February Issue

Transcription

February Issue

WWW.THEISLANDREPORTER.COM
FEBRUARY 2016
VOAF Guarantees Success
By Betsy Judge
Death and taxes are generally considered the only two guarantees in life, but
at Volunteers of America of Florida
(VOAF), they guarantee to create positive life changes through compassionate
support services.
“We tell our investors, our funders, ‘If
we don't deliver what we are supposed
to, then don't pay us.’,” says Janet M.
Stringfellow, president and CEO. She is
so sure they can deliver, one of their contracts with the Florida Department of
Child and Family Services is dependent
on achieving results. The philosophy is
codified in their vision which is to provide premier human services and experiences with superior results.
Volunteers of America of Florida offered food and fellowship during
Thanksgiving at Williams Park. The VOAF helps thousands of
As a 501(c)(3), VOAF gets all the tax
Floridans attain jobs and become self-sufficient through a
benefits due a nonprofit, but that does
variety of services including training and education.
not interfere with how she and 240
Photo courtesy of VOAF.
employees run 75 programs in 26 cities.
“It is in our spirit, but has nothing to do
erans and their families, persons with mental illness
with the product and how we deliver.
and disabilities, low income individuals and families, as well as the elderly.
“We know that we're good about keeping people
out of jail and out of psychiatric hospitals, which is
What positive life change looks like is different
very cost-effective for our funders. Finding them
for every person.
jobs, keeping them at work are outcomes that we
Every participant has their own life plan. “That's
track.” In fact, they have reduced psychiatric hospiwhy we don't call them clients,” says Janet, “we call
tal stays by 98 percent and also have a 98 percent
them participants because they need to participate.
success rate with veteran job placement. Plus they
This is their life. We’re not coming from a mentalhave brought more than $200 million to Florida in
ity that ‘I'm here, you’re safe, and I know what you
federal grant money.
need.’ No…. ‘you have to tell us what you want in
They serve about 5,500 people a day providing
life and we will facilitate it for you.’ It’s a different
housing, behavioral health services, training educaculture because they are used to places that get paid
tion and employment services and ministry to vetVOA continued on page 12
PHOTO OF THE MONTH
Photograph by:
Diane Davis,
St. Petersburg
White Pelicans
from Canada.
So beautiful and
some people think
they look like
swans.
Participants are
allowed to submit one
photo per month by the
10th of the month for the
next contest. Submit to:
[email protected]
VOLUME 13 NUMBER 2
Contenders
vie for Office
in Gulfport,
South
Pasadena
Compiled by TIR Staff
Publisher’s Note: With municipal elections on the horizon,
TIR reached out to the candidates running for office in Gulfport
and South Pasadena for input to some basic questions. Their
responses follow. In March we plan to afford the same opportunity to candidates running for office in St. Pete Beach and
Treasure Island. Some responses were edited for length or style.
Gulfport Mayor
Sam Henderson (Incumbent)
Personal information:
My family and I have lived
in Gulfport for ten years,
and we consider ourselves
very lucky to live in this
excellent old Florida city.
Why are you running and
what are the key issues you
hope to address if elected?
I am seeking re-election to continue effectively leading my diverse council and to complete the good works
that we have undertaken in the past three years. We are
in the process of major infrastructure repairs/replacements, including storm water systems, sewers and streets.
Our waterfront district and a local park are slated for
some beautiful renovations as well. Our city is thriving,
and I want to keep good things going in Gulfport.
Why should residents vote for you?
During my seven years on council, Gulfport
weathered the financial crisis admirably and has
come out in comparatively great shape. We have
streamlined our operations while maintaining a
high level of service to residents, and now we are in
the midst of critical improvements that will serve
the people of Gulfport for decades to come. I want
to finish the important work that we have started.
Barbara Banno
Personal information:
I am a nine-year resident of
Gulfport, and opened Stella’s
Restaurant in downtown
Gulfport in 2009. The café,
renowned regionally for its
breakfasts, continues to thrive.
I served on Gulfport City
Council from 2011- 2013. I am a board member of the
Gulfport Merchant’s Association and vice president of
the Gulfport Area Chamber of Commerce.
Why are you running and what are the key issues
you hope to address if elected?
I’ve never stopped being deeply involved in
Gulfport, or in being a community leader. I’m more
ready than ever, with my combined experience on
ELECTION continued on pages 14
2 - The Island Reporter - February 2016
February 2016 - The Island Reporter - 3
Memphis Comes to St. Pete
By TIR Staff
is challenged by personal ambiFriends of the Gulf Beaches
tion and the pressures of an
Historical Museum are bringing
outside world unable to accept
a taste of Memphis to St. Pete
their love.
for their annual, entertaining
fundraiser at the St. Petersburg
Start the evening off at
City Theater, Feb. 4.
6:30 p.m. with complementary
finger foods and beer or wine
“Memphis the Musical”
from the cash bar. The musical
takes place in the city where
begins at 8 p.m. and the
rock and roll was born. It’s the
cash bar and deserts will
story of DJ Huey Calhoun,
be available at intermission.
a good ol,’ local boy with a
Admission is a $25 donation to
passion for music, and Felicia
Joey Elrose as Huey and RaMond
Farrell, an up-and-coming Thomas as Delray in the national touring the nonprofit which supports
cast of “Memphis the Musical.”
the museum. Tickets are availsinger he meets one fateful
Photo by Jeremy Daniel.
able at the Gulf Beaches
night on Beale Street. Despite
Historical Museum, 115 Tenth
the objections of their loved
Ave., Thur. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sun. 1 - 4 p.m.
ones including Huey’s close-minded mama and
or call 727-552-1610. Tickets are also available at
Felicia’s cautious brother, a club owner, they
Native Properties, 255 Corey Ave., during regular
embark on a dangerous affair. As their careers
business hours or 727-367-7008.
begin to bloom so does their relationship which
From the Publisher
By Betsy Judge
We are playing catch-up this year. The additional
day in February makes up for the fact that the earth
turns about 365.25 days each year. According to various sources Julius Caesar is credited with adding an
additional day to make the calendar sync with rotations. Prior to that the Romans went through a number of calendar iterations including the original
Calendar of Romulus the began in March and consisted of 6 months of 30 days and 4 months of 41
days. The poor days of winter, believed to be from
late December until March were not accounted for. I
think the Old Professor could have fun with those
missing days.
According to other sources, during leap year
women are granted the “privilege" of proposing to
men. A Google search found 219,000 results for “tips
for proposing to men in leap year.” Another search
for “studies on women who propose to men,” netted
more than 152 million results. By the time someone
gets through all that, who wants to get married?
If a woman were to propose, I would think doing
so on Valentine’s Day is obvious. Tacking the extra
day onto the month of Cupid must be an omen. The
second hit on a quick Google search about doing it
that day offers 10 reasons you should “absolutely not
propose” and it pertains to either gender. Go figure.
Happy February, Happy Valentine’s Day and
Happy Leap Year.
Correction & Emails to the Editor
Corrections
Letters
Maximo Moorings
(January 2016)
From the Publisher
(January 2016)
Two names in the cutline of
the photo were misspelled. It
should have been Nigel and
Pepper Haywood. Additionally,
the last paragraph of the story
was incomplete and should have
read: “It was champaign all
around following the ceremony
before the party moved to
Shacks. The new signs are on
34th Street South and 50th
Avenue South.” We apologize for
the errors.
I read your comments about drivers not indicating before
changing lanes or making turns. My favorite is when someone is moving into an empty turn lane and they slam on
their brakes so they can very slowly change lanes, without
using their blinker. When I moved to Florida, I jokingly
asked if cars purchased here had to have their blinkers
removed to be street-legal!
You're not alone in being annoyed by the laziness of
fellow drivers who don't indicate. We'll just have to keep
setting a good example on the roads.
A Fellow Driver (who uses her blinkers),
Theresa Schlott, Treasure Island
Publisher Betsy Judge
Graphic Design Lorrie Bellinger
Contributing Writers
• Marianne Kern, Financial News
• Jackie Minniti, Florida Author Series,
Pride & Joy
• Bruce Norris, Cartoonist
• Dr. Stacey Robinson MD, Health News
• Wayne Shattuck, Columnist
• Dave Smith, The Old Professor
• Shawn Michael Witt, Beverage Beat
• Sally G. Yoder, Features
Advertising Sales
• Gigi Grimshaw
Contents of The Island Reporter may not be reproduced or copied
without the written permission of the publisher. This includes photocopying and electronic or mechanical reproduction of any form.
Editorial expressions herein are not necessarily those of the publisher.
We are not responsible for ads that are late or incorrect. The Island
Reporter, its staff, advertisers, and owners, make no representation or
warranty of any kind for accuracy or content. Views expressed in The
Island Reporter are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect
those of The Island Reporter’s staff, advertisers, or owners.
Copyright 2015. All rights reserved.
The Island Reporter
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[email protected]
Communities Served:
Bacopa Bay, Bayway Isles, Broadwater,
Dolphin Cay, Isla del Sol, Marina Bay,
Madeira Beach, Maximo Moorings, Pass-a-Grille,
Point Brittany, South Pasadena, St. Pete Beach,
Tierra Verde, Treasure Island and Vina del Mar
and portions of Gulfport and St. Petersburg.
