Gulf Beaches Student Wins Casting Call A Force for Art PHOTO OF

Transcription

Gulf Beaches Student Wins Casting Call A Force for Art PHOTO OF
WWW.THEISLANDREPORTER.COM
NOVEMBER 2015
A Force for Art
By Betsy Judge
Making something
from nothing is not
new to Scott “Mac”
Macksam, a man on a
mission to make the
Veterans Art Center
Tampa Bay (VACTB) a
reality.
“It was an ah ha
moment,” says the now
retired Army major
about his concept. He
was leading one of his
5:30 a.m. runs with his
USF ROTC cadets
Local media talent and charity supporter, Jenn Holloway, holds a mic
through the streets of
for 100-year-old Willie Rogers who served with the Army’s Tuskegee Airmen.
He spoke at the unveiling of a painting by Tampa Bay artist and Army
St. Pete. “I realized even
veteran Greg Crumbly at the St. Petersburg Museum of History in March 2014.
with all the galleries
Scott Macksam, founder of the Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay, looks on.
downtown, there was
Photo courtesy of Scott Macksam.
no place for military or
what he needed to do to get it to St. Pete. “She
veteran art.” Mac is not an artist per se, but has
said wait three years and get $30,000.” He went
collected art since a boy.
for it; raised the money; convinced the
He had volunteered to start that ROTC unit
St. Petersburg History Museum, where he is a
from scratch for the Army. With a government
trustee, to host it, and the exhibit ran from
van, a laptop and working out of a local reserve
March to July 2014.
center, he did everything from recruiting new
The VACTB’s mission is to provide opportucadets to developing curriculum. While there he
nities for military and veterans to develop, showbrought in $1.3 million in scholarship money,
case, and sell their art; support veterans and their
formed partnerships with other local colleges,
families transitioning to civilian life with welland promoted the establishment of what is now
ness and recovery though the arts, and educate
the USF Veterans Service office.
the public through exhibits related to military
While attending a leadership conference in
history.
Louisville he discovered Cyma Rubin’s The
American Soldier exhibit, a photographic tribute
to service men and women. He called to ask
ART continued on page 14
PHOTO OF
THE MONTH
Photograph by:
Anna Bulleit,
Tierra Verde
Kyle Bulleit with
oversize redfish
caught and released
Oct. 15 off St. Pete
Beach.
Submit your photo to:
[email protected]
VOLUME 12 NUMBER 11
Gulf Beaches
Student Wins
Casting Call
By TIR Staff
Charlene Bailey forgot she had submitted
information and pictures of her 10-year old twin
boys for the 2015 Gap Casting Call when she was
notified that her son Carter was a top 10 finalist
for boys ages 5 - 10 in the U.S. and Canada. He
was one of more than 1,000 entries.
“I was on Facebook one lazy day having my
coffee in the morning and I saw the casting call
link pop up,” she recalls. “I had one picture of
them both so I cropped it to create individual
entries, then I forgot about it until I got the
email.” An email she said she almost dismissed as
junk.
The Gap selected the top 10 finalists for each
age group then the contest was opened to public
voting. “That was when the frenzy started,” adds
Charlene.
A stylist works on Carter Bailey’s hair
before his photo shoot in New York City.
Inset: Carter poses in front of a poster showing
the winners at a Gap store in Tyrone.
Being selected as a finalist was a shock to
Carter. “I didn't know about it until the voting,”
he says, “and I was bouncing off of the walls when
I won.”
He and his brother are now in the 6th grade at
Gulf Beaches Elementary Magnet School. Carter
is an honor roll student, serves on the student
council and plays striker and keeper for Pinellas
County United’s Club soccer team as well as center field and catcher for Southwest Little League’s
championship baseball team.
“It was cool,” brother Nathan says about
Carter’s selection. He voted for him every day and
says he thinks his was the final winning vote.
Once Carter won the public voting, he and his
mom were flown to New York City for two nights
to link up with the other three North American
winners for a photo shoot. “When we arrived
GAP continued on page 14
2 - The Island Reporter - November 2015
November 2015 - The Island Reporter - 3
Time to Choose Your Plan
By Betsy Judge
More than 55 million people over the age of
65 or with permanent disabilities relied on
Medicare to help pay for hospital and doctor visits, prescription drugs and other services to the
tune of $597 billion in 2014 according to the
Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.
With open enrollment in full swing, now is
the time for Medicare recipients to review their
plan coverage and options for 2016.
“Looking at your Medicare options is really
important, and I know everyone is being bombarded with information,” said Candace
Reistrom, an authorized agent for AARP
Medicare Plans from United Health, at a recent
seminar. She started answering phones in her
father’s insurance brokerage when she was three
or four. “He did property and casualty insurance
and whenever something happened, he was
there to make sure his clients had the proper
coverage in place to rebuild, so to me insurance
was always a good thing.”
Candace Reistrom, a licensed agent for
AARP Medicare Plans from United Health,
talks about insurance options at a seminar.
A licensed agent since 1999, she said her eyes
were opened to the complexity of Medicare
when she offered to help her mother find a plan.
PLAN continued on page 6
4 - The Island Reporter - November 2015
From the Publisher
By Betsy Judge
Honoring Veterans
It was fortuitous that I was able to interview
Major Scott “Mac” Macksam for the story about
Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay to run in
November, the month in which our nation set
aside a day specifically to honor those who have
served our country.
The first commemoration of Armistice Day was
proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson on Nov.
11, 1919. It was the previous year on the 11th hour
of the 11th day of the 11th month that fighting
ceased between the Allied nations and Germany
and ending WW1, “the war to end all wars.”
People celebrated with parades and public meetings and business was suspended briefly at
11 a.m. The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a
concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926.
An act of Congress on May 13, 1938, made
Nov, 11 the legal Armistice Day holiday. After the
largest mobilization of service men and women for
WWII follow by Korea, the word Armistice was
replaced by the word Veterans in 1954 at the urging
of veteran groups. It became a day to honor
American veterans of all wars.
On Oct. 8, President Dwight D. Eisenhower
issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation" which
stated: "In order to insure proper and widespread
observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will
wish to join hands in the common purpose….”
I continue to be amazed and humbled by the
great patriots, some who have worn the uniform
and some who have not, who devote much time,
energy, effort and love to help our heroes.
Happy November and Happy Veterans Day to
all who have served and the loved ones who support them.
USPS Changes
Impact TIR
The U.S. Postal Service has been making
changes to reduce costs including consolidating
facilities. As of last January, mail that was
processed by the St. Petersburg Processing &
Distribution Center has to be trucked to
Tampa for processing and then trucked back to the
four post offices that service the TIR distribution
area. Generally, this has not caused significant
delays, although it has impacted our cost of doing
business.
With extensive delivery delays of the October
issue in some areas, we learned that the actual standard for delivery of periodicals is three to nine
days. That went into effect late January 2014 and
was not a big change from previous standards, but
with consolidations, it seems this may be more of
a reality.
We are and will continue doing all we can to get
TIR to our readers on or before the first of each
month, but as with many things in life, there are
few guarantees.
Correction
Vino-N-Brew (October)
We misidentified the owners of Vino-N-Brew in
the Business News item. The sole owner is Laurie
Vang. We also noted it was on Blind Pass Road; the
actual address is 9641 Gulf Blvd. Our apologies for
the errors.
Publisher Betsy Judge
Graphic Design Lorrie Bellinger
Contributing Writers
• Ellen Capitosti, Beverage Beat
• Dr. Carol Hollenbeck, Fitness
• Jackie Minniti, Florida Author Series,
Pride & Joy
• Bruce Norris, Cartoonist
• Sabrina O’Donnell, Features
• Wayne Shattuck, Weather
• Dave Smith, The Old Professor
• Sally G. Yoder, Features
Advertising Sales
• Gigi Grimshaw
Contents of The Island Reporter may not be reproduced or copied
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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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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Pride & Joy...........................................7
Florida Author ...................................11
Beverage Beat ...................................12
Fitness................................................12
Weather..............................................13
Notable Achievements .....................19
Business News ..................................19
Puzzle Page........................................20
Local Events ......................................21
Business Card Directory...................22
Classifieds..........................................22
TIR Picture Page................................23
Island Toons ......................................23
November 2015 - The Island Reporter - 5
Those Pesky Squirrels
By The Old Professor
I sent the following to an old prof friend in
Salt Lake City. “A squirrel crossed the road
ahead of me. Like his fowl friends, I suspect he
was doing so to get to the other side. But his
speed surprised. Usually they dart. This aberrant
beast strolled. He’s too short to see if cars are
coming. They weren’t, but I still think he must
have failed Squirrel Safety 101. Squirrels oughtn’t stroll.
