» 2009 » June

• Andy Warhol in Downtown St Petersburg!

  Written by Bob Horn No Comments
  Last Updated: June 30, 2009

  No, not the person. Andy passed away back in 1987. But some of his excellent art works are here! Andy Warhol Portfolios: Life and Legends is being presented now at the Museum of Fine Arts, and the show will continue until August 16th. It’s a great exhibition that features over 70 prints of some of Warhol’s best known works, including his famous portraits of Marilyn Monroe, the iconic Campbell’s soup can, the Flowers series, and Muhammad Ali, to name a few. There are also prints from the Andy Mouse series, a tribute to Warhol by an artist/friend of his, Keith Haring. And there’s a portrait of Warhol himself, done by photographer Robert Mapplethorpe.

  For those too young to know him and for those who might have forgotten, Andy Warhol, aside from being perhaps the most important force in the American Pop Art movement, also foresaw the current state of our media-based-short-span-of-attention culture with his 1968 quote, “In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes.”

  I went to the museum two
  weeks ago, and it was just great fun to see these works. And it was especially nice that we were able to see them in St. Petersburg, instead of having to travel to museums in New York or DC or to the Andy Warhol museum in Pittsburgh. In addition to the museum’s many permanent collections, the Museum of Fine Arts always has traveling, temporary exhibitions of artwork from a wide range of artists. Now that the museum opened its new wing, there’s a lot more space for exhibits, so give yourself plenty of time when you go. And don’t worry if you get hungry – there’s an excellent cafe in the museum, where you can grab a drink, have a treat (like the triple fudge cake that I had!), or get a delicious lunch, all while looking out of the huge windows facing the waters of the Vinoy Basin.

  For more information about the Museum of Fine Arts, visit their website. (And for a look at some of Andy Warhol’s works, check out this page.)

  Special Deal Alert: During the months of July and August, anyone who enters the Museum between 10:00 AM and noon on weekdays gets in for half price – that means that adults get in for 6 bucks, which is a great deal!

  

   

  

• Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer

  Written by Connie Langhorst No Comments
  Last Updated: June 29, 2009

  Nat King Cole said (well, sang) it best:

  Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer
  those days of soda and pretzels and beer
  roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer
  you’ll wish that summer could always be here!

  Summer is here!  It’s the perfect time to enjoy a variety of fun and refreshing water sports, including jet skiing, kayaking, kite boarding, power boating, sailing, and wind surfing.  The South Gulf Beaches area of Pinellas County (FL) is home to these activities-and more!

  Visitors and residents need only visit Dolphin Landings in St. Pete Beach behind the Dolphin Village shopping center, historic Merry Pier in Pass-a-Grille, or The Pier in downtown St. Petersburg, to arrange for a sunset sail, dolphin watch, deep sea fishing, power boat cruise, snorkeling, nature tour, or island adventure to Egmont Key and Shell Key.    

  Check out Starlite Cruises, which operates five vessels in the intracoastal waterways of coastal Florida, with locations in Clearwater and St. Petersburg.  Consider a sightseeing cruise, luncheon or dinner cruise aboard the Starlite Majesty Dinner Yacht or Starlite Princess Riverboat.  Or, how about a tropical island party cruise aboard the Calypso Queen or a dolphin watch adventure aboard the Dolphin Racer speedboat.  Starlite Cruises additionally offers a nature eco-tour aboard the Sea Life Safari. 

  This “fun for the family” excursion is a two-hour scenic boat ride.  Billed as a Sea Life Safari Eco Tour, the adventure is hosted by Clearwater Marine Aquarium.  You’ll travel to Shell Island and spend time looking for seashells on the beach at Compass Island.  And, you’ll get a bird’s eye view (pun intended) of sanctuaries for some of our area’s most beautiful and exotic birds.  You’ll have a chance to see, touch, and learn about marine creatures that are native to the Suncoast of Florida.  Kids of all ages will enjoy this hands-on learning experience.  No matter what cruise or adventure you choose, you’ll interact with a variety of birds, dolphins, fish, seahorses, turtles, and other fascinating sea life! 