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ideas are welcome! Please submit story ideas by the fifth of the
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Weather................................................6
The Old Professor ...............................7
Health News......................................10
Florida Author ...................................13
Notable Achievements .....................18
Beverage Beat ...................................18
Financial News..................................19
Puzzle Page........................................20
Local Events ......................................21
Business Card Directory...................22
Classifieds..........................................22
TIR Picture Page................................23
Island Toons ......................................23
Pride & Joy
The Last Straw
By Jackie Minniti
to remove plastic straws from all Treasure Island
It started out as a leisurely walk on Sunset
beaches,” she says. This was the beginning of “Be.
Beach. Julie Featherston and her six-year-old son,
Plastic Free.”
Harper, were enjoying the late September weather
and doing what they usually did on their beach
Julie personally contacted the beach businesses
walks – picking up trash. When they finished their
and asked them to substitute paper straws for plaswalk, Julie noticed most of the items they collecttic. She asked the city comed were plastic straws. This
missioners to pass an ordirealization set Julie on a
nance she named “Harper’s
personal crusade to make a
Law,” in honor of her son,
positive change in her comthat would ban the use of
munity.
plastic straws by businesses
along the beach. Treasure
Julie grew up on Sunset
Island
Mayor
Robert
Beach and developed her
Minning called for a volunlove of the environment at
tary ban instead. “Caddy’s
her mother’s knee.
responded on day one,” she
“My mom raised me to
says. “Now they just use
love Mother Nature,” she
paper straws. General managsays. “I wanted to instill
er Ken Hautman has been
that in my son. Harper
amazing. He sells a B.Plastic
knew what a litterbug was
Free t-shirt with the proceeds
at age two.” Although she’d
going to the Clearwater
planned a career as an enviMarine Aquarium. He also
ronmental activist, she
Julie
Featherston,
founder
of
organizes the beach clean-up
soon found that politics
Be.
Plastic
Free,
hugs
her
six-year-old
son,
and provides breakfast for the
“was not my thing” and
Harper, on Sunset Beach. Her goal is
crew.” But many other busibecame a nurse instead. But
to get all businesses in Treasure Island
she wanted to continue to convert to using paper straws, and she is nesses are not as cooperative.
“They agree in public but
expanding her effort to St. Pete Beach.
advocating for change, and
continue using the straws,”
what she thought needed
Julie admits. For this reason, she’s still working for
changing was the number of discarded plastic
passage of Harper’s Law. Commissioner Alan
straws that littered the beach.
Bildz, someone Julie calls “a champion through
“It dawned on me that those plastic straws
this process,” has agreed to put it on the agenda.
would have been there for my son’s sons and on
Julie plans to extend her crusade to include St.
and on,” Julie explains. “And it wasn’t enough to
Pete
Beach. The Don Cesar has come on board
just put them in a landfill. So I approached the
and now uses pink and white paper straws.
bartender at Caddy’s, explained the environmenDiscussions are also underway with Guy Harvey
tal impact, and asked if they could stop serving
and the Sirata. “Citizens of St. Pete Beach can start
straws with drinks.” The bartender agreed but later
talking to their people,” she says. While she realsaid the customers complained, and the discarded
izes the complexity of the undertaking, she isn’t
straws continued to pile up.
discouraged. “We can’t solve the world’s probNot one to be easily deterred, Julie turned to
lems, but we can solve problems locally if we work
social media and posted a plea on Facebook. “I
together,” she says. “We must have a voice and
wanted to bring awareness and see if anyone else
speak up for what’s good and right in the world.
agreed with me,” she says. By the end of the day,
The future needs us to.”
her post had been shared 8,500 times, and she
For more information find “Be. Plastic Free”
received messages of support from all over the
on Facebook or sign her petition, “No More
world. “So many people were reaching out who
Straws On Our Beaches.” at www.Change.Org.
had enough of plastic waste that I decided to try
C-130s… Robot Lawn Mowers…
and More
By Wayne Shattuck
C-I30s... Are you familiar C-130 aircraft? If
you've seen the big, four-prop, red and white planes
flying into and out of Clearwater/St. Pete Airport
for the Coast Guard, you've seen a version of the C130. The C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop
military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin. Capable
of using makeshift runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop,
medivac and cargo transport aircraft. The versatile
airframe has been used in a variety of other roles
including as a gunship, for airborne assault, search
and rescue, scientific research support, weather
reconnaissance, aerial refueling, maritime patrol
and aerial firefighting. There are more than 40
models and variants of the C-130 now operating in
more than 60 counties. Put into service for the U.S.
in the 1950s, this plane is the longest, continuously produced military aircraft and more are about to
be built. Lockheed Martin has just been awarded a
contract worth more than $1 billion dollars for 32
C-130J aircraft with the production expected to be
completed by 2020. The planes will be used by the
Air Force, Coast Guard and Marine Corps.
Robot Lawn Mowers... The future of free-wheeling automated yard work took a step closer to
American consumers last fall after U.S. regulators
gave robot maker iRobot Corp Inc. technical clearance to make and sell a robotic lawn mower. The
Bedford, Massachusetts-based company, known for
its robot vacuum cleaner Roomba, has designed a
robot lawn mower that wirelessly connects with
stakes in the ground operating as signal beacons.
Automated grass-mowers have spread across
Europe in recent years. In the U.S., iRobot told the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) its
competitors only offer hands-free mowers that
require underground fences or other elaborate
setups. IRobot's stake design, however, required a
waiver from the FCC to make sure that transmissions between its machines and the antennas
wouldn't interfere with other devices using the
same frequencies. The National Radio Astronomy
Observatory had fought the waiver request, saying
the lawn mowers would interfere with its telescopes. But the regulators waived the rules for
iRobot, saying its beacon design should be safe
with the promised limitations on height, signal
strength and use in residential areas.
WAYNE continued on page 7
Have A Great Day…
Really?
By The Old Professor
Talk defines relationships. In casual conversation one might “just love” fried pickles, while
in an intimate setting “love” implies a strong,
emotional attachment not likely felt for a dilly
wonder.
Customer relations folks close conversations
by saying, “Have a great rest of your day.” This
reveals an escalation of good wishes, gratuitous
inflation. Once we were wished a nice day. Nice
lost its value. So good took its place. But now
neither nice nor good will do. They have been
devalued and only a great day suffices. A gas
pump even wished me a great day recently.
But what would be a great day? Song lyrics
might help. St. Patrick’s Day is a “great day for
the Irish,” but I doubt that I am being wished
happy St. Patrick's Day on a day which is clearly
not that. The Broadway show “Great Day” ran
only 36 performances in 1929, and the stock
market crashed 12 days after it opened. That was
definitely not a great day. The title song instructed us to “Lift up your hands and shout. There is
going to be a great day....Gabriel will warn you.
Some early morn you will hear his horn rootin’
tootin’.” The second coming is clearly implied. I
don't think that's really what my casual, wellwishers have in mind either. So maybe song
lyrics won't help.
Maybe a great day would be one where some
highly desirable event occurs. You might win a
$2 billion Powerball. Your long-lost son might
return. Unwanted pounds might suddenly
self–shed. Congress might act sensibly. But all
these seem too unlikely to be part of a casual
conversation closer. Maybe “Have a great rest of
your day,” has almost no meaning, but is just a
conversation filler meant to convey at least a
modicum of good will, but not great will.
Those in ongoing commercial relationships
may inquire about the other’s family, golf game,
or travel as a preliminary warm up to the business talk. It is meant to imply that the relationship has a friendship dimension as well as a business one. “We’re buddies here, right?” Not really. Sales folk use ploys to get friendly responses.
So I receive a phone call, say hello, and am
asked how I am doing today. The caller is
unknown to me and has not identified himself.
He’s not my friend, relative or therapist. Why
should I tell him how I am doing? I have been
tempted to say that I am having a fit or that my
cat just died. But I generally just ask who he is
and what he wants. The salesman’s gambit wants
you to listen to an unwanted sales pitch rather
than just hang up. I am a hanger-upper. But then
I also hang up on the free cruises to the Bahamas
I win several times each week. Maybe a day without these calls would be a great one.
There must be a better way to end chats.
Nice, good and great days will lead only to further inflation, and we’ll soon be wishing “spectacular” or even “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” days. I knew a chap who liked the word
pleasant. I might be happy with, “Have a pleasant day.” But it lacks punch. “Buzz off!” and
“Go away!” aren’t very friendly. “See you
around” is pedestrian. Foreign phrases might
work, but seem a little show-offish. “Look at me!
I can say ‘ciao, auf wiedersehen, and hasta la
vista,’.”
I’m an Hawaiiphile. So I like “a hui hou”
which means till we meet again, and especially
“aloha.” “Ha” in Hawaiian refers to breath, the
breath of life. When in English we might say,
“with all my heart,” they say “with my breath,
with my very life.” So I end this chat with
“Aloha, from my breath,” which for those of you
who have talked with me know can seem endless.
Babbled during leave taking by David H.
Smith, Ph.D. retired professor.
WAYNE continued from page 6
But That’s Not All... Back in the Middle Ages,
battlefield medicine was about as grisly as it gets,
and arrows were one of the main culprits.
Arrowheads were commonly attached to the shaft
with wax for one single purpose: so that when the
arrow was pulled out, the tip would break off
inside the victim's body. Purpose-built "arrow
removers," designed to punch the tip and pull it
from the body were used to heal the wounded
soldiers. The wound was then cauterized with a
red-hot iron to stop the bleeding and prevent
infections.
Home
Marine
Liability
Dental
Flood
Auto
Umbrella
Commercial
Workers Comp
Health
Disability Long Term Care
“I have more than 30
years experience in the
insurance industry. Our
staff is committed to
delivering world-class
service, exceptional
insurance products, and
competitive premiums
to our clients.”
