In this episode, host Stephen Riordan welcomes Colleen Cherry, an artistic associate at Jobsite Theater in Tampa, to discuss the theater company’s upcoming production of the new one-woman musical, Penelope.

Show Highlights:
About Penelope: The show is the Southern US premiere of a musical written by Alex Bechtel. It reimagines The Odyssey from Penelope’s perspective, centering on her 20-year wait for Odysseus. Colleen describes the piece as a "lush," emotionally charged, 80-minute journey that balances comedy and heartbreak with a score featuring strings, keys, and drums.

• Production & Development: Colleen discusses the intimate, collaborative nature of the one-woman show, crediting director Katherine Yacko and movement choreographer Alexander Jones for bringing the story to life. She also highlights the "dreamlike" quality of the production and its focus on Penelope’s internal journey.

• Jobsite Theater: Colleen shares why Jobsite is the perfect home for this production, noting the company’s ensemble-driven approach and its ability to foster unique, provocative theater in the intimate space of the Shimberg Playhouse at the Straz Center.

• Run Dates: August 19th through September 6th.
• Venue: Shimberg Playhouse at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa.

• More Info: Tickets and additional information can be found at jobsitetheater.org.

(8/15/2026) In this episode of STORYTIME with Janet Keeler, the host discusses recent research that says reading out loud is not just beneficial for kids. In the first year of STORYTIME, Janet interviewed children’s book authors, librarians, booksellers, story reading pros and others who talked about the importance of reading out loud to children, especially as a way to sharpen emotional intelligence and nurture creativity. Kids aren’t the only ones who benefit, though. The BBC recently reported that reading adult material aloud—either to yourself or to another adult—helps aid memory and boosts the understanding of complex concepts. In this episode, Janet reads a new children’s picture book by award-winning author and illustrator Matthew Cordell. 102 is about a boy sent home from school with a fever who wakes up in the night to embark on an adventure of imagination with some very small friends.
ABOUT THE SHOW Storytime with Janet Keeler is for grandparents, parents and kids of all ages  about why reading out loud matters. Guests read aloud from favorite children's books, new and old and talk about the stories behind them.
MORE Storytime with Janet Keeler.

#janetkeeler #storytime

(08/17/2026) Welcome to Episode 17 of THE CLASSICAL SCENE with Dr. Victor Minke Huls, Associate Principal Cellist of The Florida Orchestra. This episode features two young musicians who were formerly concertmasters of the Pinellas Youth Symphony: Aidan Haseltine and Briana DeStoppelaire.  
👉Dr. Huls had the pleasure of working with and mentoring these two stellar violinists when he became conductor of the advanced Serenade Strings Orchestra last year. They've now both graduated, but Aidan and Briana were wonderfully helpful as leaders in the orchestra. This conversation centers around their positive experiences in Pinellas Youth Symphony, namely, playing excellent music, improving their instrumental skills, and making lasting friendships.  
👉Young musicians of all instruments are welcome to apply for PYS! Auditions are August 22, but students may be admitted on a rolling basis.   For more information about the Pinellas Youth Symphony and auditions, visit https://www.pysmusic.org/  or email director@pysmusic.org

Please listen, share, and enjoy the art of classical music wherever you are  :)

#victorminkehuls #pinellasyouthsymphony #musicstudents #auditions #classicalmusic #theclassicalscene #thefloridaorchestra #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser caught up with St. Pete Beach Historic Preservation Board Chair Bill Loughery, who told us that 50+ historical designations have been given out in the last two years despite the storm destruction that took some of the precious old buildings out. Of course the Pass-a-Grille Women's Club and the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum work tirelessly as well to preserve the charm of this community. You can Explore the Pass-a-Grille National Historic District through this self-guided walking tour.  The City of St. Pete Beach’s Historical Preservation Board has recently designated the The Wharf Waterfront Restaurant and Bar a historic landmark and a plaque for the building is in the works. The application for a roadside market is now submitted to the State of Florida!Learn more about the history of The Wharf Waterfront Restaurant & Bar, including their fishing industry early beginnings seen on the Vitale Bros. mural on the front of the building. 
HISTORY The Wharf opened for business in April 1994, but its beginning can be traced back as far as 1912.  That was the year Heber Bell set the original pilings for the building that today is the Wharf. The Bell family was one of the founding families in the bustling Florida West Coast fishing industry.  During the 1930’s the building you are sitting in was a processing plant that was handling thousands of pounds of fish per day!  One of the pictures in the hallway shows several trawlers unloading their catch on the backside of the building. It was during this time period that Heber Bell befriended a man named Clarence Birdseye and together they developed a quick freeze method for freezing fish and vegetables.  Although Heber Bell decided to keep his operation local, Mr. Birdseye went national and became the original leader in frozen foods.     The Bell family continued in the fish and frozen fish business; and even today, Robert Bell (third generation) operates a large deep freeze packaging plant in St. Petersburg.  The pictures in the hallway are remarked originals from the Bell family photo albums.
The Restaurant The Wharf opened as a restaurant in 1994.  Bill and Diane Rodrigues, took over in 2000, and in 2022, friend and long-time customer Jim Miller bought The Wharf, keeping by his side General Manager Stanton Chevalier  to oversee the menu, fan favorite dishes and drinks and Ole Florida vibe. There’s a rocking jukebox, internet golf game, daily specials, happy hour 3:30-6pm (bar only, Mon.-Fri.) new boat docks and back patio, an open air dining room with a garage door that rolls up (and heated in the winter), live music with rockin’ Rob Tyre Wed.-Sat. 6-9:30 pm plus  17 TVs with all your favorite teams (NFL/College, BIG12, SEC, MLB, NHL)!
We are where the locals hang out!  Come by boat, car, cab, trolley or Free Beach Ride, but COME HUNGRY!
2001 Pass-a-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach, FLorida  

#oneplacemanyvoices #neighborhoods #heritagevillage #stpetebeachhistoricalpreservation #thewharf #billlaughery #jimmiller #passagrille #nanettewiser

In this episode of Gardening in Florida, host Nanette Wiser, looks at August and September tips for lawns and fruit trees, especially harvesting your papayas! More Gardening in Florida here.

#sustainablegardening #gardeninginflorida #nanettewiser #radiostpete

In this episode or our Let's Go Guide, Weekend with Wiser host Nanette Wiser gives you a preview of August- October concerts, events and ore!
🎻 October 2026! Clearwater Jazz Holiday https://www.clearwaterjazz.com/
😎Nov. 2026 Suncoast Jazz Festival https://suncoastjazzfestival.com/
 🎶 Enjoy concerts at Central Park Performing Arts Center, Capitol Theater, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Baycare Sound, BayBoro Brewing,  Noisemakers,  Seven C 2/20 and The Florida Orchestra; plus Green Light Cinema's indie films and jazz Saturday next door in the Green Light Lounge + Kitchen.
👉 Tune in to the Florida Folk Show 10-noon Saturday on Facebook Live or 🌻 What's Happening on RadioStPete.com and around town!      https://bit.ly/3IU5tYx
🎶 Let’s Go Guide     https://bit.ly/3UP2oM3 curates the best upcoming Tampa Bay events, entertainment, festivals, theater, arts, good eats/drinks, music, nightlife, culture and fun!
😍  Eplore galleries, museums, concerts, nightlife, festivals, theater, authors, films and more in between cool java at local coffeehouses or delicious dining at restaurants and markets. What’s happening from downtown St. Pete to the beaches…and beyond!  Tune into Weekend with Wiser every Thursday or Friday.

#nanettewiser #entertainment #arts #eat #drink #breweries #music #nightlife #museums #tampabay #downtownstpete #theater #art #farmersmarkets #festivals #stpete #stpetefl #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #nanettewiser #localevents #tampabayevents #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #dining #downtownstpete #firstfriday #wednesdaywithwiser #wiserwednesday #saturdaymarket #weekendwithwiser #localevents #tampabayevents #tampabaay #radio #radiostpetenettewiser #Floridarama #jamesmuseum  #book+bottle #floridafolkshow #dali #theater#gulfbeaches #palladium #jannus #mahaffeytheater #straz #rutheckerd  #arts #festivals #downtownstpete #gulfbeaches #dining #arts #entertainment #music #letsgoguide #freefalltheater

Tampa Bay, Florida and the world at large, we’re back. This week, Anna quits her job to pursue other endeavors in Philadelphia. We debate the use of Flock cameras and choosing safety over liberty. Later, Lauren Bobert and her clan are a mess after her son is arrested and Will considers joining the WNBA following some former NBA players declaring themselves eligible for the WNBA draft. Hear that on the Substack. Sign up for free to sign up.

We will be back live on Wednesday at 6:00PM over at WillsYouTube.com

We do an extra half hour on our Substack that is uncut and uncensored, hope to see you there, it’s free to join.

Get in touch with the show and leave a voice or text message at: (813) 693-2124 or shoot me an email at thehomemadebroadcast@gmail.com

LINKS: https://linktr.ee/hmbradio

The #HMB airs Sunday’s on Sunshine FM 96.7 in downtown St. Petersburg & anywhere in the world at Radio St. Pete @ 6:10PM & Monday’s at 10:15PM or on demand via your favorite podcast app, just search “HMBradio Tampa Bay”.

What happens when the role you're playing on the outside stops matching who you actually are underneath it?
On this episode of Work Is Third, Dawn Hunter talks with Jonathan Cave about daring to become that person instead. Jonathan is the author of The Tree and the Mountain – Dare to Become where he shares his journey to redefine himself.

Jonathan was a partner in a prestigious Geneva law firm, outwardly successful yet inwardly drained, restless and unable to enjoy the life he had worked so hard to create. Determined to bridge that gap, Jonathan turned inward, asking himself who he truly was, what mattered most and why he was chasing so hard.

They also unpack why "work-life balance" may be the wrong goal entirely, and the simple daily practices that can help you overcome imposter syndrome.

📚 Guest Info

• Website: https://www.jonathancave.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-cave/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@myphy7460

(Airs Monday 8/17) In this episode of Historically St. Pete,  St. Petersburg Museum of History executive director Rui Farias talks with Roy Adams about Festival of the States, which both were involved in. This is just one of the tourism campaigns that are features in the "Wish You Were Here" exhibit, which is a 2026 finalist for Creative Loafing's Best of the Bay "best exhibit." Vote now!
ABOUT THE EXHIBIT For more than a century, tourism has shaped St. Petersburg’s identity. From the earliest health seekers who came for sunshine and salt air, to families who filled roadside motels, to retirees who played shuffleboard by the hundreds, visitors have left their mark on every corner of the city. Tourism brought investment, growth, and sometimes tension, influencing politics, architecture, and the natural environment. This exhibit draws on postcards, photographs, and artifacts to show how St. Pete sold itself to the world, and how travelers responded. From Tent City to Webb’s City, from alligator wrestling to orange crate art, the stories here remind us how important visitors have always been to the life of the Sunshine City. As you move through the gallery, imagine arriving here for the first time, stepping into the Florida sun, and writing home with those familiar words: “Wish you were here.”

#ruifarias #wishyouwerehere #royadams #festivalofthestates #radiostpete

(Posted 8/14/2026) In the episode of AB Sees You, Alexis Baum shares another piece of her vacation with us.
"In recovery from a week of being Company Manager of an intensive Broadway theatre program for kids aged 8-18, I spent a couple days in a place I’ve been going since I was a 10-year-old kid myself. Hemlock Hall on Blue Mountain Lake in the Adirondacks. I bumped into this unique character while there. Meet George Dacre!"

#abseesyou #alexisbaum #radiostpete

(Posted 8/14/2026) In this vacation series (3 episodes) with AB SEES YOU, Alexis Baum features the families I spent time with on the lake. "Funny story is when Amanda and I went to grad school in Chicago for a Master of Design we looked familiar to each other and for weeks could not figure out why. Then she found an old photo album, brought it into class, and showed me a photo of us as kids at Hemlock Hall. We had overlapped that week there and never again talked or saw one another but now we are great friends and 35 years later back at “camp” in a way. Today she actually dug up the photos and sent me them. What a blast from the past!"

#ABSeesYou #alexisbaum #radiostpete

In this episode of Arts Alive!, host Bill DeYoung talks with ThinkTank's Georgia Mallory Guy.
As part of its mission to make theater appealing for a younger generation – for those who work in the field, and for those who merely attend – Tampa’s ThinkTank is presenting The Spongebob Musical Aug. 14 through 23 at freeFall Theatre in St. Petersburg. It opens tonight.  If you’re thinking “Hey, isn’t that a cartoon about a yellow sponge dude, with googly eyes and square pants?” let’s check a few boxes.

Indeed, The Spongebob Musical is based on the long-running animated series on Nickelodeon. It’s about the anthropomorphic sea sponge and his wacky undersea friends, and their adventures under the waves in a place called Bikini Bottom.  This play, however, was on Broadway for 350 performances, and received 12 Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical. And, as ThinkTank founder and Producing Artistic Director Georgia Mallory Guy explains on today’s Arts Alive! podcast, the songs were written, most specifically for the production, by the likes of Cyndi Lauper, They Might Be Giants, The Flaming Lips, Sara Bareilles, John Legend, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Panic! At the Disco and others.  She also points out that the humor is aimed both at young people and adults; a blend of slapstick and sophistication. The New York Times called it a “ginormous giggle of a show.”

Visit their website to learn more about ThinkTank's other programs and events for young theater-makers, and young audiences. We also talk about Guy’s career as one of Tampa Bay’s finest actresses, who lit up the stage in three of the past year’s most indelible dramas: The Pillowman, God of Carnage and Danny & the Deep Blue Sea.

#billdeyoung #artsalive #freefalltheater #ThinkTank #radiostpete

In E544 of FRUGAL FRIENDS, hosts Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni talk about 40 Easy Frugal Swaps That Save You Money With No Extra Work. "We’re not here to take away your favorite things, we’re here to help enjoy them without the strain. In today's episode, we’re listing down easy swaps that you can do effortlessly to stay in the game. You don’t have to do everything on the list but trust that one small swap can make a big difference and big money win! 🎙️ Get full show notes here! https://bit.ly/frugalswaps
**RadioStPete is delighted to rebroadcast curated podcasts of FRUGAL FRIENDS with Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni. They are the co-authors of Buy What You Love Without Going Broke and co-hosts of the top-rated Frugal Friends Podcast. With nearly 500 episodes and over 7 million downloads, Frugal Friends is changing the way the world thinks about frugality. Jen Smith is a personal finance expert who, along with her husband, paid off $78,000 of debt in two years while facing unemployment and buying a house. Jill is a licensed clinical social worker who enjoys exploring the connections between our money behaviors and mental health. Together they’re helping people save more, spend better and feel confident about their money decisions.  These popular podcasters and personal finance goddesses are our neighbors at Thrive DTSP, where ALL the most talented people hang out and co-work! LEARN MORE on their website. More Episodes here.
TV Segments:  NBC Daytime  Fox 13 Yahoo Finance
Links: Buy What You Love Without Going Broke Frugal Friends Podcast
 #stpete #stpetefl #tampabay #radio #radiostpete 
#frugalfriends #jensmith #jillsirianni #personalfinance #savingsadvice #discounts

In this episode of LIVE LIFE BETTER, Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser shares some of the latest safety tips from Inside The Star newsletter  Subscribe and stay in touch with Pinellas County Sheriff Office!
From the Desk of  Sheriff Bob Gualtieri: Keep Kids Safe Through the School Year
The summer is flying by, and kids will be back in school before you know it. With most Pinellas County
schools resuming this week , now is the time for parents to think about how to keep their kids safe.
Bus Safety: At the bus stop, make sure kids know to arrive five to ten minutes early and stand at least six
feet away from the curb while waiting. They should stay back until the bus comes to a complete stop,
the door opens, and the driver signals them to board. Remind kids that it can be hard for the bus driver to
see them when they are close to the bus. If they need to cross in front of the bus, they should walk well
in front of the crossing arm that swings out from the front bumper and make eye contact with the driver
before they start to cross. Cars are supposed to stop for school buses, but kids should always look to
make sure.
Pedestrian Safety: Kids should stay on the sidewalk, and if they have to walk on the shoulder, they
should be as far as possible from vehicles. They should cross the road where there is a crossing guard
present. Follow the crossing guard’s instructions and only walk when they say it is safe. At signaled
crosswalks, they should press the button to activate the flashing lights, and then wait until all lanes of
traffic have stopped before crossing. Kids should be aware of situations where a driver might not see
them, such as when they are moving between cars, near bushes or signs, and around cars that are
backing up. If they have to walk at night, they should carry a light and wear bright or reflective clothing.
Personal Safety: Whether waiting at a bus stop or walking to school, kids should avoid interacting with
strangers. Traveling in groups can help keep kids safe. Young children should be taught to never go with
a stranger or get in their car, even if they claim to have been sent by their parents. Families should
establish a code word to use in emergencies. Let kids know that if someone approaches them in a
worrying way they should yell and run somewhere safe, and tell a trusted adult what happened. Remind
kids that they don’t have to be polite. Adults shouldn’t be asking kids for directions or help finding
missing pets. Teach kids early how to say no.
Internet Safety: Pinellas County public schools no longer allow cell phone use during class hours, but
kids will be on their devices before and after school so it is important to teach them how to be safe
online. No matter what age, parents need to keep track of their kids’ online life. Parental control apps
can prevent kids from visiting harmful sites. Remind kids that people they know only over the internet
might say they are kids but actually be adults. Let them know they should never send personal photos or
videos to anyone, or give out personal information.
Emotional Safety: Kids should never be afraid to tell their parents when something is wrong, so you
need to let them know they can come to you with anything. Be non-judgmental, ask open-ended
questions, and really listen. Be aware of emotional warning signs like withdrawing, changing habits or
friend groups, or expressions of negative self-worth.
Back to school can be an exciting time full of new possibilities for kids. Do your part to make sure they
can stay safe as they focus on learning and growth.

#pinellascountysheriff #bobgualtieri #backtoschoolsafetytips #nanettewiser #pinellascounty #insidethestar #radiostpete

In this episode of Do Good Voices, Meredith Pericles, Founder and Executive Director of Do Good Foundation, sits down with Jessica Salmond, Communications and Marketing Director for Friends of Strays, St. Petersburg's oldest no-kill animal shelter, serving the community since 1978. Friends of Strays' mission is "to inspire compassion for all animals, provide shelter and humane care to homeless animals, and promote adoptions and responsible pet guardianship in our community." Jessica takes us beyond the adoption floor to talk about the many ways Friends of Strays supports animals and the people who care for them.

The conversation explores what "no-kill" actually means, common misconceptions about animal shelters and shelter pets, and some of the biggest challenges facing homeless animals today. Jessica also shares more about MEOW Now, the Pet Food Pantry, and community outreach programs designed to help pets and the people who love them.

