By Pater Roos
The Chihuly Collection debuted Magic + Migration: Nature in Contemporary Glass, a vibrant exploration of wildlife, movement, and the enduring relationship between humankind and the natural world. The exhibition brings together seven remarkable contemporary glass artists, each drawing inspiration from birds, fish, and wild environments to illuminate deeper connections to our changing planet. This exhibition, made possible through the exceptional talent represented by the Duncan McClellan Gallery, is available now through Jan. 18. A celebrated artist, curator, and mentor, Duncan McClellan has been a driving force in shaping St. Petersburg’s internationally recognized glass community. His leadership continues to uplift artists whose work expands the possibilities of glass as a medium of storytelling, emotion, and transformation.
Now celebrating its 11th year, the SHINE Mural Festival Nov. 7-16, brings bold public art to the streets of St. Petersburg. This year’s Origins theme features all local muralists, spotlighting the creative talent within our city and the lasting impact of public art on our community. SHINE 2025 kicks off Nov. 6, 5:30-7pm with an opening reception at St. Petersburg Museum of History! Join us for an evening with this year’s SHINE artists as we celebrate the start of the festival. Explore select works on display, meet the artists behind the murals, and get a glimpse into their creative process before their art hits the streets.
GLOW: A SHINE Origins Experience ($125-300) Nov. 7, 6-10pmEnjoy sunset views, live music, light bites, and local artists, then dance poolside with live art, great food, and cocktails from Perry’s Porch, 3 Daughters, The Mandarin Hide, Trophy Fish, and Parkshore Grill. VIPs arrive at 5pm for exclusive experiences and artist encounters. Kicking off SHINE’s second decade on the rooftop of Reflection St. Pete – take in the sunset, enjoy live music, light bites, and mingle with local artists. As the night unfolds, the energy turns up with a DJ bringing the vibes up, live art exhibits, and food & cocktails curated by Perry’s Porch, 3 Daughters, The Mandarin Hide, Trophy Fish & Parkshore Grill. VIPs: ($300). Arrive early (5pm) for an hour of immersive experiences including live art and artist encounters. As the past title sponsor of SHINE and the home of one of St. Pete’s most iconic building murals, Reflection’s rooftop is the perfect perch to celebrate art, community, and the skyline of the City of the Arts. All proceeds from GLOW support SHINE’s mission helping St. Pete shine brighter for years to come.
Metaphysically Me, a new shop on Corey Ave. offers these special events in late November: Nov. 19 | 6–8pm – Intro to Wire Wrapping | Cost TBD. Create a copper pendant with local artist Savanna, who transforms wire wrapping into both an art and a meditative practice.
Nov. 20 | 6–8pm – New Moon Mandala Making with Dawn of Shine Bright St. Pete | $25Experience the NeuroGraphica Method to access your subconscious and spark transformation through mindful drawing. Let Ali Milligan know if you are interested. 727-800-2299
Hyde Park Preservation Inc. (HPPI) is repeating the Old Hyde Park Home Tour on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10am-1pm. Tickets will be sold online in advance with a VERY limited number of tickets available at the door. This historic walking tour takes place rain or shine and tickets are non-refundable. Several distinctive and charming homes in the iconic Hyde Park neighborhood will be available to explore, with sips, snacks and music plus other surprises along the way. Proceeds to benefit the preservation and beautification efforts of Hyde Park Preservation, Inc. Tickets are available for $30 in advance and $40 at the event. To purchase tickets in advance, go to: bit.ly/HydeParkTour.
Experience Disney’s Frozen like never before – with The Florida Orchestra performing Christophe Beck’s GRAMMY®-nominated score live to film on the big screen at the Mahaffey Theatre at Duke Center for the Arts in Downtown St. Pete.
