOS/AQUARIUMS
THRIFT SHOPS
VOLUNTEERING
YOGA
Listings for the following categories can be viewed online at www.paradisenewsfl.com CLUBS – SERVICE/SOCIAL CLUBS – ATHLETIC
(Events are subject to change. Please visit website or call to confirm.)
ART CENTERS/CLASSES
Beach Art Center
1515 Bay Palm Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach 727-596-4331
Local chapter of National Society of Decorative Painters 727-244-4321 www.hpdafl.com
Morean Arts Center
719 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-822-7872
www.moreanartscenter.org
Contemporary art gallery. Art classes year-round. Through 3/26 – Day Dreams (presented in collaboration with the SARTQ Artist Collective)
Through 3/26 – NAWAFL: A Journey Through My Imagination Through 3/26 – Rebecca Sexton Larson: Where Leaves Remember Through 3/26 – The Exhibiting Society of Artists (TESA): Florida Fauna + Flora 4/3-5/2 – June Bunch: State Flower Ladies
4/11-5/29 – Pinellas County Center for the Arts Senior Show
4/11-6/25 – Emerging Artists in Florida Exhibition
Morean Center for Clay 420 22nd St. S, St. Pete 727-821-7162 ext 2311
www.moreanartscenter.org
Largest pottery studio in the Southeast Through 3/7 – 2025 Winter Wood Symposium Exhibition Through 4/4 – Jennifer Schumacher Waller: In Between 3/14-4/4 – Eric Doctors: Sunny Delights
Morean Glass Studio 714 First Ave. N, St. Pete 727-822-7872 www.moreanartscenter.org
Studio hours 12-5pm, daily demonstrations. Classes available.
Muddy Potter Art & Clay Studio 1140 Main St. #5 Dunedin 813-476-2836 www.muddypotter.info Classes, open studio
Painting with A Twist
5625 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park www.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 www.pinellasparkartsociety.org
Saint Paint Arts
Artist/muralist Derek Donnelly 727-342-2593
Arts & Leisure
Studios @ 5663
5663 Park Blvd. Pinellas Park 727-313-2250
Art gallery, event space First Saturday Art Party www.studios5663.com
Suntan Art Center 411 19th St. S, St. Pete www suntanart.org Classes, Art Mart every weekend 727-367-3818
Swartz Art Gallery 5609 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park 727- 421-0553 www.claytonswartz.com Metal sculpture
The Clay Co-Op 2724 Sixth Ave. S, St. Pete 727-321-2071
The Hive Community Clay 2200 22nd Ave. S, St. Pete New location! 727-290-6515
www thehivecommunityclay.com Classes, open studio, pottery, jewelry sales
Treasure Island Art Guild
154 106th Ave., Treasure Island, www.treasureislandartguild.org Weekly classes, workshops, open studio at various venues. Monthly meetings with show, awards, demonstrations. Questions to: theartguild.board@gmail.com
Veterans Art Center
6798 Crosswinds Drive N, St. Pete 813-504-3092 www.vactb.org Using alternative therapies through art
Zen Glass Studio & Gallery
600 27th St. S, St. Pete 727-323-3141 www.zenglass.com Classes and workshops.
ART GALLERIES
Art at 400 Studios
400 23rd St. S, St. Pete www.art-at-400.com Where local artists go to work. By appointment, Art Walk
ARTicles/Leslie Curran Gallery
1234 Dr. MLK Jr St. N, St. Pete 727-898-6061
www.articlesstpete.com
Artists of Elements
2638 Sixth Ave. S, St. Pete 727-420-7438
www.artistsofelements.com
Hosts exhibitions, performances, and workshops By appointment or Art Walk
ArtLofts
Florida CraftArt Gallery (second floor)
10 Fifth St. N, St. Pete 727-504-8788
www.theartlofts.com
Open to the public every second Saturday 5-9pm and then by appointment, or by chance.
ARTpool Gallery
2030 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-324-3878 www.artpoolrules.com
Open Wed.-Sun., noon-5pm
ArtsXchange
515 22nd St. S, St. Pete
Open Fri.-Sat., 11am-5pm www.warehouseartsdistrict.org
Atelier de SoSi
2380 Sixth Ave. S, St. Pete 727-370-4192 Tues-Thurs 1-5pm www.atelierdesosi.com
Brenda McMahon Gallery
2901 Beach Blvd. S #104 Gulfport 518-692-7742 www.brendamcmahongallery.com
Bula Barua
2534 Terminal Drive S, St. Pete 727-900-1063 www.bulagallery.com
Blown glass on canvas
Chihuly Collection
720 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-822-7872 ext 5102 www.moreanartscenter.org
Pre-purchase of tickets recommended Through 3/22 – Magic + Imagination: Nature in Contemporary Glass Through 4/19 – Glow Up: The New Neon 3/28-7/19 – Emerging Artists in Florida Exhibition
Buddy Baker | Events, Arts & Leisure Coordinator
ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS
Scan the QR code for all event listings to take with you or online at paradisenewsfl.com/march-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
Saturday & Sunday • 7am-1pm Pinellas Farmers & Flea Bazaar, Win Derby, 10490 Gandy Blvd., St. Pete
2nd Saturday • 8:30am, Beach Cleanup, Suncoast Sailing, 11165 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island • 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
CONTINUING
Through 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.