  Its summer and the communities of Pinellas County (FL) are abuzz with activity in celebration of the season.  And, many events are planned to commemorate the upcoming Fourth of July holiday weekend!  

  To conclude, let me add, as an enticement, any time is a great time to visit the South Gulf Beaches.  But summertime is a golden gem.  The sun shines, our beaches glisten, the water sparkles, and the nighttime horizon dazzles. 

  Plan a trip to one of our area’s top-rated beaches, enjoy a multitude of water sports, or chill out by a cool pool.  On the Fourth, take in a parade, plan a picnic, and enjoy a fireworks display. 

  Remember . . . we’re on island time.  Don’t be lazy . . . it won’t be hazy . . . you’ll be crazy not to enjoy summer staples of soda and pretzels and [root] beer! 

  Just another day in Paradise Found! 

  Have a safe and happy Fourth of July! 

  Thanks for visiting!

  NOTE:  Photos courtesy of Dolphin Landings, Starlite Cruises, and The Pier.

• Botanical Gardens, Butterflies, Eagles, and Sea Turtles

  Written by Connie Langhorst No Comments
  Last Updated: June 22, 2009

  Botanical Gardens, Butterflies, Eagles, and Sea Turtles

  As our state’s name implies, Florida is synonymous with flora and fauna. 

  In Pinellas County, summer has arrived!  Mother Nature is relishing the season.  Bird of Paradise, Blue Daze, Bougainvillea, Jasmine, Crape Myrtle, Verbena, and perennial Oleander and Hibiscus, are in bloom in a bevy of enchanting colors.  The names of native flowering plants hint at the magic of this special time of year-Beach Sunflower, Golden Dew Drop, Sunshine Mimosa, Magnolia, and Coral Honeysuckle.

  Many of these beautiful plants are intoxicatingly fragrant, attracting another of Mother Nature’s wonders . . . butterflies.  These winged creatures are equally enchanting in their diversity of color, shape, and size. 

  Flowers and butterflies are everywhere right now, but anyone who enjoys viewing them may wish to visit the Florida Botanical Gardens.  Located minutes from the South Gulf Beaches in the community of Largo, visitors are welcome to stroll through the Gardens and the adjoining historical park at Heritage Village.  Both are conveniently open every day-and there is no admission fee!   

  Preview the Florida Botanical Gardens online at: http://www.flbg.org/.

  Aside from the plant world, our neighborhoods offer attractions to behold in the fauna world, too!  Hot pink Rosetta Spoonbills, snowy white egrets, giant gray Heron, tiny Sandpipers, and the occasional (and rare) white Pelican, are here and have helped to welcome summer. 

  Another sight to behold is one of our nation’s most patriotic emblems-Bald Eagles.  Recently, a pair of these majestic creatures constructed a mammoth nest near the top of a dead wood tree situated on the secluded side of a lake in Tierra Verde.  They have attracted birdwatchers from around the globe.  Eagle sightings are not an uncommon occurrence in Pinellas County.  The winged ambassadors are admired and respected (with the latter attribute being mutual in its dissemination).

  Most excitingly of all, summer ushers in sea turtle hatching season.  Pinellas County is home to miles of beautiful beaches.  Several species of sea turtles are prevalent in the waters off of our shores in the Gulf of Mexico.  Nesting and hatching season runs from May 1 through October 31.  At this time of year, residents and visitors may encounter a sea turtle nest or hatchlings.  Help protect our sea turtles by visiting Pinellas County Environmental Management online by clicking here.

   

  To see sea turtles, including “Stubby,” the Green Sea Turtle, and Leatherbacks (the largest local species), visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Pinellas County.  Photos and videos of turtles and other aquatic life, including Winter, the rescued Dolphin, are online at:

  http://www.cmaquarium.org/cms

  Flora and fauna are abundant (and valued) throughout Pinellas County, which contributes to our area being such a special place to live, work, and play.  There is much to marvel at and fall in love with . . . from botanical gardens to eagles, sea turtles, and the carefree flight of butterflies that, in itself, defines the laidback lifestyle in our neighborhoods.      

  The opportunity to live in harmony with awe-inspiring plants and creatures is, in my estimation, a treasured gift from Mother Nature.  It represents another example of the beauty of life in Paradise Found! 