Later one of his cousins a few blocks north
dashed out onto the street, made it across two
lanes, noted a car coming in the next, did a 180
degree turn, and scampered back safely from
whence he came. Smarter squirrel. Theirs is to
scramble, not to amble.
Someone probably says that squirrel #1 lives
a more relaxed life. I suspect I am likely to see
him so relaxed as to be utterly motionless, flattened mid-road one of these days. Moral: sometimes quick is smart.”
“When I arrived in Utah I noted that there
were no squirrels. Mice, rats, hairless mountaindwelling potguts, and ground squirrels, but no
old fashioned Midwest squirrels racing up and
down trees and taunting dogs.
“Recently though a strange variety of scat
appeared on my walk. It was clearly not from a
cat, dog or deer; nor from mice or rats. What
critter had chosen my walk as his personal outhouse?
“Then one day I saw what looked like a furrytailed squirrel running up my tree. I saw it again.
We have a true North American Midwestern
squirrel. This marvelous guy has selected my
tree for his home and my walk for his latrine.
I can't decide whether to be angry or honored.
“To discourage the use of my walk as a toilet
I swept away all the droppings, and sprinkled
New Mexico chili powder along it. I thought,
‘Try sniffing that stuff and see how long it takes
you to find another place for your droppings.’
The next morning, I ran out to see if my strategy was successful. There was all the chili powder,
plus a new contribution.
“How can I direct this fellow elsewhere? Or,
W W W
. T
H E
I
should I, like the tree-huggers, decide he has
more rights than two-legged, nature destroying
people, and let him manure where he pleases?”
Always helpful, I responded: “Your tree is the
one in The Valley worthy of squirreldom. It is a
holy temple. The deposits are sacred tributes.
With what else could your long tailed neighbor
gift you? They are an honored offering. Yet you
spurn them. Reframe this experience by thinking outside the litter box. Treasure what you are
given.”
When we lived in Minnesota my neighbor
was vexed with gophers in his lawn. Despite
having been a Golden Gopher hockey player, he
didn’t embrace them. He tried traps. No avail.
He tried sundry baits and chemicals: Gophers 2,
Neighbor 0. He tried a “Gopher Bomb.” The
gophs apparently had shelters. He tried hoeing
up their tunnels. They burrowed more. Finally,
he drove his VW bus onto the yard and sent a
hose from its exhaust pipe into a gopher hole.
He ran the engine, forcing the exhaust fumes
into the very homes of innocent rodents.
Outcome? Game, set, and match to the
gophers. I think his efforts could have been the
inspiration for Bill Murray’s antics in that classic film “Caddyshack.” Moral: you may try lots
of unsuccessful things to fight the squirrel, but
at least you will amuse your neighbors.
My spies report that a squirrel invaded the
attic of a local ENT office, gnawed through the
wires, knocked out the power, and was fried.
Whether it was given appropriate last rites or
served with a tasty sauce, they didn’t reveal. But
beware! These bushy-tailed terrorists apparently
have a suicide squad ready to leave you sweating
in the dark.
My Utah buddy has had recommendations
for lemon juice, hair collected from hair brushes or barber shop floors, and a commercial
product as squirrel repellents. Maybe if he finds
one that works you will want to stock up just to
be safe.
Culled from correspondence with Richard D.
Rieke, another retired old professor.
S L A N D
R
E P O R T E R
.
C O M
6 - The Island Reporter - November 2015
PLAN continued from page 3
With her background, she thought it would be a
cinch. “I had no idea, I really didn’t. This is a different ballgame.” So she decided to learn it,
become an expert in it, and help people.
A quick search of www.medicare.gov for
options for this area produced 23 plans. There is
original Medicare (Part A and Part B) which
helps cover hospital stays and doctor or outpatient visits. If you want or need more coverage,
there are supplemental plans offered by private
companies that help pay costs not covered by
Medicare and prescription drugs known as
Medigap plans. With Medigap plans, Medicare
pays its share of their approved amount then the
Medigap pays its share.
There are also Medicare Advantage (Part C)
plans offered by private companies that contract
with Medicare to provide you with all your Part
A and Part B benefits. Medicare Advantage Plans
include Health Maintenance Organizations,
Preferred Provider Organizations, Private Feefor-Service Plans, Special Needs Plans, and
Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans. If
you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan,
most Medicare services are covered through the
plan and aren’t paid for under Original
Medicare. Most Medicare Advantage Plans offer
prescription drug coverage.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services encourages everyone to compare their
current plan to new options to see if you can
lower your costs or find a plan that better suits
your needs before the Dec. 7 deadline.
Visit Medicare.gov/find-a-plan to compare
your current coverage with all of the options
that are available in your area, and enroll in a
new plan if you decide to make a change.
The green buttons in this screen capture from
www.medicare.gov show where people can go to
find and compare plans or apply for Medicare.
November 2015 - The Island Reporter - 7
Pride & Joy
Transforming Broken
Lives
By Jackie Minniti
share Him with others.” First semester courses
Dr. Mike Wetzel’s first reaction when asked if
include Introduction to Preaching, Practice
he’d be willing to head up a new prison ministry
of Evangelism, Introduction to Christian
at Hardee Correctional Institution, 50 miles into
Education, and Old Testament Survey. The
the wilderness on East Moccasin Wallow Road,
inmates have to take tests and do homework.
was “No.” But the staff at New Orleans Baptist
For example, one assignment in Introduction to
Theological Seminary (NOBTS) was familiar
Preaching requires students to prepare sermons
with Dr. Wetzel’s work founding The Island
and deliver them to the class.
Chapel in Tierra Verde where
According to Dr. Wetzel, “The
he’s served as pastor for 24 years.
first semester grades were outHe seemed like the perfect man
standing.”
to launch their new program.
Part of Dr. Wetzel’s job is to
Despite his initial reluctance,
find volunteer professors. “Some
Dr. Wetzel decided to put the
are people I know. I also went to
final decision in the hands of a
other churches and got them
higher power. After much prayer
involved. They need to have a
and introspection, he began to
master’s degree with 18 hours in
feel that God was leading him
their subject area. We have 15
down this new path. And this is
approved professors, and almost
how Dr. Wetzel became the
all have doctorates. Right now,
director of NOBTS’s Hardee
In addition to ministering
we’re desperately in need of an
Extension Center.
to his flock at The Island Chapel
The goal of this innovative on Tierra Verde, Dr. Mike Wetzel, English professor.”
answered a call that takes
Dr. Wetzel feels that the
program is to provide inmates
him some 50 miles into the
investment of time and effort is
with a four-year, fully accredited
Florda wilderness to lead a
more than offset by the personal
bachelor’s degree in Christian
prison ministry program for
ministry. While the program is New Orleans Baptist Theological satisfaction that comes from
making a difference in so many
Seminary at the Hardee
the first of its kind in Florida, it
Correctional Institution.
broken lives. “It gives the
is hardly a new concept. It was
inmates hope that they’re not
started 20 years ago at Angola
useless and forgotten; that people care and God
Prison in Louisiana, the largest maximum secucares.” he says. “Some of the inmates have led
rity prison in the country, housing over 6,000
some of the correctional officers to Christ. The
inmates. Despite its reputation as “the bloodiest
officers have been able to see the difference in
prison in the United States,” Angola has realized
these men. It’s phenomenal.”
a 70 percent drop in inmate-on-inmate violence
and a 117 percent drop in inmate-on-officer vioSince the program relies completely on prilence since the NOBTS program began. And
vate funding, volunteers and donations are
there hasn’t been a single murder at the facility
always needed. Dr. Wetzel encourages everyone
since 2006.
to think about supporting NOBTS’s efforts.