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
Ekeko Gallery 2620 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-685-5577
Facebook
Five Deuces Galleria 2135 Third Ave. S, #5, St. Pete 813-489-9741
Open by appointment & Art Walk Facebook
Florida CraftArt Gallery
501 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-821-7391
www.floridacraftart.org
Sat. Mural Walk/Bike tours 3/11-3/22 – The Makers That Made Us
FloridaRAMA 2606 Fairfield Ave. S, St. Pete Immersive art experience and events venue www.floridarama.art
Gulf Coast Artists Alliance St. Pete ArtWorks, 5546 First Ave. N St. Pete 727-738-8010 www.gcaa-fl.org Art gallery, art classes and meeting place for artists
Heiress 2622 Fairfield Ave S, Bldg. 7, Studio A, St. Pete www.heiressgallery.com
Luis Sottil Studios
400 Beach Drive NE, Suite 150, St. Pete 727-220-1567 Facebook
727-327-3473
www.softwatergallery.com Through 3/8 – Contour: Anja Palombo and Juan Alonso Rodriguez Through 4/5 – A Lifetime Plus Half an Hour: Watercolors by Carol Carter
Stirling Art Studios & Gallery 730 Broadway (second floor) Studio 12, Dunedin Facebook
Open Thurs-Sun 11am-3pm, Second Saturdays #4 place to visit in Dunedin –Trip Advisor
Syd Entel Galleries/Susan Benjamin Glass
247 Main St., Safety Harbor 727-725-1808 www.sydentelgalleries.com
The Domingo Studio 2620 Beach Blvd. S, Gulfport 727-821-2315 Facebook
The Werk
2210 First Ave. S., St. Pete 727-289-8685 www.thewerk.gallery
3/25-4/26 – Into The Woods (Demens Landing Park)
Asolo Repertory Theatre
5555 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 800-361-8388 www.asolorep.org Through 3/14 – The Mirror Crack’d Through 3/22 – The Unfriend 4/14-5/24 – Fiddler on the Roof
Benchmark International Arena 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa 813-301-2500 www.benchmarkintlarena.com
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 3/7 – Elementary School Exhibition (A-M)
• 3/14-4/25 – Elementary School Exhibition (N-W)
UPCOMING
3/12-15 – Reggae Rise Up Florida Festival
$65 and up, gates open 3/12 at 4pm, 3 /13 at12 noon, Vinoy Park, downtown St. Pete. One of the largest and most-anticipated reggae festivals in the country. Watch performances on multiple stages, explore interactive activities and large-scale art installations, savor delicious food and drink from craft vendors and take advantage of the ample space by bringing a blanket or chair to relax on. For tickets and list of scheduled performers, visit tinyurl.com/mrxzeexn
3/13-15 – Paddy Fest St. Pete
Friday free w/free ticket; Sat-Sun $25. Williams Park, downtown St. Pete. St. Pete’s largest annual St. Patrick’s Day event celebrating all things Irish. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/ypfwhcbw
3/13-15 – 57th Annual Pow Wow Festival
Free (ride wristbands $25-$30), Seminole Recreation Center, 9100 113th St. N, Seminole. Enjoy live music and nonstop entertainment, thrilling carnival rides, and a mouthwatering lineup of festival food favorites. A fireworks display will light up the night sky on Saturday. Cheer on your favorites at the Pride of Wrestling Show and air out your pipes at the all-new Lip Sync Battle (entry fee $10). Hours: Thurs. 5-9pm; Fri. 5-11pm; Sat. 12-11pm; Sun. 12-7pm.
3/13-16 – Izzard’s The Tragedy of Hamlet $79-115, times vary to date, Straz Center, 1010 N MacInness Pl., Tampa. Tony Award®-nominated Eddie Izzard plays 23 characters in a dynamic new staging of William Shakespeare’s tragedy. Izzard portrays men, women, ghosts, scholars, tyrants, courtiers, lovers, fools and poets. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/4rz3wzs7
“To plant a garden is to believe in–tomorrow.” Audrey Hepburn
3/15 – Gary Gulman
3/16 – Pat Metheny
3/19 – 98Rockfest Eve
3/20 – Dusty Slay
3/22 – Prince: Purple Rain
3/23 – Don McLean
3/26 – The Simon and Garfunkel Story
3/28 – Forever Donna: The Ultimate Donna Summer Tribute
4/2 – Countess Luann
4/4 – The Cream of Clapton Band
Bininger Theater for Performing Arts
Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete 727-867-1166 www.eckerd.edu/theatre
4/8-11 – The Wolves, written by Sarah DeLappe, directed by Gavin Hawk
3/12-22 – Gulfport Community Players present “Quartet.”
Central Park
Performing Arts Center 105 Central Park Dr., Largo 727-587-6793 www.largoarts.com Through 3/8 – My Fair Lady, presented by Eight O’Clock Theatre
3/10 – Simon Phillips Protocol V 3/11 – Wishbone Ash
3/15 – The Yonder Mountain String Band
3/18 – Edwards Twins Ultimate Vegas Variety Show
3/20 – The Smithereens
3/21 – Suzy Boggess
3/22 – The Everly Brothers Experience
3/26 –Vintage Vinyl Live: Steely Dan – Aja Album
3/28 – Sleeping Beauty
3/28 – Norbert Leo Butz
4/1 – Get Ready: the Ultimate Motown Experience
4/11 – PlayCon 2026: Gaming & Comic Convention
Early Bird Dinner Theater 13355 49th St. N, Clearwater 727-446-5898
www.earlybirddinner theater.com/site Through 4/12 – Baggage, by Sam Bobrick
Eckerd College International Film Series Free, 7pm, Miller Auditorium,
4200 54th Ave. S, St. Pete 727-867-1166
www.eckerd.edu/ international-cinema
3/6 – Sirat (Spain &. France)
3/27 – The Secret Agent (Brazil, France, Germany & Netherlands) 4/10 – Natchez (U.S.)
Eight O’Clock Theatre
105 Central Park Drive, Largo 727-587-6793
www.eightoclocktheatre.com
Through 3/8 – My Fair Lady (@CPPAC)
Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill
1320 Central Ave., St. Pete www.fergsevents.com
4/3 – Sebastian Bach w/White Lion & Stitched Up Heart
Floridian Social 687 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-322-4600
www.thefloridiansocial.com
A 21+ venue
Francis Wilson Playhouse
302 Seminole St., Clearwater 727-446-1360
www.franciswilsonplayhouse.org 3/19-29 – The Miracle Worker
freeFall Theatre Company 6099 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-498-5205
www.freefalltheatre.com
Through 3/8 – Himself and Nora 3/20 – Varla Jean Merman: The Drowsy Chappell Roan
Green Light Cinema
221 Second Ave. N. St. Pete 508-816-8968
www.greenlightstpete.com 80-seat art house theater
3/6 – Comedian John Jacobs (Lounge) 3/6-12 – Sirat (2025) 3/18 – Our City, Our Airport
Gulfport Casino
5500 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport 813-840-3715
Weekly dancing/instruction Closed until further notice.
Gulfport Community Players
Back Door Theater 1619 49th St. S, Gulfport 727-322-0316
www.gulfportcommunityplayers.org
3/12-22 – Quartet, by Ronald Harwood (at Hickman Theater)
MUSIC SCENE
CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK’S DAY Tampa Bay celebrates St. Paddy’s Day with green beer, Irish dancers, kilts & fiddling. Perhaps one of the best local bands is Paddy O’Furniture who celebrate a good jig all year round. On March 8 they’ll play at Dunedin Brewery, then March 14 at Tampa’s River O’Green. It’s a jolly good time featuring Kerry O’Reilly (guitar, vocals), Sean O’Rourke (accordion, whistles, banjo, vocals), Victoria Henderson (bass, vocals), Matt Mayes (fiddle, percussion, vocals) and Andy Crippen (mandolin, bouzouki, vocals). During St. Paddy season, they add a bagpipe player McLaren Mahan, and when needed, drummer Tommy Fesenden. This summer, the band will make their second tour of Ireland!