  Enjoy it.  Thanks for visiting!

  NOTE: Photos used in this blog post are courtesy of the Florida Botanical Gardens and Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

• Head for the Hills

  Written by Bob Horn No Comments
  Last Updated: June 19, 2009

  St. Petersburg is a great place to live, and you can find just about any sort of diversion or entertainment that you might want.  But what if you come from the north and you really miss having hills around you?  Or maybe you’re a born and bred St. Petersburg native, but you’d love a change of terrain once in awhile?

  You probably think you’re out of luck.  Everybody knows that there are no hills in St. Petersburg, right?

  Well, you might be surprised!  In
  fact, I have friends who have lived here for their entire lives and they don’t know about our hills.

  So, if you’d like a change of scenery, I’m going to tell you where to find it.  You can do a little driving tour, you can park your car and take a walk, or you can even bring a blanket and a lunch and have a little
  picnic on the side of a hill, right in the heart of St. Petersburg. 

  The place to go is Roser Park.  It’s located directly behind All Children’s Hospital, and it’s bounded, roughly, by 6^th Street South and Dr. ML King Street South (formerly 9^th Street South) and by 7^th Avenue South and 11^th Avenue South.

  In addition to a beautiful
  public park with a creek running alongside, you’ll also see picturesque brick roads and stately early St. Petersburg homes, homes that were owned and occupied by some of St. Petersburg’s most prosperous residents in the early 1900′s.  Built by Charles Martin Roser beginning in 1911, the Roser Park homes were actually St. Petersburg’s first ‘out of the city’ development, a sort of early 20^th century suburb.  For much more detail on Roser Park, check out the Historic Roser Park website.

  But for an easy, present day treat, drive over to Roser Park and check it out.  It’s a peaceful oasis of history and beauty only minutes away from anywhere in the city.

  (Please note: in order to see the true depth of the hills in these photos, click on any of the photos so that you can view a full-sized version of the photograph.)

  

• Thinking About Parades . . . And Sparklers . . .

  Written by Connie Langhorst No Comments
  Last Updated: June 16, 2009

  I am counting the days to one of my favorite holidays : Independence Day! Fourth of July brings neighborhood parades, including one pictured here (from 2008) in Tierra Verde, picnics, and fun! Nothing beats a picnic at one of our area’s parks for this holiday! My husband and I load a cooler, gather our beach towels, and put our dog, Moby, on his leash for a day of fun at Ft. DeSoto Park. After being greeted by the huge U.S. Flag that waves majestically atop a flagpole near the Park’s entrance, we head to the doggie beach so that Moby can frolic with four-legged friends. We then select a picnic area, one of many situated within view of the water. The smell of hamburgers and hotdogs grilling is enticing! After enjoying a cold beverage and slice of watermelon, we stroll along a nature trail, and spend some time exploring Ft. DeSoto’s cannon relics and observation point. We pause along the way to watch kiteboarders and seabirds that scurry, like wind-up toys, at the edge of the surf. At home, after darkness falls, we make our way to The Pier in St. Petersburg to watch the fireworks display. The crowd is always friendly and the children are especially enchanting; their joy is self-evident. Their faces, bathed in the glow of the skyward show, express my heart’s desire . . . to wave a sparkler in the air! Okay, so I’m a kid at heart . . . but the vision of neon colors bursting in the air over the moonlit waters of Tampa Bay brings out the kid at heart in all who witness this annual fireworks display! Have a happy (and sparkling) Fourth of July!

  Local links:
  www.TheIslandReporter.com
  www.FriendsofTierraVerde.com
  www.VeteransofTierraVerde.com

  Photos:

  

  Miss Tierra Verde 2008

  

  Parade Participant

  

  Festive Blue Jeep

  

  Veterans of Tierra Verde Float

  

  Smiling Flag Wavers

  

  Antique Fire Truck

  

  A Happy & Patriotic Parade Watcher

• The Bridge of Sighs

  Written by Libby Salamone No Comments
  Last Updated: June 13, 2009

  Aaaah, It’s so good to be home…sigh. That’s  how the Tierra Verde Bridge became known as  The Bridge of Sighs .”  They say you can feel your blood pressure go down and you stress melt away when you cross that bridge…and if you still have your tie on, you’ll certainly take it off and wiggle your toes as you cross those sparkling blue waters.