Tom Torgersen,
President
727-577-7222
4615 Gulf Blvd., Suite 104, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
[email protected] • www.aiainsurancecorp.com
Dredge & Fill Spurs Developmen
The beaches along the Gulf
and Boca Ciega Bay were slow to
be developed due to limited
access. The “early pioneers”
like William Straub, John
Wannamaker and other businessmen found ways to the islands and
laid the groundwork for the next
group: men like Dick Misener, Bill
Upham,
Herbert
Dowling,
Madeira Beach’s Archibalds and
the Hurleys from Pass-a-Grille
(PAG).
One investment that excited
these sharp men was the shallow,
state-owned, bottom land in and
around Boca Ciega Bay. With
development soon to be soaring,
the state put the land on the mar- Barges begin to fill the bay east of St. Pete Beach creating the land that
ket mostly for cents per acre.
will become Yacht Club Estates (bottom left) and other new islands.
The men bargained and cut
deals, and the pumping barges
bottom met the dredge pumps…all that waste resurmoved in almost weekly. The sound of 24/7 dredgfaced. In PAG the smell and fumes were so bad they
ing had the beach dwellers in an uproar.
bothered peoples’ eyes and noses and the paint
At the time, the islands had no sanitary sewer
actually peeled off many homes along the water.
system and limited septic tank capacity, so all waste
Town meetings were packed with residents trying
had been dumped right into the bay through large
to stop the development, Tallahassee trips to the
drain pipes running underground from homes and
state legislature were daily occurrences, but to no
restaurants. Not a pretty sight if one was sitting on a
avail. The state pocketed the easy money and the
dock or fishing off the seawall. And once bay
developers went to work. Real
estate schools sprouted everywhere
and it seemed that someone in
every household had a real estate
license.
Motels of all sizes sprung up
seemingly right out of the sand,
but smaller units alongside of private homes sprinkled the new
streets on the filled land. As the
new fingers stretched out into the
bay, utility lines were laid and
phone service came to the small
towns.
The filling brought more construction projects into the area and
along with it, the need for seawalls.
Dick Misener and Carl McEvoy
started Misener/McEvoy Marine
Construction of the first big motels, Colonial Inn on the left and Dessert
Construction and records indicate
Ranch on right; Bahia shores far right nad 3 Palms Point far left.
nt
By Sally G. Yoder
Photos courtesy of the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum
Vina Del Mar off the east side of Pass-a-Grille takes shape in 1954
allowing for the development of 562 lots many with waterfront views.
communities. Madeira Beach has some minor fills
most seawalls and many docks were built by these
and Redington added some land to the east like
two men. Their yard with barge docks was to the
Bath Club Estates.
right after coming off Corey Bridge. Misener eventually became a St. Pete Beach mayor and was a
Everyone had a dock which was an attraction for
strong community leader.
veteran boaters and “new-be boaters,” fishermen
and some swimmers, although pools occupied
Bayfront homes crept onto the fingers slowly,
many back yards. This kind of expansion became
the early ones selling for $14,500 for a two bath, two
the retirement haven for northern workers who
bedroom house. Small bridges connected the fills
loved the water and year round warm climate. All
which often resulted in more waterfront lots. Once
that remained in filling projects was Isla Del Sol and
the pumped land was walled in and connections
Tierra Verde.
made, the selling frenzy began in earnest, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that the larger custom homes
were built in the growing communities.
Beach front houses had been plentiful along the shores, but vacant land
was now available for the large motels.
The first two “big” motels on St. Pete
Beach were the Dessert Ranch and
Colonial Inn.
Mud Key (now Vina Del Mar) off
PAG to the east was finished in 1954
and soon 562 lots were for sale.
Developers almost covered Treasure
Island’s eastern bay line with Paradise
Isle and Isles of Capri, both large Isle of Capris is ready for developers to dot its fingers with homes.
Health News
Thinking Outside the
Cereal Box…
By Dr. Stacey Robinson, MD
ADVERTISE IN THE
ISLAND REPORTER!
CALL 727-631-4730 TODAY!
[email protected]
For decades, we have been brainwashed by
the food industry to eat cereal for breakfast. It is
so ingrained in our society, that it is hard to
“think outside the cereal box,” for a healthy
breakfast. But the fact is that the majority of
cereal is full of sugar and processed carbohydrates and lacking in protein, healthy fats and
important nutrients. The same is true for other
typical breakfast foods like bagels, muffins,
toast, pastries, waffles and pancakes. Most people wouldn’t dream of eating a piece of cake for
breakfast but that is what you are getting from a
sugar and carbohydrate standpoint.
Furthermore, we desperately need to eat
more fruits and vegetables to provide us with
adequate vitamins, minerals and other important, plant-based nutrients that keep us healthy,
decrease inflammation and prevent cancer. And
if you skip veggies or fruits for breakfast, you are
starting your day with a deficit. The biggest challenge in eating a healthy breakfast is time since
most of us are rushed in the morning. So break
the cereal habit and explore these convenient,
healthier options based on how much you want
or like to cook.
No cooking:
Plain Greek yogurt or coconut milk yogurt
with 1 tablespoon ground flax or chia and ¼ cup
organic trail mix (nuts, seeds and dried fruit).
Overnight oatmeal – assemble the evening
before and it will be ready in the morning.
Kind Bar (Nut & Spice, Fruit & Nut or Strong
& Kind) with ½ cup berries of any type. Info at
www.kindsnacks.com.
Organic cottage cheese with cantaloupe or
honeydew and a slice of Sprouted Ezekial toast
Lox minus the bagel – spread with organic
cream cheese, capers and dill on edge of lox and
roll up, eat with sliced tomatoes and 10 healthy
crackers
One slice of toasted Sprouted Ezekial bread
with almond butter, sliced apple and sprinkled
with cinnamon and a drizzle of raw honey. Info
at www.foodforlife.com.
Minimal cooking:
Breakfast antipasto: assortment of hardboiled egg, prosciutto, peppadew peppers, sliced
tomatoes, olives, feta or parmesan cheese.
More cooking:
Veggie & quinoa mini quiches (make a batch
and freeze them).
Vegetable egg scramble – scramble two eggs
with any vegetables handy or leftover, sprinkle
with feta cheese, sliced cherry tomatoes and
chives.
For breakfast recipes go to RobinsonMed.com
under the “foodie” category on the blog page.
Dr. Stacey Robinson is a private physician
practicing in downtown St. Petersburg and
owner of Robinson Concierge Medicine. She can
be reached at (727) 329-8859 or via
www.RobinsonMed.com.
Pride Meets Prada
By Betsy Judge
Picture a boy about 11 shredding cheese in a
neighborhood pizzaria and that was Mark Brindle,
co-owner of Jungle Prada Tavern in west St. Pete,
decades ago in New Jersey. Mark or his cooks still
shred the cheese, but now it is for his pizza.
He and co-owner, Bob Wareham, brought the
concept from their Old Northeast Tavern in
downtown St. Pete to the shores of Boca Ciega
Bay about six months ago.
“People drive over the Skyway for our pizza
downtown,” says Mark. They use
bottled water because he says the
mineral content down here is different. “The only thing better
The new Jungle Prada Tavern on
would be a 1,300 mile-long garPark Street North is the second
den hose,” he adds. They also
restaurant for Bob Warhead and
“pop” their own tomatoes, runMark Brindle who made a success
of the Old Northeast Tavern downning whole tomatoes from Italy
town before expanding west. They
through a food mill. It’s the same
work to create eateries that are
at the new locale.
tailored to the neighborhood.
“The stuff they put in the bag
Jungle Prada Tavern co-owners
with the cheese to keep it from Mark Brindle (left) and Bob Wareham what sandwich you were going
behind the bar. The pair met when
drying out changes how it melts.
to get on which day, so our first
Bob and a previous partner bought
I didn’t know any of this until I
goal was to clean up the
Sea Critters where Mark, a graphic
hooked up with him,” says Bob
kitchen and make everything
artist, filled in as a bartender.
referring to Mark. “He’s the pizza
come out the same no matter
guy, and it really makes a difference.”
who's making it. I don't care if you come in on a
Wednesday night or Saturday afternoon you get
It’s not all pizza at JP Tavern, the menu
the same sandwich. That's a big part of our sucincludes bar bites, appetizers, salads, burgers and
cess,” says Mark.
entrees. “The burgers came out great,” adds Bob.
Expanding the concept without complete
Mark chimes in, “There’s a lot of pride in our
duplication is key to these restauranteurs who say
burgers; there's a lot of pride in our pizza; there's
it is all about the neighborhood.
a lot of pride in everything. That’s our whole
menu; we try to do everything the best.”
“We spent the last six months learning the
neighborhood,” says Bob. Mark refers to it as a
Experience from downtown taught them conblank canvas for their patrons. “This is going to
sistency is also a important. “You didn't know
become what the neighborhood wants…within
reason,” he adds.
Their patrons have already impacted the beers
they offer on tap and Bob is getting ready to tweak
the daily blue plate specials; but the meatloaf is
verboten, “We can never take it off,” he adds
about the popular dish.
They want to be the heart of the neighborhood
which they originally thought would be just the
adjoining communities of Jungle Prada and
Terrace, but has expanded to include regulars from
Treasure Island and southeast Seminole. They
know their names. They say they also have their
own Norm and Cliff in reference to Cheers.
“We have people in here that have known each
other for years, lived a few blocks away from each
other for years, but haven't talked in years, and they’re
meeting here at the bar and are talking,” says Bob.
Mark spends time each morning researching a
riddle to place on a black board by the bar. The
first customer to solve it each day gets a free drink.
