Bay Magazine March 2026

FROM THE EDITOR

by Kathy Saunders

THE GREAT ESCAPE inside

Spring starts this month, and we at Bay are hoping it brings sunshine, sightseers and soulful adventures. In this issue, we have lots of suggestions for how to entertain guests who come to visit in droves this time of year. We also offer some getaways for locals who might need to escape for a relaxing weekend. And did you know Florida now serves as a launchpad for some of the world’s most luxurious cruise ships?

Tampa travel planner Jimmy “Chip” Barker sent dispatches from his suite aboard the Seven Seas Mariner about his posh accommodations and the ocean liners now leaving from Florida ports.

Our book reviewer, Colette Bancroft, read an early copy of author Lisa Unger’s newest novel, “Served Him Right.” We know fans of the Tampa Bay resident will be adding it to their book club lists.

Our social reporter, Amy Scherzer, has been doing a lot of partying lately, from Gasparilla galas to celebrity luncheons — all for great causes.

So, let’s get away, cruise, read and have some fun.

▲ 16 FLORIDA

These nine resorts in the Sunshine State offer luxury and relaxation close to home.

▲ 8

CRUISES

Sail into the sunset on one of these lavish liners departing from Florida.

12 KEY WEST

Inspired eats, live entertainment and eye-catching ocean views await you in beautiful Key West.

22 ARTS SCENE

Celebrate Women’s History Month with an empowering exhibit in Gulfport.

33 BOOKS SCENE

Tampa Bay author Lisa Unger returns with her latest thriller, “Served Him Right.”

26 DAY TRIPS

Help your houseguests plan a day trip to one of these nature-filled Florida attractions.

30 MIAMI

Forget driving: Catch a train to Miami next time you visit the Magic City.

34 SOCIAL SCENE

Bay is published monthly by Times Publishing Co. and delivered to Tampa Bay Times subscribers in select neighborhoods in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties. Copyright 2026. Vol. 19, No. 3.

EDITOR KATHY SAUNDERS | ksaunders@tampabay.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR LISA SCHILLINGER | lschillinger@tampabay.com

Graphic Designer Nausheen Syed-Ali

Copy Editor Erin Murphy Imaging & Production Brian Baracani

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Ready to set sail from the Sunshine State? These three lavish liners are ready to impress.

smooth sailing

lorida has always been the place to go for a bachelor or bachelorette party cruise, a graduation blowout aboard a ship, or an inexpensive way to island-hop in the Caribbean. But cruisers who prefer a cabin butler and private dining for every meal have had to add a flight to New York or even Europe to board luxury liners. Now, that’s all changing. We asked high-end cruise organizer Jimmy “Chip” Barker to share the details of what’s now available from Florida ports.

— Kathy Saunders

For decades, the focus of Florida cruising has been on scale and spectacle: Bigger ships. Bolder promises. More of everything, everywhere, all at once.

But opulence has always played by different rules.

As I write this, I’m aboard the beautiful Seven Seas Mariner, watching Florida soften into the haze of late-afternoon light. The decks are quiet. Teak beneath my feet still holds the day’s warmth. A glass of Champagne appears without a word. This

BY JIMMY “CHIP” BARKER

isn’t the version of cruising most people imagine, and that’s precisely the point.

For travelers who value elegance over excess, Florida has quietly become one of the most compelling luxury cruise launchpads in the world.

So, what does high-end cruising close to home look like? Here are a few standouts worth knowing about.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Opulence, perfectly orchestrated

Regent Seven Seas Cruises doesn’t chase trends. It refines a single idea: Remove friction, include everything, and let the experience speak for itself.

Later this year, the company’s Seven Seas Mariner will sail directly from Tampa, a rare moment when a globally roaming, ultraluxury ship aligns with the Gulf Coast. This is not a permanent arrangement nor a weekly routine — it’s a deliberate appearance, one that quietly transforms Tampa into a world-class point of departure.

Boarding feels more like arriving at a private club than embarking on a ship. There’s no rush and no announcements competing for attention. Suites are

expansive and serene. Dining unfolds at an unhurried pace. Shore excursions are already arranged — thoughtfully curated and included. Nothing interrupts the rhythm.

It’s the kind of grandeur that doesn’t announce itself. It simply makes everything feel easier than expected. For more information, visit rssc.com.

Orient Express: Old World romance, recast at sea

Some names still carry gravity. Orient Express is one of them.

Departing from Miami, the company’s new sailing yacht, the Orient Express Corinthian, doesn’t attempt to modernize the idea of luxury travel so much as restore its romance. Spaces feel tailored rather than decorated. Polished metals and glossy burled woods catch the light just enough. Movement through the ship feels intentional, almost choreographed.

Its Caribbean sailings are limited and seasonal — more like a private engagement than a standing residency. Days drift between secluded islands in the Exumas and glamorous evenings docked in St. Barts, where the atmosphere on board feels closer

to a Riviera salon than a Caribbean cruise ship.

This is travel for those who still believe the journey itself should be part of the memory, not just the places it touches. For more information, visit orient-express.com/en/ sailing-yachts.

Four Seasons Yachts: The ease of familiar luxury

Four Seasons Yachts has always understood something essential: True luxury rarely needs explanation.

Sailing select itineraries from Miami, the Four Seasons I brings the brand’s signature calm to the sea. Suites feel residential — more penthouse than cabin — with generous terraces and a sense of flow that encourages lingering. Marina-level access invites spontaneous ocean swims. Days unfold naturally, without the feeling of being herded from one moment to the next.

