“Space: International Collaboration and Competition” Feb. 10-11 is being presented by the St Petersburg World Affairs Council, (SPWAC) Tuesday, Feb. 10. The Conference will begin with late afternoon networking meet-and greet, and a keynote address by NASA astronaut Nicole Stott. Educated in Florida and resident in St. Petersburg, Stott is an astronaut, aquanaut, engineer, artist, author, and a mom. Her book, Back to Earth: What Life in Space Taught Me About Our Home Planet – and Our Mission to Protect It, combines the awe and wonder of her spaceflights with her artwork to inspire appreciation of our collective roles as crewmates on Spaceship Earth. A veteran NASA astronaut, she made two spaceflights totaling 104 days on the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. She was the first person to operate the ISS robotic arm to capture a free-flying cargo vehicle, and the first to paint a watercolor in space.
Wednesday, Feb. 11, SPWAC will platform a full day of discussions among distinguished experts on space discovery, the militarization of space, and the competition among the growing number of countries and companies embarking on space missions. The British American Business Council also will convene a panel on the aerospace business, spotlighting British American companies in Florida. Working Schedule available at www.spwac.org.
Confirmed speakers include James Green (former NASA Chief Scientist), Joseph Silk (The Sorbonne University), Namrata Goswami (Johns Hopkins University), Martin Elvis (Harvard University), Jack Burns (University of Colorado Space Policy Institute), Jeffrey Collins (University of Prince Edward Island), Mohammed Soliman (Middle East Institute and McLarty Associates), Kevin Strait (Anzen Legal Group), Chris Stott (CEO ManSat), Executive Chair Lonestar Data Holdings), Ksenia Moskalenko (Florida High-Tech Corridor) and Tom Kelly (CEO and co-founder, Evona)
Ticketing – The conference is free to USF students and faculty with ID.
Location and parking – The location for the conference is USF-SP’s University Student Center, 200 – Sixth Ave. S, 2nd Floor, St. Petersburg. Parking is available at the USF-SP Garage, 250 – Fifth Ave. S, Levels 2-4. $5 per day using ParkMobile Zone 38015.
New Restaurants The Copper Kettle Restaurant opened around Christmas where the Frog Pond used to be at the SW corner of Corey and Gulf Blvd. in St. Pete Beach, caddy-corner across from La Croisette, traditionally a busy breakfast intersection. We went for New Years Day, and many others followed. We left happy, calling the mom-and-pop restaurant a great addition to St. Pete Beach. St. Pete Beach gets a new BBQ restaurant this month also. Outside Barbeque is set to open where FoCheezy was, at 6305 Gulf Blvd., just south of Odi’s Mediterranean and Basil Leaf Thai and Sushi. They join Grillin n Chillin, which, at least until now was undisputedly the best barbeque on the beach. A new restaurant is expected to rise next door to the Seahorse in Pass-a-Grille as well, called The Eatery.
If you would like to know what to expect at Beach Meats Local Food Store, getting ready to open at next trip across the Bayway, stop at the Bayway Country Store and Butcher Shoppe and look around. “Welcome to the best full-service meat counter and delicatessen in Tampa Bay. They offer a full line of cut in house beef, pork, chicken and seafood. They also offer a made to order sandwich counter, and a plethora of house made deli sides, smoked fish spread, house-made sausage, party dips, wine, beer, general grocery, and baked goods. Check them out on the way to or from the best sunset on planet earth, St. Pete Beach!” Looking to get established and help fill a void while St. Pete Beach is without a grocery store, owner Ryan Broder and his dad, founder and longtime butcher Barry Broder, are expanding west. Here is what local guide Tim Lang said of his first visit there last month: “This was my first visit to your butcher shop, and I was so impressed with everyone who works there. Everyone was polite, friendly and smiling. Barry the butcher stated, ‘Every customer is our number one customer.’ Barry has been cutting meat for decades, and it shows in his work. He cut, trimmed and prepared a perfect standing rib roast for my family. My father-in-law was a butcher his entire life and Barry reminded me of him.”
