Amber Bennett could be the poster child for living the “St. Pete dream” of living, working, and making the most of our Sunshine City. In her “day job” she’s a real estate rock star, but early each the morning, she’s an elite athlete. Volleyball is her game.

For the past nine years, Amber has trained in the heart of downtown. If you have ever passed by the beach volleyball courts at North Shore, you may have been watching volleyball players from around the world training in our slice of paradise.

I caught up with Amber to chat a few days before she was heading off to compete in yet another tournament.… Read More

St. Pete Museum of History has a mission “to share Florida’s stories as the hub of scholarship and learning – to inspire, entertain, and promote civic engagement.” It’s no small order, but the museum makes it happen through thoughtful, creative exhibits, special events, and various history tours. One newer offering is a history lesson by boat titled, Liquid to Land: Discover St. Pete’s Waterfront History. This tour, touted as the city’s only historic boat tour, is in partnership with the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center, dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the bay’s natural habitats. Liquid to Land promises to take guests back in time while experiencing the beautiful nature of Tampa Bay and its shorelines. … Read More

Probably one of the first things you see when you venture off 4th Street to the east, in the area just south of 30th Avenue, are the massive oaks creating many canopied streets along the way to downtown St. Petersburg, the Vinoy, the Pier, and the many fabulous local parks. Whatever their destination, visitors take notice. The variety and interest of the architecture – some of it over 100 years old – is also sure to catch the eye, from bungalows with shady front porches to large affairs with grand columns, iron railings, and balconies. The lawns vary from native plants, grass, and anthills to immaculate green masterpieces with fountains, statues, and flowers to match the house.… Read More

Recently I sat down with the owner of St. Pete’s indie Green Light Cinema, Mike Hazlett, who explained his mission simply: “We want to bring perspective and art from all over the world to the St. Pete community.” It’s been a journey to get here.

Mike tells me he first learned the movie business in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where he managed a 900-seat theater for eight years and worked at learning all aspects of the industry. He then moved into running a 2,000-seat movie theater in Portland, Maine for another seven years. Performing arts and film, he tells me, are in his blood. … Read More