St. Pete Life Magazine, July/August 2026

Features

22 JOANNA GARCIA SWISHER

This charismatic Tampa Bay native is spilling the tea on the new season of Sweet Magnolias and letting us in on some exciting new projects she has in the works.

32 BEYOND THE STARS

Pinellas County’s dining scene has never been more dynamic. Now with Michelin at the door, our local culinary talent is reaching for the stars and earning us a seat at the table.

44 THE BEST OF 2026

The ballots have been counted and the results are in. Meet this year's winners— the businesses, organizations and people who help our community shine.

58 DESTINATION: NASHVILLE

Known for its legendary country music scene, this Southern charmer has evolved into a refined getaway where distinctive attractions meet elevated experiences.

Every community has its defining voices—the people, businesses and organizations that shape its character, elevate everyday experiences and leave a lasting impression on those around them. This issue celebrates those standouts.

We're proud to present the winners of our Best of 2026 Readers Poll and Awards, as chosen by our readers.

What does it mean to be deemed the "best" in a community bursting with so much talent, commitment and expertise? Every year, publications across Tampa Bay publish Best Of lists celebrating those who help define our community. You'll recognize many familiar names, along with others that reflect the unique perspectives of different audiences. Some dismiss these awards as popularity contests. Maybe. But we happen to like what they reveal about a community—who people support, where they spend their time and what matters enough to earn their vote. We love that our community members get excited enough to champion their favorites. That's part of what makes these lists interesting. There isn't one version of "the best."

Our awards are a little different because we don't curate the categories or select the winners. We leave that entirely up to our readers. The results are built from real votes by real people. Our role is simply to make sure the process is fair and all the honorees get the recognition they deserve.

In this issue, we also explore how our region's inclusion in the Michelin Guide is shining a spotlight on talented local chefs and distinctive eateries, while helping establish Pinellas County as an emerging culinary destination.

And just like our winners, the Michelin-recommended restaurants highlighted aren't simply excellent at what they do. They lead with passion, creativity and a commitment to their craft. They represent the best of us.

Speaking of passion and creativity, our cover star and Tampa Bay native JoAnna García Swisher opened up to us about her deep love for our community and focus on creating a life centered around the spaces, places, and moments that bring us joy.

That same intentionality is represented by the individuals and organizations that fill our pages. Even as our community experiences remarkable growth and change, they are helping us maintain our distinctive character and shape what comes next.

BETH ANN DRAKE Publisher bdrake@stpetelifemag.com

NICK STEELE Editor-In-Chief editor@stpetelifemag.com

PUBLISHER/CEO

Beth Ann Drake

EDITOR/CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Nick Steele

GRAPHIC DESIGN/PRODUCTION

Design2Pro

COPY EDITOR

Susan Smiley-Height

ADVERTISING

Ed Barry Ad Director / Photographer

Betsy Phillips Senior Account Executive

Debbie Radsick Account Executive

CONTRIBUTORS

Danette Anderson

Christine Bryant

Amanda Cureton

Alex Davis

Cherie Diez

Jimmy Fashner

Galdones Photography

Skyler June Moments of St. Pete

Nitish S. Rele

Elise Schreiner

Daniel Taylor

N.J. Vallone

Emily Will

EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS

Susanne Van Selow

CO-FOUNDER/BUSINESS MANAGER

Ralph Zuckerman

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260 1st Avenue S. Suite 200-151

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Advertising: 813.447.9900 bdrake@stpetelifemag.com

@StPeteLifeMag @StPeteLifeMagazine

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In Cosmetic Dentistry

Roberto Macedo D.D.S. M.S. P.h.D.

The Best of the Best In Cosmetic Dentistry

Roberto Macedo D.D.S. M.S. P.h.D.

Thank You, St. Petersburg!

Honored to

Be

Thank You, St. Petersburg!

Named Readers’ Choice

Best Cosmetic Dentist

Honored to Be Named Readers’ Choice

Best Cosmetic Dentist

“On behalf of everyone at RM Advanced Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the readers of St. Pete Life Magazine for once again selecting us as Readers’ Choice Best Cosmetic Dentist. Your trust, confidence, & support are the foundation of everything we do.”

Roberto Macedo DDS MS PhD

“On behalf of everyone at RM Advanced Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the readers of St. Pete Life Magazine for once again selecting us as Readers’ Choice Best Cosmetic Dentist. Your trust, confidence, & support are the foundation of everything we do.”

As a Smile Designer & Prosthodontist, Dr Roberto Macedo has dedicated his career to combining artistry, technology, meticulous attention to detail to help patients achieve smiles that enhance not only appearance, but also their confidence and quality of life. Whether restoring a single tooth or completing a comprehensive smile transformation, the goal is always the same: to create results that are natural, timeliness, & uniquely suited to each patient.

Roberto Macedo DDS MS PhD

“On behalf of everyone at RM Advanced Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the readers of St. Pete Life Magazine for once again selecting us as Readers’ Choice Best Cosmetic Dentist. Your trust, confidence, & support are the foundation of everything we do.”

Roberto Macedo DDS MS PhD

As a Smile Designer & Prosthodontist, Dr Roberto Macedo has dedicated his career to combining artistry, technology, meticulous attention to detail to help patients achieve smiles that enhance not only appearance, but also their confidence and quality of life. Whether restoring a single tooth or completing a comprehensive smile transformation, the goal is always the same: to create results that are natural, timeliness, & uniquely suited to each patient.

Every smile that is designed is highly personalized. We carefully consider facial features, personality, function, health, and aesthetics to ensure that each result feels harmonious and genuine. The greatest compliment we receive is when someone says, “Your smile looks beautiful”, rather than, “Your dental work looks beautiful”.

As a Smile Designer & Prosthodontist, Dr Roberto Macedo has dedicated his career to combining artistry, technology, meticulous attention to detail to help patients achieve smiles that enhance not only appearance, but also their confidence and quality of life. Whether restoring a single tooth or completing a comprehensive smile transformation, the goal is always the same: to create results that are natural, timeliness, & uniquely suited to each patient.

Every smile that is designed is highly personalized. We carefully consider facial features, personality, function, health, and aesthetics to ensure that each result feels harmonious and genuine. The greatest compliment we receive is when someone says, “Your smile looks beautiful”, rather than, “Your dental work looks beautiful”.

Every smile that is designed is highly personalized. We carefully consider facial features, personality, function, health, and aesthetics to ensure that each result feels harmonious and genuine. The greatest compliment we receive is when someone says, “Your smile looks beautiful”, rather than, “Your dental work looks beautiful”.

We are truly honored by this recognition and inspired to continue creating healthy, beautiful smiles for our community for many years to come.

We are truly honored by this recognition and inspired to continue creating healthy, beautiful smiles for our community for many years to come.

We are truly honored by this recognition and inspired to continue creating healthy, beautiful smiles for our community for many years to come.

Roberto Macedo DDS MS PhD

Roberto

Macedo

RM Advanced Center for Cosmetic Dentistry 7801 38th Ave N.

DDS MS PhD

St. Petersburg, Florida 33710

727-345-2064

www.accdfl.com

IG:@drrobertomacedo

RM Advanced Center for Cosmetic Dentistry 7801 38th Ave N. St. Petersburg, Florida 33710 727-345-2064

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Florida Urology Partners

Florida Urology Partners

Florida Urology Partners

Florida Urology Partners

Opens New State-of-the-Art Clinic on Central Avenue

Opens New State-of-the-Art Clinic on Central Avenue

Opens New State-of-the-Art Clinic on Central Avenue

Opens New State-of-the-Art Clinic on Central Avenue

Florida Urology Partners Opens New State-of-the-Art Clinic on Central Avenue

“We believe patients should have access to innovative, high-quality care close to home, and our new St. Petersburg location allows us to continue fulfilling that mission ”

“We believe patients should have access to innovative, high-quality care close to home, and our new St Petersburg location allows us to continue fulfilling that mission ”

“We believe patients should have access to innovative, high-quality care close to home, and our new St. Petersburg location allows us to continue fulfilling that mission ”

“We believe patients should have access to innovative, high-quality care close to home, and our new St. Petersburg location allows us to continue fulfilling that mission ”

“We believe patients should have access to innovative, high-quality care close to home, and our new St. Petersburg location allows us to e fulfilling that mission ”

PHYSICIAN

PHYSICIAN

Partners is proud to pening of its new St Petersburg location at 2201 Central Avenue –a milestone which reflects Florida Urology Partners’ continued commitment to providing high-quality urologic and closelyrelated cancer care to the St Petersburg and surrounding communities

Partners is proud to announce the opening of its new St Petersburg location at 2201 Central Avenue –a milestone which reflects Florida Urology Partners’ continued commitment to providing high-quality urologic and closelyrelated cancer care to the St Petersburg and surrounding communities

Florida Urology Partners is proud to announce the opening of its new St Petersburg location at 2201 Central Avenue –a milestone which reflects Florida Urology Partners’ continued commitment to providing high-quality urologic and closelyrelated cancer care to the St Petersburg and surrounding communities

With nearly 30,000 square feet across two floors, the new St Petersburg Florida Urology Partners’ office was thoughtfully designed to better meet the needs of their patients while supporting the continued growth of the practice

Florida Urology Partners is proud to announce the opening of its new St Petersburg location at 2201 Central Avenue –a milestone which reflects Florida Urology Partners’ continued commitment to providing high-quality urologic and closelyrelated cancer care to the St Petersburg and surrounding communities

With nearly 30,000 square feet across two floors, the new St Petersburg Florida Urology Partners’ office was thoughtfully designed to better meet the needs of their patients while supporting the continued growth of the practice

With nearly 30,000 square feet across two floors, the new St Petersburg Florida Urology Partners’ office was thoughtfully designed to better meet the needs of their patients while supporting the continued growth of the practice

“This move represents much more than a new address,” explains Teddi Barber, the group’s Chief Operating Officer “As healthcare evolves, so does the need for facilities that allow providers to deliver care more efficiently and effectively Our expanded office improves patient flow, creating a smoother and more comfortable experience from arrival to treatment The additional space also enhances our critical care pathways and allows our clinical teams to collaborate more seamlessly, ensuring patients receive the highest level of coordinated care ”

Florida Urology Partners is proud to announce the opening of its new St Petersburg location at 2201 Central Avenue –a milestone which reflects Florida Urology Partners’ continued commitment to providing high-quality urologic and closelyrelated cancer care to the St Petersburg and surrounding communities