Fearless optimist, Princess Anna, sets off on an epic journey – teaming up with rugged mountain man, Kristoff, and his loyal reindeer Sven – to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls, and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom. Voices include Kristen Bell (Anna), Jonathan Groff (Kristoff), Idina Menzel (Elsa), Josh Gad (Olaf), Santino Fontana (Hans), Alan Tudyk (Duke of Weselton). The film received the Academy® Award for Best Animated Feature. Disney’s Frozen in Concert is produced by Disney Concerts, a division of Disney Music Group. © 2025 Disney. All Rights Reserved. Tickets are $55 for adults, $20 for kids, Sat., Dec. 13, 2pm and 7pm.
The multi-billion-dollar Rays/Hines development proposal for the area around Tropicana Field officially died in July, and other developer proposals are being considered. Mayor Ken Welch announced late in October that, starting in mid-November, he would officially welcome proposals to reimagine the area around Tropicana Field, for 30 days. Troy Simpson, president of Delray Beach-based Kolter’s mixed-use division, emailed council members and the city’s procurement department Wednesday to request 90 days.
Meanwhile, Kolter Urban is trying to satisfy St. Pete Beach’s development-shy city commission and mayor’s requests regarding the redevelopment of the east end of Corey Ave. (74th) in the heart of its downtown. A project that was unanimously approved for 263 high-end rental apartments in March 2024, before the storms came last year, has now been reimagined as 132 waterfront condominiums, plus some retail and a park. The site has mostly been vacant since developer William Karns paid $40 million+ for Leverocks 3.9 acres, Bridgeview and three other adjacent properties. Kolter picked up the site for under $10 million before also buying the Blue Parrot for $1.75 million and Charlie’s Transmission’s site for $3.5 million.
St. Pete Beach recently circulated a press release saying it is launching a comprehensive, year-long project to inspect and clean all sewer lines and manholes across the island. This proactive maintenance effort will strengthen the city’s wastewater system, ensuring it remains safe, efficient, and resilient for years to come. Beginning Oct. 27 crews began televising, cleaning, and inspecting the city’s wastewater system, starting at the south end of the island and advancing northward. This work is part of the city’s ongoing commitment to investing in critical infrastructure and reducing the risk of future service disruptions. In fiscal year 2026, the city will invest $1.9 million in this capital improvement project as part of its long-term strategy to maintain and modernize essential public utilities.
The move comes as St. Petersburg accuses the island community of allowing too much salt water to enter its sanitary sewer system, which leaves reclaimed water too salty to use for watering vegetation and requiring deep injection. This problem has been an ongoing one since at least 2017.
A new luxury condominium tower will be developed on the Pinellas Bayway, marking the final major development within Marina Bay, a 67-acre gated waterfront community adjacent to Eckerd College and southwest of the Skyway Marina District in St. Petersburg. Marina Bay developer Reza Yazdani planned to submit plans in early October to the city of St. Pete for the Marina Bay Residence, a 12-story condominium tower featuring panoramic views of Boca Ciega Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The $120 million project will include 96 residential units, two levels of parking, and a suite of upscale amenities.
Since acquiring the initial Marina Bay property from Eckerd College in 2003, Yazdani has transformed the site into a premier coastal residential enclave featuring a deep-water marina and 187 homes, including single-family residences, villas, and condominiums located along almost 2,000 feet of the Intracoastal Waterway. Marina Bay Residence would be built on nearly five acres of vacant land on Harbor Way South, which Yazdani purchased in September 2024. The developer says the lot is the last vacant parcel along the Pinellas Bayway that is zoned for a residential tower.
100 Women Who Care of Pinellas County presented $17,600 to Ready for Life for its new program designed to support parents who grew up in foster care. Ready for Life’s Family HOPE Center provides a mentoring program that helps families who are at risk of child abuse focus on child safety, setting boundaries, creating family traditions, and problem solving, all in the home of the family. “When we started serving so many young adults that have aged out of foster care and who are now parenting, we knew we had to break that cycle of child abuse that many times goes back generations,” said Kathy Mize, CEO.