These departures are intentionally limited, woven into a broader global itinerary rather

than designed for repetition. The result is an experience that feels intimate, controlled and unmistakably refined — familiar in the best possible way. For more information, visit fourseasonsyachts.com.

The beauty of timing

What connects these voyages isn’t just a Florida departure point, it’s their impermanence.

These ships aren’t homeported here. They arrive, offer a small window of opportunity, and move on. That fleeting nature isn’t a drawback; it’s the appeal. Luxury cruising today isn’t about convenience or frequency. It’s about timing, intention and recognizing when the right ship happens to be in the right place.

Whether they’re departing from Tampa’s calmer Gulf waters or Miami’s cosmopolitan shores, these sailings remind us that some of the most opulent journeys in the world don’t require crossing an ocean before they begin. Sometimes, they start with a short drive, a smooth embarkation and the quiet understanding that this moment — this sailing — won’t last forever.

Jimmy “Chip” Barker, founder of Oceans & Lands: Luxury & Expedition Travel, has honed his craft over years in the industry, offering everything from sleek boutique cruises to rugged expeditions and yacht getaways tailored to his clients’ vibes. Based in Tampa, Oceans & Lands reflects his love for blending luxury and adventure, mixing sophistication with a dash of playfulness. oceansandlands.com.

Inspired eats, live entertainment and eye-catching ocean views await you in beautiful Key West.

island time

ometimes, when my instinct is to reject something, I am lucky enough to have a spouse who coaxes me out of my routine and encourages me to have some fun. This time last year, our friends invited my husband and me to stay with them for a weekend in their oceanfront home on Ramrod Key near Key West. We compromised and agreed to go for one night — and it was a visit we will cherish.

We took a direct flight from Tampa to Key West (Breeze Airways offers nonstop flights from Tampa International Airport to Key West International Airport priced from approximately $69 to $243 per person for a one-way trip).

BY KATHY SAUNDERS

Our friends were waiting curbside to whisk us to a lovely lunch in downtown Key West at Bagatelle on Duval Street. The restaurant is in a house built in 1884 in keeping with the area’s historical charm. I still remember the freshness of the Bagatelle salad with Asian pear slices, watermelon radish, chipotle cashews, golden raisins, artisan greens and a Granny Smith apple vinaigrette. I also snuck a bite of my husband Joe’s hogfish BLT with pan-seared local hogfish, applewood bacon and Key lime tartar sauce.

No visit to Key West is complete without walking along Duval Street, which connects the Gulf to the ocean; popping

into the iconic Sloppy Joe’s Bar, where author Ernest Hemingway hung out in the 1930s; and shopping at some of the unique boutiques that dot the strip.

Since we have visited Key West several times in the past, we skipped some of our old favorite sites, like the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum (with six-toed cats roaming the grounds) and The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory.

Instead, we visited the lovely house our friends purchased as a vacation home on Ramrod Key. They also own a rental home on the course at Key West Golf Club. That house is available for monthly rentals from $8,000 to $10,000. For more information, contact Realtor Zach Goodfellow with Keller Williams Key West Compass Realty at 970-531-3022.

Short-term rentals in Key West start at about $300 per night, according to Goodfellow. Hotels in Key West can be pricey as well, ranging from $450 to $1,200 per night, depending on the season, with the peak being from around mid-October through April.

After enjoying some downtime and taking in the wide-open ocean views from our friends’ balcony, we headed to Key West for dinner at Red Shoe Island Bistro. One of our favorite spots in Key West, this boutique restaurant, about a

35-minute drive from Ramrod Key, offers limited seating and intimate service. I can still taste the lobster roll profiteroles — yes, cream puffs stuffed with Maine lobster — and the yellowtail snapper with a lemon and parsley sauce. Don’t miss the lavender cheesecake for dessert if you manage to snag a reservation.

After dinner, we went to see stand-up comedian Paula Poundstone perform at the Key West Theater. The theater offers an eclectic lineup of performers throughout the year and is worth checking out for live entertainment in Old Town Key West.

The following morning, we visited the open-air market at the Boondocks Grille & Draft House down the street from our hosts’ home. We grabbed lots of fresh fruit and cheeses that made for a great breakfast spread before we flew home. I also bought some unique, locally made gifts for family and friends and a few treasures for myself, including a ceramic garlic mincer by South African artist Thabane Mpofu of Mzo Arts.

But before leaving town, I made the obligatory stop back on Duval Street at Kermit’s Key Lime Shop to order a Key lime pie and some Key lime pie bars to be shipped home.

Next time I get an invitation to visit the Florida Keys, I won’t need any coaxing.

on the last unspoiled shores of Tampa Bay

Live your waterfront lifestyle in a private gated enclave of elegant custom homes with sweeping open water views and direct, deep-water access out to Tampa Bay and beyond Minutes from downtown culture and commerce, you feel a world away in a home as inspired as you.

FLORIDA

BY CINDY COCKBURN

You don’t have to leave the Sunshine State to enjoy a tropical vacation. These nine Florida resorts offer luxury and relaxation close to home.

sunshine state stays

Lucky us — we live where others vacation. Even though we experience tropical bliss year-round, everyone needs a weekend refresh at some point. For those who want to escape their ZIP codes for a couple of days, below is a list of some of our favorite destinations. (These resorts range in price, starting from approximately $450 to $6,060 per night for two adults. Costs vary depending on the season.)