Reid

With nearly 30,000 square feet across two floors, the new St Petersburg Florida Urology Partners’ office was thoughtfully designed to better meet the needs of their patients while supporting the continued growth of the practice

“This move represents much more than a new address,” explains Teddi Barber, the group’s Chief Operating Officer “As healthcare evolves, so does the need for facilities that allow providers to deliver care more efficiently and effectively Our expanded office improves patient flow, creating a smoother and more comfortable experience from arrival to treatment The additional space also enhances our critical care pathways and allows our clinical teams to collaborate more seamlessly, ensuring patients receive the highest level of coordinated care ”

“This move represents much more than a new address,” explains Teddi Barber, the group’s Chief Operating Officer “As healthcare evolves, so does the need for facilities that allow providers to deliver care more efficiently and effectively Our expanded office improves patient flow, creating a smoother and more comfortable experience from arrival to treatment The additional space also enhances our critical care pathways and allows our clinical teams to collaborate more seamlessly, ensuring patients receive the highest level of coordinated care ”

With nearly 30,000 square feet across two floors, the new St Petersburg Florida Urology Partners’ office was thoughtfully designed to better meet the needs of their patients while supporting the continued growth of the practice

“This move represents much more than a new address,” explains Teddi Barber, the group’s Chief Operating Officer “As healthcare evolves, so does the need for facilities that allow providers to deliver care more efficiently and effectively Our expanded office improves patient flow, creating a smoother and more comfortable experience from arrival to treatment The additional space also enhances our critical care pathways and allows our clinical teams to collaborate more seamlessly, ensuring patients receive the highest level of coordinated care ”

“This move represents much more than a new address,” explains Teddi Barber, the group’s Chief Operating Officer “As healthcare evolves, so does the need for facilities that allow providers to deliver care more efficiently and effectively Our expanded office improves patient flow, creating a smoother and more comfortable experience from arrival to treatment The additional space also enhances our critical care pathways and allows our clinical teams to collaborate more seamlessly, ensuring patients receive the highest level of coordinated care ” PHYSICIAN

The new location was also designed to strengthen the group’s specialty services, spanning traditional urology care to bladder, kidney and prostate cancers, as well as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), kidney stones, overactive bladder and other related conditions

The new location was also designed to strengthen the group’s specialty services, spanning traditional urology care to bladder, kidney and prostate cancers, as well as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), kidney stones, overactive bladder and other related conditions

The new location was also designed to strengthen the group’s specialty services, spanning traditional urology care to bladder, kidney and prostate cancers, as well as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), kidney stones, overactive bladder and other related conditions

“Our goal is to deliver personalized treatment plans that improve both health outcomes and quality of life,” states Dr Nicholas Laryngakis, board-certified urologist “It is imperative that patients are seen with not only providers who can truly provide complex comprehensive care, but that the facility also is able to meet those demands as well ”

The new location was also designed to strengthen the group’s specialty services, spanning traditional urology care to bladder, kidney and prostate cancers, as well as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), kidney stones, overactive bladder and other related conditions

The new location was also designed to strengthen the group’s specialty services, spanning traditional urology care to bladder, kidney and prostate cancers, as well as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), kidney stones, overactive bladder and other related conditions

“Our goal is to deliver personalized treatment plans that improve both health outcomes and quality of life,” states Dr Nicholas Laryngakis, board-certified urologist “It is imperative that patients are seen with not only providers who can truly provide complex comprehensive care, but that the facility also is able to meet those demands as well ”

“Our goal is to deliver personalized treatment plans that improve both health outcomes and quality of life,” states Dr Nicholas Laryngakis, board-certified urologist “It is imperative that patients are seen with not only providers who can truly provide complex comprehensive care, but that the facility also is able to meet those demands as well ”

The St Petersburg office is led by physicians Nicholas Laryngakis, M D , Reid Graves, M D , Adam Oppenheim, D O and Ankur Shah, M D , alongside several experienced advanced practice practitioners and clinical support team members Together, they combine extensive clinical expertise with a patientcentered approach that emphasizes compassion, communication, and excellence In addition to serving patients in the office, the Physicians have privileges at St Anthony's Hospital, Orlando Health, and Tampa General Hospital, helping ensure continuity of care across the region

NICHOLAS LARYNGAKIS PHYSICIAN

s imperative that patients are with not only Providers who truly provide complex prehensive care, but that the facilty is also able to meet those demands and requirements ”

s imperative that patients are with not only Providers who truly provide complex comprehensive care, but that the facilty is also able to meet those demands and requirements ”

NICHOLAS LARYNGAKIS PHYSICIAN

NICHOLAS LARYNGAKIS PHYSICIAN

“It is imperative that patients are seen with not only Providers who can truly provide complex comprehensive care, but that the facilty is also able to meet those demands and requirements ”

“It is imperative that patients are seen with not only Providers who can truly provide complex comprehensive care, but that the facilty is also able to meet those demands and requirements ”

“It is imperative that patients are seen with not only Providers who can truly provide complex comprehensive care, but that the facilty is also able to meet those demands and requirements ”

“Our goal is to deliver personalized treatment plans that improve both health outcomes and quality of life,” states Dr Nicholas Laryngakis, board-certified urologist “It is imperative that patients are seen with not only providers who can truly provide complex comprehensive care, but that the facility also is able to meet those demands as well ”

“Our goal is to deliver personalized treatment plans that improve both health outcomes and quality of life,” states Dr Nicholas Laryngakis, board-certified urologist “It is imperative that patients are seen with not only providers who can truly provide complex comprehensive care, but that the facility also is able to meet those demands as well ”

The St Petersburg office is led by physicians Nicholas Laryngakis, M D , Reid Graves, M D , Adam Oppenheim, D O and Ankur Shah, M D , alongside several experienced advanced practice practitioners and clinical support team members Together, they combine extensive clinical expertise with a patientcentered approach that emphasizes compassion, communication, and excellence In addition to serving patients in the office, the Physicians have privileges at St Anthony's Hospital, Orlando Health, and Tampa General Hospital, helping ensure continuity of care across the region

The St Petersburg office is led by physicians Nicholas Laryngakis, M D , Reid Graves, M D , Adam Oppenheim, D O and Ankur Shah, M D , alongside several experienced advanced practice practitioners and clinical support team members Together, they combine extensive clinical expertise with a patientcentered approach that emphasizes compassion, communication, and excellence In addition to serving patients in the office, the Physicians have privileges at St Anthony's Hospital, Orlando Health, and Tampa General Hospital, helping ensure continuity of care across the region

As a nationally recognized physician group in both urology and radiation oncology, Florida Urology Partners remains committed to bringing cutting-edge treatments and the latest advancements in urologic medicine to the communities they serve “We believe patients should have access to innovative, high-quality care close to home, and our new St Petersburg location allows us to continue fulfilling that mission,” noted Dr Reid Graves

As a nationally recognized physician group in both urology and radiation oncology, Florida Urology Partners remains committed to bringing cutting-edge treatments and the latest advancements in urologic medicine to the communities they serve “We believe patients should have access to innovative, high-quality care close to home, and our new St Petersburg location allows us to continue fulfilling that mission,” noted Dr Reid Graves

The St Petersburg office is led by physicians Nicholas Laryngakis, M D , Reid Graves, M D , Adam Oppenheim, D O and Ankur Shah, M D , alongside several experienced advanced practice practitioners and clinical support team members Together, they combine extensive clinical expertise with a patientcentered approach that emphasizes compassion, communication, and excellence In addition to serving patients in the office, the Physicians have privileges at St Anthony's Hospital, Orlando Health, and Tampa General Hospital, helping ensure continuity of care across the region

The St Petersburg office is led by physicians Nicholas Laryngakis, M D , Reid Graves, M D , Adam Oppenheim, D O and Ankur Shah, M D , alongside several experienced advanced practice practitioners and clinical support team members Together, they combine extensive clinical expertise with a patientcentered approach that emphasizes compassion, communication, and excellence In addition to serving patients in the office, the Physicians have privileges at St Anthony's Hospital, Orlando Health, and Tampa General Hospital, helping ensure continuity of care across the region

As a nationally recognized physician group in both urology and radiation oncology, Florida Urology Partners remains committed to bringing cutting-edge treatments and the latest advancements in urologic medicine to the communities they serve “We believe patients should have access to innovative, high-quality care close to home, and our new St Petersburg location allows us to continue fulfilling that mission,” noted Dr Reid Graves

For more information on Florida Urology Partners or to schedule an appointment at the St Petersburg location, please visit www floridaurologypartners com or call (727) 822-9208

As a nationally recognized physician group in both urology and radiation oncology, Florida Urology Partners remains committed to bringing cutting-edge treatments and the latest advancements in urologic medicine to the communities they serve “We believe patients should have access to innovative, high-quality care close to home, and our new St Petersburg location allows us to continue fulfilling that mission,” noted Dr Reid Graves

As a nationally recognized physician group in both urology and radiation oncology, Florida Urology Partners remains committed to bringing cutting-edge treatments and the latest advancements in urologic medicine to the communities they serve “We believe patients should have access to innovative, high-quality care close to home, and our new St Petersburg location allows us to continue fulfilling that mission,” noted Dr Reid Graves

For more information on Florida Urology Partners or to schedule an appointment at the St Petersburg location, please visit www floridaurologypartners com or call (727) 822-9208

For more information on Florida Urology Partners or to schedule an appointment at the St Petersburg location, please visit www floridaurologypartners com or call (727) 822-9208

“The additional space enhances critical care pathways and allows our clinical teams to collaborate more seamlessly, ensuring patients receive the highest level of coordinated care ”

“The additional space enhances critical care pathways and allows our clinical teams to collaborate more seamlessly, ensuring patients receive the highest level of coordinated care ”

For more information on Florida Urology Partners or to schedule an appointment at the St Petersburg location, please visit www floridaurologypartners com or call (727) 822-9208

For more information on Florida Urology Partners or to schedule an appointment at the St Petersburg location, please visit www floridaurologypartners com or call (727) 822-9208

“The additional space enhances critical care pathways and allows our clinical teams to collaborate more seamlessly, ensuring patients receive the highest level of coordinated care ”

“The additional space enhances critical care pathways and allows our clinical teams to collaborate more seamlessly ensuring patients receive th level of coordinated care ”

“The additional space enhances critical care pathways and allows our clinical teams to collaborate more seamlessly, ensuring patients receive the highest level of coordinated care ”

TEDDI BARBER, MBA CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

TEDDI BARBER, MBA CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

TEDDI BARBER, MBA CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

TEDDI BARBER, MB CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Because average doesn’t get remebered.

