Publisher’s Message

We are on the “Ride of Our Lives”

We met in government class at the Clearwater campus of St. Pete Junior College in 1970. Renee LaFountain, a ballerina, model, a Florida native from Tampa caught my eye right away.

Having graduated high school in Ottawa two years before, I was a 19-year-old Canadian immigrant, living between Palm Harbor and Tarpon Springs in a home at the campground dad decided to build on the banks of Lake Tarpon in 1969. Professor Freeman caught us passing notes and reminded us we were not in high school anymore. I soon learned the summers she had spent in Montreal had predisposed her to liking Canadians. Lucky me.

My mother’s father (our family’s most successful businessman), had advised me that if I ever found something rare, I should try to acquire it and hang onto it as long as possible. Native Floridians are still rare. August 15th is our Golden Anniversary.

Renee was a dance teacher in Tampa and Hillsborough County for over 10 years. She impacted the lives of hundreds of youngsters in Tampa and Brandon. I was a Publix man and U-Save grocer while in college, then a CPA and management consultant for a few years, before both of us, almost accidentally, became magazine publishers.

We had been producing office guides to Florida and other publications in the mid-1980’s, when we moved to St. Pete Beach for our only child to attend high school at Admiral Farragut Academy.

Renee was soon recruited to found and publish Grille Bits for the Pass-a-Grille community. Paradise NEWS began a few years later. Renee is a Leo and is full of ideas. It was her idea, for example, that St. Pete Beach should be named the “Sunset Capital of Florida,” and that Corey Avenue should have a Sunday market.

In our half-century together Renee and I have worked together most of the time. We have also vacationed together, and I believe if you ask either of us, we’d be willing to do it all over again. We have been producing and sending some of you Paradise NEWS for over 26 years, more than half our married life. It’s been good for us, for our loyal advertisers and it has been good for countless readers – old and new. Sometimes, I wonder about and give thanks for the forces at work in the universe that brought these two soul mates together 50 years ago.

It seems to me, the same power brings us the people we need to publish Paradise NEWS, just when we need them. Our good friend and The Encouraging Word columnist, Dr. Dennis Merritt Jones, author of The Art Of Abundance, would counsel, “Have Faith. Live Boldly. The Ride of Your Life Does Not Begin Down the Road.” That was the credo of Zelda Troiano too, who tragically left us 10 days after PHOTO BY JANET NUMMI turning in the update for our April 2021 Art and Leisure and Events columns. Thanks for five great years Zelda. We miss you already. See Zelda’s tributes on page 46.

Volume 27 Number 5 • May 2021 PUBLISHERS Peter Roos | Marketing & Sales sales@paradisenewsfl.com Renee Roos | Creative Director info@paradisenewsfl.com

EDITORIAL Nanette Wiser - Executive Editor wiser86@gmail.com Steve Traiman - Feature Editor traimancreativecopy@gmail.com

ART & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Janet Nummi

ADVERTISING REPS Gigi Grimshaw Linda Motzenbecker

CONTRIBUTING COLUMNISTS Arts & Leisure | Events - Buddy Baker Art News - Caron Schwartz

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dr. Dennis Merritt Jones | Sarah Lyons Michael Moses Jr. Ryan Baker, MD | Dr. Scot Trefz, DVM Tom Broderson, ESQ

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Janet Nummi | @AMGvisual Visit St. Pete-Clearwater | Visit Florida

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P.O. Box 66385, St. Pete Beach, FL 33736 727.363.6888 • info@paradisenewsfl.com www.ParadiseNewsFL.com | Facebook

By Michael Moses

THE CENTRE-ST. PETE BEACH 7525 Blind Pass Road, St. Pete Beach FL 33706

The Centre @ SPB is a premiere cannabis-centric wellness center. The Centre is a cannabis education facility offering premium CBD & Delta 8 products, wellness classes & workshops, event space rentals, yoga, massage, and co-working space memberships. Stop by to learn about how Triverde Health’s full-service cannabis concierge can bring relief and simplicity to your life.