St. Patrick’s Day 2026 in St. Petersburg features the 4th Annual Paddy Fest at Williams Park (March 13-15), featuring live music, a 90-foot obstacle course, and Irish cuisine. Key events include the Mary Margaret’s Olde Irish Tavern Third Street Block Party on March 17 and multiple city-wide bar crawls on March 14 and 17. Experience three days of world-class Irish music, dance, and entertainment at Paddy Fest St. Pete 2026 featuring musicians Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones, The Byrne Brothers, Seven Nations, The Gobshites, The Bawdy Boys and additional performances by Dunedin Pipe Band, Suncoast United Pipes and Drums of Dunedin, St. Pete Irish Dance, Scariff Irish Dancers, Brendan Nolan, Chad McDonald, John Kelly & Sons, Cory Van Valin, Cage O’Hanlon, and more.
You can find more entertainment on March 17 11am-10pm at Clearwater’s’ O’Keefe’s Tavern for nonstop Irish vibes, great drinks, and high-energy bands and bagpipers, lawns games and more. St. Paddy’s Day on Corey Avenue is March 14, 11am-10pm at the free, family-friendly event and enjoy
music from 11am-1pm | Sandy Bottom Boys; 1:30-3:30pm | The Beach Rats; 4:30-6:30pm | Horny Toads; 7:30-10 | Big Brother plus a live DJ during the green-beer fueled music breaks.
THE DOWNTOWN CONCIERGE
St. Petersburg is music city! There’s always something happening at the new Green Light Lounge + Kitchen Saturday night jazz stage (Boho Sideshow, The Jazz Librarians, James Suggs and Jeremy Carter have played there), along the Beach Drive scene at Flute & Dram, where the music starts at happy hour through the evening, Tuesdays at the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art and The Imagine Museum’s monthly performance events (March 17 St. Paddy’s Music & Fest; March 24 Dance Social w/Pankaj Gupta). Ruby’s Elixir has music seven days a week, and if you love to dance, this hotspot will be your jam. Regulars include Hot tonic, Hiram Hazley + Le Jazz Band, Ella Jet, The Family Funk, Kirk Adams & Co., Tony Castellano, Shawn Brown and others. Want dinner and a show? Check out The Mahaffey Theater, Palladium, Bryan Hughes & The Crew at Floridian Social Sundays and for disco, Good Night John Boy.
BLUES ME AWAY On March 14, Sean Chambers & the Savoy Rhythm Section bring their powerhouse blend of Florida blues and British blues-rock to the Palladium Side Door. Don’t miss this electrifying trio keeping the spirit of Savoy
By Nanette Wiser
Brown alive! “Chambers has style all his own, unequaled by no other Blues artist.” Rick Davis – Crossroads Blues Society
Florida-born Sean Chambers began his career in the Blues back in 1998 when he toured with the legendary Hubert Sumlin as his guitarist and band leader until 2003. During Sean’s tenure with Sumlin, Britain’s own Guitarist magazine named Chambers as “One of the top 50 blues guitarists of the last century.” Chambers has recorded eight studio albums, the latest being, That’s What I’m Talkin About, a tribute to his mentor, the late great Hubert Sumlin.
JUST LIKE A ROLLING STONE May 21 at The Palladium honors the one and only poet and troubadour and is sure to sell out early. Forever Young: Bob Dylan’s 85th Birthday Bash is a special tribute evening honoring Dylan’s remarkable legacy with live performances spanning the many eras of his legendary career – from folk anthems and protest songs to electric rock and timeless ballads. Featuring performances by Have Gun Will Travel, Grant Peeples, The Currys, and Bad Dog Mama, this multiartist showcase brings together some of the region’s most compelling singer-songwriters and bands for a night of music that is reflective, rebellious, and forever young.
ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS
3/14 – Friends of Strays Wags and Whiskers Gala: The Cheshire Cat Ball
$150, 7-11pm, Lealman Exchange Community Center, 5175 45th St. N, St. Pete. The 2026 gala theme is based on the classic tale, Alice in Wonderland. Dress for the theme and add to the fun! The Gala is Friends of Strays’ largest fundraiser of the year and provides much needed support for daily operations and special projects. For sponsorship opportunities, or to donate to the silent auction, contact Jon at jon@friendsofstrays.org For tickets and more information visit https://tinyurl.com/y6s5kmt4
3/14 – Indian Shores St. Patrick’s Day Festival
Free admission, 9am-2pm, Municipal Center, 19305 Gulf Blvd. Irish music and dancing, arts and crafts, food, beer and wine, vendors, book sale, and a basket raffle. Free shuttle service from the Tiki Gardens beach access parking lot.
3/14-6/25 – Never Alone (Kisima Ingitchuna) Video Game
The James Museum, 150 Central Ave., St. Pete. Never Alone (Kisima Ingitchuna) is an award-winning puzzle-platform adventure video game based on the traditional Iñupiaq tale, “Kunuuksaayuka.” Created in partnership with Alaska Native elders, storytellers and community members, players experience the epic journey of an Iñupiaq girl named Nuna and Fox as they search for the source of an eternal blizzard that threatens the survival of everything they have ever known. You will explore awe-inspiring environments, perform heroic deeds and meet legendary characters from Iñupiaq stories –all narrated by a master storyteller in the spoken Iñupiaq language. No experience necessary.
3/14-15 – Tarpon Springs Fine Arts
Festival on the Bayou
$5 at the gate, 10am-5pm, Spring Bayou in Craig Park. This milestone 51st anniversary event brings together an inspired mix of fine artists and fine crafters, creating a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere centered on creativity, connection, and community. Stroll along the water while enjoying breathtaking artwork, thoughtfully crafted goods, delicious bites, and wine and beer, all set against the backdrop of one of Tarpon Springs’ most iconic locations.
$20-$50, 3pm, Hough Concert Hall, The Palladium, 253 Fifth Ave. N, St. Pete. Join us for the biggest event of LRFest – the Showcase! Featuring Daniel Kimbro, Andy Sydow, Hobo Cane, and The Honey Badgers! It’s a truly amazing collection of singersongwriters to delight you once again. https://tinyurl.com/2vub2whj
3/16 – Madeira Beach Kite Day Free, 10am-1pm, ROC Park, 200 Rex Place. Come for a fun-filled afternoon at the Eighth Annual Kite Day! Bring the family and enjoy a day of flying kites, community fun, and beachside excitement. Hosted by the Madeira Beach Recreation Department.