They also talk about the many ways you can help, from adopting and fostering to volunteering, donating, and supporting programs that help keep animals safe and cared for. They also talk about:
• What being a no-kill shelter really means
• Friends of Strays' work beyond adoption
• MEOW Now and community cats
• The Pet Food Pantry
• Misconceptions about shelter animals
• Challenges facing homeless animals in Pinellas County
• Adopting, fostering, volunteering, and giving

Learn more and get involved:
Website: https://www.friendsofstrays.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsofstrays/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofStraysAnimalShelter
Email: info@friendsofstrays.org

About Jessica Salmond
Jessica Salmon is the Communications and Marketing Director for Friends of Strays Animal Shelter, a local animal rescue organization in St. Petersburg, FL.

About Do Good Voices
Do Good Voices is a program of the Do Good Foundation, where we're building a connected nonprofit ecosystem that meets real needs. Each episode introduces our community to the nonprofit organizations and leaders making a difference throughout Pinellas County.

Learn more at DoGoodFoundationFL.org. 

#dogoodfoundation #dogoodvoices #MeredithPericles #JessicaSalmond #friendsofstraysstpete

Host Karen Carmichael sits down with Jason Mathis, CEO of the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership, for a conversation about the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of downtown St. Petersburg. Jason discusses the Partnership's role in advocating for the downtown community, supporting economic development, and fostering collaboration between businesses, residents, neighborhood organizations, and city leaders.

The conversation explores major redevelopment projects, the importance of preserving downtown's unique character while accommodating growth, improving mobility through walkable streets, and transportation options, and creating welcoming public spaces that encourage community engagement. Jason also shares how strategic planning, investment in infrastructure, and support for local entrepreneurs help keep downtown vibrant, resilient, and competitive while maintaining the quality of life that attracts people to live, work, and visit St. Pete.

Whether you're interested in city planning, local business, or the future of one of Florida's most dynamic downtowns, this episode offers valuable insight into the vision and leadership helping shape St. Petersburg's next chapter.

About Jason Mathis
Jason Mathis is the CEO of the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership, a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to thoughtful growth and urban redevelopment. The Partnership focuses on big-picture issues and building a shared vision for St. Pete’s future, inspired by national best practices and local sensibilities. Its priorities include walkability, urban management, resiliency, housing for all income levels.

Jason brings three decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, coalition building, and public advocacy. He has a strong record of advancing high-profile initiatives in complex public settings and excels at uniting diverse stakeholders around a common vision.

In addition to leading the Partnership, Jason serves in board leadership roles with the St. Petersburg Innovation District, St. Petersburg Arts Alliance, Pinellas County Urban League, and the Homeless Leadership Alliance of Pinellas. He was part of the 2019 Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative cohort & serves on the City of St. Petersburg’s Community Benefits Advisory Committee.

Jason is an inaugural Emerging Leaders Fellow with the International Downtown Association and a member of the Urban Land Institute’s national Public Private Partnership Product Council. He also founded Florida’s Downtowns, a statewide coalition focused on strengthening downtowns throughout the Sunshine State.
His honors include the 2023 Haynes Hero Award, the University of South Florida’s 2024 Distinguished Citizen Award, and recognition in the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2025 and 2026 Power Rankings. Previously, Jason served as executive director of Salt Lake City’s Downtown Alliance and executive vice president of the Salt Lake Chamber.

About the St Petersburg Downtown Partnership
The St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership is a private, nonprofit company dedicated to thoughtful growth and urban redevelopment. The Partnership’s mission is to champion community prosperity through purposeful, transformative projects. Since 1965, the Downtown Partnership has helped to transform downtown, always seeking to be the right catalyst at the right time to move the city forward. The Partnership focuses on big-picture, long-range issues and works to form a shared vision for our future, inspired by global thought leadership, national best practices and local sensibilities. They recognize the relationship between successful cities  and green space, diversity, higher education, art, transit, data-based decisions and a balanced approach to equitable and economically sustainable development.

Learn more about the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership at www.stpetepartnership.org

#StPete #DowntownStPete #EconomicDevelopment #CommunityLeadership #StPetersburgDowntownPartnership #JasonMathis

• The Play, Conscience: The narrative centers on Senator Margaret Chase Smith’s "Declaration of Conscience" against the smear tactics of Joe McCarthy. 
• Community and Collaboration: Dr. Desppain highlights the vibrant Tampa/St. Pete artistic community as a key factor in her professional commitment to the region. Power Stories continues its tradition of supporting women playwrights through the annual Voices of Women Theatre Festival, which is currently accepting submissions for 10-minute shorts.
• Upcoming Projects & Recognition: The organization is co-producing The Wash with The Studio at 620, running October 1st through 11th. Additionally, Big Broadway Energy is currently nominated for "Best Podcast in Tampa Bay," with public voting open through August 30th.

In this episode of STORYTIME with Janet Keeler, the host talks about her recent visit to the “Robert Louis Stevenson: A Child’s Garden of Verses” exhibition at Selby Gardens Historic Spanish Point campus in Osprey. She recommends the day trip before the exhibit closes on Aug. 30. Scattered throughout the grounds are large-scale copies of 14 poems from a 1946 edition of the classic children’s poetry collection. B&W Illustrations are by American artist Alexander Dobkin. QR codes take visitors to readings of the poems by Patti Smith —yes, the rocker Patti Smith — who is Selby’s artist-in-residence. Janet has about 25 editions of “A Child’s Garden of Verses” in her personal collection and two of her favorite poems from her childhood, “Rain” and “The Swing” are part of the thoughtfully curated exhibition. On this episode of STORYTIME, Janet reads them for you. Information on Selby’s website about days and hours also includes links to Smith reading all poems.
ABOUT THE SHOW Storytime with Janet Keeler is for grandparents, parents and kids of all ages about why reading out loud matters. Guests read aloud from favorite children's books, new and old and talk about the stories behind them.

#janetkeeler #storytime #selbygardens

You know Pete Gallagher from Florida Folk Show Saturdays on Radio St. Pete Sunshine 96.7 FM, where he hosts musicians and environmental activists to talk about important conservation issues. In today's Conservation Conversations episode produced and co-hosted by Tim Valle and hosted by Pete Gallagher, he interviews Rachel Curran,  Staff Attorney, Jacobs Public Interest Law Clinic for Democracy and the Environment,  Stetson University College of Law. Learn more about her here.
👉 Says Pete: "Rachel is equally considered a national environmental law expert and has written critical reviews for and participated in numerous important national and state environmental cases. She is also the Florida Programs Staff Attorney with Center for Biological Diversity; where she has written and participated in many state and national legal issues.
👉 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Rachel Curran guides listeners through the many important legal issues, now pressing on the state and national tables regarding wildlife, the Gulf of Mexico, changes to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and more.
👉 Want to know more about the proposed rule they discuss? Learn more here. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/09/26/2025-18728/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-regulations-for-eleven-species-treated-as-listed-due. Protecting lookalikes, especially those with some genetic overlap, is important to ensure the listed species isn’t harmed by those who would claim to only be targeting or incidentally taking the lookalike species (and to protect the lookalikes themselves from becoming endangered).
👉 Jacobs Law Clinic - College of Law (stetson.edu)  provides a much-needed public service of pro bono legal aid while affording Stetson’s law students opportunities to represent underserved clients with hands-on case management and the development of the advocacy skills necessary to be successful attorneys.

#environmentalissues #conservationconversation #biodiversity #petegallagher #endangeredspeciesact #rachelcurran #stetsoncollege of law #jacobslawclinic #timvalle
#radiostpete

(E787 Airs 8/10 5:10 pm) In Passion Struck Episode 787, host John R. Miles interviews executive coach, former therapist, World Champion rower, and Olympic alternate Whitney Otto. As co-author, alongside Deb Schachter, of the book Body Image Inside Out, Otto unpacks the hidden psychological architecture that dictates how we perceive ourselves. This comprehensive discussion reframes negative body image not as a superficial aesthetic failure or an isolated appearance issue, but as a multi-dimensional repository of unprocessed emotions, relational history, early life trauma, and unmet human needs. Moving completely past the forced positive affirmations of traditional self-help, this conversation offers a practical, inside-out framework for sustainable body image healing. By treating somatic distress as an intelligent messenger rather than an external adversary, the BodySelf approach offers a clear behavioral roadmap for moving beyond constant self-criticism and stepping into a life of genuine somatic flourishing.

Explore More: The Ignited Life Newsletter  If today’s episode sparked something in you, you’ll love The Ignited Life—our free Substack newsletter created to fuel your growth between episodes. Join thousands of high-performers, purpose-seekers, and change-makers who are shifting from autopilot to alignment—one intentional insight at a time. Each edition delivers fresh insights on intentional living, resilience, and emotional mastery

• Practical tools like the L.E.N.S. method and micro-habits to ignite change
• Behind-the-scenes reflections from Passion Struck episodes
• Guest wisdom distilled into real-life applications
• Curated resources, quotes, and frameworks to help you live like you matter
• Want to learn the 12 philosophies that the most successful people use to create a limitless life? Order John R. Miles’s new book, Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life.

Tampa Bay, Florida and the world at large, we’re back. This week, after a two week hiatus...we're back. Anna recaps her Philly to NJ charity bike ride. Anthony Fauci gives his testimony or lack there of in front of congress. We reminisce over the Covid era and go over why people owe us a hearty apology. Hear that on the Substack. Sign up for free to sign up.

We will be back live on Wednesday at 6:00PM over at WillsYouTube.com

We do an extra half hour on our Substack that is uncut and uncensored, hope to see you there, it’s free to join.

Get in touch with the show and leave a voice or text message at: (813) 693-2124 or shoot me an email at thehomemadebroadcast@gmail.com

LINKS: https://linktr.ee/hmbradio

The #HMB airs Sunday’s on Sunshine FM 96.7 in downtown St. Petersburg & anywhere in the world at Radio St. Pete @ 6:10PM & Monday’s at 10:15PM or on demand via your favorite podcast app, just search “HMBradio Tampa Bay”.

Dropping by the Arts Alive! studio today is Anthony Gervais, interim executive director at American Stage.  Ostensibly, we’re discussing the theater company’s big weekend event. The American Stage Theatre Flea Market (3-8 p.m. today, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday) represents a bit of spring cleaning (well, summer cleaning) of costumes, including but not limited to regular stuff like dresses, dress shirts, pants, jackets and shoes), furniture, et cetera … the sort of material that collects after 49 years of putting up a full season of shows every 12 months. That’s right, American Stage will turn 50 in 2027, and Gervais reveals there are big plans on the drawing board.

The St. Pete native went from “associate” artistic director to “interim” upon the departure of Helen R. Murray, who left the organization in May.  There’s a lot to talk about.  The discussion also covers his theatrical experience, which began at the Pinellas County Center for the Arts, and includes writing, directing, acting and singing for various bay area companies (Gervais was last seen in the cast of American Stage’s Into the Woods at Demens Landing Park). 
Admission to the Theatre Flea Market is free; American Stage is at 163 3rd Street N., St. Petersburg. Here’s a link with more information.

#billdeyoung #stpetecatalyst #stpetersburg #radiostpete #artsalive #anthonygervais #americanstage

In this Business Spotlight, Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser chats with Thrive DTSP colleague Rich Odato, who is a frequent guest in studio to talk about business tips, marketing and how to use AI responsibly. 
The AMA Tampa Bay announced it's Board of Directors for 2026-2027, and Rich Odato is President. The incoming board's goal is to give real value to Tampa Bay marketers - learning, recognition, a path to national PCM certification - and most importantly connections to other marketers in our community. The organization features at least one learning event and one marketing event every month to connect and bring together our community.
The 2026-2027 AMA Tampa Bay Board includes:
- President: Rich Odato, Odato Marketing Group
- Immediate Past President: Kelsy Long, Vistra
- President Elect/VP Communications: Tyler Adams, Blue Haven Pools on the Gulf
- VP Operations: Carmen (Acevedo) Murillo, formerly The Melting Pot Restaurants and McDonald's
- VP Programming: Pat Cooper, Pegasystems
- VP Sponsorships: Sean Galbraith, Orange 142
- VP Memberships and Volunteers: Dzuy Nguyen, Big Sea
- VP at Large: Casey Young, Friends of the Riverwalk
- VP Collegiate: Evan Brenner, PCM, Geographic Solutions, Inc.
- VP Market Research: Kevin Nobles, Nobles Research, Inc., formerly of Procter & Gamble
- VP Marketer of the Year: Carolina Brom, Pampa Consulting, formerly of Natura

#richodato #AMA Tampabay #businessspotlight #ai #marketing #nanettewiser #radiostpete.com

In this episode of Good Deeds, Lunchtime Conversation host and Bay Magazine Editor Nanette Wiser talks with Kerry O'Reilly, Bay General Manager about how Tampa Bay non-profit leaders can publicize their fundraisers for free in the 2026-2027 Bay magazine's Charity Register Special Edition in the October 2026 issue! It is a great way to get the word out about your organization and your key fundraising event. It publishes on Oct. 12 and the deadline for a FREE basic listing. We also talk about the Tampa Bay Times commitment to journalism and amplifying stories about non-profits, and their recent fundraising drive to help the Pulitzer Prize and award-winning organization alive. 

#charityregister #nanettewiser #kerryoreilly #baymagazine #tampabaynonprofits
#stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

Tricia Smith is the Outreach and Partnerships Coordinator for the St. Petersburg Library System, and was recently in studio with Alexis Baum talking about Kenwood's past, events and historic tours. Tricia will be hosting interviews highlighting librarians and library resources in the community. In this episode, she is joined by Hannah Rose, the Youth and Family Services Librarian at the Mirror Lake Community Library. Mirror Lake is a Carnegie library, and the main library was built in 1964 and renovated in 2009, and again in 2021.  They talk about the history and library programming.
HANNAH ROSE grew up in St. Petersburg, before spending a few years in Massachusetts. She spent time working in schools and now uses those skills to make book displays, bulletin boards, and lead story times at Mirror Lake, where she, as described by friends, has made arts and crafts a big portion of her job. 
TRICIA SMITH is originally from Auburn, Alabama, she received her Master's of Information Science from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville before moving to St. Pete in 2014. She can frequently be seen out in the community with the library's Bookmobile, making sure everyone in St. Pete has the chance to get their library card.

#triciasmith #hannahrose #stpetersburglibraries #mirrorlakecommunitylibrary #read #kidsread #youthread #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

(Airs 8/4) ONE PLACE, MANY VOICES Heritage Village's Hannah Hayes, interviews Pastor Andy at Allendale United Methodist Church.

🎤Welcome to our America 250 celebration and our One Place, Many Voices podcast series powered by Heritage Village, with support from a Florida Humanities grant.   Listen anytime, anywhere to all the One Place, Many Voices podcasts on RadioStPete as we bring Pinellas County history to life through conversations with the people about the places and stories that define us. Help us celebrate America 250,  Heritage Village’s 50th anniversary and other milestones.  The podcast series is  inspired by the Smithsonian’s Many Voices, One Nation exhibit coming to Heritage Village this summer. About the One Place,  Many Voices podcasts.

#pinellascountyhistory #heritagevillage #america250 #onevoicemanyplaces #nanettewiser #floridahumanities #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete  #historyrocks #allendalechurch #pastorandy #hannahhayes

In this episode of MUSIC SCENE, host Nanette Wiser catches up with Clearwater Jazz Holiday CEO Steve Weinberger and music educator & Stop Time podcaster legend Frank Williams. They share stories of how CJH got started, famous folks who helped it grow and talk about the upcoming October 15-18 CJH in Coachman Park, plus the CJH Experience annual jazz jam at Central Park Performing Arts in August 15.  Most importantly, we talk about the mission and how CJH benefits youth music appreciation and performing programs, from summer camps to in-school classes all year round.

#clearwaterjazzholiday #nanettewiser #centralparkperformingartscenter #coachmanpark #clearwater #frankwilliams #youthmusicprograms #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

In this episode of Well, Here's What I Think, Rick Kriseman discusses a topic that could significantly impact the future of St. Petersburg: Amendment 3, which appears on the November ballot and has been titles "Save our homes from excessive property taxes."  Listen to learn more!
Hear all Rick Kriseman's podcasts here.

#rickkriseman #wellhere'swhatIthink #amendment3 #stpetersburg #radiostpete

Storytime podcaster and Eckerd College journalism professor Janet Keeler was in studio with Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser to talk about her podcast, how it got started and why RadioStPete.com is so important as a FREE community resources to amplify stories and produce local podcasts! BEST of the BAY Best Radio Station finalist 2026: Please vote once a day here. https://bit.ly/4bZaM4h
LISTEN anytime, anywhere to 6,000+ songs, 1,500 musicians plus 10,800+ podcasts & interviews! 
Download our free app. Android  https://bit.ly/3K0jAvO  Apple IOS  https://apple.co/46f8B9e
🎼Program Guide https://bit.ly/3JnWnmI   🎤Podcasts/Interviews https://bit.ly/3Jx1mla
🥰Let's Go Guide https://bit.ly/3UP2oM3  🥳What's Happening https://bit.ly/3IU5tYx
🎻 October 2026! Clearwater Jazz Holiday https://www.clearwaterjazz.com/
😎Nov. 2026 Suncoast Jazz Festival https://suncoastjazzfestival.com/

#janetkeeler #storytime #nanettewiser #bestofthebay #radiostpete #creativeloafing #BOG #voteforus

We Don't All Have the Same 24 Hours | Redefining Health with Jen Fry
What does health actually look like — when you factor in ADHD, night owl energy, systemic barriers, and the courage to say the hard thing out loud?

In this episode, I sit down with Jen Fry — conflict resolution coach, speaker, tech entrepreneur, and author of I Said No: How to Have a Backbone and Boundaries Without Being a Jerk — for a wide-ranging conversation about redefining health on our own terms. We talk about why "we all have the same 24 hours" is a myth that ignores real systemic barriers, how to have direct conversations without blowing things up, what it means to be a villager in your community, and why the consequence you're afraid of might already be happening. This one goes places. Come curious.