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A 4th-generation St. Petersburg native with $500M+ in sales and 1,200+ homes sold, Denise brings deep local knowledge, luxur y marketing exper tise, and personal ser vice to ever y client.

STAR

FRESH OFF THE RETURN OF HER HIT NETFLIX SERIES

SWEET MAGNOLIAS, TAMPA NATIVE JOANNA GARCÍA SWISHER SPEAKS WITH CHRISTINE BRYANT ABOUT THE RELAUNCH OF HER LIFESTYLE BRAND AND PRODUCTION COMPANY THIS FALL, HER UPCOMING HOLIDAY MOVIE AND SOME EXCITING NEW DEVELOPMENTS.

Portraits by Danette Anderson

Fans often describe JoAnna García Swisher as the “queen of joy.” Spend a few minutes with her and it’s easy to understand why.

Whether she’s discussing the habits that keep her grounded, the gratitude that shapes her outlook or longawaited projects that are finally coming to life, she is guided by the same principle: intentionally making space for the things that matter. It’s a philosophy that has shaped her personal life and career, which is entering one of its busiest chapters yet.

While audiences know her as Cheyenne from Reba, Ariel on Once Upon a Time and Maddie on Sweet Magnolias, Swisher’s professional pursuits extend far beyond her accomplishments as an actress. She has been curating her digital lifestyle brand focused on easy recipes, lifestyle and wellness under its original name, The Happy Place, for several years and has built a community of over 1 million subscribers. She is now expanding it into a multimedia lifestyle and production brand, rebranded as Rolling Clover.

Over the past decade, Swisher has built the brand around spaces, places and experiences that bring people joy and the belief that meaningful moments do not have to be extravagant or expensive to be memorable. They simply require an appreciation for life's everyday pleasures.

This fall, the company will take a major step forward with the opening of its first brick-and-mortar space, Rolling Clover Collective, in Lake Oconee, Georgia—a picturesque community about 90 minutes southeast of Atlanta. Envisioned as a gathering place for the community, the collective will feature a cafe, cooking classes and a curated retail experience that reflects the brand’s focus on connection and intentional living. Set within a renovated log cabin on a scenic piece of land, the actress explains that the destination will also offer outdoor spaces where guests can gather, celebrate and create memories.

For Swisher, the opening represents the realization of a dream years in the making, along with another way to share the sense of joy that has become central to everything she creates.

“There are going to be opportunities to cook with me and some amazing chefs who can bring in their slice of magic,” she explains. “We’re excited to have four walls and a roof so others can experience the brand.”

Lake Oconee felt like a natural fit for Swisher, as she and her husband, former major league baseball player Nick Swisher, along with their two daughters, have a home there.

“In a time where AI and the world is moving so fast, I think the only thing that never changes is our desire to come together,” she says. “It’s a huge leap off Instagram in real life, but we have plans for future expansions and it’s a wellthought-out plan that is organically taking shape.”

Nearly 550 miles from Lake Oconee, New Orleans was recently home to another first for Swisher. Fans recently got a sneak peek into an unexpected new role for the actress when A Christmas Kind of Love director Bethany Ashton Wolf shared some behind-the-scenes clips set in a recording studio.

The Netflix holiday film, co-starring Mark Wystrach and Madison Wolfe, will feature Swisher singing on screen for the first time.

“I’ve worked so hard and had some really incredible people help me find my confidence and my voice,” she shares. “I’ve had some incredible singers like (Sweet Magnolias co-star) Heather Headley and Lea Michele who do this for a living say, ‘You can do this. You can absolutely do this.’”

The budding songstress admits she may have had a little bit of help from a country music legend, channeled through a good luck charm on set.

“I wore a pair of Reba’s boots throughout the movie, and I felt so much love,” she reveals. “It’s definitely something I feel comfortable doing again, but it was such a surprise to me!”

As a child, Swisher auditioned for local theater productions and the entertainment industry quickly discovered her acting chops. She spent her school days at Tampa Catholic High School, where she was voted homecoming queen— though she often traveled outside the region for television and film roles. Swisher found fame after moving to Los Angeles, but she recalls how her sense of belonging helped her navigate a personal loss that called her home.

“When things hit the fan for me—I lost my father, the pandemic hit and my mom was really sick—I came home,” she shares. “There’s a real beauty to that. For me, it’s not somewhere that I discovered, it’s a place that I feel super connected to.”

Swisher and her family also own a home in Tampa Bay, where she runs the production side of her company. Among her endeavors is the Rolling Clover Reads book club, where she has combined her love of storytelling with her work as a producer. The project has become a valuable place for discovering compelling stories and, through her brand, she has acquired the adaptation rights to popular novels with plans to develop them for television and film.

“While I can’t share everything yet, I can say we are expanding our brand with some cool procedural stuff that’s female-led that I’m very excited about,” Swisher teases. “We’re excited to work with some amazing authors and are teaming up with some talented, strong writers. Currently, we have four projects in various stages of development.”

“It feels like an embarrassment of riches.”

Managing multiple projects that are moving forward all at once can make anyone feel as though they are being pulled in several directions, but Swisher says the key to her success has been learning the importance of leaning on trusted people around her.

“I have a great partner at Rolling Clover,” Swisher says. “She’s my best friend and we are a two-headed monster. So, there’s an ease and we sort of divide and conquer in terms of what is necessary.”

The entrepreneur also credits her Tampa Bay-based social media team, Telia Agency, for keeping the online wheels turning through careful scheduling and coordination.

“We plan for those big bursts where they focus all of my bandwidth on that moment,” she says. “And then when I go

off to shoot, especially when I’m directing and acting in something, those are the only hats that I wear.”

When the Suncoast calls her home, you may catch a glimpse of Swisher at one of her local favorites like The Vinoy or exploring many of the same hot spots residents adore.

“I love the beach and there’s some incredible restaurants, especially in downtown St. Pete,” she offers. “Being from Tampa, it’s really our backyard. So, we love staycations and spending time in St. Pete. It’s got such a unique flavor and it’s so diverse. It has a Floridian vibe, but it also really has a vibe unto itself,” she adds. “It feels like an embarrassment of riches because you think, how is it that we have all of this culture in the greater Tampa Bay area?”

Swisher lights up when talking about introducing people to Tampa Bay and seeing them embrace its charm and energy.

“Some people know about our beaches, but it’s really become this beautifully chic, exciting area,” she says. “I’m so proud of that and proud to be a part of it.”

Swisher notes that changes are brewing back in Sweet Magnolias’ idyllic town of Serenity.

“This season felt like it planted the seeds for what the future will look like,” she says. “It was exciting, a bit surprising and unexpected. It's definitely a bit of a rollercoaster.”

As the new season takes her character away from her beloved hometown to unknown territory and on a journey of navigating some major life changes, Swisher’s own world is expanding in a myriad of ways. But even as she embarks on a range of new creative adventures, she remains firmly tied to the community she loves and focused on the things that bring her joy.

“I do just inherently have a general optimism to my nature,” she explains. “I also spend a lot of time focusing on gratitude and the good stuff in my day-to-day life—maybe it's weeks of great sunshine, a fleeting moment or something that I'm planning months in advance. Whatever it may be, I try to lean into that and have appreciation. That is really how I exist. It doesn't mean that I haven't endured a lot of ups and downs and tragedy, but it is about reminding myself that I am a strong person and I can handle anything that comes my way.”

Sweet Magnolias airs exclusively on Netflix. Visit rollingclover. com to learn more.

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THE STARS Beyond

TAMPA BAY'S CULINARY RISE HAS HELPED GARNER NATIONAL ATTENTION FOR US AS A PREMIER DESTINATION. NICK STEELE DIGS INTO HOW THE REGION IS TAKING ITS PLACE IN THE MICHELIN GUIDE AND WHAT THAT RECOGNITION MEANS FOR LOCAL CHEFS, RESTAURANTS AND DINERS.

The culinary scene has never been more exciting in Pinellas County. New concepts continue to open, visionary chefs are pushing creative boundaries and diners are embracing everything from intimate omakase counters to refined tasting menus. But even with the inclusion of the area in the Michelin rating system, we are still reaching for those elusive stars.

Founded by the French tire company Michelin in 1900, the guide began as a practical handbook for motorists, offering

travel tips and recommendations on where to stop along the way. Hotels joined its pages in 1920 and six years later Michelin awarded its first restaurant star.

The now-famous hierarchy of one, two and three stars soon followed, evolving into what many consider the world's most influential measure of gastronomic excellence.

More than a century later, the guide's reach extends far beyond Europe, drawing millions of readers and helping

shape dining tourism around the globe. In recent years, Michelin has accelerated its growth through underwriting from the tourism industry, a model that has generated some criticism and debate but also brought the guide to destinations that previously sat outside its spotlight.

Florida became eligible for consideration in 2022 through a collaboration between Visit Florida and regional tourism agencies in Miami, Orlando and Tampa. Since then, coverage has expanded statewide, opening the door for a wide range of communities to be evaluated alongside some of the nation's most celebrated dining destinations.

Tampa Bay Times food critic Helen Freund has commented that when the Michelin Guide focused on fewer regions, the company covered its own costs. The more recent expansion, however, is purely built on financial support from destination marketing organizations. In fact, Visit St. Pete-Clearwater agreed to pay $90,000 annually for 2025 and 2026 to extend Michelin’s coverage to Pinellas County and position the area for inclusion in the guide.

Freund is quick to point out the tangible returns and positive impact for our area from Michelin's growing presence.

In Between Days

“It's created some momentum that we didn't have before,” she says. “Michelin is still the most esteemed and widely respected ranking system in the world. There are definitely other organizations that are encroaching on that territory, but I think you still expect when you go to a restaurant and it has a star, that it is going to be a very, very good meal.”

While some local media outlets have chosen to focus on the lack of stars being awarded, others understand that this period is setting the table for future success. This is especially true given that Pinellas County diners have long embraced a food culture that does not always fit Michelin's traditional mold of white-tablecloth dining. Aside from some noteworthy exceptions, the area's true strengths lie in chefdriven neighborhood eateries, inventive ingredient-driven menus and approachable hospitality. And anytime the Michelin Guide enters a certain market, it is not long until more culinary talent follows.

“There are so many places we can get information about restaurants now. It's really been democratized with social media and websites like Yelp; we don't necessarily need

these gatekeepers as much as we used to,” Dalia Colon, chef, host and executive producer of WUSF's The Zest podcast, asserts while still recognizing the guide’s potential impact. “Restaurants operate on such thin margins that just knowing that you're booked out for the next few months with these people who want to eat at the restaurants in the Michelin Guide is a huge deal.”