Jannus Live
200 First Ave. N, St. Pete
727-565-0550 www.jannuslive.com
Outdoor standing-room-only venue
3/7 – Pigeon Playing Ping Pong & Lotus
3/8 – Gary Numan
3/10 – Sticky Fingers
3/11 – Machine Girl
3/13 – Aly & AJ
3/19 – Khamari w/ Gabriel Jacoby
3/20 – Artemas
3/21 – Midnight Til Morning
3/26 – Who’s Bad:
A Tribute to Michael Jackson
3/27 – Moe
3/28 – Orbit Culture
4/1 – Testament
4/3 – The Supervillains
4/4 – Kids Spring Break Rave
4/10 – Allie X
4/11 – Sons of Legion
4/14 – The Happy Fits
LAB Theater Project 812 E. Henderson Ave., Tampa 813-586-4272 www.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
www.madtheatre.com
Manatee Performing Arts Center 502 Third Ave. W, Bradenton 941-748-5875 www.manateeperforming artscenter.com
Through 3/8 – Cemetery Club 3/5-15 – Bright Star
3/10 – Paddy O’Furniture
3/28 – ABBA Euphoria 4/4 – Totally Tom Petty
MIDFLORIDA Credit Union
Amphitheatre
Florida State Fairgrounds 4802 US Hwy. 301 N, Tampa 813-740-2446 tinyurl.com/52rmv4ex
Music4Life Living Arts Center
1204 Rogers St., Clearwater
All tickets advance sale only www.wileyhouseconcerts.org
3/7 – Zac Clark
3/15 – Bunco! 3/21 – Matt Brown
New Tampa Performing
Arts Center
8550 Hunters Village Road, Tampa 813-829-2760
www.newtampaartscenter.org
3/17 – Reflections Chamber
Ensemble w/Ghadeer Abaido
3/27 – Classic Rock Legacy: Night of Floyd
3/28 – Free Film: Annie (1982)
3/28 – A Stevie Wonder Tribute feat. Stretch’s Rubberband 3/29 – Arenas, Lasky and Nash Project: The Bachrach Book
3/29 – Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival
3/30 – Broadway Open Mic Night
4/1-2 – Mrs. Bliss’s Titanic Adventure
4/11-12 – Tampa City Ballet presents Emerging & Resident Artists
4/15 – The Feisty Flamingos (TYA)
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 www.noise-makers.org
Patel Conservatory
1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa, Dance / Theater / Music / Adult Classes 813-229-7827 www.strazcenter.org/ patel-conservatory
Pinellas Park Performing Arts Center
4951 78th Ave. N, Pinellas Park 727-369-5746
https://tinyurl.com/mv2d99dj
3/7 – Tribute to Elvis starring Dwight Icenhower 3/28 – British Invasion Years
Raymond James Stadium 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa 813-350-6500 www.raymondjamesstadium.com 3/14 – Zach Bryan
Riverwalk Tampa www.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 www.rutheckerdhall.com
3/9 – Paul Anka
3/15 – Get the Led Out
3/18 – John Legend
3/19 – Masters of Illusion
3/21– Diana Ross
3/22 – The Bronx Wanderers
3/22 – Beth Hart
3/23 – Whose Live Anyway?
3/24 – The Temptations & The Four Tops
3/25 – Celtic Woman
3/27-28 – Dancing With The Stars Live!
3/29 – The Dream Team of Rock & Roll
4/1-5 – Moulin Rouge! The Musical
4/9 – Leonid & Friends
4/10 – Santana
4/12 – TFO: Beethoven’s Symphony No 7
4/15 – TFO: Femme Fatale
Safety Harbor Art & Music Center
706 Second St. N, Safety Harbor 727-725-4018
www.safetyharborart andmusiccenter.com
3/7 – Selwin Birchwood
3/13 – Red Elvises
3/14 – Mystery Concert
3/19 – Victor Wainwright
3/20 – Bywater Call
3/24 – Ruthie Foster
4/9 – Curtis Salgado
Seminole Hard Rock Event Center
5223 Orient Rd., Tampa 813-627-6649
www.seminolehardrocktampa.com
All 21+ events unless noted:
3/11 – Charley Crockett
3/13 – Cage Fury Fighting Championships
3/18 – Wayne Newton
3/22 – Martin Lawrence
3/26 – The Beach Boys
4/1 – Gladys Knight
4/5 – Ky U’c Vietnamese Concert
Skipper’s Smokehouse
910 Skipper Rd., Tampa 813-971-0666 www.skipperssmokehouse.com
3/21 – Jason D. Williams
Sparkman Wharf
615 Channelside Drive, Tampa www.sparkmanwharf.com
St. Petersburg City Theatre
4025 31st St. S, 727-866-1973 www.spcitytheatre.org
3/14-15 – Local Member Playwright Staged Readings
3/27-4/5 – The Prince of Egypt: The Musical
Stageworks Theater
1120 E Kennedy Blvd., West Bldg., #151, Tampa 813-374-2416
www.stageworkstheatre.org
3/6-22 – My Name is Asher Lev
3/27-29 – The Minutes, by Tracy Letts
Straz Center for the Performing Arts
1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 813-229-7827
www.strazcenter.org
Through 3-8 – Batsu!