📚 Guest Info

• Website: https://jenfrytalks.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenfrytalks
• Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/jenfrytalks
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenfrytalks
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jenfrytalks

Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser is a fan of Jeannie Carlson's Tampa Bay Newspaper articles, and finally had a chance to meet her in person to talk about her new St. Petersburg Press book, Aland A Land.
“…fragmentary, puzzle-like with edges…”  Aland A Land is an investigative poetics project two millennia in the making. Jeannie Carlson, author, poet, journalist, educator and opera singer merges a luminous mélange of poetry, prose, digital art, and photos spanning over a century to capture her legacy as a daughter of the Aland Islands. At the time of Christ, when the author’s ancestors first walked the 25 miles across the frozen Baltic from what is now Stockholm to the Aland Islands, their particular heritage began to flourish.  The first step of her journey began with her great-grandfather, Carl M. Carlson’s (1869-1941) journal that was translated from Swedish-English and published in 1992 by Carl’s grandson, Richard Gingrich, son of Carl’s daughter, Helen. The next leg of her voyage was on a family roots trip organized by her uncle, The Rev. Dr. Robert Carlson, to Scandinavia in 2007 along with the other descendants of Carl’s son, Arthur, where she met her Aland cousins. These pivotal experiences led to her pursuit of researching her connection to Aland, transforming her essence as historical bard, conceptionalizing her connection to place – these quasi-mythological islands crowning the Baltic Sea.
UPCOMING BOOK EVENTS
1. Book Signing at Wilsons Bookworld in St. Petersburg on Fri.,Aug. 14 (4-6pm)
2. FloridaRAMA Literary Festival, St. Petersburg on Sat., Aug. 22 (noon-6pm)
3.Book Signing at PDQ 4th Street North, St. Petersburg on Thurs., Sept. 17   (1-4pm)  and a free lunch with the purchase of her on book!
4."Tales and Tails" book signing at Sweet Sage Cafe in North Redington Beach on Fri., Sept. 25 (11am-1pm). A complimentary Swedish Ginger Snap Cookie for each patron and a milk bone for each patron's dog.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR  Jeannie Carlson is an award-winning writer experienced in fiction and nonfiction genres, with multiple freelance credits, published in newspapers, periodicals and books internationally.  She has a bachelor’s degree in theatre from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, Lynchburg, Virginia and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Naropa University, Boulder, Colorado. Born in the Scandinavian neighborhood of Bay Ridge in Brooklyn, New York, Jeannie grew up in the New York metropolitan area where she sang in professional theatre and opera. She is a NYC transplant, but considers herself a semi-native of St. Petersburg, Florida where she lives with her husband and their chatty housecat.  Jeannie is a correspondent for Tampa Bay Newspapers, Inc. as seen in Tampa Bay Times, TBNWeekly.com and Beach Beacon among others. She has taught English and English Literature courses at St. Petersburg College and Hillsborough Community College. A contributing writer for the Northeast Journal, Jeannie pens a bi-monthly poetry column, ONE Inspires where the results of her wandering the neighborhood come to fruition.  Visit her at www.JeannieCarlson.com.

#jeanniecarlson #stpetersburgpress #nanettewiser #author #aland aland #poetrybiography #author #booktalk #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

In this episode of Historically St. Pete, St. Petersburg Museum of History's Executive Director continues his interview series with The Rowdies and Soccer Legends. "Welcome to Historically St Pete, a weekly conversation where we explore the truths, and myths of the people and events that created the Sunshine City. My name is Rui Farias and I have the best job in town, I’m the Executive Director of the St. Petersburg Museum of History. Located on the St. Pete Pier, the Museum of History has been sharing the stories of the Sunshine City for 104 years, and now we get to share them with you here on Radio St. Pete!  We just finished a magical summer. At least to me and my soccer friends all over the world. We were glued to our TVs, watching 104 matches and taking in the craziness of the FIFA World Cup.  Now that Messi has lost. Sorry, Pele and Cristiano Ronaldo will always be the Greatest of All Time, we can turn our soccer attention closer to home. The Tampa Bay Rowdies are having a fantastic season in Al Lang Stadium, and on August 13th the second annual Tampa Bay Soccer Hall of Fame dinner and awards ceremony will be held in Higgins Hall in Tampa. Joining me today to talk about the soccer celebration is Tampa Bay Rowdies legend Perry Van Der Beck."

#historicallystepete #ruifarias #rowdies #perryvanderbeck #allangstatidum #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

• Developed in collaboration with Florida Humanities, the Smithsonian Museum on Main Street, and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, this exhibition acknowledges the nation’s semiquincentennial — America 250.
  The exhibit blends national Smithsonian resources with locally curated content, connecting the history of St. Petersburg and the broader Gulf Coast region to the American narrative. It ensures that our city’s story is recognized as an essential chapter in the nation’s unfolding history. This powerful experience explores our shared past, the diverse voices that shape our nation, and the collective journey of our community.
• Come see the Beacon of Hope. The monumental sculpture “Harriet Tubman: The Beacon of Hope” has arrived in Florida for the first time in its history and is being exhibited in the Legacy Garden at the Woodson African American Museum of Florida. This beautiful sculpture is rich in powerful symbolism and you’re invited to experience it in the Legacy Garden. Admission is Free. “The Beacon of Hope” is a monument that tells Harriet Tubman’s continuing story; that amplifies her message of equality, so that all may hear it; and that chronicles her journey. It is our hope that generations of children and adults alike will find the inspiration and the courage to walk in her footsteps and draw strength from the powerful story of one of our great American heroes, finding it within themselves to become “The Beacon of Hope” for others.
• The Underground Railroad Experience is an immersive, walk-through outdoor installation set within The Woodson’s Legacy Garden — a living landscape transformed into a space of profound historical – what’s next?
  Take a journey through America’s original Underground Railroad and travel the road north that history has long celebrated.
  Explore the little-known path south called the Saltwater Underground Railroad, from South Carolina, Georgia and Florida and across the waters to the Bahamas.
  Through winding pathways, interpretive and digital presentations and historical imagery, the garden’s natural terrain becomes the terrain of that journey — honoring the courage, ingenuity, and enduring humanity of those who walked it.
  The Underground Railroad Experience invites visitors to reflect, connect, and celebrate the resilience and cultural significance of the multicultural heritage and legacy of the community and region.

• Gold chains and bracelets. People are discovering all of the classic styles that are new to them and that there's a lot more than one kind. Women and men are thinking beyond the cuban chain, which is still great. Yellow is king and queen of the gold colors. 
• Arm cuffs and celestial designs (more suns, moons and stars) alongside organic forms have made a comeback. People want something unique. 
• Diamonds by the yard are great for work, these are nice gold or silver necklaces that feature bezel set diamonds. 
• Stay hello to diamond stud earrings in natural and lab, single stone and bezel set necklaces but with a colorful twist. Repurposing old stones and gold has become more popular as well with the high price of gold. So people are taking what they don't wear and turning it into something they will. Studs are easy style and go well with a gala style or for work. 
• Minimalism & Maximalism are the both in. Here's the twist. Personal curation. Stackable rings and layered necklaces are dominating the trend. It's as many as look good with the outfit. The trend and style advice is to balance statement pieces with timeless, dainty staples.  
• Platinum has become a more common option this year with the price of gold increasing. White gold is still a great option but Platinum was invented to replace it. Great for silver tones in gala season.
• We are still seeing hidden halos as a popular design in bridal but that's made it's way over into fashion as well! 
• Two stone rings in different styles have been much more popular this year. Moval cut stones are becoming more popular. Elongated cushion cuts are also especially popular, so they will start to make their way into fashion jewelry! They are great to wear as necklaces or as stud earrings.
•  Design-led storytelling, color, and sculptural metalwork are the dominant creative trends in 2026. Champagne / Desert Diamonds are making a comeback for engagement rings, so expect to see them show up in fashion. 

And now, the end is near, and so I face the final curtain ....
With apologies to Paul Anka, who wrote “My Way,” it’s not really a final curtain. Nothing so dramatic.

In the case of Paul Wilborn, who’s been the executive director of St. Petersburg’s Palladium Theater since 2007, it’s more of a metaphorical curtain, anyway. And it’s coming down at the conclusion of Act One.  Following tonight’s sold-out jazz concert in the Side Door Cabaret, the Palladium’s small-ish downstairs room, the entire facility will be shutting down. For a year.

Wilborn, who did it his way, and will continue to do so, guests on today’s Arts Alive! podcast to chat about the closure – it’s for much-needed and long-awaited renovations – and what it might mean for the Palladium’s legion of regular customers, the bay area performing artists who call it home, and for the Big Boss Man himself. 

“We’ve been working at this for three years,” Wilborn explains. “It really does need to happen. And the good news is, we needed to raise about 10.5, 11 million dollars, and we exceeded that. And we had to get real money in the bank, because it’s not something you can just do on credit.  “So the hard work for me was raising that money. And that’s what kept me up at night.”

The renovations focus on “seating, sightlines and audience experience” in the building which is 101 years old. “It’s going to be a big change,” he admits, “but I’m excited about it.”  Coming in 2027: Act Two.

 #paulwilborn #billdeyoung #artsalive #stpetecatalyst #thepalladium #artsalive

Episode Title: Whose Stories Are We Making Room For?
What happens when a literary event unintentionally excludes a community it hopes to celebrate? In this month's episode, memoir author and instructor Kerry Kriseman reflects on a recent news story that raises a much larger question: Who do we consider when we create spaces for stories—and whose voices are we unintentionally leaving out?

Through the lens of memoir writing, Kerry explores the power of perspective, the importance of empathy, and why every person's lived experience deserves to be heard. Whether you're a writer, an avid reader, or someone who simply believes stories have the power to connect us, this conversation is an invitation to broaden your understanding of the world by listening to voices different from your own.
In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Why every person's perspective is unique—and worth preserving
• How memoir helps us see the world through someone else's eyes
• The difference between welcoming people and truly considering them
• Why reading diverse stories builds empathy and understanding
• An invitation to embrace your own story as one that matters

E247 In this episode of Florida Spectacular,  Cathy Salustri and Ryan Worthington talk about Sundown Towns, apologies, and the problems the racism of the past still creates.
Tougaloo College's Sundown Town database
Was Gulfport, Florida a Sundown Town?
South Pinellas Sundown Towns  Florida Sundown Towns 

Support the show
Question or comment?  cathy@floridaspectacular.com.
Subscribe to The Florida Spectacular newsletter, and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com. Keep up with Rick at studiohourglass.blogspot.com and get his books at rickkilby.com. Find Cathy on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy and everywhere else as @CathySalustri; connect with Rick Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth, Bluesky (@oldfla.bsky.social), and IG (@ricklebee).

In this episode of Soundscapes, host Domenico Pontoriero sits down with composer, keyboardist, and recording engineer Jessica Tomlinson for an inspiring conversation about creativity without boundaries. Jessica shares how being legally blind has shaped, rather than limited, her artistic process, leading her to develop unique workflows and modify her equipment to create immersive experimental music. Together, they explore the value of experimentation, the importance of embracing imperfections, the technology behind her sonic landscapes, and why kindness, curiosity, and self-forgiveness are just as essential to making music as technical skill. It's a thoughtful conversation about finding your own creative voice and turning challenges into opportunities.

About Jessica Tomlinson

Jessica Tomlinson is a composer, keyboardist, singer, and recording engineer based in the Tampa Bay area whose work blends experimental sound design, synthesizers, and boundary-pushing electronic composition. A member of the pop-rock band Rainbow Portal, Jessica also creates original experimental works from her home studio, where she enjoys building new sounds through synthesis, recording, and audio production.

Legally blind since birth, Jessica has developed innovative techniques and customized technology that allow her to work confidently as both a performer and recording engineer. Beyond her own music, she is deeply committed to accessibility and community service. She serves as an instrument instructor and band coach with Girls Rock St. Pete, teaches assistive technology to blind and visually impaired seniors, and is a proud member of Blind Pride International. Through both her music and advocacy, Jessica demonstrates how creativity, resilience, and compassion can transform obstacles into inspiration.

https://linktr.ee/the_vi_artist

About Domenico Pontoriero

Domenico Pontoriero is a St. Petersburg–based artist, composer, and radio host working across instrumental music, film, and community arts. He releases music under the moniker Boy in the Rain, an instrumental project with two studio albums available on all major streaming platforms and at BoyintheRain.com. An award-winning filmmaker, Domenico’s short art film has screened at more than 15 film festivals worldwide, including the SunScreen Film Festival in St. Petersburg. His creative work is rooted in atmosphere, storytelling, and place—whether through sound, image, or live broadcast.

Domenico brings years of experience behind the microphone, including his time at WMNF in Tampa, where he co-hosted Made in the Dark. He currently hosts Soundscapes, airing Monday nights at 10 PM, a weekly program dedicated to immersive, locally made instrumental music. Soundscapes highlights regional composers, nurtures creative community, and supports the performing arts scene throughout the St. Petersburg area.

The show is accompanied by the Soundscapes podcast, where Domenico interviews guest co-hosts featured on the program, offering listeners a deeper look into their creative processes, influences, and artistic journeys.

#Soundscapes #StPeteArts #IndependentMusician #radiostpete #localmusic #instrumentalmusic #domenicopontoriero #boyintherain #ExperimentalMusic #WomenInMusic

80% of People Don’t Do This When Grocery Shopping (and it’s an easy fix!)

(Airs 7/28) Join Dr Brandy Stark of the SPIRITS of St Petersburg as she interviews Cynthia (Cindy) Stanford,  the past Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post 39 (2023-2026), the second oldest VFW in the world located on Central Avenue and 26th Street.  Rumored to be haunted, the SPIRITS of St Petersburg investigated the location over the past 2 years. During this interview, we discuss the ghosts, investigations, and paranormal experiences from this very unique historical location in downtown St Petersburg.
MEET OUR GUEST Cindy Stanford is a retired Air Force veteran who served from 1983 to 2007 as a surgical technician and Education and Training Manager. She has worked for the Department of Veteran Affairs, was the first female commander in 75 years of VFW Post 6827 and has held every elected position in the VFW up to district 9 Commander (2024 - 25). She was Commander of post 39 from 2023 to 2026.
🎤Welcome to One Place, Many Voices podcast series powered by Heritage Village, with support from a Florida Humanities grant.   Listen anytime, anywhere to all the One Place, Many Voices podcasts on RadioStPete as we bring Pinellas County history to life through conversations with the people about the places and stories that define us. In 2026, we're celebrating America 250, Heritage Village’s 50th anniversary and other milestones.  The podcast series is  inspired by the Smithsonian’s Many Voices, One Nation exhibit coming to Heritage Village this summer. About the One Place,  Many Voices podcasts.

#spiritsofstpete #hauntedvfw #brandistark #cindystanford #oneplacemanyvoices #pinellascountyhistory #stpetersburghistory

Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser chats with Matthew Cossolotto on his inspiring career as a speechwriter, public speaker and man of big ideas. His newest book, with a forward by Jack Canfield ("Chicken Soup for the Soul" series), was a promise he made to his mother. This entertaining interview takes us to ideas from Paul McCartney to famous business advice authors. And you'll never break a promise again after you listen!
OUR GUEST  Matthew Cossolotto's high-profile speechwriting career spans the corridors of power and influence on both sides of the Atlantic – as a former speechwriter for top officials at NATO headquarters in Brussels, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Chancellor of UCLA, senior executives of several Fortune 100 corporations, and as a legislative aide to former Congressman Leon Panetta."The Empowerment Pro" Author / Speaker / Speech Coach / Speechwriter
www.MatthewCossolotto.com   www.TheEmpowermentPro.com
 
BOOKS   Learn more about the books here.
Harness Your PromisePower is the second book in Matthew Cossolotto's personal empowerment trilogy, preceded by the award-winning The Joy of Public Speaking, published in 2021. Harness Your HabitForce – which highlights the seven habits of FAILURE and the equal-but-opposite habits of SUCCESS – will be released in the coming months. Matthew offers a lineup of Personal Empowerment Programs (PEPTalks) that are animated by a core concept: Success is an inside job.
Turn stage fright into stage delight with The Joy of Public Speaking, a  comprehensive, how-to guide for speaking success and personal empowerment. In this award-winning and entertaining book, Matthew Cossolotto distills key insights from his high-profile speechwriting and speech coaching career. As a guest speaker, workshop leader, and speech coach, Cossolotto has shared his ideas and expertise with a wide range of domestic and international audiences, including corporations, associations, government agencies, conferences, schools, community groups, and nonprofits/NGOs. Whether you're an experienced, novice, or terrified speaker, this breakthrough book—packed with powerful mindset shifts, profound insights, and practical tips—can help you advance your career, enhance your leadership skills, and reach your peak potential... on and off the podium. 

#nanettewiser #empowerment #publicspeaking #theempowermentpro #matthewcossolotto  stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

From his days as an intern with the Yankees and later as the PR Director for the St. Louis Cardinals, including a season when the Cards won the World Series, Kip Ingle shares lots of baseball stories with host Dan Hirshberg. More recently, Kip has a lot to say about the sports memorabilia business of which he is very active. Is your Mickey Mantle baseball card worth anything if it has a thumb tack hole in it? What's hot now? What's the best way to get started in the collecting hobby? Get those baseball cards out of the closet and listen in to see if you might have that million dollar collectible.   

#playball #kipingle #danhirshberg #sportsmemorabilia #baseballcards #stlouiscardinals
#stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

Mayor Kenneth T. Welch and Congresswoman Kathy Castor hosted a press conference on Monday to announce more than $2.29 million in federal funding awarded for two stormwater flood mitigation projects.

This funding came from Community Project Funding Requests submitted by Rep. Castor on behalf of the City of St. Petersburg and was awarded through FEMA's Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant program. The funding will support infrastructure upgrades in two flood-prone areas of the city, reducing roadway and structure flooding and improving stormwater system resiliency for residents.

Together, these projects are expected to reduce roadway and structure flooding, improve emergency access and public safety during storm events, and strengthen the long-term reliability of the city's stormwater infrastructure.

MLK St. South Flooding Alleviation  $1,145,144

This project will elevate the Phase 1 section of Martin Luther King Jr. Street South, south of Salt Creek, to address flooding that currently makes the road impassable during heavy rain. The section was identified through the city's Basin C Analysis as too low, allowing ponding when lake levels and tail water conditions overwhelm the subsurface drainage system. Storm culverts along the roadway will be upsized to improve drainage capacity for current and future conditions.

88th Avenue and 4th Street North Storm Drainage Improvements  $1,145,144

This project addresses recurring street flooding near a tidally influenced stormwater outfall, where sea level rise and increasingly intense rain events especially during high tide have caused frequent flooding for residents. Improvements include upsizing and replacing stormwater conveyance systems, installing new inlets and underground piping, and adding stormwater storage through detention or retention facilities, with green infrastructure elements incorporated where feasible to improve water quality and reduce runoff. #stpete #stpetefl 

• Practical tools like the L.E.N.S. method and micro-habits to ignite change
• Behind-the-scenes reflections from Passion Struck episodes
• Guest wisdom distilled into real-life applications
• Curated resources, quotes, and frameworks to help you live like you matter
• Want to learn the 12 philosophies that the most successful people use to create a limitless life? Order John R. Miles’s new book, Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life.