Michelin recognition extends beyond stars. The Bib Gourmand award, introduced in 1997, celebrates restaurants serving exceptional food at reasonable prices. Inclusion as a “recommended” restaurant has also become a distinctive achievement in its own right. Recipients receive the guide's signature cherry-red plaque and an invitation into a conversation that reaches diners around the world.

“Having the plaque on the door is huge,” explains Nathan Howey, executive chef for St. Pete eateries Fortu and Isu. “Obviously, it's great marketing for us.”

Fortu first earned recommended status in 2025 and has retained the distinction, joining a growing collection of local restaurants recognized by Michelin inspectors.

From modern fine dining to neighborhood seafood markets, Pinellas County now has six restaurants officially recognized as recommended selections, all celebrated for delivering above-average food and exceptional experiences.

The list includes Chef David Benstock's Il Ritorno, known for its elevated modern Italian cuisine, Fortu's sophisticated pan-Asian steakhouse concept and the approachable fine dining experience at Elliott Aster inside the historic Vinoy Resort. For fans of Japanese culture and music enthusiasts, downtown St. Pete also offers a meticulous premium omakase adventure at Sushi Sho Rexley and creative plates paired with curated music at In Between Days, a vibrant and intimate listening bar. Outside of the downtown core, Safety Harbor features the county's final recommended spot, The Tides Market, a hybrid seafood market and neighborhood eatery celebrated for its exceptionally fresh Gulf seafood and simple, precise execution.

For a destination that only recently entered Michelin's orbit, that growing roster represents meaningful progress. Recognition places local restaurants in front of travelers from

around the world, reinforces Tampa Bay's reputation and gives chefs another reason to invest and innovate.

"The food scene here has evolved into a true reflection of our vibrant and thriving community,” offers Steve Grimes, chief marketing officer for Visit St. Pete-Clearwater. “Our destination’s culinary culture is fueled by the passion, talent and distinct personality that chefs pour into their kitchens. That authenticity is why residents take so much pride in our restaurants."

Whether the first Michelin star arrives next year or several years from now, the trajectory is clear. The region's food scene is growing steadily, pushing the boundaries of flavor and innovation, attracting talent and earning attention as an evolving culinary destination.

What is also clear after a spate of recent closings is that the local hospitality industry is currently facing challenges and many of our favorite establishments need your support if they are going to continue to thrive. Every reservation, every appetizer and every toast over a shared dessert helps ensure another memorable chapter in our community’s epicurean story.

Being named one of St. Pete's best is a recognition we don't take lightly. Our goal is simple: provide exceptional dental care in an environment where each patient feels comfortable, heard, and genuinely cared for. Thank you to our patients who trust us with their smiles.

ROB BOWEN

BEST of 2026 MEET THIS YEAR’S WINNERS

Each year, our readers nominate and vote for their favorite businesses, organizations and people throughout Pinellas County. What makes this recognition special is that it comes straight from the people who live, work and play here. These honors reflect the relationships, trust and support built and the lasting impact of those who go above and beyond every day. While no list can capture every deserving individual or organization, our honorees represent the quality, character and local pride that define our area.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY N.J. VALLONE

BEST ARTIST

Patricia Kluwe Derderian

Ya LaFord

Cristi Lopez

BEST MUSEUM

The Dali Museum

Museum of Fine Arts (MFA)

The James Museum

BEST MURAL

ARTS & CULTURE

BEST PUBLIC ART

Shine Mural Festival

Magic Grasshopper, Museum of Fine Arts, St. Pete

Sunshine City Mosaic

BEST ARTS ORGANIZATION

The Florida Orchestra

St. Pete Arts Alliance

Morean Arts Center

BEST ART GALLERY

Morean Arts Center

Ocean Blue Gallery

Florida CraftArt

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER

Steven Le, Thee Photo Ninja

Rob Moorman

Emily Will

BEST LIVE PERFORMANCE VENUE

Duke Energy Center for the ArtsMahaffey Theater

Ruth Eckerd Hall

The Palladium

BEST PERFORMING ARTIST

The Wilson Van

Daniela Soledade & Nate Najar

Angie Rey

COMMUNITY

BEST ATTRACTION

St. Pete Pier

Sunken Gardens

Chihuly Collection

BEST FREE COMMUNITY EVENT

St. Pete Pride

Localtopia

Do Good Day

BEST FESTIVAL

Mainsail Art Festival

Reggae Rise Up

Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival

BEST ANNUAL TICKETED EVENT

Art in Bloom, Museum of Fine Arts, St. Pete

SAVOR St. Pete Food + Wine Festival

Amplify Women Tampa Bay

BEST HOTEL/RESORT

The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club

The Don Cesar Hotel

JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa

BEST EVENT & WEDDING VENUE

The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club

The Don Cesar Hotel

The Floridian Social

BEST TOUR

Preserve the 'Burg Walking Tours

Island Boat Adventures

Spirits of St. Petersburg / Walking Ghost Tour

BEST LOCAL MEDIA PERSONALITY

Charley Belcher, FOX 13

Mark Wilson, FOX 13

Alexia Gonzalez, Magic 94.9

BEST LOCAL CONTENT CREATOR

Alexia Gonzalez

Gabrielle Troyer

Chris Dyer

BEST HEALTH/WELFARE ORGANIZATION

St. Petersburg Free Clinic

Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg

BEST NONPROFIT

CASA Pinellas

The Pineapple Projects

The Do Good Foundation

BEST PHILANTHROPIC IMPACT

Power Design

Hands Across the Bay

Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts

BEST ANIMAL WELFARE AND RESCUE

Friends of Strays

SPCA Tampa Bay Humane Society of Pinellas

BEST COMMUNITY ADVOCATE

Dr. Kanika Tomalin

Julie Weintraub

Keith Smith, Operation: Veteran Connect

RETAIL & PETS

BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE

Atlas Body & Home

Matter of Fact

Sartorial Men's Wear

BEST WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE

z•aa dress up studio

Ashe Couture

Pippa Pelure

BEST JEWELER

Gold & Diamond Source

Old Northeast Jewelers Gold and Diamond Center

BEST VINTAGE & RESALE

Coastal Cottage

ARTPool Gallery

I Am So Not Cool Vintage

BEST SPECIALTY STORE

Zazoo'd

Sans Market

Astra & Friends

BEST SALON J.CON Salon Spa

Salon Swank LEAF Aveda Salon

BEST BOOKSELLER

Book + Bottle

Tombolo Books

The Book Rescuers

BEST WINE SHOP/WINERY

Book + Bottle

St Pete Cellars

Sauvignon Wine Locker

BEST SPECIALTY FOOD

Mazarro’s Italian Market

DeCosmo Italian Market

Amish Country Store

BEST PET CARE & BOARDING

Love My Dog Resort and Waterpark

Paws 'n' Rec

Bay Paws Pet Resort

BEST VETERINARY CARE

St. Pete Beach Veterinary Clinic

Dr. Elena Foley, St. Pete Vet Hospital

Edge Animal Hospital

PROFESSIONAL

BEST SPECIALIZED SERVICES

Compass Land & Title

A Radiant Property Inspection My Clone Solution, B2B Consulting

BEST COACHING & CONSULTING

The Growth Coach of St. Pete

ActionCOACH Tampa Bay My Clone Solution, B2B Coaching

BEST MARKETING & CREATIVE AGENCY

Bayshore Marketing Group

B2 Communications Pyper, Inc.

BEST EVENT PLANNER

Parties A' La Carte

Coastal Coordinating RSBP Events

BEST COWORKING

SPACE

Station House

Thrive DTSP Whiskers Workspace

HOME SERVICES

BEST HOME FURNISHINGS

Doma Home Furnishings

Treehouse Gallery

Coastal Fine Furniture

BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER

Rob Bowen Design

Lisa Gilmore Design

Nicole Lynn Interiors

BEST HOME SERVICES

Welcome Back St. Petersburg

Big Man's Moving Company

Floor Coverings International

BEST CONTRACTOR/BUILDER, NEW CUSTOM HOMES

Oasis Custom Homes

King Contracting, Inc.

Strobel Design Build

BEST RESIDENTIAL BUILDER

King Contracting

Oasis Custom Homes

Smart Building Construction LLC

BEST CONTRACTOR/BUILDER, HISTORIC RENOVATIONS

All Trades Historical Restoration

Nelson Construction And Renovations, Inc.

Strobel Design Build

BEST REMODELING

Van Selow Design Build

King Contracting, Inc.

Oasis Custom Homes

BEST POOL & OUTDOOR LIVING

Landmark Pools

Elegant Outdoor Living

Just Grillin Outdoor Living

HEALTH & WELLNESS

BEST DAY SPA & MASSAGE

Emerald Wellness Spa

Woodhouse Day Spa

Massage Studio

BEST FITNESS FACILITY

Vertical Ventures

Studio Physique

Stretch Lab

BEST PERSONAL TRAINING

Studio Physique

RISE Performance

Brickyard Fitness

BEST IN WELLNESS

Back 2 Normal Physical Therapy

Labrador Primary Care A Rejuvenated Healthcare

BEST COSMETIC & AESTHETIC SERVICES

Dr. Rosh, Oculofacial Surgery and Cosmetic Laser Institute

St. Pete Aesthetics Aesthetics by Colleen (Colleen Nelson)