The duo has been waiting for an opportunity
to get into the historic building since Saffron’s
closed. “We could have opened up anywhere, but
we've had our eye on this place,” says Mark who
has lived in the neighborhood for more than 20
years and says that is an important factor too. “It's
a neighbor opening up a place, not just someone
with money.”
They recently renovated the patio which will
open soon with live music. Next on the agenda is
to get Old Northeast Pizza (hosted by JP Tavern)
with delivery service up and running, and they
have other plans as well.
Check them out on Facebook or see their
menu at www.jptavern.com.
VOA continued from front page
(per bed) and the longer the people stay, the more
they (the organizations) get paid.” At VOAF, they
measure success when a participant becomes independent and is integrated in and contributing to the
community.
“A lot of people come to us off the streets with
substance abuse or mental health issues,” says Jeff
Watts, director of performance management. “So
the first thing to do is get them off the street and get
them to stop drinking or doing drugs. That's a huge
positive life change and leads to other life changes
like employment; so it's a path, it’s a journey.
According to Janet, at the time VOAF says hello to
a participant, they are planning the goodbye.
They manage about $40 million in real estate
which includes more than 2,000 housing units; a
training, education and employment center; and
administrative offices housed in the historic Snell
Arcade on Central Avenue, built in 1928.
They also operate mobile units to provide services to veterans who chose to remain homeless, and
do “extreme makeovers” of veterans homes that are
in disrepair to fix them before a veteran is forced to
move out.
“The main group that we have the opportunity
to serve is our veterans,” says Janet. “We are the
No. 1 provider of transitional housing for veterans
and their families in the state.”
Janet Stringfellow, president and CEO of Volunteers of
America of Florida points to a photo of one of their
mobile vans on a wall that shows the history of VOA in
photos in their St. Petersburg office. The nonprofit was
established in 1896 by Maud and Ballington Booth.
TIR staff photo.
Homelessness among veterans is a big problem
and the Veterans Administration has a functional
zero goal to eliminate it. “We can buy a bunch of
motels, dump all the veterans there, kiss them
goodbye and reach that goal. The problem is they
need support services,” says Janet. “Functional zero
is a number’s game,” adds Jeff, “and we don't think
TRIVIA ANSWERS
1.a 2.b 3.c 4.b 5.a 6.c 7.c 8.b 9.a 10.c
Staff members of Volunteers of America of Florida
pose with Mr. William, Bill, Barker center).
Barker, a Navy veteran, was homeless when he
became a VOAF participant. He is now doing
very well, and owns his own home. He showed
his gratitude with a $10,000 donation.
Photo courtesy of VOAF.
of them as numbers; we think of them as people.
You can't just put a Band-Aid on them or it’s a
revolving door, and they just keep coming back.
You need to provide the quality and intensity of
services they need.”
The quality of the behavioral services they provide has been recognized by The Joint
Commission, an independent nonprofit that
accredits and certifies nearly 21,000 health care
organizations and programs in the U.S. “We just
got our three-year renewal and got the highest
score,” says Janet proudly.
They generally offer their services out of the
housing complexes, but without one in Pinellas
County, then can offer someone who needs help
one of their facilities in a neighboring county or
they refer them to other local programs. The don’t
turn anyone away.
Opening a housing complex in Pinellas County
is high on their list of things to do, but that takes
money and sufficient land for 20 to 27 units and
space to provide support services.
As the name suggests they also need volunteers
to assist with everything from doing home repairs
and giving away care packages to helping with
administrative tasks.
They take donations of all kinds, but Janet says
her standards are high noting environment influences behavior: nice places inspire nice behavior.
Money of course is always good and the staff is
extremely proud of a $10,000 donation they
received from a former participant who was a
homeless veteran and turned his life around thanks
to VOAF.
For more information about VOAF or to volunteer or donate go to www.voaflorida.org.
Florida Author
Mysterious Business
By Jackie Minniti
soon learned that “it’s easy to write, but difficult
St. Petersburg writer Cheryl Hollon knows
to write well.”
firsthand the stresses and rewards of running a
business.
Ten years later, she completed “Pane and
Suffering,” her first novel. “I know a lot about
“There have been lots of small businesses withstained glass, and I know a lot of the people who
in my family,” she says. “My husband, George,
own businesses in the Grand Central District,”
has been part-owner of a printed-circuit board
Hollon says. “I thought combining my love of
manufacturer and sole proprietor of a screenstained glass with writing would be a winning
printing shop. Our oldest son, Eric, has owned
combination.” The book introduces Savannah
three marine science research companies, and our
Webb, a glass artist who returns
youngest son, Aaron, owns a
to her family’s glass shop after
patent research agency. I underher father’s unexpected death.
stand completely that being able
When her father’s assistant is
to work your own hours transalso found dead, Savannah dislates to needing to work 24/7
covers a note from her father
just to stay afloat.” Hollon is
warning that she might be in
using her experience to create a
danger, and she must decode
unique series of mystery novels
his cryptic clues to find a murset in our very own Grand
derer. “Savannah has all the
Central District – the Webb’s
attributes of an independent
Glass Shop Mysteries.
business owner,” Hollon
For Hollon, an Ohio native,
explains. “She’s named after
becoming a writer was a cirmy favorite place. Savannah’s a
cuitous journey. She attended
wonderful town with wonderSinclair Community College
ful characters. It’s comforting,
and was later offered a position
strong and proud of its heras an executive secretary at
“Pane and Suffering,” Cheryl
itage, all attributes shared by
NCR. There she read and typed Hollon’s
first novel plays off her love
Savannah
Webb.”
reports, eventually learning so of stained glass and mysteries and
Hollon has completed the
much about computer protocols her intimate knowledge of what it
that she was able to program key- takes to run small businesses. Two second Webb’s Glass Shop
more books in her Webb’s Glass
Mystery, “Shards of Murder”
punch machines and de-bug Shop
Mystery series are scheduled
(release date Feb. 23),
codes. She was promoted to
for release in February and June.
Savannah judges an art festival
assistant programmer, earned her
in downtown St. Pete, and the
engineering degree, moved to
winner is found dead in Tampa Bay.
Florida, and wound up designing and
Unfortunately Savannah is the last
building military flight simulators. As
person to see her alive. Book three,
fulfilling as she found her career, she
“Cracked to Death,” is slated for
developed a passion for glass art, and,
release on June 28. The story centers
along with her husband, began creataround a vintage glass bottle that
ing original artwork in a small glass
may be connected to the treasure of
studio behind their house. This was
the Gaspar pirates. “I’m trying to
the impetus for her foray into writing.
show readers what small business
Hollon, an avid reader, credits a
Florida is all about,” Hollon
“fabulous high school English teacher”
explains, “and what’s behind the
with encouraging her love of the writbeaches, t-shirts and shell shops –
ten word. “She was the kind of teacher
real people, families and a sense of
you want your kids to have,” she
community. It’s a tiny microcosm of civilization.
recalls. Then, about 10 years ago, Hollon read
Everyone works together so the community can
what she describes as “the worst mystery on the
succeed, and one bad apple can upset the whole
planet” and thought she could certainly do better.
thing. There’s a story in each of the stores.”
She began writing on long business flights, joined
For more information go to www.cherylhol“Sisters in Crime” (a support group for mystery
lon.com.
writers), and became part of a critique group. She
ELECTION continued from front page
city council and as a business leader, to lead
Gulfport as mayor! Some of the key issues I am hoping to address: expand the Gulfport Marina’s profitmaking potential and explore a mooring field to prevent pollution from transient boaters; diligently pursue – and make better use of – new streams of revenue, including grant sources that have previously
been left untapped; and further strengthen
Gulfport’s appeal to new businesses, its incentives for
existing businesses to grow, and its reputation
statewide as one of Florida’s “must-see” destinations.
I have the leadership skills that will allow me to
lead the council to be more transparent by better
involving citizens in issues that are important to
them. For me, it is not about what I can do for the
city but what “we” can do for the city and the people
that live here.
Gulfport City Council Ward 1
Dan Liedtke (Incumbent)
Personal Information:
I have lived with my wife
Michelle and our two
dogs (Cayman & Calie)
in Gulfport for the last 12
years. We both love living
in Gulfport and you can
sometimes find us playing down at Gulfport’s
beach volleyball courts.
I am running for a third term on the city council
because I want to continue working as a team member with the other members of council and city staff
on improving Gulfport. Last year was a year full of
progress where our diverse council voted unanimously on 97 percent of our agenda items. Many great new
public infrastructure projects have been completed or
are in the works. We recently kicked-off the Gulfport
Municipal Marina Expansion Project and are about to
start on Shore Boulevard improvements. We also continue to direct more attention to our aging infrastructure. We have dedicated 100 percent of the BP settlement funds exclusively to public infrastructure including roadways, sanitary sewers, marina, beach parking,
and playground and park upgrades.
Residents should vote for me because I will continue to work as team member on improving Gulfport
with a special focus on these goals. Goals for the next
two years include putting the plans in motion for a new
modern Gulfport Senior Center, the replenishment of
Gulfport Beach, a continued focus on options for
cleaner waterways, lower taxes and working to keep the
business environment open, friendly and thriving.
Read more at GulfportSpirit.com
April Thanos
Personal Information: I
have lived in my home in
Gulfport for over three years.
Before moving to Gulfport, I
lived in Seattle, Washington.
For most of my career I
worked for the largest shipping company in the world.