3/7-8 – Dog Man: The Musical
3/11 – Lari Basilio
3/11-4/5 – The Shark is Broken
3/13-14 – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2TM in Concert
3/13-16 – Izzard’s
The Tragedy of Hamlet
3/14 – Darci Lynne & Friends
3/15 – Quinteto Astor Piazzolla
3/20 – Cristela Alonzo
3/21 – The Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay Spring Cabaret
3/22 – Chucho Valdes
3/22 – Anne Wilson
3/24-4/4 – Alicia Key’s
Hell’s Kitchen
3/26 – The Orchestra: starring ELO and ELO Part 2 former members
3/26 – Voices of the Community
Town Hall
3/27 – TFO: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9
3/28 – Nashville Night in Tampa
4/5 – Easter Brunch
4/10 – TFO: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7
4/11 Demetri Martin
Studio Grand Central
2260 First Ave. S, St. Pete 727-202-7019 www.theoffcentral.com
3/5-15 – The Drawer Boy, by Michael Healey
4/9-19 – Ripcord
Sunshine City Comedy Club
5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach 727-435-0327 www.sunshinecitycomedyclub.com
Tampa Theatre
711 N Franklin St. Tampa www.tampatheatre.org 813-274-8286
One of America’s most elaborate movie palaces
Tarpon Springs Cultural Center
101 S Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs 727-942-5605 www.tarponarts.org
4/10-19 – Boeing, Boeing
Tarpon Springs
Performing Arts Center
324 Pine St., Tarpon Springs 727-942-5605 www.tarponarts.org
3/7 – Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute
3/21 – Andrew Duhon
w/ Mercy McCoy
3/28 – Spinphony
The Baycare Sound Coachman Park
301 Drew St., Clearwater
727-791-7400
www.rutheckerdhall.com
3/7 – Bret Michaels
3/9 – Roger Day
3/20 – 98RockFest
3/21 – Joe Monamassa
3/29 – Alan Parsons Live Project 4/11 – Dwight Yoakum
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 www.thebeachtheatre.org
727-340-2866
3/7 – The Seven Wonders
4/10 – John Prine: How Lucky Can One Man Get (documentary)
The Mahaffey Theater
400 First St. S, St. Pete 727-300-2000
www.themahaffey.com
3/7 – Matteo Lane
3/14 – The Broken Hearts
3/15 – Fleetwood Mach
3/19 – TFO: Inside Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony
3/20 – Magic Rocks: Illusionist Leon Etienne
3/21-22 – TFO: Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony
3/28-29 – TFO: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9
4/4-5 – Ali Wong
4/6-7 – The Lightning Thief: TYA Education 4/8 – Blessd
4/11 – TFO: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7
4/15 – Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive The Bus
The Palladium
253 Fifth Ave. N, St. Pete 727-822-3590 www.mypalladium.org
3/7 – Boogie Woogie Blues Piano Stomp w/ Victor Wainwright
3/8 – The World’s Greatest Tribute to the Travelling Wilburys
3/11 – An Evening w/ the Expanding Man: Steely Dan Tribute
3/12 – Veronica Swift Trio
3/13 – Ed Woltil & Kirk Adams
3/14 – Sean Chambers & Savoy Brown Rhythm Section
3/15 – Listening Room Festival 2026: 15th Annual Showcase
3/24 – Peter Asher
3/25 – Palladium Chamber Series: Varied Soundscapes ft. Stefan
Jackie & Yoonah Kim
3/26 – Michael Kaeshammer
3/27 – Albert Castiglia
3/28 – Nicole Henry Sings the Songs of Whitney Houston
3/29 – Chris MacDonald’s Memories of Elvis
4/2 – The Writers Room Showcase
4/9 – Tampa Bay Blues Fest Kickofff w/ GA-20 & Jackie Venson
4/15 – Palladium Chamber Series: Schubert, Shostakovich & Mendelssohn
The Studio@620
620 First Ave. S, St. Pete 727-895-6620 www.thestudioat620.org
USF Yuengling Center
12499 USF Bull Run Drive, Tampa 813-974-3111 www. yuenglingcenter.com 3/14 – Cubatonazo
Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall
777 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-953-3368 www.vanwezel.org
3/8 – Stayin’ Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees
3/10 – Get the Led Out 3/11 – Paul Anka
3/12 – The Doo Wop Project presents Echoes of the Street 3/15 – Joshua Bell and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
3/17 – Celtic Angels Ireland 3/19 – Three Dog Night
3/23 – The Temptations & The Four Tops
3/31-4/4 – A Beautiful Noise 4/9 – Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Hollywood 4/10-11 – The Music Man 4/14-15 – Mrs. Doubtfire
West Coast Players
21905 US 19 N, Clearwater 727-437-2363 www.wcplayers.com/ 3/6-22 – The Curious Savage
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota 941-366-1505 www.westcoastblacktheatre.org Through 3/29 – How I Got Over, A Gospel Revue 3/15 – Zion Thompson presents Ignite the Night 4/8-5-17 – Lies, Spells, and Old Wives Tales
ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS
3/19 – Save Our Soundwaves 2 $12 advance/$15 door, 8pm, Crowbar, 1812 N 17th St., Tampa. A WMNF 88.5 FM benefit to keep community radio loud, local, andindependent. Enjoy a stacked night of live music featuring four bands bringing serious energy and range to the stage: Lobster’s Gyro Shack, Liquid Pennies, Cozy in the Black, and Sorry Barb. Every ticket supports WMNF 88.5 FM, Tampa Bay’s independent, listener-supported community radio station. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/yp4d8a47
3/21 – Meet the Artists for Women’s History Month Free, 6-9pm, Brenda McMahon Gallery, 2901 Beach Blvd., Gulfport. Join us for this special March Artist exhibition. Meet the participants of Women: Leading the Change.
3/27-4/12 – Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival $16, hours vary by day, Clearwater Beach. Eighteen professional sand sculptors, from all corners of the globe, work their magic to transform our world-famous sugar sand into breathtaking sculptures, all covered by a 24,000-square-foot structure. The festival offers free sand sculpting classes, live music, fireworks, artisans, food vendors and more! Additionally, Pier 60 Park features a Ferris Wheel and amusements for added thrills. Guests can also step into a special immersive tribute honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Tickets and more information at https://tinyurl.com/5n832bey
3/28-29 – Mainsail Art Festival
Free admission, Sat. 9am-6pm/Sun. 10am-5pm, Vinoy Park, downtown St. Pete. Mainsail Art Festival is ranked one of the Top 14 Fine Art & Design Shows in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine, America’s premier art show and festival guide. More than 250 juried fine art and craft exhibitors will be on hand with ceramics, digital art, fibers, glass, graphics, jewelry, metal, mixed media, oil/acrylic, photography, sculpture, watercolor and wood. $60,000 in cash awards will be presented, including $10,000 Best of Show and a Purchase Award program.
4/4-5 – Third Annual Blue Crabs and R&B Festival
Free admission, 2-8pm, Tropicana Field, Lot 1, St. Pete. The festival will bring the heat with the freshest blue crabs in the bay, soulful R&B, and a $500 Crab Cookoff that’s about to get SPICY. This ain’t your average seafood boil – we’re talking live music that’ll have you grooving while you’re cracking shells, food trucks serving up everything coastal, and local vendors bringing that Tampa Bay flavor. Hosted by Jayy Richess. Free parking.
Zubrick Magic Theatre 1211 First Ave N, Suite 101, St. Pete. Thur.-Sat. 7pm; Sun. 2pm 866-ZUBRICK (866-982-7425) www.zubrickmagic.com
MUSEUMS
Florida Holocaust Museum 55 Fifth St. S, St. Pete 727-820-0100 www.flholocaustmuseum.org
Exhibiting Thor, a Danish fishing vessel used in the 1943 rescue of more than 7,000 Jews. Through 5/31 – The Borscht Belt: Revisiting the Remains of America’s Jewish Vacationland 3/10 – We Need to Talk About Antisemitism
3/22 – The Heebie Jeebies at CBGB’s: A Secret History of Jewish Punk 4/12 – And They Came for me: Remembering the World of Anne Frank 4/14 – Yom HaShoah 2026: Holocaust Remembrance Day
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts 1630 E Seventh Ave., Ybor City, Tampa 813-221-2222 www.fmopa.org
Through 3/15 – 25th Annual Members’ Show Through 4/5 – Dimpy Bhalotia: Small Lens, Big World 3/17-4/26 – Beth Belaschky: Echoes of the Luminous 4/9-7/19 – Cigars! Photography, Industry, and Identity in Ybor City
Children’s Museum
110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa 813-443-3851
www.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 www.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
www.gulfbeachesmuseum.org
Closed until further notice, but holding events in community.