Inn on Fifth

Treat yourself to a getaway in the heart of downtown Naples at the Inn on Fifth and ask for the Club Level building. This romantic boutique hotel, just steps away from the city’s award-winning restaurants, offers day and night premium food and beverages in a private and relaxing concierge lounge. Don’t miss the Spa on Fifth experience: A couples massage starts at $370. innonfifth.com.

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa

Head to the Florida Keys and pretend like you’re in Bora Bora. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, called America’s only private island resort, is accessible by boat or seaplane. The thatched-roof bungalows and world-class dining

combined with a SpaTerre sanctuary make for over-the-top tropical luxury on Little Torch Key. No TVs allowed and don’t touch that cellphone! littlepalmisland.com.

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

It’s right out of a Hallmark film and probably on your romantic travel bucket list: a sunset horseback ride on the beach. After checking into The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, take your sweetheart on an adventure and explore the charming isle. Book the resort’s pampering Luxury Romance Package through March 30. Foodies can reserve the Chef’s Table at the resort’s on-site restaurant, Salt, for an intimate private dining experience. Guests can also book a spa treatment, including massages, manicures and pedicures, and more. ritzcarlton.com.

Cirque St. Armands Beachside

One of the newest properties to open on Lido Key in Sarasota is the circus-themed Cirque St. Armands Beachside boutique hotel. Enjoy a fun “‘The Great Gatsby’ meets ‘Moulin Rouge!’” vibe and a blend of big top elements and art deco themes. Cirque

St. Armands Beachside also houses Ringside, an eye-catching restaurant that offers delicious cuisine overlooking the Gulf. The hotel is located across the street from the beach and is within walking distance of St. Armands Circle. opalcollection.com.

The Don CeSar

Just say “aah” to the spa and order a massage for two overlooking the Gulf along with your accommodations at this historic St. Pete Beach hotel. Get to Spa Oceana early, order lunch and have it delivered to the rooftop overlooking the beach before or after your treatment. A couples package, including a magnesium salt soak, a Swedish massage, and a scalp or foot massage, starts at $295 per person. doncesar.com.

Innisbrook Resort

Enjoy the award-winning property and the spacious suites at the Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor. Golfers will love a round on the famous Copperhead Course, host of the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship. (Tiger Woods loved it!)

Ask for the Winter Wellness Retreat at Salamander Spa and discover a sanctuary for calm renewal and balance. innisbrookgolfresort.com.

Grande Lakes Orlando

This sprawling resort complex in Orlando offers two exceptional hotels on over 500 acres of land. The JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, is family-friendly, and The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, is an AAA Five Diamond luxury property. The on-site spa is a stand-alone destination of 40,000 square feet and 40 treatment rooms. grandelakes.com.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

The guest rooms, property and over-the-top service at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort will soothe the soul. But, for the wow culinary hit, dine at Capa, a Michelin-starred rooftop steakhouse. Try the wagyu flight, which boasts Australian, American and Japanese beef, from $225 per person. fourseasons.com.

PGA National Resort

This resort destination in Palm Beach Gardens is a favorite year-round luxury getaway for those who love world-class golf, tennis, pickleball, multiple pools and on-site gourmet restaurants. Spa lovers can enjoy a 40,000-square-foot wellness spa while golfers have their choice of five championship courses. pgaresort.com.

March signals renewal fresh light, lighter wardrobes, new energy. Southern Closet transforms daily routines from clutter to calm, from chaos to curated beauty. The closet becomes the first intentional space of the day where clarity begins.

A TIMELESS LEGACY ALONG THE BAY

Waldorf Astoria Residences St. Petersburg will introduce a new era of luxury to its bayfront locale. Rooted in the rich legacy of Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and inspired by the vibrant spirit of St. Petersburg, the extraordinary property will celebrate a blend of timeless elegance with the essence of Florida’s iconic waterfront lifestyle.

ARTS SCENE by

Maggie Duffy

WOMEN LEADING THE WAY

March is Women’s History Month, and that’s cause for artful celebrations, of which there will be many at the Brenda McMahon Gallery in Gulfport. The juried group exhibition, “Women: Leading the

Change,” asks the question, “What does change look like when women are leading the way?” The show, which runs through March 31, includes “Spoken Word!,” a poetry and prose open mic night from 6-8:30 p.m. on March 12. This event will

be moderated by Tampa poet Gemini Fox. Visitors can also meet the artists of “Women: Leading the Change” on March 21 from 6-9 p.m. Free. 2901 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport. 727-454-0453. brendamcmahongallery.com.

On view at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts in Tampa

View the hauntingly beautiful photography of local artist Beth Belaschky in “Echoes of the Luminous,” on view at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts in Tampa from March 17-April 26. Belaschky layers imagery and employs other techniques and materials, including holograms, cold wax, light boxes and gold leaf, to create lustrous works of art. Women are the subjects of this body of work, and during a phone interview, Belaschky credited being raised by strong women as her inspiration to make empowering art. Drawn to the camera from an early age, Belaschky said she has always opted for a softer focus and black-and-white film, inspired by photographers Keith Carter and Sally Mann.

She worked as a commercial photographer for many years, before hanging it up when she said it wasn’t artistically fulfilling. She picked up

photography again during the pandemic, this time mastering the digital camera and finding freedom in the possibilities of that medium. She’s intentional about creating connections with the viewer through her work. As she put it, “Photographs are answers to something that is in me.” $10-$12, free for kids under age 8. 1630 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa. 813-221-2222. fmopa.org.

