Pinellas County Tidbits
David Downing, Executive Director, says the Tourist Development Council (TDC) Vote Earmarks 60% of Tourist Tax to Marketing, 40% to Capital. After extended debate, members voted 60% of tourist development tax be put toward marketing and advertising, starting in January when the bed tax increases from 5%to 6%.Collections totaled $37 million -13% ahead of last year’s record-setting pace.
Seminole Tidbits
The historic Screwie Louie’s Porpoise Pub was destroyed by fire early on October 19th despite the valiant efforts of a small army of firefighters. Over 50 firefighters, 4 Ladder trucks, 7 Engines, 3 Squads and 3 District Chiefs were involved in fighting the blaze. No one was injured. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Sheriff and State of Florida Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Famous for keeping a menagerie of wildlife over the years, the wooden structure likely burned due to embers fanned from the barbeque they used to use to serve food from the unofficial unlicensed kitchen behind the bar.
St. Pete Beach Tidbits
Returning seasonal residents will find numerous changes have taken place in downtown St. Pete Beach’s Corey business district. Gone are Kris Kringles Holiday Shop, the ‘Old Shell Store’ (moved – Ulmerton Rd) & Florida Jean Company (now only at Sundial). The Madeleina Cottage reopened as the ‘Sea Turtle’ in the old Dairy Queen spot south of Dolphin Village Shopping Center. Where the Cottage used to be is now ‘Chill’, which moved east a block and a half after struggling for five years to thrive in a space without a kitchen.
Dignity Memorial has completed the exterior renovations on the Beach Memorial Chapel and are working on the interior. In between, the last empty spot is being built out for Coastal Properties affiliated with Christie’s International Real Estate, adding a fourth real estate office to the city’s downtown.
Across Corey, Chef Jackie has been busy. In July she opened her “Martuni Lounge” offering 75 kinds of infused Vodkas and other ‘top shelf’ spirits along with tunes, featuring live music daily. Her build out crew is hard at work converting the Shell Store space into her latest venture, Tapz & Tapaz, where nomadic Chef DomenicaMaccia has found a home (for a while at least). Craft beers & small plates, nothing over $7 is the plan.
Just west next to Cottage Casuals, the law firm of Anderson & Broderson has moved their property law, trust and estate practice from Gulf Blvd. into the Corey Corner’s building on the corner of Blind Pass Road. Caddy-corner, where Florida Jean Company was is the new Paradise Lighting, an expansion from Cheryl West’s Paradise Gifts & Home Décor store. “We desperately needed more room for the furniture, lamps and artwork that locals and visitors love so much. We also keep finding such cute home décor items from local artists, like local topographical maps, charts and lamps by Tierra Verde based Island Laser Designs. Come check out our new collections,” says Cheryl.
The expanded Corey Market is back on Sundays, and merchants are planning a “Sidewalk Salebration” on November 13th & 14th. Not for profit groups will be invited to join the festivities with live music and discounts in most shops, even if they do not have goods on the sidewalk.
Monday Nights at 7 pm the Tom Kats gather at the Blue Parrot. The Tom Kats are a 16-piece big band, playing audience favorites 7-9 pm. If you like to dance, check it out.
Have you ever wondered why your weight is a problem? If you have tried diets, pills, exercise, body wraps and diet clubs; nothing seems to work. There is another way to go about your health and body issue and for many, this program has been the last stop on the bus line. Come and learn about yourself and your addiction to certain foods. Food Addicts Anonymous meets on Tuesday nights, 5:30 pm. 140 Corey Ave. St. Pete Beach 33706. Call Liz 727-280-7880 for info.
Siri’s Island Café has opened at 250 75th Ave., between Sherwin Williams and the Dry Cleaner. The owners expanded from Siri’s Gourmet Burger & Pizza in Gulfport, buying the building and offering an extensive menu of Burgers $5.99 – $9.99, ½ & whole sandwiches $3.99-$7.99. They also offer fresh gourmet salads, pasta dishes, pizza, calzones, and dinners While parking in front can be a challenge, there is plenty of parking nearby, and the entire menu is available for FREE local delivery. Open Mon–Sat 11am-12am & Sunday 12 – 8pm. Call 727-317-5677 or visit www.SirisIslandCafe.com.
The Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Society has chosen Silas Dent’s Steakhouse, 5501 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, for all future events. Concerts are planned for the 2nd Thursday each month – 7 to 9:30 PM, open seating. The door charge is $10 for Dixie Chaps concerts. Limited food menu. Visit www.SDJS.org.
Monarca’s On the Beach Restaurant is having a Ribbon cutting Nov. 6th at 4393 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach. Savory on the Beach, has been offering bakery items, breakfast and lunch there since a little after Casa Del Pane moved. Now they are joining forces with Monarca’s Mexican Restaurant from Cape Coral for dinner as well.
PASS-A-GRILLE THANKSGIVING BENEFIT CONCERT – Wed., November 18th, 7:00 pm at the church, 107 16th Ave. St. Pete Beach for a Thanksgiving Concert entitled “Expressions of Gratitude”. The Florida Orchestra Brass Quintet, and Vox Nova, and the church choir. Please bring canned food or a donation for the St. Petersburg Free Clinic. For more, call church, 727-360-5508 or access the website www.pagchurch.org.
Keith Overton Invites you to join or donate to the ExTravelganza Travel Auction, Friday, November 20th, 7-10 pm at Kapok Special Events Center N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. DONATED AUCTION ITEMS like hotel stays, theme park tickets, sports tickets, sports memorabilia or other services are sold to raise funds for hospitality scholarships. Recognition of contributions include coverage in the auction program, displays during the auction, acknowledgement on the ExTravelganza website and repeated verbal acknowledgements throughout the event. Keith Overton, CHA President & COO 727.363.2235 keithoverton@twresort.com.
Some Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce members have reported getting calls from someone claiming to be from Duke Energy asking for payment over the phone; it is a scam. Duke Energy does not call customers to ask for payment over the phone.
St. Petersburg Tidbits
The St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce® has hired a new Membership Development Manager to grow and manage the Chamber membership. Michele Stone has a strong background of sales, marketing and management attained from nine years in leadership positions held in the rapidly growing running industry. Previous positions include Director of Race Partnerships at fusesport, and Director of Sales at RUNNING USA, where a 38% increase in sponsorships & advertising occurred from 2013-2014.On her new position, Michele said, “I’m thrilled to be part of the team at the St. Pete Area Chamber of Commerce. To learn more about Chamber benefits, call Michele Stone, Membership Development Manager (727) 388-2913 mstone@stpete.com.
Tierra Verde Tidbits
The Tierra Verde Partnership hosted a record setting Octoberfest. T.V. Mom’s Garage Sale is next, November 7th.
Phila Deli has morphed into the ‘Cheers’ of Tierra Verde. There’s a cute bartender that loves serving her loyal clientele in addition to a killer Boar’s Head deli selection. A retail wine selection is coming soon.