“You’ll be shocked at how your perception of
Dr. Wetzel explains how the Hardee program
inmates will be transformed,” he says. “There are
works. “The teachers bring the courses to the
always some people who will never change. But
prison. Fifty-two inmates were selected for the
others may have made grievous mistakes and,
program after a 13-week prerequisite study and
though they should be in prison, it doesn’t
interviews by the prison chaplain and a warden.
mean they cannot be changed. God can change
All of the guys in the program have a high
any situation.”
school diploma or GED. We teach them who
Christ is, how to have a personal relationship
For more information, or to make a donawith Him, and how to use their knowledge to
tion, go to www.correctionsfoundation.org.
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8 - The Island Reporter - November 2015
Development Comes to the Bea
As the pristine islands were opened
with roads and bridges, developers
slowly moved into action. Small one
level Mom & Pop motels soon dotted all the beaches up to Indian
Rocks. St. Petersburg builder Walter
Fuller kept his love of the beach foremost as he looked for opportunities in
the Pass-a-Grille (PAG) area. He built
The Plaza Hotel, located on Sunset
Way between 24th and 26th Avenues.
His daughter changed its name in1913
to the PAG Beach Hotel and catered
St.Petersburg builder Walter Fuller built the
to elite visitors arriving by steamboat.
The Plaza Hotel in Pass-a-Grille. It catered to elite visitors
This three-story, rambling structure
until being destroyed by a hurricane in 1921.
had a porch completely surrounding
Completed and open to wealthy patrons in
its second floor and two large copulas on the
1928, this eight-story concrete building became
top. It was destroyed in the 1921 hurricane.
a landmark for the beach community. Painted a
bright pink Rowe named it and the
land directly to the east after his
favorite opera “Maritana,” and the
characters in the play. But even in
those early days, the huge pink structure became known as a marker for
boaters way out in the Gulf, its four
towers reaching high in the sky. The
Don’s history tells us how the rich and
famous came to relax and be pampered along the peaceful beaches.
During WWII it became a rehab
hospital for fighter pilots, and then
was a VA facility until the early 1970s.
Local entrepreneur William Bowman
bought the property and restored it to
its original state as a first class hotel. It
This image from 1912 shows visitors enjoying the
was placed on the National Register of
Beach Hotel waterslide. The complex eventually occupied
the land from 22nd to 27th streets and PAG Way.
It featured gardens, alligator ponds and the pier.
The PAG Hotel and Casino, located on the
Gulf Boulevard between 9th and 10th Avenues
in 1920s, survived storms and thrived on winter
visitors. The casino dance hall was a high spot
for vacationers and locals. The building underwent several additions and refurbishings over
time and was probably the first to have a small
beer bar open right on the beach. It too became
old and fire claimed it in 1969.
These were the largest hotels until Thomas
Rowe started to build the Don CeSar in 1925.
The Pass-a-Grille Hotel and Casino was a popular
place for dancing. It also had the first beach bar
serving beer. It was destroyed by fire in 1969.
November 2015 - The Island Reporter - 9
aches
By Sally G. Yoder
Photos courtesy of Gulf Beaches Historical Museum
Historic Places in 1975. This majestic
structure can certainly boast as being the first
high-rise on the barrier islands and has
remained a landmark hotel.
Along Gulf Boulevard on St. Pete Beach
the commercial west side remained mostly
vacant land until the Colonial Inn and the
Desert Ranch opened its doors in the late
1940s. These long two-story motels were the
first to have pools, beach cabanas and live
entertainment in their lounges.
Development was slower in the upper
beaches which had more private cottages
than motels/hotels. Herb Dowling spent several years out of the area finally returning to
build the first all concrete 34-room motel,
The Sands of Treasure Island, in 1948. This
began what became known as Treasure
Islands Miracle Mile of motels, bars and
restaurants.
When Thomas Rowe build the Don CeSar in 1925 it dwarfed the other beach hotels
and the huge pink building served as an aid to boaters on the Gulf.
The Sands of Treasure Island was the
first concrete motel on Treasure Island. It was the start
of what became known as the Miracle Mile.
Scattered among these hotels (considered large for the time), were smaller
motels with 10 to 15 rooms catering to
winter residents in for a longer stay. These
owners became involved in the growing
communities local politics and recreational activities. The upper beach towns like
Madeira and the Redington beaches were
mostly residential except for a few restaurants and
shops. Even today, they remain much the same.
Before WWII development was slow, but
steady as more and more visitors became permanent residents. But in the late 1940s pump barges
arrived and they began filling in the bay. Bay bottom land was cheap, the state was in need of
money and developers obliged.
10 - The Island Reporter - November 2015
Fish Broil, Chowder Challenge
Move to Horan Park
By TIR Staff
In it’s third year, the popular
Chowder Challenge is back
Nov. 15, 1 - 5 p.m.
Local chefs will prepare and
serve their best chowders to
judges and chowder enthusiasts in
hopes of winning the coveted
Golden Ladle award which went
to Rumfish Grille at the
Tradewinds Resort last year.
Chowder hounds will again cast
their three gold coins for People’s
Choice awards as well. There is
also the Celebrity Judge’s Chef’s
Choices. There will be libations,
music, prizes and entertainment
and free valet parking. Tickets are
$15 in advance and $20 day of.
Children under 12 are free with
one adult ticket purchase. Info at
www.chowderchallenge.com
With construction in progress
on Pass-a-Grille (PAG) Way, two
traditional PAG events are moving to Horan Park.
The 85th Annual Fish Broil to
support local charities is Nov. 8,
1 - 6 p.m. Organizers promise delicious fish dinners for $8 cooked on
a giant outdoor grill, along with
food vendors, beer and wine. There
will be live and silent auctions, a
free kids' fishing tournament as
well as live music and an entertainment zone with fun for everyone.
All proceeds go back into the community. This year's event is for
Montessori by the Sea, St. John
Vianney, the St. Pete Beach Public
Library, and the Gulf Beaches
Historic Museum. For more information go www.fishbroil.com.
Alliance Hosts DTI
The Egmont Key Alliance is holding its annual fundraiser, Discover the Island, Nov. 14 and 15.
Experts on the island’s history will be on hand to
share their knowledge. They will also have experts
on the migratory and shorebirds, gopher tortoises,
sea turtles and native plants found on the key.
Civil War re-enactors will sport uniforms and
equipment from that time and Spanish American
War buffs will be there to discuss the island’s role
in that war.
Other activities include a silent auction, kids
games, local artists, music, souvenirs, self guided
walking tours and the best hotdogs on the island!
Day passes will be for sale in the green trailer
next to the ferry boarding in Ft. DeSoto.
Tickets are $18 for adults, ages 12 and up, $15
for active duty/retired military and $5 for children.
The ferries will shuttle passengers from
Ft. DeSoto between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. The last
By TIR Staff
ferry leaves Egmont Key at 4 p.m.
The Egmont Key Alliance, Inc. is a non-profit
organization to support Egmont Key State Park.
For more information or to purchase tickets
online go to www.egmontkey.info.
November 2015 - The Island Reporter - 11
Florida Author
Bewitching Mysteries
By Jackie Minniti
who returns home to interview for a job as a
Sometimes a person’s future seems written in
reporter with WICH-TV. After discovering the
the stars. Such is the case of Seminole writer,
body of the station’s call-in psychic, Lee is offered
Carol J. Perry. Born on Halloween Eve and raised
her job. When she starts seeing strange apparitions
in Salem, Mass., Perry is the author of the Witch
reflected in an obsidian ball, Lee finds herself on
City Mysteries, an entertaining series of cozy whothe trail of a killer. According to Perry, Lee Barrett
dunits with a paranormal twist.
was inspired by real-life psychic Linda Bennett,
Perry didn’t start out creating spooky stories.
the host of “Metaphysically Speaking,” a local tel“I knew in 7th grade I wanted to go into adverevision show, who “taught me all the psychic
tising,” she says. “My high school guidance counstuff.”
selor told me the only way I could do that was to
“Caught Dead Handed”
become a secretary.” So Perry
was followed by “Tails, You
enrolled in Boston University’s
Lose” where Lee takes a job as
College of Arts and Letters.
an instructor in an art acadeAfter her freshman year, she
my housed in a haunted
received a job offer from a
department store. When the
local fuel company where
handyman is found murshe’d been a participant in an
dered, Lee begins seeing
“Oilman for a Day” program.
visions that lead her to the
“I’d been assigned to the ad
killer. The latest book in the
manager who was so impressed
series, “Look Both Ways,” has
with me that she wanted to
Lee purchasing an antique
hire me as an assistant for a lot
Author Carol J. Perry (above), might live
more money than my dad was in Seminole, but her mystery novels are bureau with secret compartments and an intriguing hismaking at the time,” Perry
set in and have all the mystique of her
tory. When she discovers the
hometown of Salem, Mass. The latest
recalls. “So at the age of 19,
novel
in
her
Witch
City
Mysteries,
“Look
bludgeoned body of the
I had a job writing ad copy.”