In this episode of Pet Tips, host Nanette Wiser chats with her good friend Beverly Gianna, a jeweler who loves dogs and her fur-baby Shadow. As part of her desire to give back to our community, she has partnered with Pet Pal to help get rescue pups get a forever home. Says Beverly: "We will be doing a three day Pet Pal Event from September 24-26, but on Thursday there will be adoptable pets with a raffle for a pet-inspired AK ring announced Saturday 4pm. The fundraising for Pet Pal will continue monthly at the store on Central Avenue, and Beverly plans to debut a treasure chest where people can donate jewelry for Pet Pal's thrift store on Saturday as well.    Here are some of the pets to be featured in upcoming emails should they still be adoptable! 
https://petpalanimalshelter.com/adoption/pet-profile/?type=Dog&id=9966
https://petpalanimalshelter.com/adoption/pet-profile/?type=Dog&id=9965
https://petpalanimalshelter.com/adoption/pet-profile/?type=Dog&id=9741

#pettips #petpal #gooddeeds #rescuepetfundraiser #beverlygianna #jeweler #nanettewiser #pet-inspiredjewelry

Florida Spectacular Episode 251: Wonders of Shadow Key, Elvis, and Cryptids We Have Loved
Florida author John Fleming joins the podcast to talk about his latest book, Wonders of Shadow Key.
Links to cone

Connections TV show (BBC)

John Fleming's website

Follow That Dream (movie)

The Legend of the Barefoot Mailman

Fearsome Creatures of Florida (and the website)

Dave Barry's Swamp Story

Songs for the Deaf

The Book I Will Write

Fearsome Creatures of the Lumberwoods 

Support the show

Question or comment? Email us at cathy@floridaspectacular.com.

Subscribe to The Florida Spectacular newsletter, and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com. Keep up with Rick at studiohourglass.blogspot.com and get his books at rickkilby.com.

Find Cathy on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy and everywhere else as @CathySalustri; connect with Rick Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth, Bluesky (@oldfla.bsky.social), and IG (@ricklebee).

Today’s guests on the Arts Alive! podcast are Stephanie Agudelo, events coordinator for St. Petersburg’s Imagine Museum, and Ora Fraze, owner and operator of the art gallery Ultra Mundane.  Both are artists whose work is featured in the third annual Graphic Worlds exhibit, today through Sunday at the Imagine (Agudelo is also Ultra Mundane’s co-curator).

Graphic Worlds, subtitled Anime & Comic Book Exhibition, is a celebration of anime and comic book art, and its close relationship with the mind-bendingly creative glass art that is the museum’s everyday calling card (there’s a lot of new stuff, curated just for this weekend, on display).  Cosplay is encouraged; show up in costume and they’ll waive the regular museum admission fee. You’ll be able to visit all the glass galleries, too.

Tonight (5-8 p.m.) is a gallery-wide Anime Market (a.k.a. “Mythic Manga Market”), with 14 vendors set up in different galleries, selling collectibles, artisan goods and more. Be advised: There’s a scavenger hunt involved. Saturday delivers a cosplay contest, workshops, fun and games (including trivia, retro gaming and trinket trading), and a “Pokémon Terrarium Workshop.” 

 #imaginemuseum #animecomicbooks #billdeyoung #artsalive

The exhibit’s official opening reception (starting at 5 p.m. Saturday) includes performances by the Button Smashers, Pinellas Park’s self-described “anime/nerd ska band.” The costumed group performs original arrangements of music from video games, anime, cartoons and pop culture history (sets at 5:30 and 6:45 p.m.).
Graphic Worlds: Anime & Comic Book Exhibition continues 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. .

• Hear all the AB Sees you episodes here. 
• Get to the Roots w/Stef Hinton  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550618326683

It's An All-Star Time of Year!  It's baseball's all-star time of the year and with longtime sportswriter Michael Weilamann(left) joining host Dan Hirshberg (right) the talk is all about this year's picks - and who wasn't picked, all-star game history, surprises and disappointments so far, and what might be expected when the season resumes as we head into the second half of the season. Weilamann, who has covered baseball nationally, is a devoted fan of the Kansas City Royals. We'll give him a pass on that for this podcast! Want more of Dan Hirshberg's Play Ball!!? Check out his Facebook page, Danny Baseball 56. 

#playball #danhirshberg

Presented by the Tampa Bay Times, in partnership with Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg 
(7/21/2026) Rebroadcast by RadioStPete Sunshine 96.7 FM August 21 during Lunchtime Conversations. The Tampa Bay Times Spotlight conversation was held  at The Palladium (7/16/2026). 
Few factors threaten to impact the makeup of Tampa Bay neighborhoods more than climate change. Whether it be fiercer hurricanes or more frequent sunny day flooding, climate change will force residents to reckon with the fact that their homes may sit in perilous places. Will this prompt people to abandon once-desirable neighborhoods that now are under threat? And how will this reshape the socioeconomic makeup of communities? In this free community conversation, they examined how climate change is already reshaping Tampa Bay neighborhoods and how it could make them look drastically different from today.  
Moderator 
Jack Prator
Environment Reporter, Tampa Bay Times
Panelists
Mack Feldman 
Vice President of Asset Management, Feldman Equities

Sam Henderson 
Adjunct Professor of Natural Sciences, St. Petersburg College

On this episode of Sunshine City Strong, host Kayla West sits down with Lily Simone, a coach at The Yard Gym in St. Petersburg, to discuss strength training, building confidence in the gym, and the importance of creating a welcoming fitness community for people of all experience levels.
Lily shares her personal journey into fitness, from her background as a professional dancer with the Orlando Magic to discovering strength training while working at LA Fitness in St. Pete. What started as a way to stay strong and healthy eventually grew into a passion for coaching, helping others, and creating meaningful connections through fitness.

The conversation explores Lily’s transition into group fitness coaching and how discovering the community aspect of fitness changed the way she viewed training. After years of individual workouts and bodybuilding competitions, Lily found a new appreciation for the energy, accountability, and support that comes from working out alongside others.

Kayla and Lily discuss how The Yard Gym creates an inclusive environment where anyone—from beginners stepping into a gym for the first time to experienced athletes—can feel challenged, supported, and welcomed. Lily emphasizes that fitness is not about being perfect, but about finding movement that works for you, building consistency, and celebrating progress along the way.

Lily also shares some of her most rewarding moments as a coach, including helping members improve their form, build confidence, and accomplish goals they once thought were out of reach. She highlights the importance of coaches understanding each person’s individual journey and creating a space where participants feel seen, encouraged, and motivated.

The episode also dives into the difference between motivation and discipline, why consistency matters more than perfection, and how building healthy habits can positively impact every area of life. Lily encourages anyone who feels intimidated by a gym to take the first step, try something new, and remember that every fitness journey begins somewhere.

The conversation concludes with Lily sharing her favorite exercises, fitness routines, and advice for anyone looking to live a healthier lifestyle. Whether you are new to fitness or looking to take your training to the next level, this episode highlights the power of movement, community, and believing in yourself.

Find out more here:
The Yard Gym

About Lily Simone
Lily Simone became a Certified Personal Trainer because fitness has always been her therapy. It has transformed not only her body but also her mindset, and she is passionate about helping others experience that same confidence and strength.

Understanding how overwhelming the fitness world can be with so much conflicting advice, Lily’s goal is to simplify the process, help clients discover what works best for them, and support them in reaching their goals—all while making fitness enjoyable and sustainable with room for balance in everyday life.

Fitness has taught Lily discipline, resilience, confidence, and the power of believing in herself. It has shown her that she is capable of doing hard things, and she strives to help others realize they are capable of the same.

Lily grew up dancing and had the incredible opportunity to perform professionally as a dancer for the Orlando Magic for four seasons. During that time, she also developed a passion for bodybuilding and earned Nationally Qualified athlete status in 2018. Those experiences shaped her dedication to movement, athletic performance, and helping others become the strongest version of themselves.

One of Lily’s favorite things about THE YARD GYM St. Pete is its focus on developing well-rounded athletes. The gym’s programming allows members to train toward their individual goals—whether building strength, improving performance, or simply becoming healthier. Just as importantly, members are surrounded by an encouraging community that supports them every step of the way.

About Kayla West
Kayla is a student at the University of Alabama with a passion for broadcasting, journalism, and fitness. She has experience in reporting, writing, and media production, having worked on news coverage throughout high school and continuing to develop her skills through internships and hands-on broadcasting opportunities. Kayla is especially interested in sports storytelling and creating content that connects with audiences in meaningful ways.
Alongside her media pursuits, Kayla is actively working toward her fitness certification and has a strong interest in health, wellness, and exercise. Through her podcast, she aims to bring listeners conversations with athletes, coaches, fitness professionals, and other inspiring guests who share their expertise and personal journeys. Her goal is to educate, motivate, and inspire others while combining her passions for broadcasting, sports, and fitness.

#KaylaWest #LilySimone #theyardgym #fitness #stpetersburgfl #orlandomagic

Randy Ojeda is a Tampa-based entertainment and music attorney, artist manager, and creative advocate. He is the founder of Randy Ojeda Law PLLC, a firm focused specifically on providing legal and business counsel for independent musicians, producers, songwriters, record labels, and creative entrepreneurs. randyojedalaw,com

Megan Hammer is a digital marketer with a business background, content creation experience, analytics exposure, social media management experience, and proven audience growth skills.

Tampa Bay, Florida and the world at large, we’re back. This week, Happy Birthday, Tampa you old biatch! Jokes are just real life now and it turns out Taco Bell may be responsible for the Taco Bell Cyclospora outbreak so if you eat there you might get explosive diarrhea. Later, a co-worker opens up to Anna and tells his deepest and darkest secrets. Howard Stern is BACK on SiriusXM...for one day a week. Hear that on the Substack. Sign up for free to sign up.

We will be back live on Wednesday at 6:00PM over at WillsYouTube.com

We do an extra half hour on our Substack that is uncut and uncensored, hope to see you there, it’s free to join.

Get in touch with the show and leave a voice or text message at: (813) 693-2124 or shoot me an email at thehomemadebroadcast@gmail.com

LINKS: https://linktr.ee/hmbradio

The #HMB airs Sunday’s on Sunshine FM 96.7 in downtown St. Petersburg & anywhere in the world at Radio St. Pete @ 6:10PM & Monday’s at 10:15PM or on demand via your favorite podcast app, just search “HMBradio Tampa Bay”.

It’s barely half over, but at this point it looks, theatrically speaking, like 2026 might be remembered as The Year of Cody Farkas.  The Pasco County actor, singer and dancer didn’t exactly appear out of nowhere; he’s performed with Stageworks, the Off-Central and the USF theatre company, as well as Sarasota’s West Coast Black Theatre Troupe.  Since January, however, Farkas has appeared in three shows with Jobsite Theater, including the rock musical Green Day’s American Idiot, opening tonight at the Jaeb Theatre in Tampa’s Straz Center for the Performing Arts. Jobsite 

In this hyper-kinetic, three-ring circus of a musical, he’s Johnny, the erstwhile leader of a gang of three alienated, confused suburban kids looking for more out of life.  The trio is part of a larger ensemble of alienated, confused suburban kids, all of whom dance, thrust and fist-pump, individually and together as a unit, like a school of wary fish not content to be in the same spot for too long.  

Based on the 2004 album American Idiot, a “punk rock opera” by the California rock trio Green Day, the play mixes elements of Hair, Rent and Spring Awakening, but has a freshness and spirit unlike anything that came before, or since.

Farkas, whose most recent Jobsite show was the making-of-Jaws play The Shark is Broken (he starred as Richard Dreyfuss) is quick to praise his fellow American Idiot cast members, as well as the triumvirate of creatives who brought the production home: Director David M. Jenkins, Music Director Jeremy Douglass and choreographer Alexander Jones.

#artsalive #billdeyoung #jobsitetheater #greenday #theater #musical #americanidiot
#stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

• People pleasing and perfectionism
• High achievement and emotional wellbeing
• Childhood beliefs and adult relationships
• Letting go of outcomes
• Boundaries and self-worth
• Living fully in the present
• Therapy, healing, and identity
• Work-life balance and burnout

• Website: DeMonta Whiting Coaching & Therapy
• Instagram: @demonta_the_therapist
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demontawhitinglmft

• The Mission: Founded during Robertson’s MFA program to create a pipeline for new plays, the theater now receives 300 to 500 script submissions a year. It has produced works by 67 playwrights and given 23 artists their first professional opportunities.

• True Collaboration & Dramaturgy: The theater operates as a safe, non-authoritarian space where actors, directors, and playwrights collaborate to reshape scripts. 

• Stepping Away from Corporate America: Both Riordan and Robertson bond over leaving stable corporate careers (Robertson in 2010, Riordan in 2023) to commit entirely to the arts, noting how supportive the creative community is when you dare to ask for help. Robertson is also currently pursuing a PhD in Education to further advocate for the intrinsic value of the arts.

The Sci-Fi Element: The script incorporates artificial intelligence, featuring a terrifying courtroom sequence where the protagonist's entire legal defense, investigation, and prosecution are handled entirely by androids, prompting questions about human agency in an AI-driven world.

• Pitch to Production Workshop: Launching this fall, this rigorous 12-week, master ’s-level course guides local writers from an initial pitch to a completed draft, utilizing seasoned national playwrights as mentors.

• On-Demand Streaming: To assist long-distance playwrights and expand ticket sales, the theater streams its productions on demand for 24 hours during the final weekend of each run.

In this episode of Lunchtime Conversations, host Nanette Wiser shares a USA Today feature that looked at iconic brands of the past 250 years. Says the article: American businesses haven't just sold products. They've sparked movements...and reshaped how we live, work and connect. Across generations, these brands have become cultural touchstones." Here are a few that resonated with me!

#nanettewiser #america250history #oneplacemanyvoices  
#stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

Ina is a 41-year-old literary scholar on the cusp of professional success. With a coveted university job, a kind husband, and a book on Eugene O’Neill due in months, her life appears enviably stable. But when an impulsive kiss with a stranger shatters her self-control, Ina finds herself plunged into an erotic and emotional freefall.  She tells herself it’s research—a brief detour before returning to real life. But what begins as a flirtation becomes a reckoning with everything Ina thought she wanted: marriage, intellect, control. As she navigates the ecstatic confusion of newfound desire, she risks upending her work, her relationship, and her understanding of who she is. Set in Brooklyn and Manhattan at the turn of the millennium, Don’t Stop is a bold, immersive debut that explores what happens when a woman dares to want more—of the world, of her body, of herself. Bonnie Friedman delivers a novel of transgression, transformation, and unapologetic longing.
Bonnie Friedman  is the author of the bestselling Writing Past Dark, named one of the Essential Books for Writers by the Center for Fiction and Poets & Writers. She is also the author of The Thief of Happiness and Surrendering Oz, a finalist for the PEN Award in the Art of the Essay. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Ploughshares and numerous other literary journals, and she has been named a notable essayist four times in The Best American Essays. She has taught writing at the University of Iowa, Dartmouth, NYU, and the University of North Texas. Don’t Stop is her first novel.

#bonniefriedman #author #writer #Don'tstop #debcarson #books  
#stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

In this episode of Music Scene, host Nanette Wiser catches up with Dwayne White who hosts the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Monday Night Jazz Jam at The Hangar. Don't miss the Al Downing Honors ft. Allison Nash this Sunday July 19 4:00 pm at the Side Door Cabaret
Doors at 3pm | Show at 4pm.
https://mypalladium.org/events/al-downing-honors-ft-allison-nash-hosted-by-erica-sutherlin/
**Presented by Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association and the Palladium at SPC.
**Al Downing Honors Presents A Celebration of the Life, Legacy, and Impact of Alvin Joseph Downing
**The 2026 Al Downing Honors, featuring jazz vocalist Allison Nash, hosted and emceed by Dr. Mendee Ligon, pays tribute to individuals who have contributed to the understanding and appreciation of Jazz in the Tampa Bay area. By proclamation in 2023, the City of St. Petersburg Arts, Culture, and Tourism acknowledge, celebrate, and recognize July 19th as Al Downing Day of St. Petersburg.
**Alvin J Downing (1916-2000), 2025 Florida Artist Hall of Fame Inductee, Jazz Music Icon, Tuskegee Airman, Professor of Music at Gibbs High School and St. Petersburg College, and known as the Ambassador of Jazz by the Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation.
NEWS UPDATE The Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association (ADTBJA) proudly announces the recipients of the 2026 Al Downing Honors, recognizing four extraordinary individuals whose achievements have enriched the Tampa Bay jazz community through performance, education, advocacy, and a lifetime of artistic excellence.
Presented annually to celebrate Al Downing Day, the awards celebrate the enduring legacy of Alvin Joseph "Al" Downing (1916–2000)—2025 Florida Artist Hall of Fame inductee, Tuskegee Airman, legendary educator, and internationally respected jazz ambassador whose influence continues to inspire generations of musicians and audiences.
The awards will be presented at 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the Palladium Theater's Side Door Cabaret in St. Petersburg. Tickets are available at https://www.aldowningjazz.com/events.
2026 Al Downing Honors Recipients
Jazz Musician of the Year
Kenny Walker
A gifted bassist, composer, educator, and mentor, Kenny Walker has been a cornerstone of Tampa Bay's jazz community for decades. Beginning his professional career with the legendary Al Downing AllStars, Walker has performed with many of the region's finest artists while continually expanding his creative voice as a composer and electronic musician. Through his New Groove City Music Complex, he provided an invaluable rehearsal and recording home for countless local musicians, making a lasting impact both on and off the stage.
Jazz Educator of the Year
Robert Thomas
Robert Thomas has devoted more than twenty years to inspiring young musicians through excellence in music education. A graduate of Florida A&M University and former lead trumpeter with the university's renowned jazz program, Thomas has built an exceptional career as an educator and band director in Pinellas County. His numerous honors—including 2025 Pinellas County Center for the Arts Teacher of the Year and 2026 Zeta Phi Beta Distinguished Education Award—reflect his unwavering commitment to developing the next generation of musicians.
Jazz Supporter of the Year
Warren Buchholz
Warren Buchholz has become one of Tampa Bay's strongest advocates for jazz through his innovative work in media, digital storytelling, and community engagement. As Jazz Manager at WUSF, he records local artists, curates events, develops multimedia content, and helps connect audiences with the region's thriving jazz scene. His dedication to promoting local musicians has significantly expanded the visibility and appreciation of jazz throughout the community.
Al Downing Legacy Award
John Lamb
The Al Downing Legacy Award honors bassist John Lamb for a lifetime of extraordinary achievement in jazz. A former member of the legendary Duke Ellington Orchestra, Lamb's remarkable career began after serving as a musician in the United States Air Force and evolved into performances on some of the world's most prestigious stages. After settling in St. Petersburg, he became a respected educator at local public schools and St. Petersburg College, mentoring generations of musicians—including acclaimed bassist Alphonso Johnson—and leaving an enduring legacy that embodies the spirit of Al Downing himself.