BEST COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dr. Roberto Macedo

St. Pete Oral Health Center Flash Dentspa

BEST DENTIST

Rosemarie Marquez, DMD

Dr. Roberto Macedo Bayway Dental

BEST EYE CARE

VIP Eye Care & Optical Boutique

OPTIK! European Eyewear Pasadena Eye Center

BEST MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER

McNulty Counseling and Wellness

Ellie Mental Health

Connection Behavioral Health

FOOD & DRINK

BEST CHEF

Chef Tyson Grant, Parkshore Grill

Chef David Benstock, Il Ritorno

Chef Rosana Rivera, Chef & The Baker

BEST FINE DINING

I L Ritorno

Fortu Allelo

BEST NEW & NOTEWORTHY

The Crane

Stormrunners Tavern

Tiki Tim's Pub and Grill

BEST SEAFOOD

Parkshore Grill

Bascom's Chop House Fourth Street Shrimp Store

BEST STEAKHOUSE

Beau & Mo's Italian Steakhouse

Rococo Steakhouse Parkshore Grill

BEST SUSHI Lemongrass

Sushi Sho Rexley House of Vegano

BEST AMERICAN

Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille

Parkshore Grill

Stillwaters Tavern

BEST FRENCH

Cassis

Alsace French Bistro

Cybel

BEST MEXICAN Grand Hacienda

Taquitos Mexican

Taco Bus Treasure Island

BEST ITALIAN

Pia's Trattoria

Gratzzi Italian Grille

Buona Ristorante

BEST INTERNATIONAL CUISINE

Fortu

LA V

Dirty Laundry

BEST TACOS

Casita Taqueria

Grumpy Gringo

Taco Bus

BEST PLANT-BASED House of Vegano

Lotus Vegan Restaurant

World Vegan Cuisine

BEST DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT

Pia’s Trattoria

Salt Rock Grill

Elliott Aster

BEST BRUNCH

The Library

Cassis

Uptown Eats

BEST BISTRO

Wild Child

Bacchus Wine Bistro

Sol St Pete Bistro

BEST CASUAL & TAKEOUT

CAVA

Pizza Box

Dalmoros Fresh Pasta To Go

BEST BEACH/CASUAL

Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro

Caddy’s Indian Shores

RumFish Grill and Sports Bar

BEST PIZZA

Jay Luigi

Cristino's Coal Oven Pizza

Monte Wood Fired Pizza

BEST BAR EATS

Engine No. 9

LALA St. Pete

In Between Days

BEST BAKERY/DESSERTS

Mazzaro’s Italian Market

La Segunda Bakery and Cafe

The Sourdough Co.

BEST ICE CREAM & GELATO

Paciugo Gelato & Caffè

Kilwins Ice Cream

Brite Ice

BEST WINE BAR

Sauvignon Wine Locker

Lolita's Wine Market Savoir on Central

BEST COCKTAIL BAR/LOUNGE

Flute & Dram

Mandarin Hide Tampa Bay Drinkery

BEST BREWERY

3 Daughters Brewing

Green Bench

Urban Stillhouse

BEST COFFEE SHOP

Kahwa Coffee

Book + Bottle

Paradeco Coffee Roasters

DESTINATION

KNOWN FOR ITS RICH MUSICAL HERITAGE AND LIVELY ATMOSPHERE,

BETH ANN DRAKE EXPLAINS WHY THE MUSIC CITY SHOULD BE AT THE TOP OF YOUR LIST FOR A MEMORABLE GETAWAY.

Nashville has been called the ultimate Southern getaway, celebrated for its engaging blend of musical heritage and buzzy metropolitan energy. It thrives on Southern hospitality, a vibrant food scene and abundant opportunities to experience live music at diverse venues, from its famous honky-tonks to its world-class concert halls and listening rooms. But it’s the big-city amenities married to a small-town soul that make it such a special place.

When travelers imagine Nashville, it is typically the indelible image of country music, cowboy hats and the famous neon-lit strip of Lower Broadway, the entertainment district, where nonstop live music pours onto the sidewalks day and night. It is one of the most recognizable entertainment destinations in America. It just so happens I love all of that—but what I discovered over a long weekend is that the city shines brighter than just those surface stereotypes and offers visi-

tors a quietly luxurious escape, thanks to an influx of worldclass restaurants, rooftop bars and hotels.

While Nashville has evolved far beyond its long-held reputation as the capital of country music and is growing hipper by the minute, it retains its authentic Southern hospitality and country heritage, which represent the city’s heart and soul.

While there are countless ways to experience the city, here are a few discoveries from my excursion that may help shape your itinerary.

DISTRICTS DECODED

One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors is the sheer size of Nashville. While Lower Broadway may be the city's most recognizable destination, Music City stretches far beyond its neon-lit entertainment district. Distinct neighbor-

hoods spread across the city, each offering its own personality, pace and perspective.

Downtown and Lower Broadway remain the bustling heart of the city, with a lively nightlife scene bursting with honky-tonks and neon lights, not to mention an abundance of bachelorette parties. The Gulch offers a more contemporary side of Nashville, with upscale shopping and restaurants. Across the Cumberland River, East Nashville has built a reputation as the city's creative hub, filled with local restaurants, independent shops and a distinctly neighborhood feel.

For a slower pace, 12 South combines walkable streets with boutiques, coffee shops and beautifully restored homes, while Germantown pairs historic architecture with some of the city's most acclaimed dining. Hillsboro Village blends college-town energy with independent businesses and local character.

Shoppers gravitate toward Green Hills for its mix of luxury retail and the legendary Bluebird Cafe, while The Nations and West End showcase different sides of the city's evolution, from revitalized industrial spaces and craft breweries to the Parthenon and the green spaces of Centennial Park.

Further west, Belle Meade offers a glimpse of Nashville's grander side, with estate-lined roads, historic homes and a distinctly timeless sense of place.

ICONIC ITINERARY

Start with the icons of music history. No first-time Nashville itinerary should skip the city’s landmark music attractions.

The Grand Ole Opry

There is no more famous country music stage in the United States than the Grand Ole Opry. What began in 1925 as a live radio broadcast has evolved into a global cultural institution. Over the decades, the historic show migrated through several venues, including its iconic 31-year residency at the Ryman Auditorium, which remains a thriving music venue today, before settling into its permanent home: the Grand Ole Opry House. Today, the live radio broadcast holds the distinction of being the longest-running in the world, continuing to share live performances with audiences across the globe through WSM Radio and SiriusXM.

Upon entering the current home of the Opry, you'll be struck by its scale. The space is modern and polished, yet at the center of it sits a reminder that the Opry's story didn't begin here. Embedded into the middle of the stage is the famed Opry Circle, a 6-foot section of oak cut from the stage of the Ryman and inlaid into the center of the Opry

House stage, bringing a piece of its history into the new venue. The circle serves as a symbolic link between the two venues and the artists who have shaped country music.

Stepping into that circle has become a rite of passage for today's stars, connecting them with legends like Hank Williams, Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash. When you attend a live performance or take a backstage tour, it's impossible not to feel the weight of that history. While Nashville offers no shortage of memorable attractions, this was our favorite.

The Ryman Auditorium

Often described as Nashville’s sacred stage, the historic venue nicknamed the “Mother Church of Country Music” has an intimate interior featuring curved wooden pews surrounded by stained-glass windows.

While its legendary past is undeniable, it is now one of the city’s most vital live performance spaces, a genre-defying acoustic hall where acts span from indie rock, contemporary country, soul, pop and orchestral performances to A-list comedy performers. Because of the auditorium’s unique wrap-around design, every vantage point offers completely unobstructed views, ensuring there is truly not a bad seat in the house.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Walking into the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum feels less like entering a museum and more like stepping inside a massive, living instrument. From the soaring architecture that mimics piano keys and a bass clef to the quiet center of the Hall of Fame Rotunda, the space invites an emotional response, treating music as a multi-sensory map of human experience.

One of Nashville’s most recognizable landmarks, its collection numbers more than 2.5 million artifacts, including instruments, recordings, photographs, stage costumes and other memorabilia, from Elvis Presley’s gold-plated Cadillac to Taylor Swift’s tour bus. Visitors are encouraged to carve out two to three hours to move through the multi-level galleries and explore the lives and legacies of icons such as Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks and Reba McEntire, tracing the evolution of country music.

Pour Decisions

For more spirited diversions there are tastings available at Nelson's Green Brier Distillery or Big Machine Brewery & Distillery. It's also worth a trip to the beautiful 30-acre Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery to learn about the realities of pre-Civil War living, the estate’s thoroughbred horse racing history and to enjoy a wine and bourbon tasting experience.

If you feel like a sophisticated outing, The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club has that modern-day speakeasy vibe and is nationally renowned for its highly imaginative craft cocktails and the sophisticated yet gracious hospitality. If it's a one-of-a-kind experience you're seeking, Attaboy offers an improvisational encounter where you sit down and tell the bartender exactly what flavors or spirits you like or what your mood is and they custom create a world-class drink for you on the spot.

CULTIVATED QUARTERS

From century-old historic landmarks to sleek, amenity-rich accommodations, Nashville offers a wide range of standout places to stay. Whether you want to be steps from the honky-tonks on Broadway or tucked into a quiet, design-forward retreat, the city delivers world-class stays for every style of traveler.

We stayed at the Thompson Nashville, a four-star luxury boutique hotel located in The Gulch, just south of downtown, where guests can step outside and explore upscale boutiques, trendy restaurants and some of the city’s most recognizable murals.

In 2025, Condé Nast Traveler readers ranked it the #1 Hotel in Nashville and the #4 Hotel in the World and Forbes named it the “Best Design Hotel in Nashville.” This recognition reflects its growing reputation among seasoned travelers,

which has made it a favorite of high-profile visitors to the city, including the Obamas during Mrs. Obama’s Becoming book tour, as well as entertainers such as Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani. Guests appreciate the property’s thoughtful amenities and pet-friendly policy.

Known for blending classic country style with urban sophistication, the 12-story property features 224 midcentury-modern rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding barn doors and rainfall showers. Guests are welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine and attentive staff focused on creating a seam-

less stay. The hotel also features one of the city’s most popular rooftop bars, L.A. Jackson, known for panoramic skyline views, creative craft cocktails, live DJ sets and a consistently energetic atmosphere. Dine indoors or out on the patio. If you like a little heat, the Nashville Hot Chicken Croquettes are a great choice or try the delectable charcuterie board. We paired a Caesar salad with a perfectly done L.A. Burger, which was a meal in itself. You don’t have to be a hotel patron and walk-ins are welcome.

LOCAL PALATE

There's been a lot of attention focused on Nashville over the last year, thanks in large part to the city's growing reputation as a culinary destination and the arrival of its first Michelin stars. While iconic local staples like hot chicken remain essential, the dining scene now spans everything from globally influenced tasting menus to neighborhood favorites that have earned devoted followings of their own.

In fact, reservations can be hard to come by at many of the city's most sought-after restaurants, so planning ahead is a good idea. We visited a few standouts recommended by local friends and left wishing we had more time—and a little more room—for the rest.

Marsh House

This “must visit” restaurant located in the heart of the Thompson Hotel combines the freshest seafood with handcrafted cocktails, all served by a team that clearly loves what they do. Our server curated a meal that began with freshly shucked oysters topped with caviar. Each course was impeccably presented by a description of the responsibly sourced origins of the ingredients.