Gulfport History Museum
5301 28th Ave. S, Gulfport 727-201-8687
www.gulfporthistoricalsociety.org
Henry Plant Museum
401 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa 813-254-1891
www.plantmuseum.com
A National Historic Landmark
Live classical music performances every third Thur.
Most Sundays – Upstairs/ Downstairs at the Tampa Bay Hotel Through 8/30 – Gaspar’s Gold: Carnival and Community in a New South City
Heritage Museum
100 Beekman Lane, Tarpon Springs 727-942-5605 www.tarponarts.org History and culture of the Greek community 3/24 – Tarpon Talks: Dive Into the Mystery, Mayhem and Marvelous Art Form of Opera (Part 1) 4/7 – Tarpon Talks: Dive Into the Mystery, Mayhem and Marvelous Art Form of Opera (Part 2)
Imagine Museum 1901 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-300-1700 www.imaginemuseum.com
Contemporary American Studio Glass. Thur. $5 after 5pm
John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art 5401 Bay Shore Road., Sarasota 941-359-5700 www.ringling.org Mon. – Free admission all day Thurs. – Art After 5 One of the preeminent arts institutions in the United States. Through 3/22 – Nuestro Vaiven (Our Sway) Through 4/2 – Ringling Underground Through 4/12 – Ancestral Edge Through 4/30 – Joseph’s Coat: Skyspace by James Turrell Through 5/31– Juana Romani: Forgotten No More Through 8/23 – In the Flesh: The Nude in Japanese Art Through 11/1 – 17th-Century Dutch Paintings from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art
600 E Klosterman Road, Tarpon Springs 727-712-5762 www.leeparattner.org
Docent tours on Sundays Features work of 20th and 21st century masters. Through 3/15 – PCS High School Student Exhibition Through 6/14 – David Anderson: Now and Again Through 6/14 – Dallas Jackson Through 7/26 – Richard Heipp: Reliquaries & Artifacts
Through 9/13 – Abraham Rattner: French Watercolors
3/28-5/3 – State of the Digital
Museum of the American Arts And Crafts Movement
355 Fourth St. N, St. Pete 727-440-4859
www.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 www.mfastpete.org
Thur. $10 after 5pm
3/15 – Spanish-Speaking Tour w/ Richard Perea
3/26 – Writer’s Workshop: The Alive Poets Society: Poetry and Ancient Art
Museum of Motherhood 2606 Fairfield Ave. S, St. Pete, Bldg. 7 877-711-6667
www.mommuseum.org
Thu-Sat Noon-6pm, Sun Noon3pm
Second Saturday Art Walk. Escape Womb Experience (18+)
Palm Harbor Museum 2043 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor 727-724-3054
www.palmharbormuseum.com
Thur.-Sat. 10am-2pm 3/7 – 26th English Tea
4/1 – Arab Americans of Florida: The Story of Mecca, Pinellas
• 3/12 – Dan Hirschberg: Baseball Tales of Pinellas County
• 4/9 – Dr. Gary Mormino: The
Triumphs and Failures of 1930a Florida
Sarasota Art Museum 1001 S Tamiami Trail, 941-309-4300
www.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 Through 4/26 –
Molly Hatch: Amalgam
Tampa Bay Automobile Museum
3301 Gateway Centre, Pinellas Park. 727-579-8226 www.tbauto.org
Sundays: Historian guided tours Through 4/30 – The Wankel Rotary Engine: Innovation That Never Went Mainstream
Tampa Bay History Center 801 Old Water St., Tampa 813-226-0097 www.tampabayhistorycenter.org
Walking tours of Tampa neighborhoods Through 5/3 – America at the Crossroads: The Guitar and a Changing Nation Through 5/17 – The Sport of Kings and Queens: Florida’s History of Horse Racing
Tampa Museum of Art 120 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa 813-259-1720
www.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 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 www.tarponspringsarea historicalsociety.org
The Dalí Museum One Dali Blvd., St. Pete 727-823-3767 www.thedali.org
Thur. and Fri. reduced admission after 5pm Advanced-purchase timed tickets recommended Through 4/19 – Gala’s Wines Through 4/19 – Dali and Harpo Marx
ARTS & LEISURE EVENTS
4/5 – Dunedin Highland Games and Festival
$23.18, 8am-6:30pm, Highlander Park, 1920 Pinehurst Road. Celebrate the heritage and culture of Scotland with music, dancing, athletics, good food, drink, and friends! The day will feature Scottish athletics, piping and drumming, Highland dancing and a Highland trail run. Tickets and more info at www.dunedinsafoundation.com/highland-games
4/10-12 – Tampa Bay Blues Festival
$75 single day/$180 three-day; VIP available. Vinoy Park, downtown St. Pete. A huge lineup of incredible blues and roots music will rock the 30th year of the festival. The stellar artist roster includes Taj Mahal and The Phantom Blues Band, Los Lobos, Tommy Castro, Jackie Venson and Yates McKendree – and that’s just the first night!! Named the nation’s top blues festival by the International Blues Foundation. Tickets and more information at https://tinyurl.com/5kcs4wzy
4/11 – PlayCon 2026
Free admission, 10am-4pm, Central Park Performing Arts Center, 105 Central Ave., Largo. Event by Largo Recreation, Parks, & Arts, Central Park Performing Arts Center and Largo Playcon Game and Comic Con.
4/11 – Jamboree at The James $400/community table $300, members 10% off; 6-10:30pm, The James Museum, 150 Central Ave., St. Pete. Jamboree at The James returns with a Route 66 theme. The evening will be inspired by vintage Americana, classic cruisers, and the spirit of adventure that defined the open road. Expect an elevated, retro-inspired night filled with great music, great company, and support for a great cause. Sponsorship opportunities available. This is the museum’s biggest annual fundraising event. https://tinyurl.com/m6kb24y7
4/11-12 – Florida Foodie Fest
Free admission, Sat. 11am-7pm/ Sun. 11am-5pm. Win Derby, 10490 Gandy Blvd. N, St Pete. Taste your way across the Sunshine State in this very first Florida Foodies Fest, a two-day showcase of Florida’s incredible culinary scene – featuring food trucks, restaurants, craft beverages, artisanal makers, and foodie-focused small businesses. Expect amazing bites, exciting local brands, chef demos, and so much good food energy. A special treat will be the Florida Weiner Dog Derby! Pet and family friendly.