Both Ways,” (below) has been character- antique dealer, Lee tries to
After marrying and having ized as a cozy, entertaining paranormal.
unravel the bureau’s secrets
a child, Perry was offered a job
and find the murderer. “Look
as ad manager for a large
Both
Ways” was praised by RT
department store. For the next
Book
Reviews as “…an enter13 years, she wrote print ads, radio
taining paranormal cozy with
commercials and catalogs. She
plenty of secrets and blondeven wrote some articles for trade
haired, blue-eyed suspects to
papers. Perry thought of herself as
keep the readers guessing until
a non-fiction writer until she
the very end.”
moved to Florida. She joined a
Perry’s fans will be happy
writing class at the Madeira Beach
to
know
that she has no plans to
Library, and after hearing a speaker
stop writing. She is under contalk about middle grade fiction,
tract for three more Witch City
decided to give it a try. She wrote a
mysteries and is currently worknovel called “Sandcastle Summer”
ing on “Murder-Go-Round”
and was offered a publishing con(scheduled for release in the fall
tract. “Sandcastle Summer” was
of 2016.) “The hardest thing
followed by four more middle
about being a writer is finding
grade novels and two biographies.
the time to do all I want to do,”
After joining a second writers
she says. “I’ll have to live to be
group, Perry began toying with an
over 120!” – something that
idea for a mystery. She wrote the first chapter, submight
be
in
the
cards
for this bewitching writer.
mitted it to a contest, and won first prize. This led
For more information, go to www.carol
to a new publishing contract for “Caught Dead
jperry.com or meet Carol in person at her book
Handed,” the first in what would become the
signing/book talk at the Gulf Beaches Library,
Witch City series. Set in Salem, the novel introMadeira Beach, Sat., Nov. 14, noon to 2:30 p.m.
duces Lee Barrett, a newly-widowed Salem native
12 - The Island Reporter - November 2015
Beverage Beat
Wines That Are Not Turkeys!
By Ellen L. Capitosti
Friends, family, and location shape holiday
practices and menus. As a state of immigrants, you
never know what might crop up on a holiday table
in Florida, and Thanksgiving is the perfect time to
strut your stuff and try out a new dish, vino or
sparkler to compliment it.
Some meals are traditional – turkey, dressing,
and the standard sides; while some stray a little
from the center – a standing rib roast and oyster
dressing; others prefer an Italian feast! Whatever
you decide, complete the gastro experience with
the perfect drink pairings.
If you stick with turkey, consider offering reds
and whites. Pinot noirs offer a red-wine drinker a
delicious experience without being overbearing.
Oregon Pinots offer a bit more earthiness and are
less fruit forward than their California counterparts, but either make a delicious pairing with fowl.
Perhaps a 2013 Elouan at $16.99? Consider a lovely California chardonnay with just s hint of toasty
oak for a full-bodied white able to stand up to a
rich, traditional dinner, like Ferrari Carano from
Sonoma for $19.99, or a dry Riesling like Poets
Leap, at $19.99 to round out your traditional
Turkey Day table.
Perhaps you are a little more adventuresome
and stick with traditional sides but serve beef as a
main dish - such as standing rib roast. A deep and
rich red blend, strong and beefy, counterbalanced
with a fruity acidity will stand up to your rib! We
suggest Termes by Numanthia from Spain at
$24.99 or a “big” merlot such as Northstar or the
2012 nicely balanced BV Napa Cabernet which
has the richness to stand up to the beef, while at
the same time acting as a tannin tamer.
But maybe you throw tradition on its
head….and serve an Italian extravaganza. If so,
Chianti, although often a good choice, is not the
only choice. If tomato-based sauces are your go-to,
try a Pinot Noir which offers acidity to withstand
the tomatoes. A medium-bodied, silky pinot noir
also contains notes of spice, herbs, loam, and
leather like Bread and Butter, at $12.99. Or maybe
you prefer a richer and cheesier dish that begs for
a crisp dry white Verdicchio or maybe even a light
red such as a Barbera d’Asti.
No matter what you serve, the most important
part of the meal is the tradition of thankfulness,
surrounded by family and friends, love, laughter Happy Thanksgiving!
Ellen Capitosti is the owner of Tostis Spirits &
Fine Wines.
Fitness
Healthy Holiday Travel
By Dr. Carol Hollenbeck
The holiday season is almost upon us and
that means travelling. According to the US
Department of Transportation, Thanksgiving
travel increases by 54 percent and Christmas/
New Years by 23 percent. About 90 percent of
people travel by car, five to six percent by air,
and bus or train trips makes up the rest.
Sitting for extended periods of time in
cramped spaces while traveling is not only
uncomfortable, but has some health risks.
Generally travelers experience minor aches and
pains with prolonged sitting, especially in the
low back, knees and lower legs with cramping.
A more serious health issue is the risk for developing a blood clot. With decreased blood flow
for four or more hours clots can form in the
lower legs. The small clots normally dissolve
when the plane lands or movement resumes,
but large ones may not. There is a potential that
these can break loose days or even weeks later
after travel and lodge in an artery of the lungs
or heart.
Minor aches and pains or the more serious
threat of clots can be prevented. Wear loose fitting comfortable clothes and shoes that won't
restrict blood flow. Try compression stockings
to help increase blood flow to your lower legs.
Keep the area by your feet clear for movement
of your legs and feet. Get up to move around
every two to three hours to stretch your legs,
low back, and trunk to get your blood pumping. Drink plenty of water plus avoid alcohol
and soda while traveling.
There are also a few simple exercises to keep
the joints mobile, muscles relaxed and blood
flowing while sitting: heel raises, toe lifts, ankle
FITNESS continued on page 13
November 2015 - The Island Reporter - 13
A Better Flu Shot… Fat
States… Thanksgiving
Facts… and More
By Wayne Shattuck
A Better Flue Shot... We are in the flu shot season. That yearly ritual we hope will help avoid the
latest version of the bug. Well, good news: according to researchers at Mount Sinai Health System,
something better could be just a few years away. A
flu shot to shield against all influenza strains,
potentially for years at a time. That's dramatically
better and broader protection than any available
today. The universal flu shot would be a revolution in the fight against influenza, a virus that hospitalizes millions around the world, and kills as
many as 500,000 a year. One of the very tricky
things about preventing flu with a vaccine is that
the virus has a capacity to change or mutate.
That's why the formula for the vaccine has to be
changed each year. Dr. William Schaffner, of
Vanderbilt University Medical Center explains
that the flu virus is a sphere with a bunch of “lollipops” or influenza surface proteins sticking off
the sphere, in a variety of flavors. The lollipops can
change while the sphere remains the same. A universal flu shot would help the body build immunity to the flu at the core of the virus, instead of
merely protecting against a few lollipops. That
would mean a much more effective flu vaccine.
The shot would only need to be given every few
years, even decades, eventually greatly reducing
the impact of flu world-wide. In the meantime,
get that shot!
Fat States... It should come as no surprise that
we are a heavy nation. The latest data from the
U.S. Centers of Disease Control & Prevention
shows more than 20 percent of Americans are
obese. Just as scary is that one in five children and
teens are obese. There are many factors that go
into obesity rates, including socioeconomic data,
race/ethnicity and possibly even weather as hot,
humid days keep people indoors. The top heaviest
states where over a third of the population is considered obese are Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi,
West Virginia and No. 1 is Arkansas. On the other
side, the five least obese states include: California,
Massachusetts, Hawaii, and D.C.. with Colorado
the lightest state. So what about Florida? We rank
No.44 at 26.2 percent with more than a quarter of
the population obese. I think I'll go for a walk!