The seafood tower is the perfect choice for a sampling of oysters, mussels, smoked fish dip and shrimp. The catch of the day for our visit was grilled halibut which was perfectly seasoned and the highlight of the meal. Hand crafted cocktails are thoughtfully prepared. Dine indoors or on the patio, both provide great views of the bustling downtown. This is one of those restaurants where locals know to make a reservation.

Audrey

Tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood in East Nashville, this hidden gem was founded by James Beard Award-winning Chef Sean Brock and has received major culinary accolades since opening in 2021. Under the expert eye of Brock’s longtime culinary collaborator, executive chef Sam Jett, it made the 2025 Michelin Guide and won Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence for its robust wine program.

Rooted in sustainability, the menu highlights heritage-driven Appalachian and Middle Tennessee cooking traditions and transforms humble ingredients into a fine dining experience shaped by the region’s seasonal offerings. The kitchen works in close collaboration with more than 16 farms and collectives from a roughly 100-mile radius, sourcing whatever the farmers deem the freshest and most abundant ingredients each week, allowing the menu to evolve daily.

We opted to check out the brunch and family-style menu. The deviled eggs with dill and trout roe were first up, a delicious twist on an old standard. Next was a pairing of fluffy biscuits with hearty sausage gravy. The French toast was not the traditional presentation, but was prepared crispy on the outside and soft in the middle—definitely worth a taste. Soft scrambled eggs cooked to perfection and sausage rounded out the delicious meal.

Urban Grub

Once a corner car wash in the heart of 12 South, Urban Grub has been transformed into an upscale dining experience with a warm neighborhood feel. If you are looking for aged meats and

a premium raw bar in a relaxed atmosphere, this is the place. The restaurant features fire pits, cabanas and a beer garden anchored by a seamless indoor-outdoor bar experience. An in-house butcher and charcutier ensures only the finest cuts reach your plate.

We paired ham hock collard greens with Creekstone Farms prime filet, which comes with caramelized onions and Worcestershire butter, and it was delectable.

The Best of the Rest

Other notable spots include restaurants such as Bastion, The Catbird Seat and Locust, all of which have earned Michelin stars. Another standout would be Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Drusie & Darr, a chic yet approachable fine dining concept from the global culinary icon at The Hermitage, Nashville's oldest and most iconic luxury hotel, which opened in 1910.

Occupying another historic location, The Finch, set inside the old baggage building of the Union Station train complex, offers a fun twist on American comfort food amidst stunning architecture. With the feel of a Parisian bistro and sidewalk café, Liberty Common fuses French cuisine with Southern food traditions in a gorgeous old-world setting. Housed in a beautifully restored 1880s Victorian mansion, HUSK has been described as a pioneer and leader in contemporary ingredient-driven southern cooking, utilizing an on-site garden and nearby farms to present a menu featuring enduring staples like shrimp and grits, pimento cheese and hearthfried cornbread.

We’d be remiss not to mention The Bluebird Cafe restaurant and listening room in Green Hills. This 90-seat spot in a strip mall serves appetizer style diner comfort food, but you

don’t go for the food. Don’t be surprised to see famous faces like LeAnn Rimes or Keith Urban on any given night. It has been considered an incubator for country music for over 40 years and is where artists like Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks and Faith Hill were discovered. Ticket reservations are your best bet to scoring a place at the table, otherwise you may find yourself waiting for several hours in the walk-up line on the off chance you can get in.

WINNING SEASON

Travel experts say the ideal time for a visit is autumn. Fall in Tennessee offers the perfect balance of crisp, comfortable weather, peak fall foliage and a lower chance of rain to spoil your outdoor plans.

One thing’s for sure, Nashville’s music scene provides the perfect soundtrack for your getaway. But it’s the city’s culture, character and Southern charm that will exceed your expectations.

Visit visitmusiccity.com to learn more.

SUSANNE VAN SELOW

President & Owner

Van Selow Design Build, LLC

Hurricane Preparedness Starts Before the Storm

Living along Florida’s Gulf Coast means hurricane preparedness should be a yearround priority. Before storm season, homeowners should secure outdoor items, trim trees, clean gutters, test generators, and review emergency plans.

As a remodeling and design-build firm based in St. Petersburg, we often help homeowners incorporate storm-resistant features into renovation projects without sacrificing style or comfort. Impact-rated windows and doors, upgraded roofing systems, improved drainage, flood-resistant materials, and generator preparation can all strengthen a home while improving energy efficiency and long-term value.

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is waiting until a storm is approaching to prepare. By then, contractors, materials, and supplies are often difficult to find. Preparedness is about planning ahead. Whether through routine maintenance or strategic renovations, investing in your home’s resilience today can help protect your family, property, and peace of mind for years to come.

Exploring St. Pete’s Vibrant Culture INSIDER

MEET THE MAKERS

Miss Johnny Squirrel

Whimsical animal characters, everyday moments and a touch of humor come together in Yuki Osada’s artwork.

BY CHRISTINE BRYANT | PORTRAIT BY AMANDA CURETON

Wandering through St. Pete’s Saturday Morning Market, Yuki Osada looks for little moments of inspiration in everyday experiences.

“I love walking past the fresh flowers, farm vegetables, baked goods and seeing locals picking up food for the week,” she says. “There’s something really comforting and joyful about those ordinary routines and community interactions.”

As the creative mind behind the brand Miss Johnny Squirrel, Osada captures these unassuming moments in her own whimsical way, creating art prints and an assortment of thoughtfully designed treasures like greeting cards, mugs, stickers and tea towels that are sold in local markets and online.

Among her characters are an easygoing capybara that prefers a slow and steady path, a contemplative (and a little grumpy) frog sipping on an afternoon cup of tea, two otters in love and a variety of cats whose distinct personalities will feel familiar to anyone who has ever shared a home with a feline.

“One piece I created features a pigeon sitting with a cup of coffee, croissant and newspaper, basking in the morning sun,” Osada says. “When I go to a new cafe in St. Pete, there’s a moment of clarity and happiness when you get your beverage and baked goods, and it feels like a special moment.”

The art that brings these woodland animals and fourlegged companions to life feels lighthearted, comforting, funny and even a little melancholy—an intentional mix of emotions that helps transform them into relatable stand-ins for ourselves.

“When you see animals doing their day-to-day thing, being themselves in their microcosm, sometimes as a human, you can’t help but add a narrative to it,” Osada reflects. “With all the ways an animal can appear in shapes, colors and attitudes, it’s a rich world to draw from.”

Many of the scenes that inspire her whimsical creations are rooted in Tampa Bay, a place she arrived in through an unexpected twist of fate. Osada worked as a textile designer and graphic artist for the fashion and home furnishing industries in New York City for several years.

“My husband’s company relocated from upstate New York to Safety Harbor when we were dating, so we did long distance for a little while before I eventually made the move to Florida,” she says. “At the time, it felt like a huge leap because so much of my creative career and community were rooted in New York City.”

Osada continued freelancing with several of her clients while navigating what her creative life would look and feel like in Florida. After meeting the owner of a local screen-printing company, Osada explored creating handprinted goods to sell at local craft shows. Piece by piece, her inventory grew to fill a tent full of magical wares.

“I think living in New York City can sometimes keep you moving so fast that it’s hard to make space for your own art,” she says. “You’re often focused on the work that supports your livelihood. For me, moving to Florida gave me room to slow down, experiment and reconnect with the kind of art that felt personal and joyful.”

While she officially started the brand back when Etsy was still in its infancy, Osada says she paused the venture when her day job began to occupy more of her time. Moving to Florida allowed her to reboot it with a fresh perspective.

With jazz music playing in the background and surrounded by shelves overflowing with art books, Osada now illustrates out of her Safety Harbor studio, a corner in her living room just big enough for a standing desk for her computer and digital work, and a small table and stool for traditional art projects.

“Coming from New York, I got very used to working with limited space, so I learned early on that if I really wanted to make art, I could make it happen almost anywhere,” she says. “I’m definitely someone who can function creatively in a bit of chaos, but I try to keep the mess contained to that one little rug area, though I have accidentally dipped my brush into my tea mug.”

Torn between traditional mediums like pen and ink or gouache, and working digitally on her iPad, Osada admits she loves the spontaneity and unpredictability of nondigital art since she doesn’t often sketch beforehand.

“I usually just jump right in,” she says. “There’s something exciting about the fact that it can either completely work or completely fail. On the other hand, I also deeply love the iPad’s undo button.”

Osada’s willingness to embrace uncertainty extends beyond the tools she uses and into the future of her work. While she continues to create small-batch goods and oneof-a-kind original pieces, Osada is also exploring new ways to tell the stories of her charming characters.

“I really want to experiment with trying to make silly little comic strips with some of my woodland characters,” she says. “I’ve been seeing stills and animations on Instagram that are inspiring to me.”

A multidisciplinary artist and designer, she also works across children’s book illustrations, wallpaper designs and murals.

Visit missjohnnysquirrel.com to learn more.

THE GARDEN

MEDICAL SPA , WELLNESS & MASSAGE

THE MOST TRUSTED NAME IN AESTHETICS

At The Garden Medical Spa, we combine advanced aesthetics, wellness, and surgical expertise to create transformative, natural-looking results. Led by award-winning plastic surgeon and world-renowned laser expert Dr Michael Mirmanesh, MD, our practice is built on advanced protocols and techniques he helped pioneer, many of which continue to shape the standard of aesthetic medicine

LARGE FORMAT FLOOR & WALL COVERINGS

WITH DOUG KING OF KING CONTRACTING, INC.

Over the past few years, homeowners have begun moving to larger size tiles for flooring and wall coverings. The main reason is that there are fewer grout joints to clean and to eliminate the disruption grout lines create when aiming for a certain desired pattern or finish appearance.

Even when installing rectified tiles, (tiles made at the factory with a perfect 90-degree edge), a small grout line remains, making larger pieces of material more attractive. Large format tiles are very popular in larger rooms, and their use in floor-to-ceiling shower walls is rapidly increasing. Other areas where their use is increasing are decorative wall features, fireplace surrounds, and even kitchen backsplashes. Porcelain is the most widely available material for large, oversized tiles.

While these large tiles offer spectacular, modern appearances, they do come with drawbacks. One is a myth that the install labor would be less expensive because it’s only one piece of tile, say a 24” x 48” instead of what might be two or four pieces. Quite the opposite is true, the labor rate is at a premium for several reasons:

●Handling is cumbersome; requires at least a two-person crew to move them on-site plus freight costs may be higher.

●Expert skill for installation is required for proper bonding and alignment.