**About The Palladium
Whether in the main concert hall, Hough Hall with its unsurpassed new sound system, or kicking back in the intimate Side Door Cabaret, the historic Palladium Theater is consistently ranked as one of Tampa Bay’s best, most affordable venues for classical, jazz, blues, theatre, opera, comedy, dance, educational, literary, community events, and more. The Palladium, located in downtown St. Petersburg’s cultural center, is part of what makes Tampa Bay great.

#aldowningtampabayjazzassociation #aldowninghonors #Palladium ##dwaynewhite #AllisonNash #nonprofit #musicscene #nanettewiser

Tampa interior designer Dalton Scott transforms a high-rise condo aerie at The Residences at 400 Central into a casually sophisticated home. RadioStPete.com Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser (and Tampa Bay Time Bay Magazine's new editor) caught up with the local designer about this journey from Frostproof, Florida to luxury home and condo design in NYC, LA and Las Vegas and back here to Tampa Bay to open his event and interior design studio in South Tampa. A local Florida boy makes good story, and lots of fabulous ideas for YOUR dream home. 
READ THE ARTICLE HERE https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/bay-magazine/2026/07/10/dalton-scott-studio-tampa-the-residences-at-400-central/
READ THE JULY ISSUE HERE https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/bay-magazine/
Get your own copy of Bay Magazine, subscribe here.

BIG NEWS for AB Sees You with Alexis Baum! On Wednesday, July 15th, AB Sees You is celebrating 300+ episodes at the 15th St. Farm with Chef Anaush Ricci and a fundraising dinner to support the non-profit farm in St. Petersburg. Their event space is both harmonious and one-of-a-kind, as is AB Sees You! Congrats to Alexis as she has reimagined her podcast and launched it on more streaming podcast platforms. GET TICKETS HERE!
The Essence of Life"   "Ikigai and Creating Value for Others"
A novel dinner and talk series at 15th St Farm.
Throughout history and across cultures, food has brought people together, enriching their lives through exchanges of ideas, experiences, joys, and sorrows.   Amid today's challenges, we gather at convivial long tables for dinner to slow down, reconnect, and reflect on professional and personal contributions to our community.
"Ikigai," a Japanese word, refers to " Purpose In Life." "Adding Value to Others" refers to the species-survival requirement that has existed since life began on Earth 4.2 billion years ago. Each evening's speaker will address a topic related to the two themes above. offering "Mind Seeds", and possibly identifying "Mind weeds" in the context of our work, passions, and aspirations.  The topic will encourage small-group discussions. Between courses, time will allow for Q&A. In the spirit of one of the Farm's missions," To Facilitate Community Building," and as a true participatory event, guests will share the experience of setting the table, serving dishes family-style, and cleanup, as if at an informal friends' gathering.

#abseesyou #alexisbaum #15thstfarm stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

& we’re back. This week, we recap our America 250 4th of July celebrations (or lack there of) and talk about Joey Chestnut winning the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Championship. Later an illegal immigrant in Hillsborough County shoots a dog becuase it bit his son and we don't know whose side we are on. Later, a newslady in Miami catches guff from her Program Director for posting thirst traps and we ponder who and who shouldn't be involved in social media. Anna is training for a bike race in Philly. Hear that on the Substack. Sign up for free to sign up.

We will be back live on Wednesday at 6:00PM over at WillsYouTube.com

We do an extra half hour on our Substack that is uncut and uncensored, hope to see you there, it’s free to join.

Get in touch with the show and leave a voice or text message at: (813) 693-2124 or shoot me an email at thehomemadebroadcast@gmail.com

LINKS: https://linktr.ee/hmbradio

The #HMB airs Sunday’s on Sunshine FM 96.7 in downtown St. Petersburg & anywhere in the world at Radio St. Pete @ 6:10PM & Monday’s at 10:15PM or on demand via your favorite podcast app, just search “HMBradio Tampa Bay”.

• Andy Baker's Alligator Farm: Postcards capture one of the area's first roadside tourist spots, which famously mailed live baby alligators directly to vacationers' homes. [1, 2, 3]
• The Royal Palm Theater: One archival photograph displays a live alligator placed in the theater lobby—a marketing tactic used by owner Bill Carpenter to draw in curious crowds. [1]
• Old Romeo: The archives hold a c. 1925 photograph of a famous resident alligator named "Old Romeo" residing at the St. Pete Alligator Farm. 

• City of Lakeland, Lakeland, Fla. – The city will improve pedestrian safety along a busy boulevard by installing crosswalk signage, pavement striping and a speed table. These upgrades will create a safer, more walkable connection between nearby housing and activity centers.
• Florida Home Partnership Inc., Ruskin, Fla. – Safety upgrades will be made in 30 homes for older adults including grab bars, railings, and improved lighting. These updates will help reduce fall risks and make it easier for people to age in place.
• Friends of Trails Crossing, St. Petersburg, Fla. – Three bike audits will review safe access along the Pinellas Trail for older riders. Learnings will help shape future improvements to support mobility and independence.
• The City of Gulfport, Gulfport, Fla. – The Discover Gulfport Walking Trail system will receive clear signage and accessibility features along nine miles of routes. This includes direction signs, trail names, map boards, QR codes for digital maps, and handrails where they’re needed most.
• Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE), Lakeland, Fla.– Skilled volunteers will help build entry ramps and other accessibility features for older adults with mobility challenges. These safer entrances may lower the risk of falls and make it easier for residents to age in place.

In this episode of Pet Tips, host Nanette Wiser chats with SPCA Tampa Bay's Medical Director Dr. Lopez to talk fur-baby wellness, how you can help the non-profit and their July Supply Drive!  Topics we covered include protecting pets in the heat, importance of heartworm prevention and annual checkups, and what you need to know about screw worms. Learn how  you can help this important organization including fostering, adopting and volunteering!

#spcatampabay #drlopez #cats #dogs #rabbits #wildlife #nanettewiser #pettips #nonprofit #gooddeeds #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

(Airs 7/16/2026)  Chase Porter is a Florida-based music historian, educator, and radio host known for documenting the rich musical heritage of Pinellas County. His programs have appeared on Radio St. Pete (Sunshine 96.7 FM). He is best known for his deep dive into the historical Waring Music Company, highlighting its legacy and its 100th-anniversary milestone in St. Petersburg, Florida. Book + Bottle is actually located in part of the former Waring Music Co. headquarters!
WHAT THIS SHOW IS ABOUT Downtown St Petersburg was heavily musically active a century ago, from local stars on record labels to vaudeville at movie theaters, but when bandleader and radio star Fred Waring fell in love with the Sunshine City in 1926, nothing could show more love than opening a music store on the corner of 1st Ave North & 6th Street. Hear the music and more, as Chase Porter presents the story of the Waring Music Company for the 100th anniversary of its grand opening, July 16th, 2026. Featuring personally digitized audio from local copies of the century old 78RPM Victor Records that the Waring's sold during the company's 2 year venture in the roaring 1920s. Musical genres featured will include Hot Jazz, pop hits, Barbershop Quartet, Concert, Salon, and Light Classical.
 LISTEN UP Interview with Chase Porter.

#chaseporter #music #pinellascountymusichistory #waringmusiccompany #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

Hosted by the St. Petersburg Downtown Neighborhood Association, this informative discussion gave voters the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates seeking to represent District 6 on the St. Petersburg City Council.

Moderated by Nicole Roberts, Operations Manager of the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership, the forum covered many of the issues shaping the future of our city, including housing affordability, neighborhood preservation, transportation, public safety, economic development, parks and green space, and responsible growth.

Participating candidates included Terri Balliet, Linsey Grove, Doug Homeyer, Trevor Mallory, and Jameka Williams, each sharing their perspectives and priorities for serving District 6 residents.

This forum is an opportunity to learn more about the candidates before casting your vote and to become a more informed and engaged member of our District 6 Community.

Learn more:

• St. Petersburg Downtown Neighborhood Association
• Vote 411
• St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership

The Downtown Business Association St. Petersburg proudly presents its 53rd annual Sunrise Sale. There are approximately 50 downtown businesses participating. The sale starts at 6:43am on Thursday, July 16, 2026 and runs the day. Most of the best shopping starts early and items sell out. Businesses are often putting the entire store on sale, plus sales racks reaching 90% off. It is the best sale of the year and prices often beat Black Friday pricing. 

Many shops will have complimentary mimosas or other refreshments. It is a fun day to shop. Please mark your calendars and support your local businesses. 

http://www.stpetedowntownbiz.com/sunrise-sale.html

Founded in 2000 and located just west of downtown St. Petersburg, the Grand Central District is home to over 450 locally owned and operated independent businesses, merchants, restaurants, bars, art galleries, professional services, and health and wellness providers.
Its boundaries are 31st St. to 16th St, and include Central Avenue, 1st Ave. N. and 1st Ave. S.
The Grand Central District Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. It is also the birthplace of St. Pete Pride and home to over 150 small LGBTQ+ owned, operated and ally businesses, the Grand Central District is where the locals live, work and play. It’s an award-winning community that was founded on diversity and inclusion defined by its colorful people, creative murals, outdoor dining, and embracing support from the surrounding neighborhoods. It also is the host of major events each year including Pride in Grand Central and Halloween on Central.
Grand Central is an array of unique local places to live, shop, eat, drink and enjoy the convenience of many professional services. Even if you just come for quirky vibe, there’s a seat for everyone.
The Grand Central District Association serves as a dedicated neighborhood advocate, championing the interests and concerns of residents and businesses alike. When  businesses join they become part of a thriving community where local businesses are valued and supported. The business benefits from networking opportunities, shared resources, and marketing platforms to enhance visibility and success.#grandcentral #stpete #stpetepride #centralavenuestpete 

& we’re back. This week, America celebrates 250 years and we are celebrating with fireworks if it's legal or not. A woman is tragically taken out by an alligator swimming in Florida. A friend of Anna's is thinking about adopting a kid but the wife is unstable at best. Hear that on the Substack. Sign up for free to sign up.

We will be back live on Wednesday at 6:00PM over at WillsYouTube.com

We do an extra half hour on our Substack that is uncut and uncensored, hope to see you there, it’s free to join.

Get in touch with the show and leave a voice or text message at: (813) 693-2124 or shoot me an email at thehomemadebroadcast@gmail.com

LINKS: https://linktr.ee/hmbradio

The #HMB airs Sunday’s on Sunshine FM 96.7 in downtown St. Petersburg & anywhere in the world at Radio St. Pete @ 6:10PM & Monday’s at 10:15PM or on demand via your favorite podcast app, just search “HMBradio Tampa Bay”.

(AIR DATE TBD) In E556 of Frugal Friends, host Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni talk about when it's time (if ever) to refinance your mortgage.  Rate cuts are going lower and lower and you might be panicking and pressured whether to do it now or later. Jen and Jill dug into the news, cut through the speculation, and crunched the numbers so that we can help you decide whether you should refinance now or wait for possible lower rates.
**RadioStPete is delighted to rebroadcast curated podcasts of FRUGAL FRIENDS with Jen Smith & Jill Sirianni. They are the co-authors of Buy What You Love Without Going Broke and co-hosts of the top-rated Frugal Friends Podcast. With nearly 500 episodes and over 7 million downloads, Frugal Friends is changing the way the world thinks about frugality. Jen Smith is a personal finance expert who, along with her husband, paid off $78,000 of debt in two years while facing unemployment and buying a house. Jill is a licensed clinical social worker who enjoys exploring the connections between our money behaviors and mental health. Together they’re helping people save more, spend better and feel confident about their money decisions.  These popular podcasters and personal finance goddesses are our neighbors at Thrive DTSP, where ALL the most talented people hang out and co-work! LEARN MORE on their website. More Episodes here.
TV Segments:  NBC Daytime  Fox 13 Yahoo Finance
Links: Buy What You Love Without Going Broke Frugal Friends Podcast
 #stpete #stpetefl #tampabay #radio #radiostpete 
#frugalfriends #jensmith #jillsirianni #personalfinance #savingsadvice #discounts

Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser reminds everyone to be prepared for stormy weather, not just in hurricane season. We invited the founder of Suncoast Power Solutions Brian Henriquez who also has a radio show on Check a Pro Show and was recently on Great Day Live  to help us understand a big question we all ask - do I need a generator, and what kind should I get as well safety issues and the advantages of a stand-by generator and a portable one. As a second-generation business leader whose father inspired him to follow his footsteps, Tampa Bay's Brian Henriquez helps homeowners and businesses be prepared all year round. We also talked about workforce development and training the next generation of technicians and how Brian is helping to create - an AI-proof career!

#hurricaneprep #suncoastpowersolutions #brianhenriquez #nanettewiser
#stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

• Practical tools like the L.E.N.S. method and micro-habits to ignite change
• Behind-the-scenes reflections from Passion Struck episodes
• Guest wisdom distilled into real-life applications
• Curated resources, quotes, and frameworks to help you live like you matter
• Want to learn the 12 philosophies that the most successful people use to create a limitless life? Order John R. Miles’s new book, Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life.

In this episode of One Place, Many Voices, series host Nanette Wiser chats with writer/actor David Warner (former executive editor Creative Loafing) and arts development director Larry Biddle about their journey to Pinellas County and the history of arts here, what's changed and what's been lost.

🎤Welcome to One Place, Many Voices podcast series powered by Heritage Village, with support from a Florida Humanities grant.   Listen anytime, anywhere to all the One Place, Many Voices podcasts on RadioStPete as we bring Pinellas County history to life through conversations with the people about the places and stories that define us. In 2026, we're celebrating America 250, Heritage Village’s 50th anniversary and other milestones.  The podcast series is  inspired by the Smithsonian’s Many Voices, One Nation exhibit coming to Heritage Village this summer. About the One Place,  Many Voices podcasts.

In this episode of One Place, Many Voices, series host Nanette Wiser chats with Indian Rocks Beach Historical Museum's Ron Sacra and Jim Labadie, former IRB council member about the history of IRB.  The "Indian Rocks Area Historical Society and Museum" was founded in 1980.  Click here for an article from the St. Petersburg Times in 1980 describing how the historical society got its start.  They are an enthusiastic group of volunteers who are interested in collecting, preserving and sharing the history of Indian Rocks (an area that originally included what is today Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, and a part of Largo).  Our main activity is running the historical museum.  We also have periodic potluck luncheons with interesting guest speakers and great fellowship.

🎤Welcome to our America 250 celebration and our One Place, Many Voices podcast series powered by Heritage Village, with support from a Florida Humanities grant.   Listen anytime, anywhere to all the One Place, Many Voices podcasts on RadioStPete as we bring Pinellas County history to life through conversations with the people about the places and stories that define us. Help us celebrate America 250,  Heritage Village’s 50th anniversary and other milestones.  The podcast series is  inspired by the Smithsonian’s Many Voices, One Nation exhibit coming to Heritage Village this summer. About the One Place,  Many Voices podcasts.

In this episode of STORYTIME with Janet Keeler, St. Petersburg author Emily Young talks about her debut novel, “A (Dead) Thing Like Me.” The YA paranormal story features a teenage ghost named Hot Dog in love with life and bound to the house of a grieving artist. Emily tells us about the character’s genesis and also why she uses the pen name E.G. Young. Emily reads an excerpt from the book that’s already receiving good early reviews from Goodreads and Kirkus. The book comes out on Tuesday, Aug. 18 and will be launched at an event at Tombolo Books in St. Petersburg.   Emily has an undergraduate degree in journalism from University of South Florida, St. Petersburg campus, and a master’s of fine arts in writing for children and young adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. 
ABOUT THE SHOW Storytime with Janet Keeler is for grandparents, parents and kids of all ages about why reading out loud matters. Guests read aloud from favorite children's books, new and old and talk about the stories behind them.
MORE Storytime with Janet Keeler. 

#janetkeeler #storytimewithjanetkeeler #childrensbooks #reading   #stpete #stpetefl #tampabay #radio #radiostpete

Playwright Wendy Graf’s The Cross and the Saber is a sobering drama set in the not-too-distant future. The play, now through July 19 at LAB Theater Project in Ybor City, gives us an America ruled by a totalitarian government that does not tolerate dissent of any kind.  That’s a problem for Rev. Isaiah Proffit, who sees the separation of church and state becoming ever-narrower. As The Cross and the Saber begins, Proffit has been jailed for his “extremist” ideas, which go against the strict edicts of the country’s Great Leader and his creepily mechanized minions.  Host Bill DeYoung talks with LAB founder and executive producer Owen Robertson about the production, and why it’s onstage during America’s 250th birthday celebrations (hint: it was on purpose). He discusses the cast, the use of stage technology, and the LAB manifesto: putting up plays that have never before been produced anywhere (this is the world premiere of Graf’s show). There are lighthearted moments in The Cross and the Saber, but at its core it’s a red flag about what could conceivably result from a massive, governmental mind-and-body takeover.

#billdeyoung #owenrobertston #LABtheaterproject #YborCity #theater #artsalive #stpetecatalyst #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

• Tire them out: Go for a long run or play an extended game of fetch earlier in the day. A physically exhausted dog will be much more relaxed. 
• Potty early: Get all bathroom breaks out of the way well before dusk. Never leave a stressed dog outside during a fireworks show. 
• Prep the environment: Close all windows, blinds, and curtains to block out the flashes of light. Layer two forms of background noise (such as a TV show combined with a box fan) to help mask the sudden pops. 
• Create a safe den: Set up their crate or a cozy corner in a central, interior room like a bathroom or closet with their favorite blankets. 
• Try calming gear: Put on a gentle compression vest like the ThunderShirt to provide a swaddling effect. You can also try noise-canceling ear bands.
• Offer high-value treats: Keep their minds occupied with treats in a toy to distract them.
• Stay normal and neutral: Dogs look to their pack leaders for cues. Act as though nothing unusual is happening. While you can gently comfort them, avoid overly dramatic, high-pitched soothing, which can accidentally reinforce their fear. 

On July 2, 2026, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch officially announced his selection of The Burg Bid team, led by St. Pete-based Blake Investment Partners (in partnership with Related Group), to take over the massive redevelopment of the 86-acre Historic Gas Plant District.

This decision marks a major turning point for the city following the collapse of the previous Hines-Rays stadium and mixed-use agreement earlier in 2025.