Thanksgiving Facts... The most familiar story of
the first Thanksgiving have it in Plymouth Colony,
in present day Massachusetts, in 1621. More than
200 years later, President Abraham Lincoln
declared the final Thursday in November as a
national day of thanks. Congress finally made it
an official national holiday in 1941. According to
the U.S. Census Bureau, Minnesota is the top
turkey-producing state and 88 percent of
Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving. The average weight of turkeys on Thanksgiving is
15 pounds. Wisconsin, Massachusetts and New
Jersey are the top three cranberry growing states.
Illinois, California and Pennsylvania are the top
three pumpkin growing states, and the most sweet
potatoes are produced by North Carolina.
Originally known as Macy’s Christmas Parade, to
signify the launch of the Christmas shopping season, the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
took place in 1924.
BUT THAT'S NOT ALL... Back in the Middle
Ages, urine was occasionally used as an antiseptic.
Henry VIII's surgeon, Thomas Vicary, recommended that all battle wounds be washed in urine.
There was even a bottled version: Essence Of
Urine. This isn't quite as insane as it seems. Urine
is sterile when it leaves the body and may have
been a healthier alternative than most water.
FITNESS continued from page 12
circles, erect or “tall” sitting, overhead stretch
with both arms and lean to the left and right,
twist in your seat looking behind to the right
then the left, thigh and butt squeezes for 5-10
seconds and shoulder shrugs and rolls.
Do each exercise 10 times every hour you are
sitting and no matter your mode of transportation, you will be healthier!
Dr. Carol Hollenbeck is a physical
therapist in St. Pete Beach and owns Fit For Life
Fitness Center. (727) 367-0075 or www.iamfitforlife.com.
TRIVIA ANSWERS
1.c 2.c 3.a 4.b 5.c 6.a 7.b 8.a 9.c 10.b
14 - The Island Reporter - November 2015
ART continued from front page
The importance of art
for healing is not lost on
the Army which has embraced
it through the National
Initiative for Arts and Health
in the Military which strives to
advance the benefits of the
arts in health, healing and
health care for veterans.
The VACTB hopes to
accomplish their mission
though
four
programs:
Operational Art: a gallery for
the sale of military and veteran art; Art as Therapy and
This display at a conference in Cocoa Beach is an example
Esprit De Corps: visual and
of the type of exhibit that the VACTB arranges to show at a
performing art programs and
variety of events and venues to further the public’s understanding
and awareness about military and veteran artists.
workshops; and Tour de
Photo courtesy of Scott Macksam.
Force: military and veteran art
exhibits at the local, regional
Operational Art might be in Tampa.
and national level. Another effort is a German
Exchange Program where selected veteran artists
He is hoping people who have not served will
will visit German art and scholastic centers.
support the center and until they raise $50,000 in
seed money all proceeds go into that pot. They
They are off to a good start: the organization
are also working on a grant to kick-start their
is a 501(c)(3), has a nine-member board of direchealing, wellness and therapy programs.
tors, has partnered with other organizations, and
has been displaying military and veteran art at
“We are trying to do something that has
local events. And it’s all art forms; Mac worked
legacy and value, but I don’t want my name on
his connections with the United States Army
it,” he says. Board member Paul Stavros, whose
Jazz Ambassadors and his contact at the
family firmly believes in the effort, tells Mac to
Palladium for a concert on Nov. 1. And of course
be patient, but he’s determined. “We are going to
there will be a VACTB exhibit there.
complete the mission. There is no failing. It’s
what I did for 20 years in the Army; this is just
All this while working as the facility security
a different mission.
manager at the Franklin Templeton St. Pete campus and serving on a number of boards.
“I just need a little help,” he continues. “We
need some angels to write checks: $5,000 here,
“People congratulate me on what we’ve done
$1,000 there and at the end of the day we can
so far, but I tell them, ‘Don’t congratulate me
start moving forward.” They have sponsorships
until we open up the center’.”
available and annual memberships are $25 for
Where that center will be is up in the air, and
individuals and $150 for businesses.
it may not be under one roof. He is working
For more information, or to become a sponwith the Morean Art Center as a potential locasor or a member go to www.vactb.org.
tion for workshops and he says the gallery for
GAP continued from front page
Carter received an envelope with $250 to use in
the city, he received a $500 Gap gift card, and he
will receive a print from his photo shoot, and the
title of being the GapKid of course,” says
Charlene.
They did not have any requirements on the
first day so they decided to explore the city. “We
get lost in the subway” says Charlene noting they
popped up in “a neighborhood that I didn’t
think any tourists would be.” They did get to see
Times Square and Carter wanted to see the T-Rex
at the Museum of Natural History, but the
Carter sits for his photo shoot in July.
He won a trip to New York City for two nights,
$250 for spending money, a $500 Gap gift card,
copies of the photos and the title of GapKid.
Charlene Bailey and son Carter used their spare time
in New York City to see Times Square.
weather had other ideas. “We’ll go back with
both boys,” promises Charlene.
They met with a stylist for the shoot. “They
cut my hair,” says Carter. Charlene said they
were going for an edgy look. It took a couple tries
to find the right jeans and he was layered for the
shoot. “It was very hot,” he added.
Despite the heat, Carter says he would like to
be a model. “The people involved were phenomenal; they were so kid friendly and made sure
they were happy,” says Charlene. “Everything
was handled great, and that’s what makes me
excited about him wanting to do it.”
That trip was in July and they had to keep it a
secret until the official announcement on Oct. 1.
Now they are hoping someone will be interested
in helping him get started and Charlene thinks
Nathan will make a great assistant agent.
November 2015 - The Island Reporter - 15
The Importance of Foreign Language
By Sabrina O’Donnell
In the words of the Austrian-British philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, “The limits of my language are the limits of my world.”
Today, the world is more interconnected, and
international trade has increased dramatically over
the last three decades according to the World Trade
Organization. Knowing other languages can be a
real benefit. In Twenty-five Reasons to Study
Foreign Languages, Auburn University noted the
benefits of knowing a foreign language. This list
ranged from reducing prejudice toward people of
different cultures and expanding ones view on the
world, to making someone a more valuable employee, or being at a distinct advantage in the global
market. High schools offer language classes, and
many universities require these credits for admission, but student opinions vary when it comes to
whether they should be taking these courses.
“Foreign languages look so good for colleges. I
hated my Spanish class, but I know that the knowledge
will be really helpful on applications and job resumes.
It is also really beneficial if you like to travel and want
to see the world,” said 10th-grader Emily Hartson.
High school junior Jude Coral has his own view, “You
can’t force a student to learn,” he declares, “you can
place them in these classes and tell them they need to
take them, but you cannot force another language on
them.” He goes on to say he does find knowing another language important from a business standpoint
because it would increase your value as an employee.
Jude fluently speaks three languages himself and shares
that he truly does have confidence that this skill could
help him when it comes to his future and getting a job.
Seventeen-year-old Veronica De Bernardo, who
speaks two languages, agrees with Emily. She thinks
people who speak multiple languages have higher
opportunities in basically everything; college, jobs,
travel, and connecting with new people due to the
ability to communicate with them. She is glad to be
bilingual because she will be able to learn a third language more easily now that she has already learned
two. A study published by Science Daily backs up her
opinion: “Students who know two languages have
an easier time gaining command of a third language
than students who are fluent in only one language.”
While there are students who believe taking language classes in high school is important, there are also
those who feel a bit differently. Twelfth grader Madison
Murphy thinks most of the knowledge obtained by
high school students in foreign language classes is forgotten after they are tested on it. “Kids will learn it for
the class and then forget it,” she states. “I don’t really
think language classes in high school are necessary.”
Senior Teagan Refering puts her own spin on it, “I don’t
think it’s important in high school; I think it’s kind of
useless. However, learning a new language in college is
almost essential to go into a good career after school.”
16 - The Island Reporter - November 2015
November 2015 - The Island Reporter - 17
The Future of the Grand Canal
By Betsy Judge
Publisher’s Note: Shifting Sands Close Vital
Channel published in June 2015 has additional information on this issue and is available on our website
under Past Issues.