American Stage’s “Into the Woods” opens in St. Petersburg

The crew at American Stage loves a good fairy tale and is expert at presenting them. 2025’s “This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing” was a delightful, modern one. For American Stage in the Park this year, the theatre company presents “Into the Woods,” Stephen Sondheim’s classic musical retelling of fairy tales with a feminist twist. It opens March 25 and runs through April 26. There will be theme nights with opportunities for costumes as well as the beloved Pets in the Park Night

Beth Belaschky’s “Starseed.”

on April 12, where Chihuahuas and every type of doodle will be dressed in tutus. It’s suitable for kids ages 8 and up. It will be held in Demens Landing Park, on Bayshore Drive and Second Avenue South in St. Petersburg. 727-823-7529. americanstage.org.

DAY TRIPS

Your guests won’t have to travel far to find fun places to explore: Florida offers many unique attractions in our own backyard.

wild Where things are the

is the season for family members and friends trying to escape the frigid temperatures up north and plan a trip to Florida. While it’s fun to extend the warm hospitality of the Sunshine State, sometimes it’s nice to send visitors off on their own for a day to explore some of the lesser-known attractions unique to Florida. In this issue of Bay, we offer a few options for those times when taking a break from company might be a great way to enrich both vacationers and hosts. — Kathy Saunders

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

If out-of-town guests want to see alligators — plus rare plants and hundreds of species of birds — there’s no better place than the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive.

Located about 90 miles northeast of Tampa, the 11-mile, one-way loop through restored wetlands (which were drained for farming in the 1940s) is a bonanza of Florida flora and fauna, and it’s an amateur nature photographer’s dream.

Some of the biggest alligators you will see anywhere may be sprawled in the sun next to the road or swimming through the canals. You can stay in your car for the entire trip, which takes one to three hours, depending on how often you pause along the route. Or you can stop at the numerous pull-over spots and get out for a closer look. But not too close.

At the historic pump house, you can park and hike along the edge of Lake Apopka. Download the audio tour that gives the history of the land, or simply drive slowly along the

single-lane dirt roads with the windows rolled down and listen to the sound of the birds and the wind. Don’t forget to keep your camera handy.

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive, 2850 Lust Road, Apopka. Free admission. Admission hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday and federal holidays. All vehicles must exit by 5 p.m. sjrwmd. com/lands/recreation/lake-apopka/ wildlife-drive. — Wilma Norton

The Celery Fields

This stop on the Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail offers a peek into the state’s agricultural past, a success story for land reclamation and preservation, and a pleasant place to stroll to see dozens of species of birds and other wildlife. The Sarasota Audubon Society, which has a nature center on-site, calls the Celery Fields one of the “birdiest” sites in the state.

In the 1920s, these mucky wetlands east of Sarasota were drained and converted to a large vegetable farm that predominantly grew celery. Farming continued until the acreage was acquired

by Sarasota County for preservation in the 1990s. The reclaimed land now is the centerpiece of the county’s stormwater mitigation plan.

The Sarasota Audubon Nature Center, about 60 miles south of downtown Tampa, has displays on the history of celery farming and the wildlife of the area. The trees outside the center are filled with non-native green parakeets; the Celery Fields are also populated by species of native birds.

There are miles of trails for walkers and bikers, including observation areas on top of the hill next to the nature center. Naturalists stationed on the boardwalks answer questions and point out bird species.

The Celery Fields and Sarasota Audubon Nature Center, 999 Center Road, Sarasota. Free admission. The park is open from sunrise to sunset daily. Nature center hours vary by season. sarasotaaudubon.org. — Wilma Norton

Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks

Tarpon Springs, about 30 miles northwest of downtown Tampa, is famous for its Greek heritage and its Epiphany celebration every Jan. 6.

To learn about the town’s history and culture, you can start with a 10-stop, self-guided walking tour from the Florida Humanities Council. Stroll along the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks and Dodecanese Boulevard for shops that highlight the town’s Greek heritage, customs and wares. And nosh on Greek pastries, seafood delicacies and that famous Tarpon Springs-originated Greek salad with a scoop of potato salad.

For a different view — and a little Florida history — you can board one of the private boat tours that leave from the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks for Anclote Key Preserve State Park just off the coast. The state park is accessible only by boat. (You’ll get closer views of the historic Anclote Key Lighthouse, but it is only open to the public on select dates.)

The dolphin and shelling tour from Odyssey Cruises, for example, includes stories about the history of Tarpon Springs, the sponge industry and the local wildlife from your boat’s captain. There’s also a stop on Anclote Key to stroll the beach and gather shells.

Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, 735 Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs. spongedocks.net. — Wilma Norton

Bok Tower Gardens

Bok Tower Gardens is one of Central Florida’s treasures and a peaceful way to spend a day enjoying beauty and nature at your own pace. The National Historic Landmark in Lake Wales was gifted to the American people by author Edward William Bok nearly 100 years ago as a thank you for the opportunities he experienced as a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, social and environmental activist, and editor of The Ladies’ Home Journal. He was also considered a leader in the

Arts and Crafts movement at the turn of the century.

The 250-acre garden and bird sanctuary features the 205-foot Singing Tower, a 60-bell carillon that plays concerts at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. daily and short selections on the hour and half-hour.

Visitors can tour El Retiro, a 20-room, Mediterranean-style mansion designed in the 1930s as a retreat for Bethlehem Steel executive Charles Austin Buck. El Retiro is open for tours Tuesday through Sunday.

It takes three to four hours to enjoy all the property has to offer, but it’s not hard to find something new every visit.