Key Elements of Blake Investment Partners' "The Burg Bid" Proposal:

• Massive Housing Commitment: The estimated $8 billion plan promises the largest delivery of affordable and workforce housing in city history, projected at more than 3,600 units (to be delivered both on- and off-site).

• Cultural & Public Space: A planned 15-acre central park anchored by a "Museum Row," featuring a brand-new building for the Woodson African American Museum of Florida as its centerpiece.

• Economic & Community Focus: The plan features a dedicated workforce training and small-business success center, 400,000 square feet of retail space, and office space managed alongside partners like Stadler Development.

• Honoring the Legacy: The team established a "Historic Gas Plant Visionary Panel," a volunteer advisory committee made up of leaders from over 20 local organizations to ensure the site honors the predominantly Black neighborhood that was displaced decades ago.

• Website: https://jenfrytalks.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenfrytalks
• Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/jenfrytalks
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenfrytalks
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jenfrytalks

In this week's Grand Central District Update, District Coordinator Audrey Dingeman reflects on the tremendous success of the St. Pete Pride Street Festival, thanking the thousands of attendees, local businesses, volunteers, sponsors, city staff, and public safety teams who helped make the celebration unforgettable.

Beyond Pride, Audrey shares how the Grand Central District Association continues working year-round to strengthen the district through business support, community partnerships, neighborhood improvements, and long-term initiatives like the Trails Crossing project.

The episode also shines a spotlight on one of the district's most historic institutions—Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 39. As Florida's oldest VFW post and a national leader in LGBTQ+ veteran inclusion, Post 39 continues its legacy of service while welcoming new commander Chris Arnold, Executive Director of the Grand Central District Association.

Finally, Audrey encourages listeners to support Grand Central's locally owned shops, restaurants, breweries, galleries, and small businesses throughout the summer, reminding everyone that every visit and every purchase helps keep the district vibrant and thriving.

Learn more about upcoming events, membership, volunteer opportunities, and community initiatives at grandcentraldistrict.org.

#grandcentraldistrict #stpete #stpetepride #centralavenuestpete 

Saturday, July 11, 5-8pm will be the opening night of 4 shows: Sugar High: 2026 Members Show, Neverne Covington: Into the Mystic, It’s Been a Privilege: Ceramics from the Giordano Collection and JOYLAND: Benaiah Cusack at the Morean Arts Center and 2 shows at the Morean Center for Clay, including Universal Narratives: A Group Show Presented by Taylor Robenalt and Lily Denhoff: Presence and Perspective. More details below:
Note: On Friday, 7/10, from 5-7PM, there will be a preview night at the Morean Arts Center as well!

Preview Night: July 10, 5-7PM   On View: July 11 – September 23
Morean Arts Center: 719 Central Ave
Sugar High, our annual members show, welcomes viewers to appreciate and recognize our artist members and celebrate their talent.  The 2026 members exhibition presents nearly 150 works of art with the theme of excess and things we hate to love, as well as a joyful sense of color, chaos and childlike wonder.

INTO THE MYSTIC Preview Night: July 10, 5-7PM   On View: July 11 – September 23
Morean Arts Center: 719 Central Ave
Find oils, oil sticks, and wax on canvas, with layers that inform the next as each brushstroke or mark becomes the landscape of a surface. Covington's drawings, prints, paintings and sculpture explore childhood, language, landscape, memory, and the gothic south.   “Rhythm, pattern, and the repetition of color dictate my process and the direction each work will take,” Covington says. “In my work I strive to reveal nature’s known, unknown and unknowable entities.”

IT'S BEEN A PRIVILEGE On View: July 11 – September 23  Morean Arts Center: 719 Central Ave
Beloved local artist and Morean staff member Rob Giordano (1951-2015) amassed a substantial ceramics collection, adhering to the philosophy that it was a privilege to be able to own work by artists he admired and wished to support. His wife Linda has chosen to share their collection with our community in this meaningful exhibition and sale. Visitors will have the opportunity to see and purchase works by familiar artists including Russ Gustafson-Hilton, Alan Johnson, Matthew Schiemann, and Don and Cristina Williams, among many others, with a few works created by Rob himself.

JOYLAND  On View: July 3 – August 8  Morean Arts Center: 719 Central Ave
Inspired by imaginary coastal spaces, ocean light, rhythmic movement, tropical color, the energy of street art, and a hint of the cosmic, this body of work explores environments that feel both vibrant and introspective. Layered surfaces, fluid forms, and bold color interactions create an atmosphere that moves between dreamscape and memory—places that do not exist, yet feel familiar. The work balances playfulness with reflection, inviting moments of connection, engagement, and emotional escape.

UNIVERSAL NARRATIVES On View: July 11 – September 5 
Morean Center for Clay: 420 22nd St S
Art has long been a powerful medium for storytelling, preserving history, and expressing personal and collective experiences.  Ceramics, with its tactile and transformative qualities, provides a unique avenue for artists to shape narratives in a tangible form. This group exhibition brings artists from various backgrounds to create ceramic works telling compelling stories.

PRESENCE & PERSPECTIVE On View: July 11 – August 1
Morean Center for Clay: 420 22nd St S
This perspective exhibition showcases the work created by Lily Denhoff in the first year of her residency at the Morean Center for Clay. Each of the ceramic surfaces are derived from the synergistic surrender that accompanies the woodfiring process. This discovery based body of work is a record of material research and different wood kilns/ firing techniques. Using an interdisciplinary consideration of material, she creates forms that express both literal and spiritual function. Through a play of scale and softness, each piece becomes a collaborative exploration of presence.

#junebunch #moreanarts #moreancenterforclay #art #stpete

47th Clearwater Jazz Holiday October 15-18, 2026 | Coachman Park
Main Stage Concerts on the Green Two Side Stages | Waterfront Vibes
In this episode of MUSIC SCENE, host Nanette Wiser caught up with CEO Steve Weinberger for an exclusive tour of this year's highly anticipated four day music festival in Clearwaters' Coachman Park! There are two CJH Experience concerts before the CJH Holiday in October, learn more here.   Stay tuned for my interviews with the local and national artists that make this THE BEST MUSIC FESTIVAL of the year!
Thursday, Oct 15th  4PM Gates Open - Cool Jazz!
7:30PM - 9:30PM Tampa Bay Times StageChris Botti -
6PM - 7PM Tampa Bay Times StageKim waters, Jeff Kashiwa & Steve Oliver
4:30PM - 6PM Plaza StageThe Reinhardt / George Group ft. Barry Greene
4:30PM - 6PM Pier Party StageTomkats Jazz Orchestra ft Scotty Wright & Tony Castellano -
Friday, Oct 16th  4PM Gates Open - Feel The Rhythm!
9PM - 10:30PM Tampa Bay Times StageSHEILA E. & The E-Train -
7PM - 8:30PM Tampa Bay Times StageArturo Sandoval -
5:45PM - 7PM Plaza StageRonnie Dee & The Superstars
4:15PM - 5:15PM Plaza StageLatin Jazz Knights -
5:45PM - 7PM Pier Party Stage"Fires of Forever" An ARConnection Tribute to Chick Corea ft. Pete Carney
4:15PM - 5:15PM Pier Party Stage EMIT Presents: O Som Do Jazz Brazilian Grooves -
Saturday, Oct 17th  3:30PM Gates Open - Blues & Brass!
9PM - 10:30PM Tampa Bay Times Stage Larkin Poe -
7PM - 8:30PM Tampa Bay Times Stage Big Sam's Funky Nation -
5:30PM - 7PM Plaza Stage Carl Fischer's Sunshine City Brass -
3:45PM - 5PM Plaza Stage Young Lions Alumni Jazz Blues Collective ft. Alex Malkovich, James Wall & Friends
5:30PM - 7PM Pier Party Stage Shawn Brown -
3:45PM - 5PM Pier Party StageJulie Black & Her Band -
Sunday, Oct 18th  3:30PM Gates Open - Roots & Funk!
8PM - 9:30PM Tampa Bay Times StageThe Wood Brothers -
6PM - 7:30PM Tampa Bay Times StageDumstaphunk Plays Sly -
4:45PM - 6PM Plaza StageNorside Organ Trio -
3:30PM - 4:15PM Plaza Stage CJH Youth All-Stars Hosted by Frank Williams, Michael Kernodle & Tyler Wertman
3:30PM - 6PM Pier Party StageFreeman Sound Presents: The CHILLtronic Lounge ft. Mister T. {DJ set} with Austen van der Bleek An Immersive M.I.N.D_S.E.T. Experience -

#clearwaterjazzholiday #coachmanpark #clearwater #jazz #funk #roots #blues #musicscene #nanettewiser

With baseball's midseason and a trading deadline looming, join host Dan Hirshberg (left) and his guest Jerry Karp (right) in a lively discussion about who will prevail in the American League East, the Tampa Bay Rays or the New York Yankees. What are the trading deadline needs for each of the clubs? Strengths, weaknesses, overcoming injuries? Jerry, a longtime Yankees fan, focuses his thoughts on New York while Dan covers the Tampa Bay side of things. They've got their opinions. See if they are the same as yours! Don't hesitate to contact Dan at dannybaseball56@yahoo.com with your take on the battle for first place and we'll post your comments on his Facebook page, Danny Baseball 56.  

#playball #danhirshberg #americanleagueeast #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

Mr. Nice Guy H. Roy Adams recently retired from Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital to pursue his encore chapter in Tampa Bay, including his continued involvement in St. Pete Rotary, supporting the marketing committee for St. Petersburg Museum of History and working with a local PR firm on strategic initiatives and PR outreach when needed. Born and raised in St. Pete and a graduate of USF Communications, his work locally and nationally has made a huge difference in our world. Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser caught up with Roy on his history, his accomplishments and advice for the next generation. Oh yes, and in his spare time, he's editing books and, truly, he says, is retired:)

#hroyadams #nanettewiser #medical #health #

In this episode of Art & Inspiration, host Brenda McMahon and Jan Richardson talk about ceramic pottery trends and their shared love for the art. Jan Richardson has been creating ceramics since the 1960’s when she first fell in love with clay. For thirty years her architectural ceramics captured audiences and won her awards at art shows across the country.  Now living in St. Petersburg, Florida, Richardson is still has a daily studio working & teaching schedule. She has the distinct experience of living through some of the most innovative decades of ceramic art. Gallerist and ceramicist Brenda McMahon talks with Richardson about the joy and history of clay - as well as what is being created right here in the Tampa Bay region. 

Margo Hammond invited Avery Anderson, founder of Tampa Bay Arts Passport to studio, and we learned about Avery's newest project that both supports the arts and multimedia arts journalism, including podcasts! Tampa Bay is home to world-class museums, renowned theaters, and thriving music venues. Yet, over the past decade, arts journalism has been cut from major news outlets, leaving a gap in the way people connect with local culture. We believe people don’t just want to read about the arts—they want to engage with them. The Tampa Bay Arts Passport is more than just another publication. It’s a community-driven, subscription-based program that gives you access to exclusive discounts at arts venues while delivering in-depth journalism, features, and editorial content that bring the arts to life.  (Seen here: Avery Anderson, Maggie Duffy & Margo Hammond)

#arts #averyanderson #tampabayartspassport #supporthearts #margohammond

Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser loves the Beat Generation and Jack Kerouac, so it was thrilling to have the non-profit organization that runs Disston Height's Jack Kerouac house in studio at THRIVE DTSP. English/Humanities professor and Board President Ken Burchenal to talk about the history of the house, the organization's efforts to save and refresh Kerouac's last residence (with his mother and 3rd wife) and learn about the monthly poetry, storytelling open mics and concerts (Craftsman Gallery owner Jeff Schorr is involved with some upcoming musical performances and a board member). "Your first thought is your best thought" Kerouac mantra and his fall from King of the Beats to St. Pete anonymity to the current resurgence of popularity is inspiring. From Tiffany Razzano's banned books event to the chance to stay overnight in Kerouac's room intrigued us, as did Spirits of St. Pete's Brandi Stark's upcoming stay there (paranormal activity?) caught our attention.  For events, follow them on social.
MORE KEROUAC NEWS In a landmark moment for American literary history and the City of Lowell, Zach Bryan has acquired Jack Kerouac’s original On the Road scroll, The Dharma Bums scroll and a collection of personal letters, at Christie’s auction.  These extraordinary works, which are deeply tied to Kerouac’s life, voice, and legacy, will ultimately be housed and publicly displayed in Lowell, Massachusetts, Kerouac’s hometown, as part of the Jack Kerouac Center.

#jackkerouac #authors #beatgeneration #ontheroad #kenBurchenal #nanettewiser #literaryhistory #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

& we’re back. This week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers got a new radio broadcaster and we find out that Emily Mayfield, wife of Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield cheated on an ex-boyfriend with Baker. It begs the question, can he ever really trust her?

Later, the cheating talk continues, Anna tells the story of her friend in a weird cheating relationship and it's UNCENSORED!

Hear that on the Substack. Sign up for free to sign up.

We will be back live on Wednesday at 6:00PM over at WillsYouTube.com

We do an extra half hour on our Substack that is uncut and uncensored, hope to see you there, it’s free to join.

Get in touch with the show and leave a voice or text message at: (813) 693-2124 or shoot me an email at thehomemadebroadcast@gmail.com

LINKS: https://linktr.ee/hmbradio

The #HMB airs Sunday’s on Sunshine FM 96.7 in downtown St. Petersburg & anywhere in the world at Radio St. Pete @ 6:10PM & Monday’s at 10:15PM or on demand via your favorite podcast app, just search “HMBradio Tampa Bay”.

Thanks to Spectrum News for permission to rebroadcast and Aron Bryce for making this happen!
📻 Sunday at 3:30 PM on Sunshine 96.7 FM – RadioStPete

If you missed it live, tune in for a special rebroadcast of the Residents of West St. Pete Mayoral Forum, recorded last Wednesday at the President Barack Obama Main Library.

Hosted by the Stronger Together St. Pete Foundation and Spectrum Bay News 9, and moderated by Spectrum anchor Josh Rojas, the 90-minute forum features all seven candidates for Mayor of St. Petersburg:

🎙️ Mayor Ken Welch
🎙️ Former Governor Charlie Crist
🎙️ City Councilmember Brandi Gabbard
🎙️ Former Fire Chief Jim Large
🎙️ Kevin Batdorf
🎙️ Maria Scruggs

Hear each candidate discuss the key issues facing our city as voters prepare for the August 18 primary election.

📻 Listen on 96.7 FM in St. Petersburg or download the new app and tune in on the 96.7 FM stream.
Spectrum Bay News 9 #strongertogetherstpete
#stpetemayorsforum #RadioStPete #sunshine967fm #stpetersburg

In this episode of Music Scene, Lunchtime Conversation host caught up with the whirlwinds vocalist/pianist jazz legend Alexis Cole who just wound up her Virginia Beach Vocal Jazz Summit and will be the featured artist in the Sunda  July 5 6pm  Vocal Jazz Jam hosted by Jocelyn Medina at a new venue in Plant City, The Red Calliope Gallery. Sign up for this at jazzvoice.com/jam.  She will open the event a live one hour set before the virtual jam opens up to singers everywhere to join in the jam. The Big News? New CD coming out "Taking My Seat - A Musical Legacy" plus performances in Deer Head Inn (Delaware Water Gap) July 24, July 31 at Lafayette Bar in Easton Pa and August 1 at Westchester Collaborative Theater in Ossining NY. She will join the prestigious Music School for Music this fall in NYC, where she splits her time between her and Fruitlands Heights in St. Pete! Always a lifelong learner, she took up Spanish last year and walked into our Thrive DTSP studio with a bass (taking lessons at Noisemakers) for her next musical collaborative process, borrowed from Alejandro Arenas. Listen to "Blues From All Of Us," from her upcoming CD. 
Enjoy our previous interviews with Alexis here.    

Alexis offers a variety of shows that span jazz, cabaret and orchestra

Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser could not stop giggling during this Yes, and! adventure with Mariah Kaylor and John Lynagh...it was a blast! The Station 12 Studio family launched an improv troupe Green Lit and they perform at Green Light Lounge & Kitchen (next to Green Light Cinema)  the last Friday of every month! We got a taste of their impromptu wit, learned about their journey (Mariah is also the baker for Green Light Kitchen) and their aspirations...they are going to be HUGE! Shout out to Rocio Escobar, Mary Rachel Quinn and Eugenie Bondurant who teach and help their students live their dreams! 

#station12studioe #greenlightcinema #greenlit #improvcomedy #mariahkaylor #johnlynagh #greenlightlounge+kitchen #nanettewiser #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

(6/29/2026) Look Through the Turn | Small Wins, Big Healing & the Power of Celebration With Paula Thomas    What if progress didn’t have to look impressive to count? In this episode of Work Is Third, Dawn Hunter sits down with founder and storyteller Paula Thomas to explore what it means to rebuild after loss, and how small wins can change everything.  After navigating crippling depression and anxiety, and later, an ADHD and autism diagnosis, building a career in tech, and then losing her husband unexpectedly, Paula was forced to redefine everything: her identity, her work, and what success really means. Along the way, she discovered that small, intentional progress is often the most powerful kind.

This conversation is for anyone who has experienced loss, burnout, identity shifts, or the quiet pressure to do more and is ready to move forward with intention. Together, Dawn and Paula discuss:

• Why “success” doesn’t always look like success
• What motorcycles and submarines teach us about resilience
• Why grief doesn’t fit into three days of PTO
• How to build workplaces that expect the unexpected
• Why keeping a “win book” matters

• SuperBetter App, https://superbetter.com/
• Brag Books
•  “Clear is kind,” attributed to Brené Brown
• Military Concepts: submarine qualification cards(cross-training for resilience); designing systems that expect failure/unexpected absence
• Morning pages, from The Artist’s Way

Actor, educator and longtime theater professional John Huls joins Bill De Young for this edition of Arts Alive!   Huls has been the nucleus of the Dirty John’s sketch comedy troupe since its inception in 2019. He’d spent six years as American Stage’s education director; it was there he began teaching improv and standup comedy.  He liked the idea of “anything goes, no holds barred” comedy, and several of his students – actors and upstart standup comedians – thought a lot of it, too. So they started a theater group.  
Dirty John’s combines sketch comedy, music and improv, with decidedly gay subject matter. Dirty John’s Drag Queen Summer Camp is onstage tonight and Saturday at The Studio@620 (tonight’s show is already sold out, but walk-ups are welcome and encouraged).  Tickets are available at The Studio website.