Dr. Luis Ycaza and Triverde’s knowledgeable staff can help guide you through the process of obtaining or renewing your medical cannabis card, completing your paperwork, and even helping you fulfill your dispensary order for pick up or home delivery. Your journey to holistic health begins here.

We are stoked to announce that Kuba

now open! Stop by for a Cuban sandwich, chicharrones, or a fresh café con leche!

With cannabis education at the forefront of what we do, The Centre @ SPB has been using this page to help educate Paradise News readers on the benefits of responsible medicinal cannabis use, CBD, and Delta 8 products.

Research into using cannabis to aid the easing of symptoms in a wide array of ailments is advancing in leaps and bounds. Last month we summarized many benefits attested to by Dr. Peter Grinspoon of Harvard Health. This is true also with the symptoms associated with perimenopause, such as mood swings, hot flashes, insomnia, pain, fatigue, anxiety, and more, according to an article from Strainprint:

“The drastic change in a woman’s hormonal balance is unpleasant and very stressful for her, and those around her who don’t understand exactly what is happening. There is hope for natural relief of symptoms and cannabis can be combined with other therapies to amplify that relief.”

The endocannabinoid system interacts with naturally produced cannabinoids that our bodies form and metabolize every day. We know of 113 different cannabinoids, and each one individually or combined in various ways has a different effect on our bodies. In-depth studies into this network of receptors have proven that this system is a crucial part of our central and peripheral nervous systems and peripheral organs. It is this system that allows us to experience the therapeutic benefits associated with cannabis use. Estrogen levels have a clear link to the endocannabinoid system, and when estrogen levels rise, so do endocannabinoid levels. The reverse is also true. Cannabis use is being evaluated as an alternative to Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT).

Examples of How Cannabinoids Affect Symptoms

Hot Flashes One particular cannabinoid, known as Anandamide, is very similar to THC, and our bodies produce it naturally. It aids in regulating body temperature, and when kicked into overdrive like in periods of strenuous exercise, it gives us a “high” (runner’s high). So, THC in cannabis has a “cooling” effect on the body and can help alleviate hot flashes.

Mood Swings Estrogen plays a big role in stabilizing mood and emotional responses. The combination of THC and CBD can boost efficiency in the body metabolization of estrogen and combat mood swings, anxiety and depression in perimenopausal women.

Insomnia In various dosages, THC affects our energy levels in different ways. Small doses have a sedating effect, moderate doses have a stimulating effect and large doses have a psychedelic effect. Pure THC can produce feelings of anxiety, so it is important to find a strain with a proper balance of THC and CBD to achieve the maximum benefits. Are you looking to explore options and find the right cannabis strain to help alleviate menopausal symptoms? We can help!! Browse our Symptom Search function to browse different strains that help ease the symptoms. Questions about strains? www.strainprint.ca/ understanding-terpenes-camphene/

Camphene, sometimes called comphene, is one of more than 200 terpenes in hemp and cannabis. Terpenes are aromatic molecules once thought to convey only aroma and, from an evolutionary functional perspective, to protect a plant from pests and predators.

It has the ability to lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the treatment of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease. It acts as an expectorant in the treatment of coughs and throat conditions.

Stop by to learn more from our supportive staff or call The Centre at (727) 258-2001, or just pop in for free beer or kombucha on tap. We are at 7525 Blind Pass Road. Enter from 76th Ave.

Florida passed a bill that makes to-go cocktails permanent!! The bill, which allows restaurants and bars to sell to-go beer, wine and cocktails in sealed 32-ounce or smaller containers, is expected to be signed by the governor, making to-go cocktails permanent starting July 1.

Metro Equipment Service Inc. began the installation of a new sanitary sewer force main in Gulf Boulevard for the city of St. Pete Beach. This phase of the work began near 37th Avenue & Gulf Boulevard, progressing north in phases over 3-4 months. See full details on the city website www.StPeteBeach.org.