  Click herefor information on Tierra Verde

  

• Life By The Water

  Written by Libby Salamone No Comments
  Last Updated: June 12, 2009

  

  Slip into something comfortable.

  Living by the water is pretty much like living any place else. People go to work, they go to school,  out to dinner, to the grocery; they play sports and have parties and and varied potitical opinions. The difference is, it feels like being on vacation – every day. There’s something about a blue back yard that does that.

• New Home for American Stage

  Written by Bob Horn No Comments
  Last Updated: June 11, 2009

  

  Got live theater? In a great location? In a fantastic new building?

  We sure do! St. Petersburg now has a wonderful new theater facility located right in the heart of the city. Downtown St. Petersburg, version 2009, is a place that’s filled with activities, events, museums, entertainment, great restaurants, and more. It seems as though there are more fun things happening every time I take a few minutes to look around. One of the greatest treasures of our city, if you have any interest at all in live professional theater, is American Stage.

  The American Stage Theater Company has been hosting and producing top quality theater for over 30 years, dating back to 1977.  For the first two years, they were known as The Palisades Theater Company, and they were based at Eckerd College (then Florida Presbyterian College).  In 1979, the Junior League of St. Petersburg provided funding to convert an old downtown movie theater into a small playhouse, but in 1984, that building was condemned.  Florida Power/Progress Energy stepped up to the plate and sold them a former auction gallery building at less than half of its fair market value.  That building became the American Stage that has been American Stage’s home for the past 25 years.  It was a fairly old building on 3rd Street South, across the street from Dew Cadillac until a few years ago, and across from the new Publix in recent years.  The building was tired and cramped and certainly a bit cantankerous and uncooperative at times, but that never seemed to impact the enthusiasm of the American Stage staff or the actors or the theater-goers who continued to support them year after year.  In truth, American Stage did not just survive, they thrived and grew and gained even greater support over time.

  On Tuesday night, my wife and I attended the first production at American Stage’s new home at the corner of 3rd Street and 2nd Avenue North.  The facility is located in a portion of the new downtown St. Petersburg College building, directly across the street from Williams Park.  The building is spacious, open, airy, modern, and everything works!  There are plenty of restrooms, unlike the old American Stage home.  There are multiple levels – the lobby and box office are located on the ground floor, accessible via the main entrance on 3rd Street North.  From there, you can take an elevator or a large, open staircase to the second floor, where there is an open seating/waiting area with several tables and chairs, a bar/concession stand, and the Raymond James Theater.  The third floor houses the offices for the American Stage staff and administrators, a costume shop, and a rehearsal area.

  

  The new theater retains the very intimate feeling that the original American Stage always had, with all seats in fairly close proximity to the stage.  Seating capacity was only increased by 40 seats, so there is no sense of being lost in a giant space.  A very nice change is that the new seats are wider, have higher backs, and are much more comfortable than the seats at the old theater.  And there’s a great armrest feature – seats are grouped so that couples sitting together share an armrest between their two seats, but on the left and the right of each seat pair, there are double armrests with space in between, so you never have to battle with your neighbor for armrest rights!  That may not seem like a big deal, but it really is a nice touch, one which we appreciated.

  Since I’m writing about American Stage’s new home, and since I am certainly not qualified to write as a theater critic, I won’t go into any detail about the play that we saw, Tuesdays With Morrie.  But I will say that my wife and I both loved it, several friends who attended loved it, and the actors received a standing ovation with great enthusiasm from the audience.  If you are able to see it, I highly recommend it!

  If you love theater and you’ve lived in St. Petersburg for awhile, you already know about American Stage and I don’t need to encourage you.  But if you are new to the area and would like to experience great theater, head to downtown St. Petersburg and check it out!  In an era when professional theaters around the country are closing down because of the difficult economic climate, American Stage has again proven itself to be a standout, garnering  support  to open a wonderful new theater, and we are lucky to have it in our city.

  To learn more about American Stage or to view their schedule or purchase tickets, visit the American Stage website.
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