●Floors must be leveled perfectly using self-leveling materials to prevent future cracking and lippage (uneven joints) and walls must be made to be perfectly plumb. These extra steps increase both material and labor costs.

●Excess waste may be generated, driving up the material costs, when using large format tiles in small rooms or on irregularly shaped floors and walls.

●Often, a specialized saw is needed to cut tiles on site to eliminate cracks along the edges.

To achieve the most seamless, sleek modern appearance, the best installation pattern is vertically stacked for walls and horizontal grid for floors, often called a “soldier pattern”. This method will also help to create a more “open feel”. Offset patterns tend to create a more fragmented look and can make a room feel smaller.

For floor and wall coverings, popular large-format tile choices include finishes that feel natural, warm, and timeless, such as natural stone textures, warm neutral tones or soft matte concrete finishes.

Because these selections have a major impact on the overall look of the space, working with a designer is highly recommended. A designer can help you choose colors and textures that complement your existing space—or a newly remodeled area—so the finished design feels cohesive and remains enjoyable for years to come!

Pitch Perfect

Award-winning television personality and entrepreneur Forbes Riley has built a career on the power of communication, but there was a time when she could barely speak at all. In her newest book, the widely recognized “master of the pitch” shares lessons on the power of authentic communication and why the ability to connect with others may be one of the most important skills anyone can develop today.

By Christine Bryant

As a child, Forbes Riley underwent severe orthodontic reconstruction and spent two years with braces, rubber bands and a tongue thruster attached to the roof of her mouth, which restricted the tongue movement needed to form sounds. Speaking was difficult, sometimes impossible.

“So instead of talking, I observed,” she recalls. “I watched how people connected, persuaded, shut down, rambled or lit up a room. What I realized is that confidence isn’t something you’re born with. It’s built the moment you decide your voice matters.”

Once Riley learned how powerful words could be, it changed her life. Now, the entrepreneur, fitness icon and motivational speaker is teaching others that their ability to communicate determines the size of their opportunities.

Riley, who lives in St. Petersburg, released her newest book, Pitch Secrets A to Z: How to Increase YOUR Influence, Impact & Income in May. The book, a USA Today bestseller, teaches the art of pitching.

But the author is quick to point out that the book isn’t about securing the latest business deal—it’s about boosting confidence, building relationships and, ultimately, being heard.

“We live in a world of notifications, scrolling, algorithms and performance,” she says. “Everyone’s talking, very few are listening.”

A lot of people feel unheard, whether in workplaces, relationships, or even online spaces. Why do you think being truly heard has become such a challenge?

Being heard today isn’t about volume; it’s about resonance. People don’t remember the loudest voice in the room; they remember the one that made them feel seen. The challenge is that most communication today is surface level. Real connection requires vulnerability, curiosity, eye contact, emotional intelligence and, honestly, patience. Those things don’t trend as easily as outrage and noise.

Why do you think so many people associate “pitching” with manipulation or pressure, and how do you redefine it in your book?

Because people confuse pitching with convincing. Bad pitching feels manipulative because it’s selfish. “How do I get you to buy?” Great pitching is service. It’s connection. It’s clarity. Every day you’re pitching, asking for a raise, explaining an idea, introducing yourself, asking someone out, getting your child to eat broccoli. Pitching is simply the ability to transfer belief. In my book, I redefine pitching as helping people see what’s possible. The best pitch doesn’t pressure people. It empowers them.

In the age of social media and personal branding, people are constantly “pitching” themselves, often without realizing it. Do you think modern communication has made us more authentic or more performative? Both. Social media gave people permission to have a voice without waiting for a gatekeeper and I love that. But it also created a world where people confuse visibility with identity. A lot of people aren’t building a brand—they’re building a costume. Authenticity has become a buzzword while filters, trends and comparison culture are quietly exhausting everyone. The irony is, the most magnetic people online are usually the least polished. Audiences are starving for realness right now. The future belongs to people who can communicate with honesty, energy and emotional truth—not just aesthetics.

“Your words can

Your book talks about pitching authentically without sounding “salesy.” What’s the biggest mistake people make when trying to persuade or influence others? They make it about themselves. The fastest way to lose someone is to talk only about your product, your resume, your accomplishments, your features. People care about one thing first: “Do you understand me?” Great communication starts with empathy, not information. The second mistake is sounding scripted. Nobody wants perfection anymore. They want conviction. They want energy. They want humanity. If you sound like a commercial, people tune out. If you sound like someone who genuinely believes in what you’re saying, people lean in.

open doors,

create wealth, heal relationships, inspire movements and transform lives.”

Many successful people can command a stage or boardroom but still struggle in personal conversations. What do you think is behind this? Because intimacy is scarier than performance. On stage, you control the message. In personal conversations, you risk rejection, misunderstanding and vulnerability. It’s easier to give a keynote to 5,000 people than tell one person, “I’m hurt,” “I need help” or “I love you.” Real communication isn’t about impressing people; it’s about connecting with them. And connection requires honesty. That’s where a lot of people struggle.

How are women often socialized differently when it comes to “pitching” themselves?

Women are often taught to be liked before they’re taught to be heard. We’re conditioned to soften our opinions, apologize before speaking, downplay accomplishments and avoid appearing “too much.” Men are often rewarded for certainty; women are scrutinized for it. I see brilliant women constantly shrinking their language: “I just think …” “Maybe this is silly…” “I’m trying…” Meanwhile, confidence is not arrogance. Owning your value is not ego. One of the biggest transformations I witness is when women stop asking permission to take up space.

For people who feel “stuck” personally or professionally, what do you think is the first step toward rewriting their narrative?

Stop repeating the old script. Most people rehearse limitations all day long: “I’m bad at sales.” “I’m awkward.” “Nobody listens to me.” “It’s too late.” Your brain listens to every word you say. The first step is awareness. The second is deciding that your past doesn’t get to author your future anymore. Your life changes the moment you stop narrating why you can’t and start pitching why you can. One new decision can interrupt years of stagnation.

If readers walk away from Pitch Secrets A to Z remembering only one lesson, what do you hope that is? I hope they stop waiting for permission. So many people are sitting on incredible ideas, gifts, businesses, dreams and voices because they don’t feel “ready enough.” I want readers to realize that pitching isn’t about becoming someone else; it’s about fully owning who you already are. Your words can open doors, create wealth, heal relationships, inspire movements and transform lives. But none of that happens if you stay silent. Your voice matters more than you think it does.

Visit forbesriley.com to learn more.

THE NIGHT OWL EFFECT

A new study linking night owl habits to poorer heart health is prompting fresh questions about the relationship between sleep and wellness. Christine Bryant talks with cardiologist Dr. Alexander Johnson about why sleep quality and consistency matter, how they affect the heart and why late-night schedules may be at greater risk of falling short.

At one point or another, we’ve all stayed up later than we intended, whether binge-watching our favorite show, getting lost in a good book or simply losing track of time.

But when late nights become a pattern rather than an exception—whether for work, social activities or habit—the consequences can extend far beyond feeling tired the next day.

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that night owls may be putting their heart health at risk. In the study of 300,000 adults, researchers found that self-described night owls were significantly more likely to have poor heart health and faced a 16% higher risk of experiencing a first heart attack or stroke than those with more typical sleep schedules.

Dr. Alexander Johnson, medical director of cardiology with Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health in St. Pete, says get-

ting enough quality rest and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule go hand in hand.

“There’s no doubt some patients have a genetic makeup that can survive the night shift or staying up late, and they thrive in that environment,” he says. “The caveat is that their circadian rhythm must be aligned to that and, if not, it has to become a learned trait.”

From birth, humans are trained to wake up in the morning and go to bed at night. However, work schedules, family responsibilities and modern lifestyles can make that natural rhythm difficult to maintain.

“If you work a night shift and you don’t keep that same night shift mentality throughout the week when you’re not working, this puts your body in a spot where it can’t acclimate well,” he explains. “Or if some nights you stay up late

and other nights you don’t, it’s difficult to create a pattern and your body can’t establish consistency.”

From there, a domino effect begins. When a person’s circadian rhythm—the body’s natural internal 24-hour clock—is disrupted, people often rely on stimulants like coffee to stay awake or overcome sleepiness, Johnson warns.

“Nowadays, energy drinks are available everywhere and when we stay up, we tend to eat products that also give us a burst of energy and are higher in calories,” he says. “At the same time, our body’s natural circadian rhythm thinks it’s time for bed and it’s going to digest food slower, so our metabolism slows down, that food gets stored and that’s called fat.”

As those habits become routine, Johnson says the effects can cascade throughout the body. Disrupted sleep patterns throw off blood sugar regulation and hormone levels, increasing inflammation and contributing to conditions that raise heart disease risk, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity.

For night owls looking to reset their sleep schedule, he recommends starting with small steps—beginning with knowing how many hours of sleep are needed to feel rested the next day.

“There’s always that person who can survive on six hours,” Johnson says. “That’s fine for them. But most folks need seven to nine. Others need 10. When you tend to consistently

get below six hours, that’s where you get a lot of the metabolic problems.”

Then, shift bedtime by 30 minutes each night until your targeted schedule is reached. While consistency addresses when a person sleeps, quality determines how well the body recovers during those hours, he advises.

Johnson also notes that proper hydration, diet and even the lighting in your bedroom can have an impact on one’s sleep pattern.

He suggests aiming for a diet that is low in fat and includes leaner cuts of protein and keeping a record of environmental factors that promote better sleep.

“Note what type of light comes into the room and background noises you hear,” Johnson explains. “All of those consistencies are key to good sleep hygiene.”

He has observed significant benefits when patients achieve a consistently healthy sleep pattern.

“The biggest shift I see when people take control of their sleep hygiene is in blood pressure,” Johnson notes. “With better sleep hygiene and exercise, I’ve seen patients drop 10 to 20 pounds by simply making these lifestyle changes and getting into a rhythm with daily life.”

Visit floridamedicalclinic.com to learn more.

Growing Care

After nearly two decades serving patients in downtown St. Pete, Florida Urology Partners recently celebrated a major milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new home at 2201 Central Avenue. The expanded location occupies nearly 30,000 square feet across two floors and was designed to increase access to care. Led by Drs. Nicholas Laryngakis, Reid Graves, Adam Oppenheim and Ankur Shah, the practice offers a full spectrum of urological services, from general urology and minimally invasive procedures to advanced cancer care. The new state-of-the-art facility features more than 30 exam and procedure rooms, an infusion suite and dedicated consultation areas designed to support personalized treatment plans and coordinated patient care.