I managed multi-million dollar budgets, so I know
how to spend smart and improve efficiency. In Seattle,
I also worked for the largest LGBT and allied chamber
of commerce in the U.S. Part of my job there was to
market the LGBT and small business community, promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and run
a scholarship program for LGBT youth. My daughter
Shilpi, who I adopted when she was two years old from
India, still lives there today.
you are hoping to address if elected?
I'm running for city council because I see a
lot of opportunity for Gulfport. We need a representative in that seat who represents Gulfport's
values. We need someone who will work cooperatively with everyone to bring Gulfport
together and make it an even greater city.
Residents should vote for me because I have
the experience to help small businesses in Gulfport
grow. I recognize what a special place Gulfport is
and how the environment is inextricably linked to
our success as a city. I know Gulfport, and it's time
our leaders work for everyone.
South Pasadena Mayor
Dan Calabria (Incumbent)
Personal Information:
I have been a resident
homeowner in South
Pasadena (Pasadena Isle)
since 1992. I founded
South Pasadena Voters
Watch, a civic association,
in 2000. I served on the
City’s Charter Review
Committee in 2001 and 2007, as well as on the
Mayor’s Advisory Committee for both Mayors
Kathleen Peters and Dick Holmes. I am responsible
for Walmart’s Neighborhood Market locating in
South Pasadena, which I initially contacted in 2010.
This will be my second term. There is much that
remains to be done, including reducing expenses to
avoid tax increases; focus on public safety for residents;
continue to improve business opportunities in the city,
and continue to focus on the needs of our senior citizens.
I will continue to devote my full time to representing the citizens of South Pasadena to the best
of my abilities, with their best interests in mind at
all times based on my decades of executive management experience in the corporate world – the
residents always come first, and we can do better!
Max Elson
Personal Information: My
wife, Barbara and I have lived in
South Pasadena since 2001.
Currently, I am serving my second 3-year term as South
Pasadena City Commissioner. I
am involved with Florida
League of Cities, Suncoast
League of Cities, National
Association of Specialty Food Trade, Rotary International,
Abilities Foundation, Pasadena Church Chancel Choir,
and Pasadena Cove community activities.
The last couple of years we have faced controversy at city hall. Our current mayor has even sued our
city and cost our taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees. As mayor, my first priority is to
restore civility and bring leadership to city hall.
Other priorities include: ensuring continued business development and working closely with business
and property owners to improve the Pasadena
Avenue corridor; seeking new revenue through grants
and other resources to maintain a balanced budget
and adequate reserves, while keeping property taxes
among the lowest in Pinellas County; and working
with federal, state and county officials to relieve the
flood insurance burden on our property owners.
I will strive to keep our taxes low and our quality of
life high. I am committed to keeping our residents safe
and will maintain and enhance our excellent city services, including our fire department, which are highly
valued by our residents. I will be a strong advocate for
our residents and stay abreast of legislation and initiatives available to make our city an even better place to
live. I will provide leadership, not controversy.
Salute to the Military Moves to Horan Park
By TIR Staff
The Veterans of South Pinellas County (VSPC) are hosting the 6th Annual
Salute to the Military, Mar. 19 at Horan Park.
Activities kick off at 10 a.m. with a competition classic car show with trophies
awarded at 3 p.m. Vendors, a
silent auction and opportunities to win 50/50 will be up
and running from 10 a.m. 5 p.m.
Opening ceremonies begin
at 11 a.m. and include a mass
induction ceremony where
local young men and women
will be sworn into the armed
forces by retired Lt.Col. Carol
Barkalow, USA. She was one
Volunteers at last year’s Salute to the Military held of the first women accepted
in Pass-a-Grille, pause from their beer pouring
into West Point and now supduties to pose for a photo. It takes about 100
ports local veterans in need
volunteers to help the Veterans of South Pinellas
County run the event that raises money for
through Heaven on Earth for
charities that support veterans.
Veterans (HOEFV), a 501
(c)(3) nonprofit and one of
three benefactors of this year’s event.
The bands will be rockin’ the park from
noon through 5 p.m., and the results from
periodic drawings for 50/50 raffle winners
will be announced during breaks. Be sure
to bring the kids to compete in this year’s
fishing rodeo on the seawall at 2 p.m.
The St. Pete Recreation Center staff has
been actively involved in coordinating the
event.
“Working with Veterans of SPC is a no
brainer,” says Jennifer McMahon, the center’s director. “Their cause is so worthwhile,
and the group is very detailed oriented
which is refreshing when planning an event
that size. The event itself has changed each
year I have been in St Pete and the biggest
change is coming this year with the new
location.”
Proud winners of last years kid’s
fishing tournament show off their
The park has more space for booths so
prizes. This year the kids fishing
this year’s event will also include art and
rodeo is at 2 p.m. on the seawall at
craft vendors giving it a street fair feeling. It
Horan Park. Organizers hope lots
is also very family oriented.
of families attend again this year.
Nan Colton to
Perform in
Madeira Beach
By TIR Staff
Popular local writer, storyteller, and
actress, Nan Colton will present an original portrayal of Harriet Beecher Stowe at
the Gulf Beaches Public Library Feb. 9.
Nan’s portrayal in “Under Palmetto
Leaves,” takes place in 1884 as Harriet
prepares to leave Florida to return to
Hartford Connecticut and live as a
neighbor to Samuel Clemens – better
known as Mark Twain. Stowe is best
Nan Colton portrays Harriet
known for “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” an alleBeecher Stowe, one of nine
gorical abolitionist novel which is often
biographical characters in her
credited with shifting public opinion
repertoire, at the Gulf Beaches
regarding slavery. She is also noteworthy
Public Library Feb. 9.
for having authored a collection of short
stories inspired by her experiences while living in Mandarin, Fla. shortly
after the Civil War.
The performance is part of the Friends of the Gulf Beaches Public
Library Annual Membership Drive Wine and Cheese Party, 5 - 7:30 p.m.
It is free and open to the public.
The Friends of the Gulf Beaches Library is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose member support the library through volunteerism, fundraising activities and sponsorship of programs and services.
For more information email [email protected] or call 727-391-2828.
“It is important for young people to learn about service, not just military service, but in the community. Giving back for what you’ve been graciously given as
well as learning about the military,” says Brooks Cavendar, VSPC past president.
The VSPC is a 501(C)(3) charity and has given more than $110,000 in cash
and in-kind donations in recent years to a variety of nonprofit groups that support veterans.
In addition to HOEFV, this year’s Salute benefits Building Home for Heroes
and Support The Troops which supports deployed forces in combat areas.
Members of VSPC also provide assistance to local veterans in immediate need.
“We use some of the money to repair roofs or air conditioners.” says Harry
Metz current president They have a few electric wheel chairs and carts they can
lend to veterans or first responders in need. They have also helped veterans facing
foreclosure keep their homes. “We hope to do more work with the local veterans
as the needs pop up,” he adds.
Members of VSPC also support local schools and other organizations helping
out at fundraising events.
Booth and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information find
VSPC on Facebook or go to www.sikpromotions.com.
Notable Achievements
And the
Winner is…
Bartender Pays it
Forward
For a fourth year, Gabrielle
Bettig has been named Realtor of
the Year for Century 21 Coast to
Coast, Tierra Verde office.
According to Randall K. Ierna,
managing broker, she is a true professional who combines her
knowledge with attention to detail
and enthusiasm to bring the very best service to her sellers and
buyers. Gabby attributes her success to her clients, friends,
cooperating realtors and the company.
Sea Critters bartender Ian O’Connell
raised more then $10,000 during backto-back shifts on Christmas to benefit
veterans. O’Connell started the annual
tradition in 2011 when patron John
Hartford asked what he would do with
all the money he made Christmas Day.
O’Connell said he might donate it to
charity and Hartford said he would
match what he made. This year the donation will help The Claybaker
D.U.S.T.O.F.F Foundation, a nonprofit,
build a Memorial Garden to honor an
area veteran killed in action. Fourteen
area veterans have lost their lives in Iraq
or Afghanistan.
Former CASA
Director
Remembered
Retired CASA (Community
Action Stops Abuse) Executive
Director Linda Osmundson, passed
away in early January. Linda was an
inspirational and passionate leader
in the movement against domestic
violence, beloved community member and friend to many. One of
her most enduring legacies within CASA was the creation of a new
domestic violence center, which opened in July.
Linda was a survivor of domestic violence and the experience
propelled her to do the work. Under her leadership CASA grew
from a 22-bed shelter into operating a 100-bed domestic violence
center serving all of southern Pinellas County, and running support
groups, a 24-hour domestic violence hotline, outreach services,
training for law enforcement and other community members, and
youth programs such as Peacemakers Program teaching violence
prevention in Pre-K through 8th grade classes. Through her work,
Linda saved and forever improved the lives of thousands of people.
Toastmasters
Gulfport Toastmasters President Keely Wright (left) and Robyn Featherston, immediate past
president, hold the ribbon the club received when it was awarded the President’s Distinguished
Club award, the highest award
offered to a club in the
Toastmasters
International’s
worldwide organization. The
Distinguished Club Program
(DCP) fosters high quality clubs
which encourage and celebrate
member achievement, provide a
supportive and fun environment, and offer professionally
organized and varied meetings.
Toastmasters International is a
non-profit educational organization open to anyone over 18.
Beverage Beat
Valentine Vino Values
By Shawn Michael Witt
Wine Manager of Tosti’s Spirits & Fine Wine
The 2015 holiday season is but a fond memory, yet
the remnants of those months linger in the form of
post-Christmas credit card bills. So as the next winebuying holiday approaches, it’s time give that bank
account a much needed break and set your sights on
the hidden values to be discovered in the wine world.