Gulfport Senior Center Foundation presents Loudermilk’s Jackie Flynn Headlining an All-Star Comedy Night. Fresh off his standout role on the hit series Loudermilk, comedy veteran Jackie Flynn headlines an unforgettable night of big-city stand-up. Four Nationally Recognized Headliners for One Night Only! Saturday, Feb. 21 at The Maria Center, 1500 58th St. S, Gulfport. Get ready for one of Gulfport’s most popular comedy events of the year! Four nationally recognized comedians return to the Maria Center Stage for a night packed with big laughs, sharp wit, and unforgettable performances. Headlining the evening is Jackie Flynn, best known for his standout role on the hit series Loudermilk, joined by three audience favorites who brought the house down last year: Kevin Flynn, Kerry McNally, DC Benny. This is a one-night-only comedy event in an intimate theater setting – perfect for date night, group outings, or anyone who loves smart, grown-up comedy.
Door opens 4:45pm, showtime 6-8pm, VIP reception before and VIP party after show.
Great Explorations Children’s Museum is bringing back their popular “Night at the Brewseum” fun and fundraising event Friday, April 10, 6-9pm, 1925 Fourth St. N in St. Petersburg. $55 includes cup and tasting experience. Attendees will meet at Great Explorations, where they’ll enjoy craft beer tastings from local breweries, live music, opportunity drawings, and more! Guests will also have fun competing against friends in the EX Games, a series of minute-to-win-it games, for a chance to win prizes.
Proceeds from this key fundraiser will allow the museum to expand programming and outreach efforts for the under-served families in our community. As an event sponsor, your brand will be showcased to over 400 influential museum supporters during the event, along with plenty of marketing exposure. Sponsors will also enjoy ongoing visibility to an audience of prominent philanthropists, corporate leaders, and public officials through our pre- and post-event marketing and communications.
For questions about the event or ways to be more involved, please reach out to Laurel Ginn at lginn@greatex.org or 727-821-8992 ext. 228.
Sponsorship levels:
- $7,500 BREWMASTER
- $3,500 KEG
- $1,250 GROWLER
- $700 CRAFT
See their website for details about sponsorship levels.www.greatex.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Brewseum_SponsorPacket2026.pdf
The Don Cesar Resort has likely been the most recognizable landmark on Florida’s west coast for almost 100 years.
Rui Farias, longtime executive director of the St. Petersburg Museum of History, posted on LinkedIn for its 98th birthday. “On Jan. 16, 1928, the Don CeSar opened its doors on Pass-a-Grille Beach, instantly becoming one of the Gulf Coast’s most magnificent hotels. Built by Thomas Rowe at a cost of $1.5 million and named for a character in the opera Maritana, the towering pink stucco resort quickly drew national attention. As Pass-a-Grille grew into a fashionable seaside retreat, the Don became a playground for the rich and famous. Writers, politicians, and social elites flocked to its Mediterranean and Moorish-style halls.
The Great Depression nearly ended Rowe’s dream, but a contract with the New York Yankees to house their spring training kept the hotel alive. Rowe continued developing the area until his death in 1940, after which his wife sold the property to the federal government. During World War II, the Don CeSar served as a hospital and rehabilitation center for injured and traumatized servicemen, earning the nickname “The Flak Hotel.” Doctors there advanced the study of combat stress. After the war, the building became a Veterans Administration headquarters. By 1969 it was abandoned and scheduled for demolition. A grassroots “Save the Don” campaign* led to its restoration, and in 1973 the Pink Palace reopened to new generations of guests. While other interests have taken over the ownership of the “Pink Palace,” the Don Cesar continues to play host to tourists and the elite. Explore more at the Museum (DTSP on Second Ave. at the base of the Pier) 10am-5pm Monday- Saturday or from noon to 5pm on $6 Sundays! (*editor’s note campaign leader the late June Hurley Young has been profiled and her life celebrated in Paradise News. See April 2019 for the most recent or search at the bottom of the page on our website.) www.paradisenewsfl.com
Local history buffs have been enjoying the great local history photos being shared through the Pass-a-Grille History Facebook group. Jon Charles Butler recently shared the “Gypsey” loaded with a Pass-a-Grille-bound crowd aboard, and baseball legend Babe Ruth next to a display of freshly caught kingfish in Pass-a-Grille, as well as a March 14, 1910, postcard from Page’s Pavillion and Post Office.
If you would like to know what Florida was like a hundred and fifty years ago, check out a copy of “Come To My Sunland,” a compilation of Letters of Julia Daniels Mosely from the Florida Frontier 1882-1886. The Elgin Watch Company had created a retirement community for its retirees nearby and a company engineer purchased a few lakefront acres nearby and sent his family to live on the property. Julia’s granddaughter and namesake Julia Winnefred Mosely edited the letters into book form and created a not-for-profit organization to preserve the unique old Florida design of the 100-year-old home and out-buildings.