#billdeyoung #stpetecatalyst #artsalive! #johnhuls #Diretyjohn's #sketchcomedy #studio@620 #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

In this episode of Soundscapes, host Domenico Pontoriero sits down with ambient guitarist and composer Dave Eichenberger for a conversation that explores the art of creating atmosphere through sound. Dave shares his musical journey, the artists and ideas that shaped his creative voice, and his fascination with ambient music as a genre that invites reflection rather than demands attention. The discussion also dives into his work with the Dali Museum, his innovative approach to sound design using looping, effects, and guitar synthesis, and the importance of supporting local musicians and live music communities. Together, they explore how music can create space for imagination, contemplation, and connection.

About Dave Eichenberger
Dave Eichenberger is a guitarist, composer, educator, and sonic explorer who has spent more than four decades pushing the boundaries of what a guitar can sound like. Initially inspired by artists such as The Beatles and later influenced by ambient pioneer Brian Eno, Dave developed a unique musical voice built around looping, guitar synthesis, effects processing, and immersive soundscapes. 

His work blends technical mastery with the slow-building textures of ambient composition, creating music that is both meditative and emotionally evocative. Dave is also known for ambitious projects such as Collectives, a series of 50 one-of-a-kind recordings, and UBU: 32 Days of Balance, a collection of evolving ambient pieces designed to promote focus, reflection, and calm. 

In addition to his solo work, Dave has performed and recorded extensively with singer-songwriter Julie Black since 2006 and has spent more than 20 years teaching guitar, helping students develop both creativity and technical skill. Whether performing live, composing immersive soundscapes, or collaborating with cultural institutions like the Dali Museum, Dave continues to champion music as a vehicle for curiosity, creativity, and personal discovery.

https://daveeichenberger.com/

About Domenico Pontoriero
Domenico Pontoriero is a St. Petersburg–based artist, composer, and radio host working across instrumental music, film, and community arts. He releases music under the moniker Boy in the Rain, an instrumental project with two studio albums available on all major streaming platforms and at BoyintheRain.com. An award-winning filmmaker, Domenico’s short art film has screened at more than 15 film festivals worldwide, including the SunScreen Film Festival in St. Petersburg. His creative work is rooted in atmosphere, storytelling, and place—whether through sound, image, or live broadcast.

Domenico brings years of experience behind the microphone, including his time at WMNF in Tampa, where he co-hosted Made in the Dark. He currently hosts Soundscapes, airing Monday nights at 10 PM, a weekly program dedicated to immersive, locally made instrumental music. Soundscapes highlights regional composers, nurtures creative community, and supports the performing arts scene throughout the St. Petersburg area.

The show is accompanied by the Soundscapes podcast, where Domenico interviews guest co-hosts featured on the program, offering listeners a deeper look into their creative processes, influences, and artistic journeys.

#Soundscapes #AmbientGuitar #StPeteArts #IndependentMusician #radiostpete #localmusic #instrumentalmusic #domenicopontoriero #boyintherain

• Fred Waring was one of the top bandleaders of the era with his family run band 'Waring's Pennsylvanians" from Penn State. Popular over radio & stage internationally playing jazz, recorded for Victor.
• Victor had top of the line records, artist roster, phonographs, and technology by 1926.
• St. Petersburg's music scene was growing in the 20s, many firsts were being made here.
• Waring and Victor decided on making a store in St. Pete. Waring Music Company, also called the "Victor Building".
• Became a community hub for music. Presentations/lectures, singers & musicians doing shows inside, stars doing autographs, etc.
• Petroushka (peh-TROOSH-kuh) Restaurant in Victor Building too, with its own quartet entertaining. 
• New records played over the airwaves weekly by local station WJBB.
• plenty of famous musicians visited all the time.
• Waring Music Co. went bankrupt in the fall of 1927, and closed in December. Bankrupted Fred Waring too. 
• Plenty of Victor Records and phonographs from the store are potentially still out there. Especially in Tampa Bay. (Bananas Records is a great spot to look)
• Plenty of pictures of the inside and outside of the Waring Music Company during this time. Beautiful newspaper ads too.

• I got into this music as a teen in the mid 2010s. Started a YouTube channel dedicated to archiving & talking about all this old music "C Porter".
• 78RPM records are the best way to listen to and learn to appreciate the older genres and ways of the old world societally (in my opinion).
• No one ever talks about Florida's musical history outside of country, Rock & Roll, and later jazz artists of the 50s, 60s, etc. ditto Tampa Bay.
• Some stuff happened here and there in Tampa Bay in the 1890s-1910s, but everything really took off in the 1920s with the land & tourism booms.
• The Coliseum, Playhouse Theatre, movie theaters, The Gankplank, Lake Butler Estates, Maritime Service Training Station, etc. where everyone played.
• Radio stations and networks helped let the world hear Tampa Bay's music scene. Bay also a favorite spot for musicians to stop on their way to Miami.
• Bandleaders, singers, individual musicians, songwriters, record label producers, and all other types of people came from here in the St Pete area too.

President at CEO 5 Arts Entertainment, ringmaster at Tom Gribbin and the Saltwater Cowboys and author of The Last Florida Boy, St. Pete's Tom Gribbin's legendary career including comedy club owner and sparkling encounters with the famous (Eric Clapton, Kris Kristofferson, Jimmy Buffet) and infamous (you'll have to listen) makes for a great conversation with Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser. 

#tomgribbin #nanettewiser 

Episode 250: Snails, Snail Kites, and Hilary Flower In this podcast, hosts Cathy Salustri and Rick Kirby talk with Hilary Flower, author of The Kite and The Snail: An Endangered Bird, Its Unlikely Prey, and a Story of Hope in a Changing World, joins the podcast to talk about what prompted her to write the book. 
Review of The Kite and The Snail   Limpkins   Snail kites  Apple snails
Slugs   Merlin bird app  iNaturalist app  HilaryFlowerAuthor.com How To Spot a Snail Kite

 Support the show
Question or comment?  cathy@floridaspectacular.com.
Subscribe to The Florida Spectacular newsletter, and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com. Keep up with Rick at studiohourglass.blogspot.com and get his books at rickkilby.com. Find Cathy on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy and everywhere else as @CathySalustri; connect with Rick Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth, Bluesky (@oldfla.bsky.social), and IG (@ricklebee).

In this update, Dani Sheffey, Director of Events for the Grand Central District, shares exciting updates as the district celebrates its 100th anniversary in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Grand Central District continues to invest in community improvements, support local businesses, and host major events that bring residents and visitors together.

Key Highlights

1. Grand Central Centennial Celebration

The district is proudly celebrating 100 years of history, culture, and community impact. New district gateway markers have been installed at 16th Street & Central Avenue and 16th Street & First Avenue North, helping strengthen the district’s identity and welcome visitors into the neighborhood.

2. Pride in Grand Central

One of the district's signature events, Pride in Grand Central, takes place on June 28 from 12 PM–5 PM, with festivities continuing throughout the evening at local businesses. The event celebrates inclusion, creativity, and community while showcasing local vendors, entertainment, and organizations.

3. Community Cleanup & Independence Day Celebration

• Quarterly Cleanup: June 29 at 10 AM, meeting in front of Grand Central Brewhouse. 
• Stars & Stripes Block Party: July 4 from 12 PM–5 PM, celebrating both Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday with vendors, food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. 

• A Taste of Grand Central Gala: September 17 at 6 PM at Coastal Creative, featuring local restaurants, fundraising, and community celebration. 
• Halloween on Central: One of Florida’s largest Halloween street festivals, drawing more than 100,000 attendees annually with costumes, entertainment, food, vendors, and activities for all ages. 

1. Grand Central is celebrating 100 years while continuing to invest in neighborhood improvements and community engagement. 
2. Major events throughout the year—including Pride, Independence Day festivities, the annual gala, and Halloween on Central—continue to strengthen the district’s role as a cultural destination. 
3. Community involvement remains central, with opportunities for volunteering, business participation, sponsorships, and local support. 

• Grand Central District Official Website
• America250 Initiative
• Halloween on Central
• Eventeny Ticket Platform
•  Email for participation and donations: grandcentraldistrict@gmail.com

On this episode of Sunshine City Strong, host Kayla West sits down with Bobby Levine and Jesse Rooney to discuss the inspiring story behind Sunrise Crew, a free community HIIT workout group that meets every Monday and Friday at 6:30 AM in downtown St. Petersburg.

What began in early 2023 as four friends working out together after Bobby unexpectedly lost his job quickly evolved into one of St. Pete’s most welcoming fitness communities. Through word-of-mouth, social media, and a commitment to inclusivity, Sunrise Crew has grown into a thriving group where people of all fitness levels, ages, and backgrounds come together to exercise, connect, and support one another.

Bobby and Jesse emphasized that Sunrise Crew is about much more than fitness. Members have formed lasting friendships, found life partners, started families, and built valuable personal and professional connections. The group’s culture encourages everyone—from first-timers to seasoned athletes—to participate at their own pace while enjoying the camaraderie and accountability that comes from showing up consistently.

A unique part of the Sunrise Crew experience is gathering at local coffee shops after each workout, helping support small businesses throughout St. Pete while giving members additional opportunities to socialize and strengthen community ties.

The conversation also highlighted the positive impact fitness has had on both Bobby and Jesse personally, improving not only their physical health but also their confidence, mindset, and overall quality of life. They shared stories of members transforming their health, achieving personal goals, and finding a sense of belonging through the group.

The episode concludes with an open invitation for anyone interested to join a workout. Sunrise Crew remains completely free and welcomes newcomers every Monday and Friday morning at Alva Rose Park near North Shore Park.

About The Sunrise Crew
Sunrise Crew is a free community fitness group founded in February 2023 with a mission to bring people together through movement, accountability, and genuine connection. What began as four almost strangers meeting before sunrise has grown through word of mouth into a thriving community that gathers every Monday and Friday at 6:30 a.m. at Elva Rouse Park.

Built on the belief that fitness should be accessible to everyone, Sunrise Crew has never charged for a workout and never will. Since its first workout, the group has not missed a single Monday or Friday exercise: rain, sleet, or hurricane! It has created a culture centered around consistency, positivity, and showing up for one another.

Beyond the workouts, Sunrise Crew hosts community events, social gatherings, and challenges throughout the year while maintaining an active group chat that helps members stay connected, support one another, and build lasting friendships. More than a workout group, Sunrise Crew has become a place where people find community, accountability, and a reason to start their day with purpose.

Their motto says it best: Rise & Grind
Learn More: Sunrise Crew Instagram: @sunrisecrewstpete

About Kayla West
Kayla is a student at the University of Alabama with a passion for broadcasting, journalism, and fitness. She has experience in reporting, writing, and media production, having worked on news coverage throughout high school and continuing to develop her skills through internships and hands-on broadcasting opportunities. Kayla is especially interested in sports storytelling and creating content that connects with audiences in meaningful ways.
Alongside her media pursuits, Kayla is actively working toward her fitness certification and has a strong interest in health, wellness, and exercise. Through her podcast, she aims to bring listeners conversations with athletes, coaches, fitness professionals, and other inspiring guests who share their expertise and personal journeys. Her goal is to educate, motivate, and inspire others while combining her passions for broadcasting, sports, and fitness.

#SunriseCrew #StPeteCommunity #FitnessTogether #SunshineCityStrong #KaylaWest

Can you guess what represents Florida? New Smithsonian Exhibition Opens Featuring American Alligator Skull From Florida

A Remarkable exhibition celebrating America’s 250th anniversary features more than 600 never-before-seen historic and cultural treasures
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Opening this Thursday, June 18th, at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, “From These Lands: Sharing Our Natural and Cultural Heritage” is a groundbreaking new exhibition commemorating America’s 250th anniversary through more than 600 rare objects and specimens representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories. Drawn from the museum’s collection of more than 148 million artifacts and specimens, the 5,000-square-foot exhibition explores the people, landscapes, discoveries, traditions, and defining moments that have shaped the United States across millions of years of natural and cultural history. Many of the objects on display have rarely or never before been exhibited publicly.

Representing Florida in the exhibition is an American alligator skull, one of 23 objects from the state featured in the From These Lands exhibition. Each state, district and territory has selected organisms and minerals that represent its  character. These state symbols can be found throughout the museum’s collections. Florida’s state reptile, the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), is an iconic species found throughout the region’s wetlands. This juvenile skull offers a glimpse of an animal that can grow much larger as an adult. Appearing in the fossil record over 13 million years ago, American alligators now live in freshwater habitats throughout North America. As nocturnal carnivores, these reptiles glide through dark waters feeding on fish and other animals.

 The exhibition highlights the unique natural, cultural, scientific, and historical contributions connected to Florida and is expected to be viewed by millions of visitors from around the world during its multi-year engagement in Washington, D.C.

“This exhibition brings the entire country into one gallery,” said Kirk Johnson, Sant Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. “As the country marks its 250th anniversary, ‘From These Lands’ presents an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of our landscapes, the depth of our history and the connections that link people and the natural world across borders.”
EXHIBITION DETAILS:
“From These Lands: Sharing Our Natural and Cultural Heritage”
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Opening: Thursday, June 18, 2026
Washington, D.C.
Free Admission

Christine Hamacher and Norma Caltagirone dat down with Nanette Wiser of Radiostpete.com for her "Good Deeds" segment of lunchtime conversations. They really dug into so much about SAGES, Memory Lane, and upcoming Tampa Bay Golden Heart Awards! 

#Sages #plays with purpose #nanettewiser #gooddeeds

(Airs 7/9) In this episode of ONE PLACE, MANY VOICES, Beth Gelman chats with Robert Lynn Whitelaw. Tarpon Springs is known around the world for its sponge docks and Greek heritage, but it also has a remarkable artistic legacy. In this conversation with Beth Gelman, Robert Lynn Whitelaw, the Founding Director of the Leepa-Rattner Museum, explores the artists, institutions, and cultural forces that have shaped the area's visual arts history for more than a century and explains why preserving that story matters today. Whitelaw is on the far right in this photo.
BIO  R. Lynn Whitelaw, who retired in 2015 after 40+-years working in the visual arts, is a graduate of Florida State University with bachelor and master's degrees in the History and Criticism of Art. During his career, he was employed at Hillsborough Community College for 15 years in arts management and teaching, was Curator of Education at the Tampа Museum of Art for 8 years, where he was honored by the Florida Association of Museums with an Innovator Award for a nationally recognized partnership program with Hillsborough County Public Schools, and in 1998, became founding director of the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, located on the Tarpon Springs Campus of St. Petersburg College. During his 17-year tenure at the Leepa-Rattner Museum, he also served as chief curator and dramatically expanded the museum's art collection, including acquisition of the art holdings of the former Gulf Coast Museum of Art. In September 2015, Mr. Whitelaw was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Florida Association of Museums. In his curatorial efforts, Mr. Whitelaw has organized over 140 exhibitions, many with published catalogues and gallery guides. He also served on state and local arts boards, including Arts for a Complete Education (ACE), the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts,and Palm Harbor Art Fest, as well as serving on Hillsborough and Pinellas County art-in-public places and grant review committees. Mr. Whitelaw has been a judge for over 18 Florida art shows, including the Naples Art Fair, Halifax Arts Festival (Daytona Beach), Art Harvest Art Show (Dunedin, FL), Ocala Arts Festival, Lake Wales Art Show, Mount Dora Art Festival, and Tarpon Springs Art Festival. Since retirement, Mr. Whitelaw has lectured and published articles on the history of the arts in Tarpon Springs and specifically on artist George Inness, Jr. (1854-1926), who was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in 2019. He has taught art history courses for Eckerd College's OLLI program, organized exhibitions for Gallery 221 at Hillsborough Community College and Brooker Creek Preserve's Gallery, and has continued to jury shows, including the 2017 Florida's Finest exhibition at the Art Center Sarasota, the 2019 All Florida exhibition at the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers, and most recently the 16th Explore This! On-Line Exhibition for theColor Pencil Society Sod of America. Mr. Whitelaw is a contributing writer for BayArtFiles, Arts Coast Journal, and his 40 Years of the Visual Arts in the Tampa Bay Area: A Personal Reflection (1975-2015), appeared in the March/April 2016 issue of Tampa Bay Magazine and is available in Podcast on the Creative Pinellas web site. 

#oneplacemanyvoices #stpetersburg college #leepa-rattnerartgallery #robertlynnwhitelaw #heritagevillage #Floridahumanities #bethgelman#stpete
#stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete#stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

& we’re back. This week, Anna was on the air in Ft. Myers and we talk about the opportunity that almost was down there. Florida Senators come out against Ye playing at Raymond James Stadium and we got Anna’s take as the official spokesman for the Jewish community in Tampa Bay. Later, in the uncensored portion she has some things to say about the world and Israel’s place in it. Definitely does not hold back…

Later, we talk about UFC 250 and the controversy between Daniel Cormier & Eric Trump screen grab from Twitter. People really can’t be this dumb (yes, they can).

 Hear that on the Substack. Sign up for free to sign up.

We will be back live on Wednesday at 6:00PM over at WillsYouTube.com

We do an extra half hour on our Substack that is uncut and uncensored, hope to see you there, it’s free to join.

Get in touch with the show and leave a voice or text message at: (813) 693-2124 or shoot me an email at thehomemadebroadcast@gmail.com

LINKS: https://linktr.ee/hmbradio

The #HMB airs Sunday’s on Sunshine FM 96.7 in downtown St. Petersburg & anywhere in the world at Radio St. Pete @ 6:10PM & Monday’s at 10:15PM or on demand via your favorite podcast app, just search “HMBradio Tampa Bay”.

In this episode of Pet Tips, Nanette Wiser looks at water dogs we love and shares some tips for ALL dogs learning to swim!  Keep your dog safe in the water by never leaving them unattended, outfitting them with a properly fitted canine life jacket for deep water or boating, and ensuring they know how to exit a pool using ramps or steps. Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds require constant supervision and flotation assistance 

#pettips #nanettewiser #waterdogs #petwatersafety #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

In this episode of Historically St. Pete, Executive Director shares the recent talk by Todd Wiseman Jr., Tampa Bay filmmaker, who shared about his adaptation of the beloved novel 'A Land Remembered.' 

#historicallystpete #toddwisemanjr #alandremembered #ruifarias
#stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

In this episode of Music Scene, host Nanette Wiser previews a beloved volunteer group of musicians much in demand, who have appeared at the Macy's Day Parade twice!  In July, 140 performers from the 2nd Time Arounders Marching Band of St. Petersburg will perform at Philadelphia’s USA  250 Salute to Independence Parade on July 3, along with 53 family and friends tagging along to cheer them and help them out, better known as the Band-Aids. On July 3rd, you can watch the Rounders in the national broadcast from noon-4pm EST airing on NBC Philadelphia 10 and Peacock, as well as Roku, Prime Video, You Tube, Amazon Fire TV, Pluto, C-SPAN, Google TV and more as it livestreams globally.
https://www.tampabaybeacons.com/2026/06/23/st-petersburg-marching-band-heads-north-for-julys-usa-250-celebration/

#musicscene #nanettewiser #2ndtimearounders #america250 #july4thparade #adultmarchingband  #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

• Ken Welch (Incumbent Mayor)
• Charlie Crist (Former Florida Governor)
• Brandi Gabbard (City Council Member)
• Jim Large (Former St. Petersburg Fire Chief)
• Maria Scruggs (Former NAACP St. Petersburg branch president)
• Kevin Batdorf 

• Development vs. City Character: Discussions included balancing downtown development with neighborhood character.
• Infrastructure & Climate Change: Candidates discussed infrastructure and stormwater management in response to recent weather events.
• Historic Gas Plant District: Redeveloping the district and the economic considerations of the Tampa Bay Rays stadium deal were discussed. 