The following wines, available at Tosti’s, “overachieve”
in their respective varietal category by drinking far better than their shelf price would indicate. Many of
these wines have scored impressive ratings from the
major wine publications and critics, but remain under
the $30 price point.
Louis Dumont Brut Champagne
Most true champagne on the market starts at the
$35 to $40 price point and can top out in the thousands of dollars for some vintage offerings. This drystyle brut from Epernay, France is a steal at $30, showing classic dough and bread notes on the nose with a
creamy mouth feel and crisp, tart apple finish.
Valentines Day is perfect occasion to pop the cork on
a bottle of this champagne with that special someone.
$29.99.
Cambria Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay
2013
If your Valentine is a white wine drinker, this
chardonnay from Santa Maria Valley, California is the
wine for them. Bursting with creamy vanilla and butter flavors, this wine delivers the toasted oak influence
most come to expect in California-style chardonnay,
while maintaining a firm acidity and spicy citrus
notes. (91pts Wine Enthusiast) $15.99.
Tessellae Old Vine GSM 2012
A crowd-pleaser red blend from Cotes du
Roussillon, France, this wine has rich approachable
fruit, with subtle old world aromas and flavors.
Blended with 50 percent Grenache, 40 percent syrah
and 10 percent mourvedre, this is a very versatile wine
that be paired with many different dishes and flavor
profiles. (94pts Robert Parker Jr) $15.99.
Sean Michael Witt is the wine manager at Tosti’s
Spirits & Fine Wine.
Financial News
Protecting Americans
from Tax Hikes
By Marianne Kern, CPA
President Obama signed the Protecting
Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 (PATH
Act) in December. The Act makes permanent
over 20 key tax provisions, including many
affecting individual taxpayers. It also extends
and enhances other provisions.
State and Local Sales Tax Deduction. Makes the
election to claim an itemized deduction for state and
local general sales taxes, in lieu of deducting state and
local income taxes, permanent. This provision is particularly valuable in states without an income tax.
American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC).
Makes permanent AOTC for taxpayers who have
incurred expenses related to the first two years of
postsecondary education. The act and related
new laws require educational institutions to only
report amounts paid, not amounts billed.
Child Tax Credit. Makes permanent the
reduced earned income threshold amount to qualify for the child tax credit. The credit, available up
to $1,000 for qualifying dependents under 17, may
be refundable to the extent of 15 percent of the
taxpayer's earned income in excess of $3,000.
Teachers’ Classroom Expense Deduction.
Permanently extends the above-the-line deduction
for elementary and secondary teachers' classroom
expenses. It also modifies the deduction by indexing the $250 ceiling amount to inflation in 2016. It
also includes professional development expenses.
Charitable Distributions from I RAs.
Permanently extends the provision for people age
70 1/2 and older to make tax-free distributions from
IRAs to a qualified charitable organization. The cap
remains at $100,000 per taxpayer each year.
Qualified Tuition/Related-Expenses Deduction.
Extends through 2016 the above-the-line deduction for qualified tuition and fees for post-secondary education.
Mortgage Debt Exclusion. Excludes from
income the cancellation of mortgage debt on a
principal residence of up to $2 million ($1 million
for a married taxpayer filing a separate return)
through 2016. It modifies the exclusion to apply
to qualified principal residence indebtedness discharged in 2017 if discharge is made under a binding written agreement entered into in 2016.
Without an extension, debt that is forgiven
through a foreclosure, short sale or loan modification could be treated as taxable income if another
exclusion, such as for insolvency, is not available.
Mortgage Insurance Premium Deduction.
Treats mortgage insurance premiums as deductible
interest (qualified residence interest) subject to
adjusted gross income phaseout through 2016.
Residential Energy Property Credit. Extends
the credit through 2016 for adding insulation,
energy efficient exterior windows and energy
efficient heating and air conditioning systems. It
allows a credit of up to 10 percent of qualifying
expenses, capped at $500.
The PATH Act does much, so call us if you would
like to discuss how the latest tax law affects you.
Marianne Kern, CPA and tax specialist, is a resident of Tierra Verde, and owner of Kern &
Associates CPA, P.A.
Puzzlers can find the
answers to all these
brain teasers at
www.TheIslandReporter.com
under “Puzzles”
ANSWERS ON PAGE 12
Local Events, Activities & Announcements
Gulfport
Feb. 5 & 20: Gulfport Art-Walk, 6 - 10 p.m.
Beach Blvd. S., Waterfront District.
Feb. 6: SO49 Classic Car Show, 10 a.m. –
3 p.m. Tangerine Greenway, 49th St. S. and
Tangerine Ave. S.
Feb. 9: Clothing Swap to Benefit CASA during
Gulfport
Fresh
Market,
9
a.m.
–
1 p.m. Peninsula Inn, 2937 Beach Blvd. S. Info at
727-453-9093.
Feb. 20 & 21: Fine Arts Festival, 10 a.m. –
5 p.m. Veterans Park, 5350 31st Ave. S. Info at
www.Boulderbrook.net
Feb. 27: Bark for Life, 7:30 - 10 a.m. Warm up
for Get Rescued a one mile walk to honor the care
canines and cancer survivors. Includes doggie
games, costume contest, team and community
fundraising, music, food and dog demos. Info at
www.RelayForLife.org/BarkForLife.
Feb. 27: Gulfport’s Get Rescued, 10 a.m. 6 p.m. Animal pet rescue festival and fundraiser
featuring animal rescue organizations, adoptable
pets, animal-related vendors, arts & crafts, adoptable
pet parade, pet care education, pet services, a pet
food and supplies drive, free samples, training
demos, Bark-B-Que, food, music & more. Well
behaved pets and their leashed people are welcome!
Info at www.gulfportsgetrescued.com.
Gulfport Public Library: Go to events at
www.mygulfport.us/gpl for library events or visit at
5501 28th Ave. S.
Each Week
Gulfport Fresh Market: Tuesday, 9 a.m. – 3
p.m. 3007 Beach Blvd. Info at 727-453-3093.
Gulfport Toastmasters: Wednesdays, 6:15 - 7:30
p.m. Community Room, Gulfport Public Library.
5501 28th Ave. S. Info at 727-537-9098, [email protected] or www.gulfporttoastmasters.com.
SoTangerine Market: Saturday 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Tangerine Greenway, 5022 Tangerine Ave. Info at
727-439-0164.
Throughout the Month
Gulfport Casino: Dance Lessons. $5 for members, $8 for non-members. Gulfport Casino:
5500 Shore Blvd. S. Info at www.mygulfport.us.
Senior Center Events: Calendar available at
www.gulfportseniorfoundation.org or 727-893-1231.
Madeira Beach
Feb. 9: Annual Membership Drive Wine &
Cheese Party, 5 - 7:30 p.m. Nan Colton portrays
Harriet Beecher Stowe at this annual fundraiser
hosted by the Friends of the Gulf Beaches Public
Library. Story on page 17. Gulf Beaches Public
Library, 200 Municipal Way.
Each Week:
Wednesdays: Madeira Beach Morning Market,
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Open air market in downtown
Madeira Beach. Vendors with everything from arts
to hydroponic, locally grown produce. Info at
www.thebeachmarkets.com.
S. Pasadena
Feb. 19: 63rd Annual Starlight Musicale,
7 p.m. “A Night at the Oscars,” presenting music
nominated for the prestigious award with guest artist
Bones South. Hosted by the Pasadena Community
Church. $10 at the door. 227 70th St. S.
St. Pete Beach
Feb. 2 & 16: Bobby Tess and the Dixie Chaps,
7 - 9:30 p.m. Presented by the Suncoast Dixieland
Jazz Society. $10, military and students free. Silas
Dent’s Steakhouse, 5100 Gulf Blvd.
Feb. 6: Pancakes at PAG Community Church,
8 - 10:30 a.m. Popular “all you can eat” pancakes,
sausage, orange juice, fruit & coffee or tea. $5 per
person at the door or church office. All are welcome. PAG Community Church, 107 16th Ave.
Info at 727-360-5508 or www.pagchuirch.org.
Each Week
Corey Avenue Sunday Market, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Up to 75 vendors with an emphasis on local fresh,
hydroponic and organic veggies, gourmet take-out
treats, and locally made crafts. Live music.
St. Pete Beach Public Library. Check the library
section of www.stpetebeach.org for the latest events.
All Month:
Honor Walk Brick Campaign. Honor a lovedone with a brick. Orders taken until Mar. 18.
Installation of bricks in late Spring or early Summer.
Info at 727-363-9232.
St. Petersburg
Feb. 6: 3rd Annual LOCALTOPIA, 10 a.m. 5 p.m. - A community celebration of all things
local. Nearly 200 vendors/participants from businesses for arts & culture, shopping, food, drink,
health & wellness, plus service providers and community organizations. Bands, games and family
friendly. Williams Park, 330 2nd Ave. N. Info at
www.keepsaintpetersburglocal.org.
Feb. 17 - 18: Garden Club of St. Petersburg
Annual Event. Proceeds support club projects and
scholarships. 500 Sunset Dr. S. Info at 727-3818920.
Feb. 17, 5 - 7 p.m. - Flea Market Wine And
Cheese: $5, Feb. 18, 9 am. - 3 p.m. - Flea Market,
Plant & Garden Sale.
Feb. 20: Cocktails on the Courts, A
Celebration of Sunshine, 6 - 10 p.m. - Grab your
shuffleboard attire and enjoy Florida cuisine, libations and live music by the Black Honkies! Proceeds
benefit the St. Petersburg Museum of History. $75
per person. St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club, 559
Mirror Lake Dr. N. Info at www.spmoh.org/gala or
727-894-1052.