The latest concern about the build-up of sand
on the west side of Tierra Verde, in addition to the
health impact on the critical Shell Key Preserve
habitat, is the migration of sand toward the
entrance to the Grand Canal, the main channel
for most boaters on the west side of the island.
The history of the changes, potential impacts
and possible solutions were the subject of the
October meeting of the Tierra Verde Community
Association. The topic drew a record crowd
prompting Peter Clark, president of Tampa Bay
Watch (TBW), to give back-to-back presentations.
Clark used Google Earth images to show the
progression of change since 1951 when Shell Key
was little more than a sand bar.
“By 1984 Shell Key key was starting to grow
and there were rock revetments on Collany Key to
help stabilize that shoreline,” he noted. He attributed a large influx of sand to a no-name storm in
1993 and another in 2008. By then there was also
sand building up on the outside of Shell Key, and
that sand started moving to the east.
By 2012 the sand had reached the southern
point of Collany Key. The pass was dredged in the
spring of 2013, but by November 2014 the sand
back and up around the middle of the key. The
sand continued accumulating against Collany Key
moving east and is now moving around the corner
and into the grand Canal area.
There was discussion on the causes of the
build-up including the movement of sand south
from the beach nourishment projects to the north
of Tierra Verde.
The large image from Google Earth was taken in
February 2015 with some water still flowing through
the northern pass. The inset photo by TBW, shows the
pass completely closed and the sand migrating around
the north end of Collany Key toward the Grand Canal.
Clark has said in the past that barrier islands are
dynamic, move around and what is is happening
is no exception, but was probably accelerated by
man. Regardless of the cause, the immediate concern is to bring attention to the problem and
come up with long term solutions.
“With the northern pass closed we no longer
SAND continued on page 19
ADVERTISE IN TIR!
Call 727-631-4730
[email protected]
18 - The Island Reporter - November 2015
The Ultimate Work Out
Experience
By TIR Staff
When Michael and Kristy Murphy purchased
their first Anytime Fitness franchise, they knew what
they liked when it comes to working out, and they
wanted to offer that level of quality to their members.
Michael was the ultimate gym rat working out seven
days a week and Kristy is an Ironman triathlete.
That experience extends to their manager,
Jonathan Davis, who has 18 years in the fitness industry and their newly arrived personal trainer Justin
Rueff who used to run his own training business.
“A lot of people that buy into this franchise
model do not have a fitness background,” says
Jonathan. “Mike and Kristy were able to come
and look at it from a usage standpoint.”
“We wanted something we would like,” adds Kristy.
That took about $300,000 for the 34th Street
South location that was once Golds Gym and then
Edge. They did a complete renovation with new
equipment, flooring and security system. They also
replaced three A/C units and installed “Big Ass Fans.”
They put the same level of thought and care into their
South Pasadena location which opened this summer.
They chose Anytime Fitness because they
liked the model which integrates technology into
their centers and is focused on customer service.
“We are the newest, most up-to-date, fitness
center,” says Jonathon, about the S. Pasadena location, which he characterizes as a boutique-style
facility. “Some of the things we did over there to
differentiate ourselves from other clubs … is the
technology. All of our cardio pieces can connect
to the Internet to choose and customize programs.” They also installed the only Synrgy360 in
the area; a customizable group training system.
Both locations are open 24/7, senior friendly
and certified for Silver Sneakers. Their trainers
are all nationally certified and they pride themselves on their friendly atmosphere.
“A lot of our members have been coming here
Anytime Fitness in South Pasadena opened this
summer. It includes one of the only Synrgy360 systems in the area, and both locations have newly
installed “Big Ass Fans” along with all new equipment and are senior and family friendly.
for 15 to 20 years. It’s like a family,” says Kristy,
about 34th Street. She says members love their
instructors who have a following. “I’m hoping that
South Pasadena becomes like that; like family.”
“When you walk in here you're not going to be
intimidated, and it’s a very family-friendly environment. We care about are members,” adds Jonathan.
See more about each location at www.anytimefitness.com or on Facebook.
Business News
Kokomo’s Welcomes
New Owner
Kokomo Salon & Spa, serving the area for
20 years in Marina Village, is now owned by
Beth Gomez. It is a full service salon with eight
experienced hairdressers and two nail techs.The
staff is educated in the most up-to-date cut styles
and coloring and do roller sets, blow outs, and
men's cuts. They also carry styling products and
do facial waxing, spa pedicures, fills, gel/shellac
and acrylic nails. Appointments are recommended, walk-ins are welcome. Visit them on Facebook.
4915 34th St. S., St. Petersburg.
Bilmar Gets a “Lift”
The Bilmar Beach Resort hosted a ribbon cutting to unveil their $250,000 renovation to the
lobby and Beachfront Café. The six-week project
included plumbing and electrical work, conversion to LED energy efficient lighting, the addition
of a Wave Wall design in the lobby area and the
cafe and a 330 gallon lobby salt water fish tank.
Go Lightning
RumFish Grill at Guy Harvey Outpost, an Official Watch Zone
of the Tampa Bay Lightning for away games, is hosting Game Watch
Parties on the Beach, Nov. 27 and Dec. 18. The games are broadcast
on a huge screen directly on the beach and ThunderBug and the
Lightning girls will be on-hand with fun giveaways. 6000 Gulf Blvd.,
St. Pete Beach.
November 2015 - The Island Reporter - 19
Notable Achievements
Best Waterfront View
All that
Glitters
360º Rooftop at The
Hotel Zamora was voted
Best Waterfront View in
Creative Loafing’s Best of
the Bay Food & Drink. It
features panoramic views
of the Gulf of Mexico and
the Intracostal waterway.
Guests can mingle at the
bar or chose a cushy seat
and watch the sunset.
Making Honors
Our very own TIR contributor, Sabrina
O’Donnell was recently accepted into
National Honors Society and National
English Honors
Society. She graciously says writing for TIR gave
her an edge that
helped her get
accepted
into
these two groups.
Congratulations
Sabrina.
The St. Pete Glitter
Queens upped the ante at
their fourth annual Royal
Ball raising a whopping
$57,000+ for Angles
Against Abuse. They presented the check to Sandy Kearney (left of the check), president of the Angels at
Ricky P’s Orleans Bistro. Angels Against Abuse provides care and assistance to
abused and neglected children and families in the county’s foster care system.
Viegas Photography Earns
5 Stars from Thumbtack
St. Pete Beach’s Viegas Photography was recently awarded Best of 2015 by Thumbtack. The online market place
uses technology to transform the way people find the expertise they need. They have
150,000 active professionals on their site and
the Best of 2015 award is
a way to recognize the
top professionals on
Thumbtack who have
earned great reviews
from customers.
SAND continued from page 17
have water circulation through the northern half of
the Shelf Key Preserve,” said Clark. “When you start
losing that water flow, you lose the flushing so the
resources are also going to start suffering.” As the
water quality declines the seagrass will suffer and
that will impact the fish and wildlife.
“We want a permanent solution to the closure of
the pass. There is so much sand moving down into
the system…and as they nourish the beaches to the
Lions
Tim Butler, V.P.
of St. Petersburg
Lions, presents a
$500 check to Rich
Engalls, director of
St. Pete’s Promise,
Pinellas Education
Foundation for the 5,000 Role Model program which
gives minority boys hope, as well as the vision of greatness
to emulate in their everyday lives. While Lions are most
well-known for their work with sight and eyeglass recycling, they also seek other ways to support the community following their motto “We Serve.”
north that material is coming down south.”
It is a multi-jurisdictional problem. Shell Key is
owned by the state and maintained by the county,
and the Army Corps of Engineers does the nourishment projects. Concerned citizens and TBW staff
have meet with county and elected officials and will
continue to push for a solution.
“We’re hoping that by identifying the issue to the
local community you can help us gain the support
and strength we need to identify this as a significant
problem and work with the agencies so they know
the importance of it, and will structure a plan to
open the pass and for routine maintenance.” In
addition to reopening a pass somewhere, he is hoping the Army Corps will use the sand by Tierra
Verde as a source for future nourishment efforts.
For more information or to get involved contact
TBW at 727-867-8166.