Pack a lunch and picnic on the grounds or grab provisions at the Blue Palmetto Café on-site near the Visitor Center. The café is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales. Adult admission is $20. Children ages 6-17 cost $10, while children ages 5 and under get in free. Dogs cost $10. Admission includes access to the 3.5-mile Pine Ridge Preserve hiking trail. Tours of El Retiro cost an additional fee. Admission hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with last admission at 5 p.m. boktowergardens. org. — Kathy Saunders

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park

Anyone who enjoyed reading “The Yearling” in high school or college literature class got a glimpse of life in Florida in the 1930s through the eyes of

author Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. Anyone who wants to experience that life firsthand can visit her former home in Cross Creek and tour the house and property where she and her thenhusband, Charles Rawlings, both journalists living in New York, moved to in 1928 to become citrus farmers. When the market for citrus crashed during the Great Depression, she began telling stories about her life, neighbors and the rural landscape of Florida at that time.

It’s worth a drive to Alachua County, south of Gainesville, for a guided tour of the farmhouse where the Pulitzer Prize-winning author wrote her novels and short stories. Tours are available Thursday through Sunday and reservations, which are required for groups of more than eight people, can be made by emailing mkrhousetours@floridadep.gov.

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, 18700 S. County Road 325, Cross Creek. floridastateparks.org. — Kathy Saunders

Puppy Hugging at Dogs Inc

Guests to my home always get to spend a day going to one of my favorite places in all of Florida: Dogs Inc. On the sprawling Palmetto campus, located just south of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Dogs Inc breeds, raises and trains guide dogs for the visually impaired, service dogs for veterans, skilled companion dogs, and therapy dogs. Soon, dogs trained to detect diabetes will be available as well. All the dogs are provided free of charge to qualified recipients.

Dogs Inc offers several options for touring the facility as well as special programs designed to immerse visitors in the world of service dogs.

This season, the nonprofit brought back Puppy Hugging, the ultimate feel-good experience. Guests can sign up to tour the campus and learn about how the dogs prepare for their future

careers. And they can snuggle with puppies.

On April 7, “One More Time with Feeling” invites guests “to experience one woman’s journey through the scenes that shaped her — from heartbreak to triumph, from fear to freedom. Alongside her faithful guide dog, she relives the moments that taught her joy, courage and hope.”

On April 14, “Beyond the Dark” allows guests to “experience darkness in a whole new light.” The program demonstrates how the dogs “take people with vision loss, veterans with disabilities and Gold Star families beyond the dark to a world of hope.”

Full disclosure: My family has raised numerous puppies for the organization, and I currently serve on the board of directors and volunteer in the puppy kennel. Experiencing the campus and interacting with the dogs can change the lives of visitors as well as students.

All the programs require preregistration on the Dogs Inc website. The organization receives no public funding and operates solely on donations.

Dogs Inc, 4210 77th St. E., Palmetto. Puppy Hugging is available Monday through Friday from 9-10 a.m. for $29. dogsinc.org. — Kathy Saunders

The Pointe on Boca Ciega at Marina Bay

Waterfront penthouse condominiums

With only three units per building – each commanding an entire floor –The Pointe Condominiums ensure the ultimate luxury – privacy. The penthouse-style, 4 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom residence offers over 3,800 sq ft of living space, and nearly 1,000 sq ft of wrap-around terrace overlooking breathtaking panoramic views of Boca Ciega Bay and the Skyway Bridge Featuring dual master baths, a whole-building gas generator, and a private, oversized 2-car garage for each unit.

Discover Marina Bay in St. Petersburg, a hidden gem tucked away on Boca Ciega Bay, where 60 acres of lush tropical landscaping, lakes with dramatic water features and abundant wildlife blend to form this vibrant community Just six minutes to downtown St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach, the new Villas, Estate Homes and Pointe Condominiums on Boca Ciega redefine both luxury and resilience by building to FORTIFIEDTM - Gold standards. Visit Marina Bay, next to Eckerd College, to tour our new models.

Miami heat

STORY BY SUSAN TAYLOR MARTIN | PHOTOS BY PEGIE STARK

Let driving take a back seat next time you visit Miami: Traveling via Amtrak makes it possible.

ibrant! International! Sophisticated! Artsy! Truly “the city where the heat is on,” as Will Smith rapped in his classic song “Miami.”

However you describe it, Miami is a fabulous place to visit. Getting there, though, can be a problem.

From the Tampa Bay area, it can be a five-hour drive by congested interstates. And when I inadvertently wound up in an Interstate 95 express lane a few years ago, hands clutched in a death grip on the steering wheel, I swore I would never travel to Miami by car again.

So, when my friend Pegie Stark suggested last fall that we take Amtrak for a trip to check out the city’s art scene, I immediately agreed: “All aboard!” (All prices and details in this article reflect rates and exhibit availabilities from 2025.)

Amtrak, the beloved yet beleaguered national rail system, offers daily service from Tampa Union Station to Miami on its Floridian train. With our senior discounts

and protection plans, our tickets were $84.60 apiece, not much more than the cost of gas for the 565-mile round trip. We could park at the station for free, and we wouldn’t have to negotiate Miami’s terrifying traffic once we got there.

Although the nearly 114-year-old station retains a hint of its former grandeur, its amenities are limited to a few vending machines. Which brings me to tip No. 1 when traveling by Amtrak: Call ahead to check for delays. I arrived two hours early only to learn the train was running four hours late. Many things can delay a train

that originates in Chicago: If it gets there within an hour of the scheduled time, Amtrak considers it on time.