Feb. 19: Military Officers Association of St.
Pete, 11 a.m. Social hour, lunch and program.
Retired, active duty and former officers and spouses.
RSVP required. Call 727-360-2936. Pasadena Yacht &
Country Club, 6300 Pasadena Point Blvd. S.
Feb. 25: Community Associations Day &
Trade Show, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Trade show w/
approximately 88 booths. Free coffee & doughnuts
in the morning with displays of products and services for association living, giveaways and drawings.
No registration required. Hosted by Community
Associations Institute – Suncoast Chapter. The
Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N. Info at www.suncoastcai.com.
Feb. 27: 58th Annual Queen of Hearts Ball,
8 p.m. Black tie fundraiser to benefit Clothes to
Kids and PARC. Hilton St. Pete Carillon Park, 960
Carillon Dr. RSVP to [email protected] or 917359-1539.
Tierra Verde
Feb. 12 & 13: Bay Life Art Exhibit. Opening
night reception Feb. 12, 5 - 9 p.m., RSVPs required.
Open gallery Feb. 13 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Exhibit by distinguished Florida wildlife artists. A portion of proceeds benfit Tampa Bay Watch. TBW Community
Room, 3000 Pinellas Bayway S. Info at www.tampabaywatch.org.
Treasure Island
Feb. 3: South Pasadena Community Band
Concert, 7:30 p.m. “A World of Music” with selections representing countries throughout the world.
Free. T. I. Community Center, 1 Park Place & 106th
Ave. Info at www.southpasadenaband.com.
Feb. 13: Treasure Island Capri Civic
Association Annual Yard Sale, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Enter the island off of Gulf Blvd at 116th Avenue.
Feb. 20: Police & Fire Department Open
House, 10 a.m - 2 p.m. Meet first responders and
take a tour. Bike rodeo (ages 5-11), entertainment,
pet and bike registration and demos.
Feb. 23: Annual Spaghetti Dinner, 5 - 8 p.m.
Open to the public, all you can eat, live entertainment. $10 in advance, $12 at door. Tickets at
TI/MB Chamber. T. I. Community Center, 1 Park
Place & 106th Ave., Info at 727-367-1301.
Each Week
Thursday Bingo, 6:45 p.m., early bird,
7:45 p.m., regular. Cash prizes. Snack bar & free coffee. Hosted by the Treasure Islettes. Treasure Island
Community Center, 1 Park Place and 106th
Avenue.
Treasure Island Art Guild Workshops,
Wed. - Fri. Member and Non-Member prices. Info
at treasureislandartguild.org.
Seminars and Classes
Garden Club of St. Petersburg. The club hosts
various speakers throughout the month. Guests are
welcome. Some fees apply. 500 Sunset Dr. S. Info at
727-381-8920.
Feb. 1: Creative Crafts: Infinity Scarf,
10 a.m. Feb. 9: Bromeliads in Nature, 6:30 p.m.;
Feb. 11: Edible Landscaping, 2 p.m.
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 7-8 Safe
Boating Classes, 7 p.m. Tuesdays. 13-weeks of classes; start anytime; includes 400 pages of materials.
First timers arrive 6:30 p.m. $40 ($55 for couples
sharing a manual). Call 727-360-4846, 727-321-7801,
or 727-865-2226. 1500 PAG Way, St. Pete Beach.
Feb. 2: Lines and Knots, Feb. 9: Weather, Feb.
16: Your Boat’s Radio, Feb. 23: Which Boat is for
You?
St. Pete Sail and Power Squadron Seminars,
Students must be 12 or older and pre-registration is
required. Maximum of 20 students per class.
Classes are held at the St Petersburg Sailing Center,
250 2nd Ave SE, Demens Landing. Class details and
registration at www.boating-st.pete.org under
Seminars.
Feb. 17: Paddle Smart, Learn about paddle
craft and paddles, safety, risks, equipment needed,
optional equipment and cold water protection. State
and Federal regulations and a paddle smart notebook will be provided. $30 per family for materials.
Feb. 24: Emergencies on Board, 7 - 9 p.m.
Learn about actions necessary to cope with the most
common difficulties and accident prevention. $40
per family for materials.
Treasure Island SilverSneakers® FLEX
Program, Tue. 10:45 a.m. Cardio & Strength Class.
Free for Silver Sneaker members, others $5. TI
Community Center, One Park Place. Info: 920-3760214.
Chair Holy Yoga, Thur. 10:30 - 11:45 a.m.
Do yoga sitting in or standing by a chair. Holy Yoga,
combines yoga movement with meditation on
scripture and prayer. $10 donation; a portion supports youth programs. PAG Community Church,
107 16th Ave., St. Pete Beach. Info at 727-422-5639.
Throughout the Month
St. Pete Beach Recreation Center Classes,
Classes in art, dance, self defense for women and
other topics. Kids and adults. Info at
www.spbrec.com for a complete listing or call 727363-9245.
Madeira Beach Recreation Center Classes,
Classes in fitness, art, languages and other topics.
Info at www.madeirabeachfun.com.
Suncoast Hospice Caregiver Education and
Support, Gain new skills, self-confidence and emotional support with Suncoast Hospice’s caregiver
programs. Info at www.suncoasthospice.org/caregivers
BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY & COUPONS
CLASSIFIED ADS
SERVICES
JOSEPH LIPINSKI, Attorney at Law,
St. Petersburg, 727-643-8964. Family Law,
Consumer Bankruptcy and Employee
Rights. Info at joelipinskiattorney.com
RESERVE A BUSINESS CARD OR CLASSIFIED SPACE TODAY! Email: [email protected]
Classifieds: 25 words - $20/month or $50/3 months Black/White Business Card Ads: $60 or buy three get one free.
Florida
Statewide
Network
Ads
For information on placing a network ad that will run throughout many of Florida’s community newspapers,
contact the classified department at 727-631-4730, or via email at [email protected].
MISCELLANEOUS
DISH NETWORK? Get MORE for
LESS! Starting $19.99/month (for
12 months.) PLUS Bundle & SAVE
(Fast Internet for $15 more/month.)
CALL Now 800-438-8168
HERO MILES. To find out more
about how you can help our service
members, veterans and their families in their time of need, visit the
Fisher House website at www.fisherhouse.org.
IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE TOOK
THE BLOOD THINNER XARELTO
and had complications due to internal bleeding after January 2012
you MAY be due financial compensation. Call Injuryfone 1-800-8159140
LIFE ALERT. 24/7. One press of a
button sends help FAST! Medical,
Fire, Burglar. Even if you can’t
reach a phone! FREE Brochure.
CALL 800-370-4824
SWITCH TO DIRECTV and get a
FREE Whole-Home Genie HD/DVR
upgrade. Starting at $19.99/mo.
FREE 3 months of HBO, SHOWTIME
& STARZ. New Customers Only.
Don't settle for cable. Call Now 1800-769-1035
SERVICES
A PLACE FOR MOM. The nation’s
largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local
experts today! Our service is
FREE/no obligation. CALL 1-800671-9104
COMPUTER PROBLEMS - viruses, lost data, hardware or software issues? Contact Geeks On
Site! 24/7 Service. Friendly
Repair Experts. Macs and PCs.
Call for FREE diagnosis. 1-800995-0869
STRUGGLING WITH DRUGS OR
ALCOHOL? Addicted to PILLS?
Take the first step to recovery.
Call The Addiction Hope & Help
Line for a free assessment. 1800-529-3089
ADOPTION IS AN OPTION Warm
and loving couple welcomes new
baby to family. Big sister, lots of
cousins! Attorney Laurie B.
Goldheim. Bar #251841. 877874-5051
Expenses
Paid.
www.adoptwithus.com.
*DIVORCE $50 TO $240* COVERS
CHILDREN, ETC…. Only One
Signature Required! *Excludes
govt. fees! Free Info! 1-888-4987075 Ext.200 BAYCOR & ASSOCIATES, Established 1973
UNPLANNED
PREGNANCY?
THINK ADOPTION! Adoption
Advocate and Attorney, Ellen
Kaplan is available for free consultation. Call 24/7. 1-877-341-1309
(FBN0875228)
FINANCIAL
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
BENEFITS. Unable to work? Denied
benefits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay
Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon &
Associates at 1-800-860-6175 to
start your application today!
FOR SALE
EMERGENCIES CAN STRIKE AT
ANY TIME. Wise Food Storage
makes it easy to prepare with tasty,
easy-to-cook meals that have a
25-year shelf life. FREE sample.
Call: 800-847-4217
KILL BED BUGS & THEIR EGGS!
Buy Harris Bed Bug Killers/KIT
Complete Treatment System.
Available: Hardware Stores, The
Home Depot, homedepot.com
HEALTH & BEAUTY
CPAP/BIPAP SUPPLIES AT LITTLE
OR NO COST from Allied Medical
Supply Network! Fresh supplies
delivered right to your door.
Insurance may cover all costs. 800665-0718
GOT KNEE PAIN? BACK PAIN?
Shoulder Pain? Get a pain-relieving
brace - little or NO cost to you.
Medicare Patients Call Health
Hotline Now! 1- 800-402-4557
SAFE STEP WALK-IN TUB ALERT
FOR SENIORS. Bathroom falls can
be fatal. Approved by Arthritis
Foundation. Therapeutic Jets. Less
Than 4 Inch Step-In. Wide Door.
Anti-Slip Floors. American Made.
Installation Included. Call 800-8869771 for $750 Off.