20 - The Island Reporter - November 2015
Puzzlers can find the
answers to all these
brain teasers at
www.TheIslandReporter.com
under “Puzzles”
ANSWERS ON PAGE 13
November 2015 - The Island Reporter - 21
Local Events, Activities & Announcements
Gulfport
Nov. 6: Meet the Artist Patsi Aguero, 4 - 6 p.m.
Exhibition and reception, Catherine A. Hickman
Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S. Reception and Multi-cultural interactive experience, Gulfport Arts Center, 2726
54th St. S. Info at 727-501-3559.
Nov. 6 & 21: Gulfport Art-Walk, 6 - 10 p.m. Beach
Blvd. S., Waterfront District.
Nov. 8 - 10: Heroes Weekend Parade and 4th
Annual VETSsports Beach Volleyball Gulfport
Open, Parade at 11 a.m., south on Beach Blvd. S. and
west on Shore Blvd. S. Noon, Opening volleyball ceremony. Info at 727-893-1118.
Nov. 10: Clothing Swap to Benefit Casa at
Tuesday Fresh Market, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Art Village
Courtyard, corner of Beach Blvd. S. and 29th Ave. S.
Info at 727-453-9093 or 727-902-2326.
Nov. 19 - 22: 45th Annual Fall Festival, Thur:
5 - 10. Fri: 5 - 11 p.m., Sat: 1 - 11 p.m., Sun: Noon 7:30. Rides, food, raffles and live entertainment.
Hosted by Holy Name, Info at 727-347-9989 or [email protected].
Nov. 21: Tap Dance Extravaganza, 7 - 9 p.m.
Catherine A. Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave.
Featuring the Jeanne Lynn Dancers & Gulfport Senior
Center Harmonica Club. S. Tickets: $15. Benefits the
Gulfport Senior Center Foundation. Info at 727-8931244.
Dec. 4: Mark Your Calendars: Gulfport Casino
80th Birthday Bash: 7 p.m. Historic Registry
Ceremony with Gulfport Historical Society. Music by
the Impacts. Free. 5500 Shore Blvd. S.
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 727439-0164.
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
Nov. 5 - 7: $50,000 Kingfish, 3-day family festival
and fishing tournament. $150,000 in total prizes.
Benefits Old Salt Fishing Foundation charities.
Madeira Beach Municipal Marina, 503 150th Ave. Info
at www.oldsaltfishing.org.
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.
Seminole
Nov. 14: 7th Annual Golf Challenge, 1 p.m. Golf
tourney to benefit charities and ministries of St.
Nicholas Orthodox Church. $90 per player includes
green fee, cart, contests, dinner and award ceremony.
Sponsorships available. Seminole Lake Country Club.
Info at 727-864-8443 or [email protected].
St. Pete Beach
Nov. 10: Bobby Tess and the Dixie Chaps,
7 - 9:30 p.m. Presented by Suncoast Dixieland Jazz
Society. Tickets $10; military and students free. Silas
Dent’s Steakhouse, 5501 Gulf Blvd.
Nov. 8: 85th Annual Fish Broil and Mullet
Festival, 1 - 6 p.m. See story on page 10. Horan Park,
7701 Boca Ciega Dr.
Nov. 14: Community-Wide Garage Sale,
8 a.m. - noon. Hosted by the Vina Del Mar Island
Community Association. Pass-a-Grille Way and 21st
Avenue.
Nov. 15: Chowder Challenge, 1 - 5 p.m. See story
on page 10. Horan Park, 7701 Boca Ciega Dr. Info and
tickets at www.chowderchallengepag.com.
Nov. 18: Thanksgiving Benefit Concert, 7 p.m.
The Florida Orchestra Brass Quintet, and Vox Nova, a
chamber choir and the church choir perform an
evening of inspirational Thanksgiving music.
Donations (cash or nonperishable food items) benefit
St. Pete Free Clinic. PAG Community Church, 107
16th Ave. Info at www.pagchurch.org.
Nov. 20: St Pete Beach Wine Experience,
7 - 9:30 p.m. Wine and Champaign tasting on the terrace level of the St Pete Beach Community Center.
Benefits charity. Tickets are $75/$80 at www.stpetebeachfestivals.com.
Each Week
Saturdays: Pass-a-Grille Art Mart, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Treasures by local artists. Adjacent to Paradise Grille,
900 Gulf Way. Info at www.suntanart.org.
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.
Sunday Market, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Fresh farm produce, food, plants, flowers, jewelry, art, crafts, live
music and artists. Suntan Art Center, 3300 Gulf Blvd.
Info at 727-367-3818 or www.suntanart.org.
St. Pete Beach Public Library. Check the library
section of www.stpetebeach.org for the latest events.
St. Petersburg
Nov. 1.: U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors Concert,
3 p.m. Concert by the 19-member ensemble. Free but
tickets required. The Palladium, 253 Fifth Ave. N. Info
at www.mypallladium.org.
Nov. 7: Pet Pal’s 2nd Annual Pup Crawl,
6 - 9 p.m. Registration at World of Beer beginning at
5 p.m. Also includes The Ale and the Witch, Tap
House, Pelican Pub, and Wine Madonna. Tickets $30
for one or $50 per couple. 100 4th St. S. Info at
www.petpalanimalshelter.com.
Nov. 12: SPC Retired Educators Association
Meeting, 11 a.m. Open to all in education. Program:
Medicare presentation. Teppanyaki Grill, 391 34th St.
N. Info: 727-360-3735.
Nov. 5 - 8: St. Jude Fall Festival, Thur: 5 - 10 p.m.,
Fri: 3 - 11 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. - 11 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. 8 p.m. Rides, games, food, live music, and arts & crafts.
Fun for the whole family. Corner of 66th St. and 9th
Ave. N. Info at www.stjudefestival.com.
Nov. 14: Drive Away Hunger Golf Scramble,
$70 fee includes greens fees, cart, goody bag and
lunch. Benefits Daystar Life Center. Register at 727498-8794 or [email protected].
Nov. 29: Oakdale Christmas Light Display,
6 - 10 p.m. 500,000 lights covering over a ½ acre.
Waterfalls and fountains, HO scale railroad with carnival
rides and Christmas trees. Hands-on games and bubble
machines for the kids. 2719 Oakdale Street S. Free.
Each Week
Fridays: International Cinema Series, 7 p.m.
Eckerd College presents films from around the world.
Dan and Mary Miller Auditorium. Info at www.eckerd.edu/film/ics.
Tierra Verde
Nov. 7: Tierra Verde Annual Garage Sale and Gift
Market, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Crafts, food, treasures – rain
or shine. Local charities will be accepting donations.
Downtown Tierra Verde, 1110 Pinellas Bayway S.
Nov. 7: Evening for the Bay, 6 - 10 p.m. Tampa
Bay Watch’s annual fundraiser. 1950s theme includes
live music, dinner by Bonefish Grill, a silent auction
and a great view. Tickets: $90 members, $100 nonmember. 3000 Pinellas Bayway S. Info at www.tampabaywatch.org.
Dec. 5: Mark Your Calendars: 5th Annual
Christmas Tree Lighting & Family Fun Day,
4:30 - 7 p.m. Caroling, Santa and Mrs. Claus, dog costume contest, crafts, face painting, bounce house,
games, food and drink. Downtown Tierra Verde, 110
Pinellas Bayway. S.
Treasure Island
Nov. 4: America the Beautiful Concert. 7:30 p.m.
The South Pasadena Community Band salutes the
nation with patriotic selections. Free. TI Community
Center, 1 Park Place and 106th Ave.
Nov. 7: Paradise Island Garage Sale, 8 a.m. 3:30 p.m. East of TI Causeway.
Nov. 7 - 8: Veterans Day Fall Fly on TI,
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Honor America’s veterans, w/red,
white, and blue kites, banners, flags, and more.
General kite flying, kite games, stunt kite lessons &
demos. Behind the Thunderbird, 10700 Gulf Blvd.
Sponsored by Windworks. Info at 727-320-9463.
Nov. 8: 3rd America’s VetDogs Fundraiser,
2 p.m. - sunset. Flag ceremony, vocalist Mitch Lee, DJ
Lee Jay Nelson Productions, food & drinks available,
beach access. Auction closes at 6:30 p .m. MC & Visa
accepted. St. Pete Lions Club Beach House, 9300 W.