Once aboard, though, we found helpful attendants and comfortable seats with ample leg room. As we got underway, Stark made a beeline for the snack car, returning with chips and mini bottles of wine. We spent the next few hours looking out the windows as the train rumbled through Lakeland, Sebring and on down South Florida’s east coast.

It was 10 p.m. when we finally arrived, and it took another half-hour by taxi to get to our downtown hotel from Miami’s remote Amtrak station. Tip No. 2: When taking an Amtrak ride to Miami, don’t make dinner reservations for the night of your arrival.

All aggravations were forgotten, though, by the following morning. Downtown dazzled in the sun, with the Miami River slicing through a forest of high-rises that could rival Manhattan’s. “Yo, ain’t no city in the world like this,” as Smith’s song goes. “Welcome to Miami!”

Given the tropical heat, we took an Uber the short distance to the Pérez Art Museum Miami, housed in what The New York Times called a “spectacular” building with hanging gardens. Once known as the Miami Art Museum, it acquired a new name, millions of dollars and dozens of works from the collection of developer Jorge M. Pérez. (The Pérez family has also donated generously to the Tampa Bay arts scene.)

On the grounds overlooking Biscayne Bay is a huge, sculptured head by the Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. Inside, the museum’s three floors of galleries focus on 20thcentury and contemporary works by Latin, Caribbean and African artists. Highlights were a stunning exhibit of glass and water, and another with photos in a variety of styles, including abstract, political and supersize! There were also works by internationally known artists like Frank Stella, James Rosenquist and Kehinde Wiley.

At noon we broke for lunch in the museum’s indoor-outdoor café, then toured more galleries. Our visit ended with a trip to the well-stocked gift shop.

To beat the rush-hour traffic to Miami Beach, we had an early dinner at Joe’s Stone Crab. From its 1913 origin as a modest lunch stand, Joe’s has morphed into what is arguably the most famous restaurant in Florida. Decades later, customers still recall the first time they beheld those wondrous mounds of cracked claws.

Afterward, sated on claws, lobster and shrimp, we strolled a few blocks past high-end shops to the Atlantic Ocean. Though nearing dusk, the beach was still dotted with families and gorgeous young people. Unlike Smith, we didn’t party “till the break of dawn,” but we did have a nightcap at Browns Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in the iconic Art Deco District.

Miami is synonymous with wealth and water, so we started the next day with a

celebrity cruise around Biscayne Bay. It took us past Star Island, said to be the country’s most expensive neighborhood due to the many stars who own or have owned homes there (among them, Jennifer Lopez, Gloria Estefan and Shaquille O’Neal). The 90-minute cruise also got close to some of the giant cruise and container ships that make Miami a major port.

Then it was on to the Wynwood Arts District, a former warehouse area transformed into a bustling neighborhood known for its boutiques, galleries, and beautiful and provocative murals. Some of the work we saw was by street artists like SHOK-1 and CRYPTIK, who have also painted murals in St. Petersburg.

Factory Value Quality

Wynwood Walls, an outdoor museum, featured an entire gallery devoted to Peter Tunney’s collages with flags, paint, and historical newspaper and magazine clippings. Other galleries displayed works by Simon Berger, who creates realistic portraits out of shattered glass, and Shepard Fairey, who designed Barack Obama’s iconic “Hope” poster.

On our final night, we headed to Coconut Grove, Miami’s oldest continuously inhabited neighborhood. Here, downtown’s concrete canyons give way to leafy streets lined with shops, restaurants and charming homes. We dined outdoors at the Mayfair House Hotel & Garden, a Michelin Key lodging where the tables are set amid lush tropical plants.

On Saturday morning it was back to the Amtrak station. The train was right on time since the trip north originates in Miami. On the ride home we mused whether we would travel via Amtrak again, and the answer was probably yes.

We spent slightly over $200 on a taxi and several Uber rides but saved as much as $78 a night on hotel parking fees. Stress-wise, relying on Uber was a no-brainer because we could leave the driving to somebody else. The drivers themselves reflected the diversity that makes Miami great — one was from Pakistan, another from Venezuela — and all were prompt and courteous.

Or as Smith rapped, “This the type of town I could spend a few days in — Miami, the city that keeps the roof blazin’!”

BOOKS SCENE

by Colette Bancroft

A DELICIOUS MYSTERY

Every family has its secrets, but some are deadlier than others.

In Tampa Bay resident Lisa Unger’s latest irresistible thriller, “Served Him Right,” such secrets grow in the dark for years until they sow mayhem.

They don’t talk about it much, but the Blacksmith sisters, Vera and Ana, shared a horrific childhood. After years of their parents’ brawling, the girls’ mother was arrested for murdering their father — and then died in jail. Their aunt, Agnes, took them in and raised them, passing along her knowledge about traditional healing — which herbs, roots and blossoms can cure, and which to be cautious of.

As adults, they’ve put that mostly behind them. Vera Blacksmith, the older sister, has grown into the protector role she adopted when they were kids. She’s married well, to wealthy business owner Brad Kline, and devotes herself to helping with his company and serving as a helicopter mom to her two teenage kids. Laid-back son Grant rolls with it, but independent daughter Coraline chafes at her mother’s perfectionism.

The younger sister, Ana Blacksmith, has not married at all; she likes serial relationships and, if she must, serial jobs. She’s also determinedly childless. She resents Coraline and Grant just about as much as she loves them, and when her college best friend, Iggy, has a baby and is rendered gaga over him, Ana Blacksmith just rolls her eyes.