Visit floridaurologypartners.com to learn more.

BEDS of HOPE

When local organizations join forces, simple necessities can change a child's life.

A partnership between the Rotary Club of Tierra Verde and Ashley Furniture to benefit Suncoast Voices for Children is making such a meaningful impact across Pinellas and Pasco counties. Through the effort, 600 beds generously donated by Ashley Furniture were recently delivered to help furnish safe, welcoming homes for children in foster and kinship care.

At the center of the work is Suncoast’s flagship Children's Needs Program, which ensures essential items reach abused, neglected and abandoned youth as they move through care and transition.

Rotary volunteers and local advocates gathered on June 11th to coordinate inventory, transportation and assembly so families receive support quickly and smoothly.

For those who want to volunteer, support is still needed for warehouse work, deliveries and setup.

Nancy Safford Westfall, Rotary's incoming president, shared that the club has a great itinerary of upcoming events and invites anyone interested to attend a meeting.

"You do not have to live in Tierra Verde to be a member of this awesome group," she offers. "Our members are from all over the area."

Sometimes the most basic gestures carry the most lasting weight, and a bed can mean comfort, dignity and the sense that a new beginning is possible.

Visit suncoastvoices.org for more information and connect with the Rotary Club of Tierra Verde through its Facebook page.

Small Business Planning

WITH SEAN GOODRICH, CFP®

Small businesses are the driving force of our community, making St. Petersburg a wonderful place to live, work and play. As a small business owner, you are used to working long hours with very little time off. Behind the scenes, you juggle payroll, staffing, inventory and everything in between.

Once a business becomes profitable, the key question changes. It’s no longer: “How do I make it work?” It becomes: “How do I make this last and make it valuable?” The strongest businesses here in St. Pete are growing with intention and purpose. Consider these points as you scale your small business and consider its future.

Take care of the team that got you here.

Retention is about culture as well as strategy. Offering retirement plans like SEP IRAs or 401(k)s, along with thoughtful incentives, helps keep your best people invested in the long-term vision.

Protect what you’ve built.

Storms, lawsuits and unexpected disruptions can happen. A solid risk management plan, the right insurance and cash reserves help prevent one bad moment from undoing years of progress.

Build a business that can run without you.

If everything runs through you, the business is neither scalable nor sellable. Clean financials, clear processes and strong leadership beneath you increase both flexibility and value.

Turn profit into predictability.

Businesses that forecast and manage cash flow well are far more resilient and significantly more attractive to future buyers.

Start your exit plan now.

The best business sales don’t happen overnight. Succession planning, whether to family, partners or a third party, is built gradually through disciplined decisions and consistent performance. Go beyond simply running your business. Prioritize creating one that supports your team, rewards your effort and gives you options.

Sean Goodrich, CFP®, is the founder of Goodrich Wealth Planning in St. Petersburg, where he works with business owners to align financial strategy with longterm goals. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Goodrich Wealth Planning is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

RUGGED REFINEMENT

Nitish S. Rele tests the redesigned 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness as it moves further into midsize SUV territory, blending familiar rugged capability with improved refinement and technology.

After testing the revamped seventh-generation Outback Wilderness, which now sports a midsize SUV/crossover appearance, it's clear the Outback is no longer a “lifted wagon.” It is taller and boxier with a higher ground clearance than before. Regardless of its appearance, it boasts a solid ride with quick acceleration and superb handling and steering. The standard all-wheel-drive system, along with dual X-Mode traction management, ensures exceptional balance in all driving conditions.

The 2.4-liter turbocharged horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine returns, producing 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. Power is routed through a continuously variable transmission with eight-speed manual-shift capability, delivering adequate performance. An independent MacPherson strut front suspension and double-wishbone rear suspension deliver a pleasantly agile ride. Steering response from the rackand-pinion power-assisted system is sharp, precise and well weighted. Strong 12.4-inch ventilated front discs and 11.8-inch rear discs provide confident stopping power. Towing capacity is a respectable 3,500 pounds.

raked back window flows into a new light bar extending across the width of the liftgate. The twin-cockpit design, highlighted by electroluminescent gauge displays for the speedometer, tachometer, fuel level and coolant temperature, enhances the cabin's upscale ambiance.

Specifications

Tires: 305/35ZR20

Wheelbase: 121 inches

Inside, a new 12.1-inch tablet-style touchscreen dominates the dashboard, while the comfort is enhanced by heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard and the versatile cargo area is complemented by a roof rack with integrated crossbars.

Length: 206.6 inches

Height: 59.2 inches

Width: 79.9 inches

Weight: 4,610 pounds

Fuel capacity: 17.5 gallons

City/hwy/comb: 16/23/19 mpg

Safety remains a Subaru strong suit. The latest EyeSight suite includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane-departure warning and lane-centering assistance, while blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert provide additional peace of mind. This redesigned and easy-on-the-pocket Subaru is a tempting midsize SUV that has sold more than 3 million units since its U.S. debut over three decades ago.

The updated front shows off Subaru in all caps flanked by stacked LEDs and anodized copper accents instead of the familiar hexagonal grille. Befitting its adventure-focused spirit, the exterior body features wilderness cladding. The steeply

Thanks to a functional interior, subtle styling and, best of all, standard all-wheel drive, which showcases its on-road ride/ handling and off-road talent, the Outback is a terrific performer.

Email motoringtampabay@gmail.com to connect with Nitish S. Rele, the editor/publisher of Motoring Tampa Bay and Khaas Baat.

RELATIONSHIPS MATTER MOST

With Brook Borup, operations strategist & Implementor

“I was in the running for two Best Of 2026 awards featured in this issue, and here's what you should be doing to rally your fans and grow your business.”

Here's the thing about business growth—nobody gets there alone.

When I found out I was nominated for Best of Reader’s Choice Poll in two categories, my first thought wasn't celebration. It was logistics. I had to tell people. Email my list. Post on social media. Reach out to my network. Ask for votes.

And the people who have worked with me, referred me, stayed engaged with my content—they showed up. They voted. That led to my company placing in both categories.

This is literally me practicing what I preach.

Every business owner knows relationships matter. But then we disappear from our networks for months. We forget to nurture the people who actually believe in us until we need something.

I only had a shot at placing because I've been consistently communicating with my community. They know what I do because I tell them. They voted because they understand the value I bring. And they had my back when I needed them because I've had theirs.

That's not luck. That's strategy.

Relationships don't just happen in business. They require consistent, genuine communication. You have to show up. You have to provide value. You have to let people know they matter.

Your email list, your referral partners, your past clients, your network—these aren't just names in a database. They're your business foundation.

The question is: are you nurturing them consistently?

Are you showing up for the people who matter to your business?

Are they as invested in your success as you need them to be?

If you're not sure, let's talk about it. Your complimentary call is waiting at meetwithbrook.com.

Contact Brook Borup: brook@myclonesolutions.com (813) 442-9925

MONDAY-THURSDAY MON/WED 9-6 | TUE/THU 9-7 By Appointment Only for a Focused Customer Experience

727-894-0500 JMC Center, 2201 4th St. N. Ste A, St. Pete. 727-295-0500 Roosevelt Lakes, 12425 28th St. N. Ste 103, St. Pete. VIP4myeyes.com

If pain, stiffness, or recurring injuries are keeping you from playing pickleball, golf, exercising, traveling and doing what you love, you're not alone. Many clients come to us after seeing multiple practitioners without answers. At Back 2 Normal, we listen, evaluate the whole body, and uncover the root cause of what's holding you back. Because lasting results happen when you stop chasing symptoms and start addressing the source.

Whole-body evaluations that connect the dots

One-on-one care focused on you, not your diagnosis

Advanced technology combined with expert hands-on treatment

Personalized plans for recovery, performance, and longevity

Helping active adults and athletes get Back 2 Normal and beyond

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Art in Bloom

VARIOUS / APRIL 16

Now in its 29th year, the signature initiative of the Margaret Acheson Stuart Society pairs art with creative floral installations at the Museum of Fine Arts. It was celebrated at two fundraising events, a luncheon at the Yacht Club and a gala at the museum featuring The Black Honkeys. Photos by Emily Will and Elise Schreiner.

Scabal x Salvador Dalí

THE DALI MUSEUM / APRIL 30

Sartorial, Inc. hosted a trunk show and reception to unveil Scabal’s latest collection, featuring special edition menswear designs inspired by Dalí’s 1971 “The Man of the Year 2000” project, originally commissioned by Scabal as a series of paintings. Photos by Moments of St. Pete.

With summer in full swing, this outdoor renovation was designed to embrace the heat while creating the perfect place to cool off, gather, and unwind. What was once a simple outdoor area is now a multipurpose backyard built for long, sunny days and lively summer nights.

With summer in full swing, this outdoor renovation was designed to embrace the heat while creating the perfect place to cool off, gather, and unwind. What was once a simple outdoor area is now a multipurpose backyard built for long, sunny days and lively summer nights.

Stefanie Barrett Vice President of Design

Stefanie Barrett

Vice President of Design

Explore what’s possible by visiting strobeldesignbuild.com or giving us a call at 727-321-5588

Explore what’s possible by visiting strobeldesignbuild.com or giving us a call at 727-321-5588

A custom outdoor bar and grilling area makes entertaining effortless, while warm finishes, layered lighting, and durable materials keep the space comfortable, functional, and ready for summer

A custom outdoor bar and grilling area makes entertaining effortless, while warm finishes, layered lighting, and durable materials keep the space comfortable, functional, and ready for summer

Made For Summer Days

Made For Summer Days

A summer-ready backyard designed for cooling o , gathering, and unwinding.

A summer-ready backyard designed for cooling o , gathering, and unwinding.

At the center of the space is a refreshing pool with a spacious sun shelf, ideal for lounging in the water or soaking up the sun. A dedicated dining space offers a comfortable spot for outdoor meals, while a cozy fire pit adds warmth and ambience as the sun sets. The result is a thoughtfully designed outdoor living area that balances relaxation and entertainment.

At the center of the space is a refreshing pool with a spacious sun shelf, ideal for lounging in the water or soaking up the sun. A dedicated dining space offers a comfortable spot for outdoor meals, while a cozy fire pit adds warmth and ambience as the sun sets. The result is a thoughtfully designed outdoor living area that balances relaxation and entertainment.

CARING FOR YOU HOW WE’D CARE FOR OURSELVES.

You’re never a number here. You’re someone with a story. And that’s where we begin.