SEASALT Properties has named Michael Dupre as Chief Marketing Officer. A Tampa resident, Michael was born in Rhode Island and has lived in Florida for 25 years. Since 2015, Michael held the position as Chief Marketing Officer for Compass Land & Title and was tasked with creating relationships and building brand recognition in the real estate community throughout Tampa Bay. As a part of the Compass executive team, he saw tremendous growth as Compass received accolades as one of the top title companies in the region. SEASALT headquarters is located on Corey Avenue in St. Pete Beach.

If you are hunting for something to watch on Prime video, “Life’s Rewards” is worth a peek. It is a redemption story following Dan Kinney, the privileged son of a wealthy manager who, after a business trip gone bad, is fired and stranded at The Don CeSar with few assets to his name – with the exception of a massive pile of hotel points.

In the series trailer, a hotel employee tells Dan he has enough points to stay at the Don for six months, so he does. It is the first of its kind, developed not only to entertain but to interest people in visiting.

SPB Fire Rescue and the SPB Aquatic Center are sponsoring a Hurricane Expo in Horan Park on May 15, 10am - 2pm, 7701 Boca Ciega Drive, St. Pete Beach. You’ll find local emergency management personnel, a meteorologist, kids activities, CPR demos, beach safety, lifejacket fitting, information on swim lessons, an ice cream truck and even a free lifeguard donut! For more info call 727-363-9264.

After 3½ years as city manager, Garry Brumback plans to exit gracefully at the end of May. “I’ve told myself for years ‘Be sure to get out of the way before you become a clog in the system.’

City Manager Garry Brumback

“We have a new mayor, new city hall, great fire and police department, terrific recreation, planning, public works, and if all goes well, my replacement Amy is already shadowing me. I have had a lot of fun in my career and now it’s time to let younger people in on the fun.

“My wife and I live on Paradise Island and we are looking forward to enjoying a lively retirement in Paradise.”

Waffle House on Gulf Blvd. in TI is ground zero for a test of turtle-friendly street lighting.

A press introduction to the new lights featured City Manager Garry Brumback in one of the last of his tenure.

He raved about the perseverance of Assistant Public

Boyles, PE, LEED AP on the subject of turtle-friendly street lights. Jeff Baker, Community Relations Manager for Duke Energy’s southern coastal region said getting turtle-friendly lights to test on five-lane wide Gulf Blvd. was a challenge.

Stacey Boyles and Jeff Baker

The ones routinely used on two-lane coastal roads were not bright enough. If approved by FDOT in May, the rest of Treasure Island is next. Funds are coming from The Turtle Conservancy.

The city of Madeira Beach will be celebrating its 75-year anniversary in 2022. Throughout the year, the city looks to host marquee events to celebrate all Madeira Beach has to offer. Planning for these events is underway and they are looking for community feedback to focus on what type exciting events and activities you would like to see. Visit www.madeirabeachfl.gov /75th-anniversary-celebration/

This committee serves as a liaison between Gulfport’s senior community and the city of Gulfport. Appointed by City Council, committee members consider and advise the city on ways to enhance the quality of life for seniors in Gulfport. For more info, contact Rachel Cataldo at 727-893-1231.

The new high bridge is OPEN! However, construction continues for a roundabout at the base of the bridge on the island.

Restaurant, 1130 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde, 727-867-0774 lost half of its management team when Sid passed, but continues a 43-year legacy, serving mid-European cuisine: Crispy Roast Duck, Hungarian Chicken Paprika, Schnitzel Paprika, Goulash, like your European Grandma makes. Including homemade soups daily and specials like Saurbraten, Brandied Cherry Duck, Scampi Key West, Jagerschnitzel, Salmon Gustav. Apple Strudel made daily for dine-in or to-go. Pilsner Urquell and Hacker Pschorr on tap.