Her most recent relationship, with an advertising executive named Paul Hayes, has just ended as the book’s action gets underway. Her friends are all relieved; Hayes was a creep with a reputation for sexually harassing his employees. So, Vera Blacksmith throws an “ex-orcism” brunch, where Ana Blacksmith and friends can gather to drag Hayes and delete him from their social media over quiche and mimosas.

The festivities are interrupted when a police detective comes knocking on the door, looking for Ana Blacksmith. It’s not because the two of them had a hot hookup a few days before, arranged via a sex app; in fact, they pretend not to recognize each other. Detective Timothy Bandeau is there because Hayes’ body has just been found, hastily buried in a nearby park. And Bandeau has some questions.

But before his investigation gets far, the party is flung into further disarray when Iggy (who’s on her first solo outing since little Noah was born) faints. Soon her doting husband, Brock (another of Ana Blacksmith’s exes), is watching over her in the hospital, hoping she’ll emerge from a coma. And the sisters are drawn into trying to figure out who killed Hayes (too many suspects) and who would hurt Iggy, whom everyone loves.

Unger weaves a complex structure skillfully, shifting among various first-person narrators to feed the reader tasty bits of information — but saving the complete dish for the reveal. As always, she’s especially adept at portraying believable family relationships between sisters, spouses, parents and kids.

And that wild but satisfying ending? Chef’s kiss.

Meet the author

Unger will present an author talk about the book at 4 p.m. on March 15 at Oxford Exchange, 420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. Visit oxfordexchange. com/pages/oe-programming for more information.

BOOK PICKS: SINISTER SISTERS

Here’s a trio of mysteries about sisters.

“The Turnout” by Megan Abbott: Edgar Award winner Abbott is one of the best at digging into the dark sides of women’s lives, and here she explores what’s behind the pink tights and tutus at a family ballet studio run by sisters Dara and Marie.

“My Sister, the Serial Killer” by Oyinkan Braithwaite: What do you do when your younger sister has the inconvenient habit of killing off her boyfriends? Find out in this quirky, deadpan comedic thriller.

“The Better Sister” by Alafair Burke: Sisters Chloe and Nicky are very much estranged — but when Chloe’s husband is murdered and Nicky’s son becomes the prime suspect, they’re forced to team up.

SOCIAL SCENE

The Helen Gordon Davis Centre for Women Waves of Change Women’s Leadership Luncheon

Broadway/TV star Sutton Foster and Tampa attorney Jeanne Tate took bows for their theatrical and legal talents on stage and in the courtroom at The Helen Gordon Davis Centre for Women’s annual Waves of Change Women’s Leadership Luncheon. The Centre helps women start and grow businesses, achieve financial stability, and age safely at home. Tony Award winner Foster chatted with WFTS-Ch. 28 anchor Deiah Riley about acting, singing and dancing in 14 Broadway shows — “and counting.” Tate leads Florida’s largest law firm dedicated to adoption and assisted reproductive technology law, helping place over 4,000 children in loving homes, including more than 300 in 2025 alone. She founded both Heart of Adoptions, a local adoption agency, and the Heart of Adoptions Alliance, which finds families for children in foster care. The Feb. 6 benefit at the Hilton Tampa Downtown turned personal when Tampa Mayor Jane Castor shared that Tate helped with the adoptions of her two sons, while Foster mentioned that her daughter is also adopted. Afterward, levity expert Tami Evans won over the room, urging guests to “find three zings for every clunk” to boost health and productivity. Text and photos by Amy Scherzer.

SOCIAL

Tampa Port Ministries and the Tampa Bay Maritime Scholarship Foundation

Anchor

Ball

Port Tampa Bay Executive Vice President Raul Alfonso presented Kelly Hendry, president of Hendry Holdings and Hendry Marine Industries, with the annual Capt. James McKay Port Achievement Award at the Anchor Ball, a benefit for Tampa Port Ministries and the Tampa Bay Maritime Scholarship Foundation. Hendry shared her pride in continuing the legacy of her late father, Aaron Hendry, and grandfather, Capt. F.M. Hendry, and their century-long commitment to maritime development and commercial ship repair. More than 180 guests enjoyed the Jan. 24 gala, bidding up auction items and dancing to music by the Impulse band, whose members couldn’t resist joining the crowd on the dance floor at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre. Text by Amy Scherzer. Photos by PamElla Winslow.

SOCIAL SCENE

The Florida Orchestra Harmony Across the Bay

Three support groups devoted to The Florida Orchestra — North Suncoast Associates, the Tampa Friends of TFO and The Florida Orchestra Guild of St. Petersburg — shared their love for the largest professional symphony orchestra in Florida at the Harmony Across the Bay luncheon. Each group plays its part hosting fundraisers, soirées, a chili cook-off and more to keep the orchestra playing nearly 100 concerts a year. The Jan. 15 gathering at the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa started with Champagne and a silent auction (dinner for 10 with CEO Ignacio Barrón Viela was a big hit) and ended with husband-wife duo guitarist Dominic and violinist Bonnie Walker playing solo and duet, their diverse genres merging in perfect harmony. Text and photos by Amy Scherzer.

