Tidbits – Local News, Updates & Fun Finds for June & July 2025

You are invited to attend piano concerts at the 13th annual Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival (RPPF), a world-class, tuition-free celebration of music, artistry, and inspiration, held annually from June 27 to July 17 at the University of South Florida in Tampa with concerts throughout Tampa Bay. Check the full schedule at www.rebeccapenneyspianofestival.org for the satellite concert locations and dates or drop by Barness Hall at USF (3755 USF Holly Drive, Tampa). Subscribe to the RPPF YouTube channel for a taste of the magic. Funding needs are on-going. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, RPPF relies solely on donations to cover costs for faculty compensation, student housing, food, practice facilities (Steinway pianos), events such as masterclasses, concerts, excursions (e.g., dolphin cruise, beach day), and operational costs for the satellite concert series. It’s easy to donate. Visit rebeccapenneyspianofestival.org/donate or reach out any time by email at rebeccapenneyspianofestival@gmail.com. Thank you for helping RPPF inspire and shape the next generation!

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Gulfport Merchants Chamber (GMC) Membership Mixer, Saturday, June 14, 3–5pm5317 Gulfport Blvd. S. A newly revamped board is focused on: • Empowering small businesses with better resources and visibility • Hosting engaging events to build connections • Deepening community partnerships across Gulfport www.visitgulfportflorida.com Enjoy: Live music, Small bites & beverages, door prizes and a meet-and-greet with the Board www.visitgulfportflorida.com, info@visitgulfportflorida.com

The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art has a busy summer ahead.

  • June 14–A Woman’s Journey West: Artist Conversation with Heide Presse and Family Day: Journey
  • June 19–Book Club: Westering Women by Sandra Dallas
  • June 21–Curator Tour: Perseverance: A Woman’s Journey West
  • July 19–Workshop–Sketchbook Binding & More: Exploring the Landscapes of Our Lives
  • August 2–Workshop–Threads of the Past: Introductory Quilting Workshop August 19–Sip & See Tour: Perseverance: A Woman’s Journey West

Cool Art Show Some of Florida’s most talented and diverse artisans will display a diverse array of visual and functional art, including paintings, woodwork, ceramics, photography, metalwork, glass art, fiber art, digital art, mixed media, and jewelry at the historic St. Petersburg Coliseum, 535 4th Ave. N in St. Petersburg, Sat., July 19, 10am-5pm, and on Sun., July 20, from 10am-4pm. PAVA (Professional Association of Visual Artists) artists featured in the show have received awards at prestigious art shows across the nation and are exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide. Explore and purchase new artwork, interact directly with the artists, and learn about their innovative methods and techniques. Additionally, there will be a hands-on area where patrons can create their own masterworks to take home. Food and beverages are available. PAVA is a non-profit organization run by volunteer artists to support local artisans and the arts community in the Tampa Bay Area. Please visit www.pava-artists.org/cool-art-show and follow the group on Facebook @Pava.artists and Instagram @pavaartist.

The Wharf Waterfront Restaurant & Bar in Pass-a-Grille offers new boat docks, patio dining and water views. Try one of the specialty cocktails (Key Lime Spritz, Ahoy Matey Mule) and daily specials (Fish Fry Tuesday, Taco Wednesday), a fun Kids’ Menu and delicious Seafood Baskets (shrimp, scallops, fish, oysters, coconut shrimp, baby back sribs and boneless wings). Start with the seared sesame tuna topped with wasabi & spicy dynamite sauce, jalapeno conch fritters, smoked fish spread or the famous WHARF WINGS (eight sauces from hot honey to lemon pepper) and pair with a delightful cold beer or Pinot Grigio. Check out the specials daily www.facebook.com/WharfPAG.

Greg Hill, co-founder of OCHR (Our Children Have Rights) has been recognized as runner-up for 2025 Florida Child Welfare Professional of the Year. Greg went head-to-head with a whole bunch of finalists throughout the state. www.ourchildrenhaverights.org

Griffin Healthcare has opened a new Concierge Medical in St. Petersburg office at 2552 First Ave. N. Two board -certified Doctors on staff have the kind of credentials you might be looking for in a concierge physician.A membership-based, primary-care practice rooted in prevention, optimization, and longevity, Griffin’s Tampa location has been open several years and has an unheard-of 56 5-star Google reviews. Their new St. Petersburg team includes Dr. Gregory Baker, a board-certified family medicine physician from St. Louis with a deep focus on collaborative, patient-centered care. He earned his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, completed his family medicine residency at the renowned Mayo Clinic, and in 2022, Dr. Baker earned a master’s in healthcare leadership from Brown University. Born in New Jersey and raised in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania, Dr. Timothy J. Nobles earned his doctorate in osteopathic medicine from Nova University in Fort Lauderdale and completed family medicine residency at Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital in St. Petersburg, where he served as chief resident. If you are looking for more attention from a primary care physician, and can pay for it, concierge medicine may just be what you are looking for. Check out www.griffinconciergemedical.com, call 727-516-7272 or email membership@Griffin.healthcare.

Over the past year, Suntan Art Center has undergone many changes. and they have expressed heartfelt appreciation to Cindy Rodell-Purdy for her leadership in guiding the art center through the transition to its new location. Her dedication and hard work have made a lasting impact, and everyone at Suntan wishes her all the best in her future endeavors. Carrie Frietag, a talented jewelry artist, boutique director and long-time member has been named the new executive director.

Fit For Life, the fitness center on 75th Ave. in St. Pete Beach was closed due to flooding and is in recovery mode. It will reopen this summer, according to owner Carol Glascock, as The Gym. The Gym had opened where the hardware store used to be in Tierra Verde, but has been given notice to vacate along with all its neighbors. The complex is being levelled for a new high and dry marina to be built. Owner Natalie Wilson will be leasing the Fit For Life facility and offering gym memberships. The Gym does not work with insurance companies, so there will be no Silver Sneakers or Insurance memberships. What was previously a spin room at Fit For Life, will become a group functional fitness room. The Gym also offers wellness services like a cold plunge, infrared sauna, massage and more. Click this link for info: www.thegymtierraverde.com

Pinellas County welcomed more than 15.4 million visitors and generated an economic impact of more than $11.2 billion in fiscal 2024. More than $1.6 billion in accommodations revenue generated more than $95 million in hotel bed tax for the third straight year. Pinellas has more than 100,000 tourism-related jobs. The tourism industry helps keep property taxes lower throughout the county and the bed tax supports tourism-related projects such as beach restoration and renourishment, which benefits residents too. That massive impact is the direct result of not just award-winning beaches, but award-winning local businesses.

Lilith’s High Tide is now open at the Centre St. Pete Beach, 7525 Blind Pass Road.Kava • Coffee • Tea • Good Vibes www.LilithsHighTide.com Come visit the neighborhood’s newest spot to unwind. With 24 taps pouring everything from Nitro Cold Brew to fresh, hand-crafted K-tea blends, Lilith’s High Tide is where the community comes to chill, connect, and catch a vibe – no alcohol required.

  • Drum Circle After Party (every Sunday from 9pm-2am)
  • Sunday Nights come alive with DJs, fire spinners, and local vendors during our Drum Circle After Party – a community celebration like no other.
  • Poker Night (second & fourth Fridays) with Texas Hold’em, chill drinks and good company.

Come hang out. Stay for the vibe.
Liliths High Tide
7525 Blind Pass Road., St. Pete Beach
www.LilithsHighTide.com
@LilithsHighTide (Facebook & Instagram)

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