The Association of Vision Educators will convene once again at the Sirata Resort, 5300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, from Thursday, Dec. 3-Sunday, Dec. 6. The association’s mission is the furtherance of vision improvement, using natural methods. While the association meets around the world, they have convened here several times, as this is where a highly respected, naturopathic ophthalmologist, Ray Gottlieb retired, and he is speaking
each day.
Members generally practice “The Bates Method” which addresses the underlying root causes of imperfect vision. Think physical therapy for your eyes. This teacher’s retreat includes presentations, interactive breaks, morning and night classes, vendor booths, shared meals and moments to bond. Membership is generally limited to teachers of vision improvement with active practices anywhere in the world, however attendance is open to all interested individuals for $465. Learn more online: www.naturalvisionteachers.org
The popular St. Pete Beach Classic, the first foot race of the year in the area, is returning, for its 20th run Jan. 15-17.
The 2027 Classic includes 10K, 5K & Half-Marathon Competitive Running Events: Walk or Run,10K & 5K Challenge, Super 3 Distance Challenge Competition, Kids’ Classic Fun Dash, Post Race Party & Awards Ceremonies, Two Day Health & Fitness Expo. Professional event management by St. Pete Beach Classic. If you’re interested in running: www.stpetebeachclassic.com/
Based for years at the Sirata Resort on St. Pete Beach, It is back at the Sirata Resort, 5300 Gulf Blvd. so the race will be run on a circuit that is familiar to everyone, including on Gulf Blvd., early on Friday, Jan. 16 and Saturday, Jan. 17. Bill Thompson, Bill30307@earthlink.net is rounding up sponsors who will get website listing, their logos on all the race shirts, amongst other perks. The race requires a large number of volunteers, most of whom stand on corners during the races to prevent cars from turning towards runners. Link to volunteer: www.stpetebeachclassic.com/volunteer
After 50 years as a top Tampa destination, Malio’s recently opened their second new location in St. Pete Beach in under two years. Malio’s Beach House opened in early 2025, in a location that was originally a Village Inn Pancake House, just north of Dolphin Village Shopping Center. After being empty for a long time, Skidder’s owner tried to make it there as Selene, a fine dining destination with a Greek theme. When that closed, it reopened with a Baja Mexican concept that did not last long. Malio’s Beach House steak, seafood and cocktails format seems to be working so well that owner/operators Jen and Derek Iaverone have recently added another high-end dining destination, opening Moon by Malio’s on 8th Ave. in Pass-a-Grille, in the prior Berkeley Beach Club and the rooftop Dewey’s space. For info, visit www.moonbymalios.com.
Glenn Mullen at Mullen’s Plants and Palms, 3225 Tyrone Blvd., says business has definitely been picking up from our readership area since he’s been advertising in Paradise News. For the healthiest plants at decent prices, call or text him at 727-954-7394, email gmpalms@yahoo.com or stop by the nursery Mon.-Fri. 8am-4pm or Sat. 10am-2pm. Tell him Paradise News sent you.
Busy Beaver Stump Grinding is looking for work in Paradise News’ readership area. They are insured, reliable, and available quickly at affordable rates. Call Damon Carlson 727-687-1883. Tell him Paradise News sent you.
Pinellas Storm Recovery
People who may have been impacted by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and/or Milton, and previously applied for disaster assistance:
If you still have unmet recovery needs like home repairs or financial losses from the storm, Pinellas County’s People First Hurricane Recovery Programs may be able to help – even if you already applied for FEMA assistance, SBA assistance, or received insurance proceeds.
The U.S. government approved Pinellas County for $813 million in recovery grant funds and we’re using most of this grant to provide direct assistance to eligible homeowners and landlords of small rental properties. You may qualify
for grant funds to…
- Rebuild your home or rental units above flood code.
- Recoup costs for completed repairs to your home.
- Reimburse you for storm-related expenses or debt.
You can apply for Pinellas County’s People First Hurricane Recovery Programs online at www.peoplefirstapp.pinellas.gov/ or in-person. Learn more about income eligibility and see how much you could qualify for by visiting www.recover.pinellas.gov/ or by calling 727-606-3307, Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm.
The October edition of Bay Magazine, St. Pete Times’ glossy periodical, is the Charity Registry Edition, which includes an extensive calendar of not-for-profit fund-raising events. Mid-November events start on page 54 and they run through most of 2027 by page 63. The edition is available online at www.issuu.com/timescreative/docs/october_bay_magazine.
That kind of bulk advance calendaring tool is always hard to find. Our own calendar of events is not as focused on charities, but comprehensive event listings can be found under events online at www.paradisenewsfl.com.
The St. Pete Beach bank offerings have been changing lately with former banks buildings, like Wells Fargo becoming Art Vaults and 5/3rd becoming an Alien Museum. The bank at 6500 Gulf Blvd. on the west side (across from Larry’s Ice Cream) is familiar to all as Synovus, but, by the time you read this, according to Synovus branch manager Rachel Whitmire, there will be a new sign saying Pinnacle Financial Partners, reflecting a recent merger that’s been in process since July 2025. If you see Pinnacle sponsoring a SPB Classic Race in January, you will know who it is. Rachel expects a number of Pinnacle customers in the area will be opening an account there. Same bank, New Name. Pinnacle Financial Partners.
Join Middle Grounds Grill and Gulf Beaches Rotary for Robby’s Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, Dec. 6, from 8am to noon at the Treasure Island Community Center, located at 1 Park Place and 106th Ave. Enjoy a delicious breakfast of pancakes, sausage patties, coffee, tea and juice for just $5 per person. A silent auction will also be held during the event. Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy or food donation to help fill the Red Sled for children in foster care.