Gulf Blvd. Info at 727-367-9059.
Nov. 18 - 22: Sanding Ovations, Times vary. See
world-class sand sculptors at work, live music and
beach food court and arts & crafts. Event details at
www.mytreasureisland.com.
Nov. 19: Mayors’ Prayer Brunch, 11 a.m. Guest
speaker BGen. Charles Duke, astronaut. Tickets, $19,
and tables are available. The Club at TI. 400 Treasure
Island Causeway. Info at 727-376-4511.
Dec. 6: Mark Your Calendars: Robby’s Pancake
Breakfast and Car Show, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. $5 all-youcan-eat pancakes and sausage. Kids 5 and under free.
$5 bloodies & mimosas. Juried show, raffles, drawings,
food, beer & wine. Supports Rotary charities and
Guardian ad Litem. TI Community Center,
1 Park Place and 106th Ave.
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
St. Pete Sail and Power Squadron Seminars,
Students must be at least 12; pre-registration required.
Max 20 students held 7 - 9 p.m., St Pete Sailing Center,
250 2nd Ave. SE, Demens Landing. Info and registration at www.boating-st.pete.org.
Nov. 2: America’s Boating Course. Seven
week course. Graduates qualify for a Florida Boating
Safety Education ID Card and may qualify for insurance discounts. Materials $40 per family.
Nov. 18: Marine Radar, Covers radar functions, radar selection, operation of the radar under various conditions. Includes “The Radar Book.” Materials
$40 per family.
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 727-8652226. 1500 PAG Way, St. Pete Beach.
Nov. 10: Your Boat’s Radio Nov. 17: Which
Boat is for You, Nov. 24: Equiping Your Boat,
Dec. 1: Waterway Watch/Trailering Your Boat.
Each Week:
Treasure Island SilverSneakers® FLEX Program,
Tue. 10:45 a.m. Cardio & Strength Class. Free for
Silver Sneaker members, others $5. TI Community
Center, 1 Park Place. Info: 920-376-0214.
Throughout the Month:
12th Annual Writers in Paradise, Registration
through Nov. 15. Learn about writing, how to find an
agent and get published. Conference is Jan. 16 - 23 for
$875. Register at www.writersinparadise.eckerd.edu.
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 727-363-9245.
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
22 - The Island Reporter - November 2015
BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY & COUPONS
RESERVE A BUSINESS CARD OR CLASSIFIED SPACE TODAY! Email: [email protected]
Classifieds: 20 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].
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our service members, veterans
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November 2015 - The Island Reporter - 23
The Island Reporter Picture Page
ROC Park Ribbon
Cutting
In June 2014 Bill Karns shared
an idea with the city of Madeira
Beach for Remember Our
Children (ROC) Park; a place
where visitors can celebrate the
lives of their children and
remember the joy they brought
to this world. In October elected
officials, city staff, the Karns
family and friends gathered there
for the official ribbon cutting for
the park in new city center.
A City Celebrates
Residents, elected officials and city staff celebrated in grand style the official
opening of their new City Centre. After a formal, standing room only
ceremony guests were treated to refreshments and tours of city hall, the
commissioner’s chambers, the fire station and recreation center and ROC Park.
TIR Staff Photos.
Photos courtesy of Bill Karns.
Come and Hear the German Band
The Tierra Verde Business Partnership’s (TVBP) annual Octoberfest was a
great hit with german beer and food, contemporary and German music by
DeLeon, lots of vendors and the occasional lederhosen strolling by. People
lined up for an opportunity to dunk the poor soul sitting above the tank.
TIR Staff Photos.
Babyface Surfaces
Reader Jamie O’Shea sent this series of photos in of Babyface, a female bottlenose dolphin severely injured by a boat propeller earlier this year.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium began tracking her this summer saying she had
life threatening propeller cuts. We are glad to see she is still enjoying the waters in John’s Pass.
ISLAND TOONS
W. Norris
e
c
u
r
B
By
24 - The Island Reporter - November 2015
ALOT OF A LOT!
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
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 $500,000 and now only $1,500,000,
Call Randall Ierna, Realtor at 727-647-0813 or Gabrielle Bettig, Realtor at 727-385-9017.
PALM TREE PARADISE! This is a MUST SEE for buyers looking for
REDUCED
a single level, completely remodeled Masonry Tierra Verde
GORGEOUS OPEN WATER VIEWS FROM
home with over 1,700 feet of heat & cooled area. From the
PRIVATE BALCONY AT THE VILLAGE
street you will see the Majestic Royal Palm trees. This home
This two bedroom two bath flat with panoramic Bay views
features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and a 2 car garage. Gorgeous
offers the perfect opportunity to acquire your dream vacation
new kitchen and baths and the entire house has Tile Flooring!
getaway, investment, or primary home. The best of Florida
The fenced backyard is a tropical paradise, featuring more
lifestyles include heated pools, spas, soft tennis courts, cov.
massive Royal Palms and a large patio area. This fine home
parking, saunas, fitness center, clubhouse, gated 24/7 and
is market priced at $399,000. Call Byron Spradlin, Licensed Realtor at 727-560-3660 for your
includes a deep water boat slip. Easy elevator access plus
showing. Hurry on this one!
extra storage. Close to Ft. Desoto's #1 Beach, shopping, interstate and more. Just listed
LIVE IN PARADISE!!
at $295,000. Contact Judy Bader, Broker/Realtor at 727-698-3831 or [email protected].
This spacious 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2,929 sq. ft. island home boasts an airy,
WATCH DOLPHINS PLAY FROM THREE PRIVATE BALCONIES
open floor plan filled with natural light and brand new, contemporary grey
Spectacular 3 bedroom, 4 bath with 1755' of living space
flooring and carpet throughout. You are greeted inside by wide-open
plus den and garage. This model offers all the space and
spaces -- foyer, expansive living room with built-in glass display case and
comfort of a private home while ensuring the convenience
dining room which lead you into the wide, eat-in kitchen featuring Corian
and benefits of the best of Resort Style living. Htd. pools, spas,
countertops, stainless appliances and an abundance of white cabinetry.
saunas, tennis courts, clubhouse with fitness center, fishing
Perfect for entertaining, the oversized great room highlights a wood-burning fireplace and inset
pier, walkway around complex and gated 24/7. Close to
storage cabinets which open to the full-length, covered back porch overlooking a lushly-shaded
Ft. Desoto's #1 Beach, shopping, great restaurants, interstate and more. Just listed at
back yard. Custom staircase leads up to a bonus room and a romantic balcony porch facing
$395,000. Contact Judy Bader, Broker/Realtor at 727-698-3831 or [email protected].
beautiful Gulf sunsets. This floor was ingeniously designed for the private master suite with ‘his and
her’ walk-in-closets, double-sink dressing area and garden bath with walk-in shower. Move-in
THIS COULD BE YOUR VIEW!!
ready, this home is ideal for a young, growing family or for large family reunions! Hurry before this
6322 Palma del Mar Blvd #906 – 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, designer
tropical paradise gets away! $549,000. Call Bob Tuegel, Realtor, 727-420-2984.
style kitchen, custom made solid wood cabinetry, granite
ATTENTION HOME BUYERS!
counters, stainless steel appliances. Large balcony with
panoramic water views and colorful sunsets. Hurricane shutters.
Want to search the MLS just like a Realtor does? Check out my Listingbook Home
Second bedroom has a Murphy bed for your guests and built
Search. Gain local knowledge that Realtors use and gain an edge over other
in cabinets for extra storage. $353,900. To preview, call
home buyers. You’re already going to do your home search
Gabrielle Bettig, Realtor at 727-385-9017.
online, why not do it smarter and more efficiently with my
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REALTORS! OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS!
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We have 2 openings for Realtors who have what it takes. Excellent trainYes, it’s mobile friendly! www.saintpetebeachhomes.com for all your real
ing, no desk fees, and with America's #1 Franchise, Century 21. Just call
estate needs call Michael Sorah today. Michael Sorah, Realtor, 727-692-6013.
Randall Ierna, Managing Broker for a confidential interview. 727-647-0813
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!