FEEL TH E EXCITEMENT

SOCIAL SCENE

Gulf Coast JFCS Lives

Uplifted Gala

Back-to-back hurricanes in 2024 delayed plans for a full-scale gala for supporters of Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services. But the wait did not put a damper on the Lives Uplifted Gala, held Jan. 24 at The Floridian Social in St. Petersburg. During the event, the 350 participants viewed a video testimony from an artist/Holocaust survivor and a video presentation on foster care, adoption and other Gulf Coast JFCS services. Gulf Coast JFCS CEO Dr. Sandra Braham shared her personal journey of being in foster care herself. Guests were also treated to an exhibition by “America’s Got Talent” performer David Garibaldi, who created three live paintings, including a portrait of a child releasing a butterfly in remembrance of the children who died during the Holocaust, to raise money for the organization. The $1 million raised from the sold-out event “will support leveraging dollars required to match other grants for Holocaust survivors, childhood adoptions, refugees, food and other unmet needs,” Braham said. Text by Kathy Saunders. Photos courtesy of Gulf Coast JFCS.

SOCIAL SCENE ZooTampa at Lowry Park Karamu

The 38th annual black-tie Karamu — that’s “party” in Swahili — roared into ZooTampa at Lowry Park to celebrate wildlife conservation, expert animal care and the next generation of protectors. Co-chairs Whitney and CJ Steadman welcomed the 260 guests, along with a sleepy sloth and a prickly porcupine, to sunset cocktail hour. CJ Steadman’s involvement is indeed next gen, as his mother, Missy Steadman, was Karamu chair in 2000. Auction supporters bid generously during dinner, including $17,000 to name a rescued Florida panther. Excitement about the “Florida Waters” exhibit, the zoo’s largest expansion ever, helped the Feb. 7 gala raise nearly $500,000 before the Samantha Leigh Band got the happy herd dancing. Text and photos by Amy Scherzer.

SOCIAL SCENE

Ibis Healthcare Foundation

Heroes for Hope Gala

Superheroes swooped in — Spider-Man, Catwoman, Captain America, the whole gang — to support Ibis Healthcare Foundation’s Heroes for Hope Gala, the first fundraiser since Gracepoint Wellness and Cove Behavioral Health merged to provide “whole-person” health services, including counseling, primary care and housing. The 380 guests, many dressed as their favorite superheroes, met Paralympian Tracy Otto, who thanked her Ibis Healthcare therapists as she described her heroic journey from domestic violence survivor to world-class archer. Otto and Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister both received the 2026 Guy King Behavioral Health Champion Award during the Feb. 7 gala at Hotel Flor. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office was also named the foundation’s Partner of the Year, recognized for compassionate law enforcement that addresses mental health and substance use challenges. Text and photos by Amy Scherzer.

SOCIAL SCENE CALENDAR by

March 19: The Florida Orchestra Guild of St. Petersburg’s 57th annual Golden Baton Award Dinner, which benefits The Florida Orchestra. Honors Susan Hough Henry. $225. 5:30 p.m. The Mahaffey Theater. 727-448-3288. fogsp.org.

March 21: The Chiselers Market. Free admission. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Plant Hall, the University of Tampa. thechiselersinc.com.

March 26: Bridge Builders luncheon, which benefits Metropolitan Ministries. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. metromin.org/bridge-builders.

March 27: Inspire, Imagine & Hope Gala, which benefits the Alzheimer’s Association’s Florida Gulf Coast chapter. $500. 6:30-10:30 p.m. Armature Works. 800-272-3900. alztampagala.org.

March 27: Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce’s 20th Annual Women of Influence Luncheon. Featuring guest speaker Judy Smith. $150. 11 a.m. JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. tampabaychamber.com.

March 28: Unmasking Hope Gala, which benefits CASA Pinellas. 6 p.m. Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement. casapinellas.org/event/gala.

March 28: Mice & Dice Casino Night, which benefits The Kind Mouse. $175. 5-10 p.m. M & N Event Hall. thekindmouse.org.

March 28: Tampa Bay Heart Ball, which benefits the American Heart Association of Tampa Bay. $1,200. 6-11 p.m. The Motor Enclave. 727-563-8000 or tampabay@heart.org.

April 1: Dreammaker Luncheon: “Investing in Dreams,” which benefits the Children’s Dream Fund. $200. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Armature Works. 727-896-6390 or ewalsh@childrensdreamfund.org. childrensdreamfund.org.

April 8: 15th Annual Head & Heart Luncheon, which benefits Frameworks of Tampa Bay. $2,000 for a table of 10. 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Armature Works. 404-210-3373. myframeworks.org/events.

April 8: Longest Table, which benefits WUSF Public Media. Rain date is April 9. 5:30 p.m. Downtown St. Petersburg on Bayshore Drive Northeast from the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, to The Vinoy. wusflongesttable.org.

Amy Scherzer

April 9: Clothes to Kids’ 24th Birthday Party: “Ordinary to Extraordinary.” $150. 5:30-9 p.m. Armature Works. clothestokids. org.

April 10: Nashville Nights: “Boots on the Beach,” which benefits Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside. $500. 6-11 p.m. Opal Sol Resort. habitattbg.org.

April 11: Hidden Jewels: “A Night to Shine for Haiti’s Children,” which benefits Schools for Haiti. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Shanna and Bryan Glazer JCC. schoolsforhaiti.com.

April 11: Heroes Ball, which benefits the St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation. $750. 6 p.m. JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. sjhfoundation.org.

April 11: Jamboree at The James, which benefits The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art. From $300. 6-10:30 p.m. thejamesmuseum.org/jamboree.

Contact Amy Scherzer at amyscherzersdiary@gmail.com to have your event listed on the calendar.