The mentoring program is based on a model that has proven to work over the past 40 years. In fact, a recent randomized controlled study found a significant impact through reduced maternal stress, depression and anxiety, increased parental mastery, and reduced psychological aggression and physical assault toward children. You can read about Briana’s experience with Ready for Life’s mentoring program. www.readyforlifepinellas.org/single-post/brianna
In addition to the $17,600 donation, Ready for Life will also receive a $5,000 grant from the Richard M. Schulze Foundation.
Tickets are on sale for Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular’s return to Mahaffey Theater on Sunday, Feb. 1 at 7:30pm. Paramount’s Laser Spectacular is the smash hit multi-media laser and light show featuring the original music of Pink Floyd. It has become a cult classic, presenting the music of Pink Floyd as you’ve never seen before.
The DeBartolo Family Foundation presented Our Children Have Rights (OCHR) with the $25,000 Spirit of Humanity Award. This prestigious award honors a local nonprofit that demonstrates exceptional compassion, resilience, and a powerful commitment to uplifting others. The award recognizes OCHR’s Child Custody & Co-Parenting Educational Workshops program, offered year-round, at no cost to other nonprofits, community organizations, municipalities and employee wellness programs throughout Tampa Bay.
Tampa-based barbecue restaurant Outside BBQ’s plans to open a new location at 6305 Gulf Blvd. in St. Pete Beach. Owner and chef Jevonta Godwin said Outside BBQ serves up barbecue cooked “low & slow, the way it should be.” It’s a “casual joint serving up Southern-style BBQ dishes including ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, with sides!” Sides include homemade Mac-N-Cheese, Collard Greens, BBQ Baked Beans, Potato Salad, and more.
The 6305 Gulf Blvd. location was previously occupied by Fo’Cheezy Twisted Meltz. Opening in its place, Outside BBQ will join restaurants like Odi’s Mediterranean and Basil Leaf Thai & Sushi Bar next door, Agave Mexican Restaurant.
The Oyster Bar was a local downtown favorite at 249 Central Ave. for the first 24 years of the millennium, until it closed in August 2023 supposedly for two months to relocate. It made its return two years and two months later, on Oct. 14, at 2245 Central Ave., in the Grand Central District. “It’s been a long time coming,” said owner Josh Cameron, whose Craft Hospitality Group also runs The Crafty Squirrel and Where’s Jubes. “We’re so excited to be back.” Cameron took over The Oyster Bar in 2013 and turned it into one of the most popular restaurants on the Jannus Block in downtown St. Pete. The restaurant became known for its oyster happy hours, bottomless brunches, and affordable take on fine dining cuisine.
“When you’re selling oysters, steaks, and lobster, it lends itself to fine dining,” Cameron said. “But we very much want to stay at that casual end of fine dining.” Cameron originally planned to be closed for two months, but faced a series of delays due to hurricanes, contractors, and permitting issues. “It was a nightmare,” he said. “But we made it through, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back.” The new 3,200-square-foot space can seat 120 guests, including 22 outdoors and 18 at the bar.
“The stereotype is that because we’re a seafood bar, all we do is oysters,” Cameron said. “But we also offer an awesome range of steaks.” Chef Joshua Bury, formerly of Red Thread, is introducing several new cuts of meat: a 12-hour slow-cooked prime rib, a bone-in ribeye, and a family-style picanha, which is a traditional Brazilian sirloin roast served with shared sides.
Sea Dog Brewing Co. was the winner of the 2025 Taste of the Beaches – a community-wide culinary celebration that has become one of the most anticipated annual events along the Gulf Coast. After a week of tasting and exploring from Oct. 4-12, Sea Dog Brewing Co. received the most votes, earning the top spot serving 3,000 happy folks their standout dish: Chicken Bacon Hot Honey Ranch Sandwich, served with Cajun chips and a flight of four 5-ounce pours in exchange for a ten-dollar donation to the chamber.