4/11-5/29 – Pinellas County Center for the Arts Senior Show
Free, 10am-5pm, Mon.-Sat., The Morean Center for the Arts, 719 Central Ave., St. Pete. The work of three seniors in the Pinellas County Center for the Arts program at Gibbs High School will be highlighted. This senior project is required of all PCCA students wishing to graduate with a certificate from the program. Seniors in the visual art department must develop a cohesive body of work that describes an in-depth exploration of a particular artistic concern or visual idea. The three students chosen are given their own solo shows on the following dates: Finn Reddick, 4/11-23; Aiden Evans, 4/25-5/7; and Khloe Temple, 5/9-29.
Through 4/19 –Alberto Giacometti & Salvador Dalí: Through and Beyond Surrealism Through 4/19 –The Endless Garden
The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art
150 Central Ave., St. Pete 727-892-4200 www.thejamesmuseum.org
Tues. $10 all day Through 3/22 – Ben Steele: A POP of Art!
Through 3/29 – Edward S. Curtis: Photographer of His Time 3/14-6/25 – Never Alone (Kisima Ingitchuna) Video Game 4/11 – Jamboree at the James
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
www.woodsonmuseum.org
One City Chorus – Mon. 7pm Museum closed through 4/30.
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, 1-3pm www.aldowningjazz.com
New Horizons Band of Gulfport
Gulfport Senior Center 5501 27th Ave. S, Gulfport 727-345-0285
www newhorizonsbandgulfport.org
Novice, intermediate musicians 4/6 – Flute Choir & Jazz Band (Hickman Theater, Gulfport) 4/12 – Concert Band (Hickman Theater, Gulfport)
School of Rock St. Petersburg 2401 Central Ave., 727-871-7625
www.schoolofrock.com
Guitar, drum, singing, keyboard/piano lessons
3/8 – Mid-Season Show @ Outcast Brewing Co.
South Pasadena
Community Band 727-515-5407
www.southpasadenaband.com
All-volunteer band
3/19 – Free concert, Shore Drive South Condos, South Pasadena 3/22 – Concert, Galatea Gardens, South Pasadena
St. Petersburg College
Gibbs Campus Music Center 6605 Fifth Ave. N, 727-341-4360 www.spcollege.edu/events
Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Society Cove Cay Golf Club 2612 Cove Cay Drive, Clearwater www.sdjs2022.org
3/15 – Randy Morris & His Band
Tampa Bay Symphony Performances in various locations 727-827-8087 www.tampabaysymphony.org
3/12 – Chamber & Cheers Presents: A Night at the Movies (@ Opera Central)
TomKats Jazz Orchestra Monday Nights: CJ’s Backstage 7022 22nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg 727-202- 8881 www.tomkatsjazzorchestra.com
OPERA
Opera Tampa at Straz Center, 1010 N W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa 813-229-7827 www.strazcenter.org
Sarasota Opera House 61 N Pineapple Ave., 941-328-1300 www.sarasotaopera.org Through 3/27 – The Merry Widow Through 3/28 – La Boheme 3/7-29 – Il Trovatore 3/10 – Moonlight & Melodies Dinner Series
3/14-28 – Susannah 4/11 – Sarasota Opera House Centennial Celebration
St. Pete Opera 2145 First Ave. S, 727-823-2040 www.stpeteopera.org Various performance locations
St. Petersburg Opera Guild www.stpeteoperaguild.org
The Pinellas Opera League Thur.: Opera at the Dali www.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 tinyurl.com/yc3k32ms Closed Mon.
Environmental education center, Terry Tomalin Campground, Pinellas Pioneer Settlement 3/7, 3/14 – Astronomy Night
Brooker Creek Preserve 3940 Keystone Rd., Tarpon Springs 727-453-6800 www.brookercreekpreserve.org
Fort De Soto Park
3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde 727-552-1862 www.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 www.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 www.weedonislandpreserve.org
Guided hikes, birding, and photography tours. Archaeology lectures, classes and webinars.
GARDENS
Florida West Coast Orchid Society Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 10891 102nd Ave. N, Seminole 727-420-7230 www.fwcos.org
Garden Club of St. Petersburg
New meeting location: Azalea Recreation Center, 1600 72nd St. N. St. Pete
www.gardenclubstpetersburg.org
Ikebana International
Lealman Exchange Community Center, 5175 45th St. N, St. Pete www.ikebanastpetersburg.com
$10 (included w/admission), 5:30-7:30pm, James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, 150 Central Ave., St. Pete, Classically trained right here in Tampa Bay, Maiya Stevenson, founder of Afro Opera Productions, voices the soul of her heritage through opera and classical arrangements. Join us as she showcases what Afro Opera is all about! Space is limited; advance registration recommended. Register: https://tinyurl.com/38jum5uz
ON THE HORIZON
4/17-18 – Breakaway Music Festival, Raymond James Stadium
4/25-26 – Green Thumb Festival, Walter Fuller Park, St. Pete
4/30, 5/1-2 – King of the Beach fishing tournament
5/16 – Tampa Bay Toy & Comic Expo, Sons & Daughters of Italy Lodge, Tampa
5/23 – Tampa R&B on the Block, St. Pete
5/29-31 – Pride Kickoff, St. Pete
LIBRARIES
Gulf Beaches Public Library
200 Municipal Drive, Madeira Beach 727-391-2828 www.gulfbeacheslibrary.org
Gulfport Public Library 5501 28th Ave. S, Gulfport 727-893-1074 www.mygulfport.us/gpl AARP Tax Aide –call for dates/times
St. Pete Beach Public Library
365 73rd Ave., St. Pete Beach 727-363-9238 tinyurl.com/yc583mmy Mon, Wed: 10am-8pm Tues, Thurs, Friday: 10am-6pm Sat: 10am-2pm Sun: Closed See spblibrary.com for daily events.
President Barack Obama Main Library
3745 Ninth Ave. N, St. Pete 727-893-7724 www.splibraries.org Sun, Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat: 10am-6pm Tues, Thurs: 10am-8pm
SPIRITUAL
Sacred Lands
1700 Park St. N, St. Pete 727-347-0354 www.sacredlandspreservation.org Florida’s largest American Indian mound on private land. Drum circle first Fri.; Sun. tour, meditations, special events 3/7 – Shana Smith qigong/sound bath
Soothe Our Souls (S.O.S.)
4737 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach 727-360-7411
www.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 www.cmaquarium.org Rescue, rehab and release Home of Hope, of Dolphin Tale II 3/20 – Night at the Aquarium
Florida Aquarium
701 Channelside Drive, Tampa 813-273-4000 www.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-squarefoot facility dedicated to marine science, education, and immersive public experiences.