AUTOMOBILES
CARS FOR TROOPS! Donate your
car and help the military charity of
your choice. Fast, free pickup. Tax
Deductible. Call Now! 800-2813543
CASH FOR CARS: We Buy Any
Condition Vehicle, 2002 and Newer.
Competitive Offer! Nationwide
FREE Pick Up! Call Now For a Free
Quote! 800-558-1097
DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR
BOAT TO HERITAGE FOR THE
BLIND. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax
Deductible, Free Towing, All
Paperwork Taken Care Of. CALL 1800-902-7815
GOT AN OLDER CAR, BOAT OR
RV? Do the humane thing. Donate
it to the Humane Society. Call 1800-831-6309
BUSINESS
OPPORTUNITIES
$15,000 TO $20,000 A MONTH
working from home. We market for
you! We close your sales. You keep
100% of the profits. 7 min. Sizzle
call 800-667-4145 www.grandeveryday.com
I BUY RV’S $$$$ If You Would Like
A WHOLESALE Cash Offer On Your
1998 Or Newer Motorhome Call
817-899-6090
EDUCATION
DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED!
Become a driver for Stevens
Transport! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! New drivers can earn $800+
per week! PAID LOCAL CDL TRAINING!
1-888-743-1573
drive4stevens.com
MEDICAL BILLING SKILLS IN
DEMAND! Become a Medical
Office Assistant! NO EXPERIENCE
NEEDED! Online training can get
you job ready! HS Diploma/GED &
PC/Internet needed! 1-888-3747294
NEW YEAR, AVIATION CAREERS –
Hands-on training for career opportunities in aviation, manufacturing
and more. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call AIM 866-314-5838
HELP WANTED
WILLIAMS
BROTHERS
CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. NOW
HIRING IN TEXAS!!! *CDL Drivers
*Heavy Equipment Operators
*Friction
Crane
Operators
*Laborers
*Form
Builders
*Mechanics Call 956-239-1517
$$HELP WANTED$$$ Earn Extra
income assembling CD cases from
Home. CALL OUR LIVE OPERATORS
NOW! 1-800-405-7619 Ext 320
www.easywork-greatpay.com
The Island Reporter Picture Page
Saving Our
Environment
TIR Goes Cruisin’
Friends from Tierra Verde
graciously took TIR along
on their Western Caribbean
cruise. We aren’t sure who
had more fun, the people
or the paper.
Tampa Bay Watch (TBW) recently
conducted the largest volunteer
marsh planting in the history of
Tampa Bay (by number of plants
installed), over 200 volunteers
installed 40,000 plugs of marsh
grass into intertidal marsh areas
of the Rock Ponds Ecosystem
Restoration Project.
Photos courtesy of Ron Rippo
Photos courtesy of TBW.
Corey Craft Fair
American Craft Endeavors
brought more than 100 talented artists to St. Pete
Beach for the Corey Area
Craft Fair, Jan. 9 - 10.
Vendors offered a variety of
jewelry, pottery, ceramics,
photography, painting, and
clothing. There was also a
green market and tasty
treats. The next craft fair is
Apr. 2-3 and there is a
Corey Sunday Market each
week through May from
10 a.m - 2 p.m.
VOAF Celebrates Family
Volunteers of America of Florida held a
statewide family picnic with participants
from Jacksonville to Miami at Ft. DeSoto.
Instead of a typical Christmas party, it was a
way to say thank you to their loved ones who
cope with the sacrifices of living with care
givers. They enjoyed a variety of games,
sports, karaoke, piñata for the
kids and prizes for the adults.
ISLAND TOONS
Photos courtesy of VOAF
W. Norris
e
c
u
r
B
By
LOTS OF LOTS!
1. PARK STREET LOT - Large lot with seawall on Park St. N. in
St. Petersburg. $400,000
2. LAKEFRONT LOT on Oceanview Dr. in Tierra Verde, almost an acre.
$590,000
3. FABULOUS 1 &1/3 Acre lot in the "Greenland Preserve," Tierra Verde's
only Gated Single Family Home Community. This lot is pristine, with many ancient oaks. This is
Natural Florida at its finest. Amenities include Underground Utilities, Boardwalk, and a COVERED
boat slip. The best of the best. $1,000,000. Call Randall Ierna, Realtor, 727-647-0813.
Century 21 Coast to Coast
150 Pinellas Bayway, Tierra Verde, FL 33715
727-867-8633
WIDE WATER VIEWS OF PASS-A-GRILLE CHANNEL
Tropical breezes from the balcony of this 2600 Sq
Ft luxury condo on Tierra Verde, where Tampa
Bay meets the Gulf of Mexico. Sophisticated
styling is witnessed in the large open living
room/dining room allowing a generous space for
large gatherings and elaborate entertaining. The
living room features an elaborate fireplace with
carved cherry wood and built in shelving. The
kitchen is truly designed for a gourmet cook with
beautiful cherry cabinets, granite counter tops,
designer hood, six burner gas range, walk-in pantry and wine reserve cooler. Yes, there
is a boat slip/lift. Call Charlotte Wright- Realtor 502-599-6974. Offered at $1,050,000.
WATCH DOLPHINS PLAY FROM THREE PRIVATE BALCONIES
Spectacular 3 bedroom, 4 bath with 1755' of living
space plus den and garage. This model offers all the
space and comfort of a private home while ensuring
the convenience and benefits of the best of Resort Style
living. Htd. pools, spas, saunas, tennis courts, clubhouse
with fitness center, fishing pier, walkway around complex
and gated 24/7. Close to Ft. Desoto's #1 Beach, shopping,
great restaurants, interstate and more. Offered at
$395,000. Contact Judy Bader, Broker/Realtor at 727-698-3831 or [email protected].
GREAT INVESTMENT OR GET-A-WAY! Mostly furnished, beautiful heated
pool with open waterfront view from the pool area. Close to the
Gulf of Mexico beaches and Ft DeSoto Park. 10 minutes to Downtown
St. Pete. 30 minutes to Tampa and St Pete/Clearwater Airports. Come
enjoy resort style living. $144,950. Call Barry Craig, Realtor 727-452-8561
REALTORS! OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS!
We have 2 openings for Realtors who have what it takes. Excellent training,
no desk fees, and with America's #1 Franchise, Century 21. Just call Randall
Ierna, Managing Broker for a confidential interview. 727-647-0813
REDUCED! 2 1/2 ACRES on busy US 19 near 49th St. N. in Pinellas Park.
The building is currently set up as a 7,100 sq. ft. Restaurant and
includes all FF&E. Commercial B-1 zoning permits most commercial
uses including Restaurants, Bars, Events, Office Buildings, Strip Centers,
Hotels, Motels, Churches, Fast Food, Automotive, Furniture, Retail and
many other uses. The site has 109 parking spaces and a large stand
alone electronic sign. Possible owner financing and Access and Egress
from US 19 and also from 49th St. Located next to La Quinta Hotel and
in front of Quaker Steak and Lube. Reduced $700,000 and now only $1,300,000, Call Randall
Ierna, Realtor at 727-647-0813 or Gabrielle Bettig, Realtor at 727-385-9017.
REDUCED
PALM TREE PARADISE! This is a MUST SEE for buyers looking for a single
level, completely remodeled Masonry Tierra Verde home with over
1,700 feet of heat & cooled area. From the street you will see the
Majestic Royal Palm trees. This home features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
and a 2 car garage. Gorgeous new kitchen and baths and the entire
house has Tile Flooring! The fenced backyard is a tropical paradise,
featuring more massive Royal Palms and a large patio area. This fine home is market priced at
$399,000. Call Byron Spradlin, Licensed Realtor at 727-560-3660 for your showing. Hurry on this one!
557 PINELLAS BAYWAY #113, TIERRA VERDE, FL 33715
Beautiful townhouse with water view, BOAT SLIP, located in the community
of Ciega Verde! This “move in ready” residence has an open and airy floor
plan, porcelain tile floors, 2 fireplaces, inside utility with full size washer and
dryer. Designer kitchen with center isle, custom made solid wood (Maple)
cabinets, Quartz/Cambria counters, adjoining dining room, living room with
fireplace, vaulted ceilings, skylight, large balcony with wet bar, overlooking the pool and view of
the water. The large master suite has its own wood burning fireplace, laminate flooring, walk-in
closet, spacious bathroom with jetted tub, double vanities, separate shower, den or office with
large storage area. $400,000.00. To preview call Gabrielle Bettig, Realtor 727-385-9017
WATERFRONT 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH VILLA,END UNIT. Covered parking, 2nd floor
(use stairs or elevator). Quiet community, heated pool. Located close to the
Gulf of Mexico, beaches, Ft DeSoto Park and I275 Interstate. 10 minutes to
Downtown St Pete. 30 minutes to Tampa or St Pete/Clearwater Airports.
$239,950. Call Barry Craig, Realtor 727-452-8561
TIERRA VERDE spacious 2BR /2.5 bath townhouse in
WATERFRONT COMMUNITY with great waterfront
pool located on the intercoastal. Lowest price in
the complex! $240,000. Call Tasha England, Realtor
with over 15 years experience, 727-215-1323
**GREAT LOCATION WITH OPEN WATER VIEWS! This fully furnished
unit is turn-key. What a great vacation destination! The parking is
the same level as the unit with no stairs required. Offered for $232,500.
Call Cheryl Schmidt, Realtor, today for a showing 727-647-4071
We need more inventory, and would love to add your property to our rental inventory to be featured on our web sites. Our team of professionals have been serving your community for over 25 years. CALL US TODAY!

February Issue

Transcription

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