The home still has wallcoverings made from the boots of palm trees, so unique it was featured in the 1892 World’s Fair.
The book was first published in 1998 by University Press of Florida and in paperback version in 2020. I will ask the St. Pete Beach Library to keep a few copies available. They are also available online.
If you appreciate knowing about road construction in advance, you might love the Pinellas County Traffic Advisory Report that is distributed weekly, usually early on Friday mornings. www.pinellas.gov/PublicWorks/road-closures_detours.htm or go to www.Pinellas.gov, and select public works.
Locals and visitors love all the upgrades at The Wharf Waterfront Restaurant in Pass-A-Grill including new boat docks, a Vitale Bros. mural on the outside wall celebrating The Wharf’s fishing history, a heated dining room for cooler weather, refreshed back patio, a private front patio that can be reserved for 20 people parties with a dedicated server and the same ole’ Florida vibe and spectacular seafood. Happy hour 3:30-6 daily and rockin’ Rob Tyre Wed.-Sat. 6-9:30pm.
Would you like to learn to play Mahjong?The Friends of the St. Pete Beach Library has learned that some of you may be interested in learning Mahjong. If there is enough interest, the Friends may be able to find an instructor, and the library may be able to provide space for Mahjong students to meet regularly. If you are interested, please respond by emailing the Friends at: stpetebeachfriends@yahoo.com
Woody’s Waterfront Restaurant, at 7308 Sunset Way, which has been closed with a FOR SALE sign up since the flood, has been sold for $2.4 million to 28-year-old Florida native Turner Tenney, who is better known as Tfue, a social media star and one of esports top Fortnite gamers, globally. He grew up in Indian Rocks Beach and in the last five years doubled his investment in a waterfront Largo home. A new restaurant is being planned for the spectacular location at the entrance to Blind Pass.
One of the best ways to get a little fresh air and exercise in the area is to spend an hour or two wandering around a fresh market. There is a market nearby at least five out of seven days a week.
Markets is one of 17 categories of art and leisure that are updated and most are presented monthly in the back of Paradise News. Check out pages 39- 51 for more information.
Keep Pinellas Beautiful is having its annual awards luncheon on Thurs., Feb. 12 from 11am-1pm at the St. Petersburg Coliseum. There is no charge to attend. In case you miss it, check out their website, you will be quite amazed by the volunteer opportunities available to do your part. www.kpbcares.org
Redevelopment experts are preparing to launch upgrades at St. Petersburg’s oldest park, Williams Park, in the heart of downtown. Dan Biederman, who is overseeing evolving design plans, returned to the area last month to meet with surrounding stakeholders. He received national acclaim in the early 1990s for transforming Bryant Park, then one of New York’s seediest, into a celebrated amenity.
Biederman’s decades of experience revitalizing dozens of public spaces throughout the country will help guide Williams Park’s makeover, which is set to begin in the spring with bandshell renovations. New programmatic elements will likely include small concerts, lectures, fitness classes, chess tables, carts with art supplies and children’s activities.
The Downtown Partnership kicked in $800,000 to restart the initiative. Sponsorships and partnerships are being sought.
Restaurants at the Tradewinds Resort are open to anyone interested. The Palm Court is an excellent Italian restaurant in the Island Grand. The newest is Pete’s Gulf Bistro, located beachside in the Breckenridge building and open from 7am-10 pm. It is garnering amazing reviews. Almost 5 stars, is typically unheard of from a hotel restaurant. Learn more at: www.tradewindsresort.com/island-grand-beach-resort/eat-drink/petes-gulf-bistro
The resort is also offering discounts of 20% for Florida/Georgia residents and up to 25% off when you book a week there. There are also a plethora of great places to eat just a short walk or a free shuttle ride away. Check out the Free Beach Ride, Island Hopper or download the FREEBEE app to ride within St. Pete Beach. Headed downtown? Hop on the SunRunner express bus and avoid parking costs. Headed to the Beach? Same advice.
Doc Ford’s raises $7,725 for Captains For Clean Water. The HM Restaurant Group, which manages Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, donated $7,725 to Captains For Clean Water in honor of Storm Smart, supporting the nonprofit organization’s mission of raising awareness and driving change to improve Florida’s water quality. The money was raised $1 at a time from the sale of Send it South cocktails in 2025. The specialty drink program has raised a cumulative $11,072.