Seaside Seabird Sanctuary
18328 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores 727-391-6211
www.seasideseabirdsanctuary.org Cares for approximately 3,500 birds every year; home to over 80 permanently injured residents. Free. Donations accepted. Tours.
ZooTampa at Lowry Park 1101 W Sligh Ave., Tampa 813-935-8552 www.zootampa.org
THRIFT SHOPS
Anona Thrift Shoppe 12025 Indian Rocks Road, Largo Mon., Wed.-Sat. 10am-3pm www.handsofhealinginc.org/ thrift-shoppe
CASA Thrift Shop 1011 First Ave. N, St. Pete www.casa-stpete.org
Creative Thrift Art Store (at Creative Clay) 1846 First Ave. S, St. Pete www.creativeclay.org/creative-thrift
HEP Thrift Store 1212 N Betty Lane, Clearwater Facebook
Pass-A-Grille Beach Community
Church Thrift Shop
107 16th Ave., St. Pete Beach, Tues., Thurs., Sat. 9am-noon www.pagchurch.org
St. Vincent’s Thrift Store
180 34th St. N, St. Pete tinyurl.com/yc4kjb2u
United Women in Faith Thrift Store
6942 First Ave. S, St. Pete
Open Wed. & Sat. 9am-1pm www.pasadenauwfthriftstore.org
VOLUNTEERING
AARP
Various volunteer opportunities www.aarp.org/giving-back
Daystar Life Center
1055 28th St. S., St. Pete
Needs volunteers 727-825-0442 Facebook
Empath Health Suncoast Hospice Training provided www.empathhealth.org
Art Mart at Pass-a-Grille Sat. & Sun., 9am-2pm (+ Fridays through April) 900 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach
Visit www.paradisenewsfl.com and Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ParadiseNews for more event listings and weekly top 5 events www.paradisenewsfl.com/category/ weekly-tidbits
MASSAGE
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
DEMOLITION
If Demolition is your next move… visit www.Down2Ground.com Call 239-955-9855, Or email Down2Ground Demo@gmail.com
DENTAL SERVICES
Red Royal Services can service your existing HVAC or replace it. 727.315.0793
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
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
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
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
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
EDUCATION
727.471.0573
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
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 nativeAll levels. Text or call 571.435.5606
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.
ENCOURAGING WORDS
Don’t Wait…
My Lesson From a Root Canal
When we have a toothache, we know that not having a toothache is happiness. But later, when we don’t have a toothache, we don’t treasure our non-toothache. Practicing mindfulness helps us learn to appreciate the well-being that is already there. ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
About six months ago, my dentist told me “Frankly, you need a root-canal and I strongly advise you don’t wait too long.” That’s when the aforementioned quote by Thich Nhat Hanh ricocheted through my mind. It all began one night when I was mindlessly chewing on a piece of ice and damaged the root system of my tooth. By my admission, because I am a wimp when it comes to dental work, I put off having the procedure done for about six months. During that time I discovered that constantly chewing on only one side of my mouth wasn’t the answer because it only created more pain in the jaw. Thich Nhat Hanh was spot on. I didn’t realize how much I missed using all of my teeth to chew until I couldn’t.
Isn’t it amazing how often we don’t take time to truly appreciate something until we no longer have it? When we are jaded, the tendency is to become complacent and slip into a “take life for granted” mode. This happens frequently in relationships and often with our material status but even more so with our physical
By Dennis Merritt Jones, DD
well-being. It seems we get so enmeshed with “doing” life that we forget to stop, breathe into the moment, and appreciate how good we actually have it. The urgency to avoid pain or fear frequently gets our attention when we are caught up in the “doing-ness” of daily life. In the process of contending with the problem, we often overlook – or forget about – the more subtle blessings life is giving us in every holy instant. Perhaps today would be the perfect day to take some time out to practice mindfulness, gratitude, and self-inquiry around some of the things we believe make our life a life worth living – those things we may have been unknowingly taking for granted. As my dentist admonished, “Don’t wait too long.”
For starters, we can begin with our body and then expand our awareness:
• When was the last time we acknowledged and thanked our heart, liver, lungs, spleen, and stomach for the great jobs they do to keep us alive 24/7?
• How about our hands, fingers, feet, and toes – do we take them for granted? (Did you know we would fall flat on our face without our toes?)
• How about our eyes, teeth, sinuses and senses?
• When was the last time we smelled fresh brewed coffee or a special meal and looked forward to enjoying it?
• How about the roof over our heads … do we ever take our homes and its protection for granted?
• Then move on and contemplate, just for a moment, the relationships we have with family and friends that give deep meaning to our existence. We seldom stop to consider how empty our lives might feel without those relationships.
THE TAKEAWAY: There is no end to the well-being of which we can be mindful when we take time to be present and consciously witness our blessings. Don’t wait until we have a toothache to appreciate how good a non-toothache feels. Don’t wait until our co-worker has gone home to say “thanks for a great job.” Don’t wait until a loved one is no longer there to say, “I love you.”
In short, don’t wait until you have the time to be mindful. Every moment IS the time.
This extraordinary property is set on 2 1/2 lots just one block from the white sands of Pass-a-Grille beach. A one-of-a-kind opportunity in an outstanding location.
3 bds, 3 ba. In-law Suite w/ Private Entrance
$3,950,000
Bayway Isles Beauty
Supreme elegance in an island paradise. Constructed on a built-up lot and having experienced no flooding, this exquisite Bayway Isles retreat is a designer’s masterpiece.
4 beds, 3 baths, pool
$1,395,000
Grand Canal Beauty with Direct Gulf Access
Exceptional luxury in fully renovated waterfront living on the highly desirable island community of Tierra Verde with direct boating access to the Gulf.
2 beds, 2/1 baths, slip with lift
$949,000
THE SALAMONE GROUP
Angela Mathias, Andrew Salamone
Ron Salamone, Libby Salamone
Helping people buy and sell the finest St. Petersburg Properties for over 30 years.
info@stpete.pro www.stpete.pro (727) 456-8093
Discover luxury coastal living
Water Views Over the Pass-a-Grille Channel
This elegant and spacious condo lives like a single-family home, all on one level in a boutique association of only 8 units. Some of the best water views on the island.
4 beds/3 ba. Boat slip, storage, must see. $1,695,000
3rd
Palm Point Waterfront Beauty
Enjoy sunsets like this every night from this 4 bed, 2 bath home in a St. Pete Beach enclave, just blocks from the white sands and blue waters of the Gulf.
Dock with lift, gorgeous sunsets $1,735,000
Utterly Astounding Water Views
Watch the boats on the Grand Canal and enjoy effortless coastal living in this refined waterfront retreat—perfectly tailored to the discerning buyer.