Open Downtown “Visit Downtown St. Pete in a new street legal golf cart anytime seven days a week. St. Pete Golf Carts is locally owned and operated. Our rentals are first-come, first-serve by call or email. Drop-offs and pick-ups will be at the same location. Golf carts will be returned at 7pm. Day rental price is $200 which includes taxes and fees! Nothing beats having your own personal golf cart to cruise around in! Once you rent, you’ll wonder why you never did before!” 76 4th St N #2231, St. Petersburg.

St. Petersburg – The recently retired leader of the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance, John Collins, received a key to the City at the May 13 council meeting. Mayor Rick Kriseman credited John with “transforming St. Petersburg into a true City of The Arts.” John’s nephew Patrick says John’s retirement plan is “to learn to play the guitar.”

Drawing is Memorial Day,

This is our way to give back to the local restaurants that have been hit hard by the pandemic. The Rotary Club of St. Petersburg West is PURCHASING these gift cards to support our local eateries; some restaurants have offered to donate some gift cards.

$2500 – 25 - $100 cards

$750 – 15 - $50 cards

$500 – 10 - $50 cards Your generosity is greatly appreciated! Please check out the link for Rotary Club to enter to win. www.go.eventgroove fundraising.com/spwrotary raffle/Campaign

Throughout the month of June, St Pete Pride will host four themed weeks to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community while showcasing the best of St Pete. Each weekend, thousands of people will gather (safely) for signature events hosted in outdoor locations, while all month long, over a hundred participating St. Pete restaurants, cultural institutions and retail partners will attract guests with events, discounts and Pride-friendly offerings. St. Pete Pride has worked diligently to design a creative and safe Pride with a twist with the goal of giving our LGBTQIA+ community the opportunity to gather, educate and celebrate while ensuring safety and wellness in the time of COVID-19. This year most events will be ticketed to enforce capacity regulations.

• Official Pride Flag Raising -

St. Pete City Hall, 175 5th St. N, St. Pete. 10am

Sirata Beach Resort, 5300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. 6-9pm. $10/ticket. Kick-off Celebration, sunset, beach vibe, limited free apps, drink specials!

Vinoy Park. 7am-2pm. $5/ticket. Waterfront Festival highlighting St. Pete’s Great Outdoors!

starts/ends at Vinoy Park, run along the city’s magnificent waterfront. 7-10am.

St. Pete Pier, North Straub Park, South Straub Park. 11am - 5pm. $5/ticket.

The Factory, 2622 Fairfield Ave. S, St. Pete. Afternoon event $5

Straub Park. 2-9pm. $5 Food trucks, festival vendors, Pride Fireworks at dusk.

There is a shortage of qualified help on the beaches, a condition that has been aggravated by COVID-related staff shortages. One beach hotel recently said this on Facebook.

Hotel Update- We are experiencing COVID-19 related staff shortages, which may impact the quality of your stay with us. We are currently not accepting any new bookings for stays between now and July 5th, but we will open our bookings back up when we can. We have reached out to some guests and have processed cancellations, but if you haven’t been contacted by us then your reservation is intact. I am also happy to personally check the status of any reservation so please utilize the Facebook messenger feature to provide me with your name and date of your stay and I will get back to you as soon as possible. We appreciate your understanding and hope to see you all later this year! The Tampa Bay

Commerce is acting as a referral service for people looking for work and companies needing help. Call 727-360-6957, or stop by 6990 Gulf Blvd. or visit www.business.tampabay beaches.com/contact

The Treasure Island/Madeira Beach Chamber is likewise heavily involved. Chamber President Barry Rubin says the problem is primarily due to the doubling of the unemployment reimbursement by the federal government. “The state pays $275 and the feds pay $300 for staying home. Even if they were making $15/hr. for 40 hours, they wouldn’t take that much home. Would you work?” If interested in the services of this group, call 727-360-4121.

Tenti-lizing dishes you have to taste & sea.