PSTA’s SunRunner Rapid Transit Bus service from Downtown to Dolphin Village in St. Pete Beach celebrated it’s third anniversary in October, while they also lost the exclusive use of the right lane of Pasadena Avenue in South Pasadena. House Bill 1301, which passed last year, ordered a study of the traffic congestion and crash data on roads where lanes had been dedicated for rapid transit. The Pasadena Boulevard study, conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation, found a 50% increase in crashes – from 36 annually in 2019-2012 to 54 in 2023 and 2024, when SunRunner was operational, according to Rep. Linda Chaney, who was a frequent SunRunner critic and advocated for HB 1301’s passage. She said the study also found increased congestion within general purpose lanes and that the dedicated bus lane created driver confusion, leaving them unsure how to access driveways through the dedicated bus lane. The report suggested returning the lanes to regular use.
The Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, housed within FSU’s College of Business, helps small business owners, startup founders, and nonprofit leaders who seek practical guidance and growth opportunities. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to address the most pressing challenges faced by contemporary entrepreneurs. The spring session starts in January and is at a cigar factory in Tampa. The fall session is held at the Greenhouse in downtown St. Pete.
Key subjects include:
• Strategic Planning and Visioning: Participants learn to create actionable business plans, set measurable goals, and develop a compelling vision for their organization’s future.
• Financial Management: Sessions cover budgeting, cash flow analysis, funding options, and financial forecasting to help entrepreneurs maintain healthy business finances.
• Marketing and Branding: The program explores modern marketing strategies, digital advertising, social media engagement, and brand development tailored to small businesses and startups.
• Leadership and Team Building: Workshops focus on effective leadership styles, building cohesive teams, and developing strong company cultures.
• Growth Strategies and Scaling: Attendees gain insight into growth tactics, expansion planning, and scaling operations for sustainability.
• Legal and Regulatory Issues: Experts address intellectual property, business structure, compliance, and risk management.
• Technology and Innovation: Special modules discuss leveraging new technologies, digital transformation, and fostering innovation within an organization.
Admission is selective, prioritizing applicants who show entrepreneurial potential and commitment. Those interested should apply early for the Spring or Fall sessions, as space is limited and demand is high. Sessions are held in person every other week, and participants must attend at least six of the eight scheduled sessions to receive a certificate upon completion of the program. Participants meet 8am-12:30pm every other Tuesday morning Jan. 13-April 21 at JC Newman Cigar Factory, 2701 N 16th St., Tampa. Programs are structured to be immediately applicable, helping leaders find tangible solutions and drive long-term success in today’s competitive landscape. Apply NOW.
Sponsor and early bird admission are now open for The Regional Resiliency Summit 2026, May 14 & 15, 2026 at the Palmetto Marriott Resort, 600 US Highway 41, Palmetto, hosted by the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council and its Regional Resiliency Coalition will focus on innovation in mitigation, adaptation, and sustainable growth and it will highlight emerging technologies as well as novel adaptation strategies. The 32nd Annual Future of the Region Awards will be the highlight of the Resiliency Summit luncheon on Day 2.
The Wharf Restaurant & Bar is one of Pass-A-Grille’s favorite waterfront restaurants. They refreshed the back deck for dining, put in new boat docks, gave their front deck a lot of TLC and they now have a private party space out front that you can reserve for an occasion or a holiday party…seats 20 and comes with a dedicated server. Their new merchandise is the perfect holiday gift featuring mascot, Petey the Pelican! There’s a kids’ menu for the family, fabulous specialty desserts (key lime pie), the best grouper in town (dinner, sandwich or a bowl), indoor and outdoor dining areas, full bar featuring hard seltzers, beer, wine and specialty cocktails like the Ahoy Matey Mule and Royal Tropical Spritz with Crown Royal Apple. Catch all your favorite teams on 17 TVs, NFL, College & MLB games here! Kitchen open until 10pm! Live music too – Rob Tyre Wed.-Sat. 6-9:30pm. Happy Hours Mon.-Fri. 3:30-6pm (bar only). Daily specials, Tuesday Fish Fry, a Wharf favorite, and Taco Wednesday. Wings, seared ahi, conch fritters, seafood dinners, wings, shrimp eight ways, burgers, Reubens (corned beef or mahi). www.facebook.com/WharfPAG.