• Practical tools like the L.E.N.S. method and micro-habits to ignite change
• Behind-the-scenes reflections from Passion Struck episodes
• Guest wisdom distilled into real-life applications
• Curated resources, quotes, and frameworks to help you live like you matter
• Want to learn the 12 philosophies that the most successful people use to create a limitless life? Order John R. Miles’s new book, Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life.

In this week's ARTS ALIVE!, podcast host Bill DeYoung talks with novelist L.L. Kirchner, who published two eye-opening memoirs before deep-diving head first into the world of fiction.  Not so long ago, Kirchner created, over the course of two years and change, a series of three character-driven novels (The Queenpin Chronicles) that began in 1940s St. Petersburg and ended in 1970s Havana. Nearly all the protagonists – and a few of the bad guys – were women. “Kirchner,” said one online reader, “has created a fascinating group of women who refuse to be victims.”  Jessica Greer, the woman at the heart of her new book, The Critic, also faces considerable obstacles. For one thing, she’s the primary suspect in the ricin poisoning of the man who took her job, reviewing theater for a Pittsburgh alt-weekly. The FBI’s got her in their crosshairs. 
There’s much, much more, but that’s the crux of The Critic. And for Jessica, things just couldn’t get worse. Until they do.  The Critic is fascinating and funny, serious and suspenseful, mysterious and marvelous.  Which is also a pretty good description of the author.

#stpetecatalyst #billdeyoung #llkirchner #thecritic #localauthor #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

Following the history, the Howard University Choir performs what is today considered the "Black National Anthem."  "Lift Every Voice and Sing" was originally written as a poem in 1900 by James Weldon Johnson, a prominent African American writer and NAACP leader, and set to music by his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson in 1905.  The song was first performed by a choir of 500 schoolchildren at the segregated Stanton School in Jacksonville, Florida, to celebrate President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. 

#juneteenth #deuces #pinellascountyurbanleague #tampabay #radio #radiostpete  

 Lunchtime Conversation host talks with Monica Drake about JUICY: A Slice of Florida Life which opens on June 30 with a reception 3-5pm and program at 5 at Ticketing B at the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport; parking validation will be provided. RSVP to mrouth@fly2pie.com by 6/24. The exhibit is curated by Maggie Duffy.
ABOUT THE EXHIBIT  Creative Pinellas, in partnership with Heritage Village, is presenting a nostalgic celebration of Florida culture with its newest exhibition, Juicy: A Slice of Florida Life, on view June 30-Sept. 30, 2026 at the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport Sightline Gallery.

In celebration of Heritage Village’s 50th anniversary in Pinellas County, Juicy explores Florida’s enduring relationship with the citrus industry through archival citrus crate labels that sealed Florida’s identity as an eternal tropical paradise. The labels are paired with featured artist Steve Hagan’s blown glass sculptures of citrus, which look as delicious as the Florida fruit that inspired them. The glass works are on loan from St. Petersburg’s Duncan McClellan Gallery. Creative Pinellas’ Maggie Duffy curated the exhibition.

While citrus fruit was originally brought to Florida in the 16th century by the Spanish, it wasn’t until 1870 that the citrus industry in the state had its first boom, according to the Florida Division of Historical Resources’ website. “Orange Fever” brought people to Florida to try their hand as citrus growers. As more growers entered the market, so grew the competition, creating the need for advertising. Crate labels became key pieces of marketing for growers and packers, according to the Ephemera Society of America’s website. They gained popularity in Florida in the early 1900s, with a peak in popularity from the 1920s-50s.

Over the years the industry had its ups and downs, freezes, pests, hurricanes and eventually citrus greening threatened the citrus industry. But some endure in Florida, including the Lykes Bros. Art consultant Liz Dimmitt is part of the Lykes Bros. family. She grew up checking on the groves and eating orange ice cream at grove stores. The CEO and co-founder of FloridaRAMA says Lykes Bros. continues to not only grow the citrus that becomes Florida’s Natural not-from-concentrate juice, but also develops innovative ways to improve growing conditions.

Hagan is a glass artist, foodie, and proponent of pure beauty. His works combine a love of function with modern form and design, often creating citrus-inspired jewelry, tableware, and sculpture. In 2018, Hagan received an emerging artist residency at the Duncan McClellan Gallery where he developed his fruit series even further. His experience working in restaurants as a chef gave him inspiration as a glass artist. In his 2011 thesis show at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree, he created a bar of meringue that looked like the interior of a sliced, bisected lemon — and now fruit remains a major inspiration. All of Hagan’s pieces in the exhibition are for sale. Link to shop the gallery coming soon!

Sightline is a dynamic art gallery located within St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE), designed to connect travelers with the vibrant arts community of Pinellas County. Created in 2025 through a partnership with PIE, the gallery transforms a high-traffic public space into a cultural destination — offering rotating exhibitions that showcase the talent and creativity of Florida-based artists to tourists and travelers alike.

#pinellascounty #monicadrake #heritagevillage #PIE #creativepinellas #maggie duffy
#stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

Renaissance woman Gabrielle Calise is the Culture, Music and Nostalgia Reporter for the Tampa Bay Times. She reports on offbeat Florida and her favorite stories are exploring Florida and  local oddities. We talked about recent stories including Crowbar's closing, Live Nation's proposed new venue near Ybor City, BTS sightings (pickleball, ice cream tastings), mermaid culture, peacock mania, Tampa Theater's retrospective book and a climb up the scaffolding to see the restoration first hand and more of her immersive, cinematic reporting...oh yes, and on the set with Paul Rudd during the Don Cesar filming of the new film. 

Says Gabrielle, who grew up here going to punk shows in Ybor and downtown St. Pete, taking photographs at 14 and just recently, forming Hex Appeal after a Ladies Rock Camp story led her to amazing friendships and a band that just won a Palladium artist grant and performed at a major Tampa festival. Says Gabrielle: "I also love profiling fascinating people in our community and both photographing and reviewing concerts. Before I joined the Tampa Bay Times as an intern on the digital team, I graduated from the University of Florida in 2018 and was a journalism fellow in Germany through the RIAS Berlin exchange program. I’m a big fan of long-lost tourist attractions, oat milk lattes and film photography."

As we explore Pinellas County neighborhoods, Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser was please to welcome Ricky Butler, vice-mayor of Pinellas Park and an advocate of good deeds. We talked about issues facing all municipalities in general and Pinellas Park in particular and the many successes they have achieved with their visionary initiatives. It's all about community activism plus treating people well...no wonder Pinellas Park has won numerous awards for Best Place To Work. No stranger to public service, Ricky's Dad was on City Council for many years and he grew up knowing he wanted to do so as well.  Ricky Butler was elected to city council in March of 2024. He currently represents the city on Forward Pinellas, the Opioid Abatement Funding Advisory Board (OAFAB), and the Florida League of Cities' Municipal Operations Legislative Committee. In his "day job,"  Ricky is the Communications & Public Education Manager at the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office where he leads the dynamic team responsible for traditional public relations communications, social media, public education programming, special events, and intergovernmental relations. 
Additional Service
Prior to serving on on Pinellas Park City Council, Ricky has been a member of the following boards and organizations:
- Mental Health for Heroes (2022-24)
- Leadership Pinellas Board of Directors (2018-24)
- Pinellas County Charter Review Commission (2023-24)
- Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast Board of Directors (2016-18)
- PACE Center for Girls Pinellas Advisory Board (2014-16)
- Pinellas Park Boys & Girls Club Unit Advisory Council (2009-16)
- Pinellas Park/Gateway Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (2009-11)
- Pinellas County Youth Advisory Committee (2006-08)
Over the years, he has been affiliated with organizations, programs, and one-off projects including:
- Police & Kids Foundation Pinellas Park High School 9/11 Memorial Project (2009)
- Pinellas Park Police Department Citizens Police Academy (2009)
- Pinellas Park Police Department Volunteer Patrol (2009-12)
- Clearwater Jazz Holiday Jazz Force (2014-21)
- Pinellas Park Police Department External Strategic Plan Working Group (2017)
Awards
- Pinellas Park Youth Citizen of the Year Award (2006)
- Modern Woodmen of America Hometown Hero Award (2006)
- Pinellas Park Citizen of the Year (2017)
Education & Professional Experience
Ricky holds a Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy & Administration from St. Petersburg College, is a graduate of Florida State University's Certified Public Manager program, and a proud alumni of the Leadership Pinellas Class of 2015.
Hobbies & Family
In his spare time Ricky enjoys photography, travel, gaming, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with his wife, Jessica and their daughter, Leighton. 

#pinellaspark #rickybutler #neighborhoodspotlight #nanettewiser #pinellasparkhistory #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

This airs on HISTORICALLY ST. PETE 6/22/2026.
On June 11, the St. Petersburg Museum of History welcomed Todd Wiseman, Jr. to talk about his film "A Land Remembered shooting now in Tampa Bay and Florida. The beloved book by this award-winning movie director drew a sold-out crowd on the first day tickets went on sale, and guests were treated to a multimedia presentation and insider glimpse on the making of this film.  Executive Director Rui Farias introduced Todd, and the museum's archives were used to help research the film's production.
A Land Remembered is a best-selling historical fiction novel by Patrick D. Smith that chronicles three generations of the fictional MacIvey family in Florida, from their humble beginnings as Cracker pioneers in the 1850s to their rise as wealthy landowners, exploring themes of survival, family, and the changing landscape of Florida. The book, first published in 1984, is celebrated for its rich depiction of Florida history and has won numerous awards, including the Florida Historical Society's Tebeau Prize. 

#movies #alandremembered #floridahistory #toddwiseman #stpetersburgmuseumofhistory #ruifarias #toddwisemanjr #filmtampabay #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

Lunchtime Conversations host Nanette Wiser chats with Rui Farias, Executive Director of the St. Petersburg Museum of History, about upcoming events and exhibits, fun for the family all year round. Sharing Sunshine City stories for more than a 100 years! On exhibit: Wish You Were Here: The Art of Selling Sunshine, the Seminole People of Florida, amazing local baseball & aviation history, a 3,000-year-old Egyptian mummy, and more!

Says Rui "Being a member of the St. Petersburg Museum of History means investing in the preservation of our city’s rich heritage and stories that continue to shape our community today." This is from Museum Member, Ryan Halstead.  "Through its educational programs, historical exhibits, and stewardship of important city archives, the museum connects generations by bringing history to life for students, families, and lifelong learners alike. Membership also supports the celebration of the great events, milestones, and individuals who have helped define St. Petersburg, while creating opportunities for all who love history to gather, learn, and stay connected to our shared past." Exlore membership options at historystpete.org/membership

In this episode of MUSIC SCENE, Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser welcomes back to studio Laurie Loyst, singer and entertainer extraordinaire. On June 20, catch her at The Maria Center in Gulfport for a night of live music, dancing and patriotic America 250 celebration "Stars, Stripes & Swing" 5:30-9pm with 18-piece big band orchestra. There will be a dance competition, All American cook-out, silent auction and games and military speakers. Come in your vintage 1920s-1950s style or red, white and blue to make it a night to remember. The event supports the Gulfport Senior Center Foundation.  TICKETS here.  The Maria Center, 1500 58th St. South, Gulfport.

#nanettewiser #laurieloyst #america250 #gulfportseniorfoundation #musicscene #gulfport #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

& we’re back. This week, we debate the use of sunscreen (again) after FDA approves a new ingredient for the first time in decades. Tom Brady has a new drink coming to the market and it correlates well with Pride Month. Later, the iPhone is being blamed for lower birthrates and we get real about reality. Hear that on the Substack. Sign up for free to sign up.

We will be back live on Wednesday at 6:00PM over at WillsYouTube.com

We do an extra half hour on our Substack that is uncut and uncensored, hope to see you there, it’s free to join.

Get in touch with the show and leave a voice or text message at: (813) 693-2124 or shoot me an email at thehomemadebroadcast@gmail.com

LINKS: https://linktr.ee/hmbradio

The #HMB airs Sunday’s on Sunshine FM 96.7 in downtown St. Petersburg & anywhere in the world at Radio St. Pete @ 6:10PM & Monday’s at 10:15PM or on demand via your favorite podcast app, just search “HMBradio Tampa Bay”.

Welcome to ONE PLACE, MANY VOICES - Pinellas County. In this episode, Deb Carson talks with author and Eckerd alumni Stephanie Kadel Taras who wrote two books on Eckerd College history (her grandfather was involved as a founder and first president)
Stephanie’s own Eckerd story started without ceremony. Her parents moved rather suddenly from her small West Virginia hometown to St. Petersburg just before her final year of high school. Reluctant to go through her senior year in a new place, she decided to enroll at Eckerd instead. She received her high school diploma after fulfilling her remaining requirements in summer school and began college at 16.
“It wasn’t like, ‘I’ve got to go to Eckerd because it’s the family thing.’ It was more that I was desperate to figure out my next move,” she says with a laugh.
Majoring in education, she was assigned to her mentor, Professor Kathy Watson ’69, who would eventually become associate dean for faculty development. Stephanie excelled in her coursework, spent a semester in London (hosted by Kathy and her husband, creative writing professor Sterling Watson ’69), and was in the inaugural class of Ford Scholars, but after student teaching in an elementary school classroom her junior year, she realized she did not want to be a teacher.
Kathy suggested creating a major “concentration” in educational research with a focus on qualitative methods and writing. “Kathy is a superb writer,” says Stephanie, “and she made me a better writer with every editing mark on my papers.”
Stephanie’s senior thesis about the history of SunFlower School in Gulfport was based on interviews with parents, teachers, and students and led her to the field of educational foundations for a master’s degree at the University of Michigan and a Ph.D. from Syracuse University. Her doctoral dissertation focused on how teachers self-determine their own growth rather than being shaped by external requirements—essentially, how teachers push themselves to become great teachers.
All along, Stephanie didn’t have a career goal in mind. “I was just going through all of this credentialing without any idea what I was going to use it for or why I was even doing it. I think I got that permission from Eckerd—you can just study what you’re curious about without caring about where it’s going to take you.”
After getting her Ph.D., Stephanie moved back to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she worked as a community researcher for local nonprofits. Her business, TimePieces Personal Biographies, was born from a desire to tell her own family’s story in a new way. Her Grandma Kadel used to say that life with husband Bill had turned out much differently than she’d expected when she married a small-town Presbyterian minister. Stephanie began thinking that while her grandfather’s story had been well-documented up to and after his death in 1990, no one had told their life story from her grandmother’s point of view.
She spent a weekend in Lake City, Florida, with Grandma Kadel, baking bread, making soup, and talking, all with a micro-cassette recorder running. Stephanie wrote the resulting book just as a family treasure, but when she showed it to a few coworkers, one asked if she would do something similar for their grandmother.
“At first, I was like, ‘No, it’s a family project, do it for your own grandmother,’” she says. “It just seemed weird to me. And then, of course, I thought about it and realized my professional skills gave me the ability to do something other families couldn’t do for themselves. That’s when I thought, ‘Oh, that would be pretty cool.’”
That was her first paying client, and the business was born. As Stephanie was getting the business off the ground, Kathy had moved into the Upham Administration Building and was working with Eckerd’s fourth president, Donald R. Eastman III, who was interested in learning more about the history of the College he had recently joined. Kathy reached out to Stephanie about documenting the founding story by interviewing the earliest faculty, most of whom were still around.
“Kathy convinced President Eastman and me that I was the best person to do this important task,” says Stephanie. “Then she worked with me every step of the way, still my mentor and editor.”
What resulted was On Solid Rock: The Founding Vision of Florida Presbyterian/Eckerd College, published in 2008 for the College’s 50th anniversary. A decade later, again in collaboration with Kathy, Stephanie  interviewed 17 alumni and faculty members spanning the College’s entire 60-year history for the volume that became Swimming Lessons. In her “unofficial historian” role, Stephanie presented the Eckerd story during Autumn Term to a decade of first-year students, giving them context for the legacy they were entering into—context she wishes she had when starting at Eckerd.
Through it all, Kathy has been a constant source of encouragement. Stephanie says her lifelong relationship with her college mentor is one of the things she associates most with the enduring impact of an Eckerd education.
“Kathy understood that I thrive when loved. She never stopped caring about me and believing in me, which allowed me to believe in myself. And now we’ve been friends more than 35 years.”

#oneplacemanyvoices #debcarson #pinellascountyhistory #eckerdcollegehistory #stephaniekadeltaras #nanettewiser

• 1928: Capt. Wilson Hubbard begins offering boat rentals and fishing excursions at Pass-a-Grille, operating out of a local pier later famously known as "Hubbard's Pier". 
• 1940s: Following his service as a World War II bomber pilot, Wilson Hubbard officially established a profitable charter excursion business, becoming synonymous with Gulf Coast fishing. 
• 1970s & 1980s: The business moved north to John's Pass in Madeira Beach. Wilson Hubbard helped develop the famed John's Pass Village, adding quaint boardwalk shops and marinas in 1982 and 1983. 
• Present Day: Now in its 4th generation, Hubbard's Marina operates out of John's Pass, offering deep-sea party boat fishing, dolphin-watching cruises, Egmont Key ferries, and private charters. You can check out their latest excursions or book a trip directly via the Hubbard's Marina website. 

In this episode of PLAY BALL, Dan Hirshberg catches up with Greg Jones, Seminole High School grad who went on to greatness!  As a catcher at Seminole High School and later at Pasco-Hernando College, Greg was a solid backstop and hitter. As a pitcher his resume was miniscule. In fact, less than miniscule. However, longtime area scout Tom Kotchman noticed something special about Jones' arm. And eventually Jones was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels - where he became a pitcher. Greg, who was also a quarterback in football and played basketball for Seminole, hurled for the west coast team for parts of 4 years.   Read more in Dan's Tampa Bay Newspaper story here.

#danhirshberg #gregjones #seminolehighschool #oneplacemanyvoices #losangelesangels #baseballhistorypinellascounty #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

In this episode of PLAY BALL host Dan Hirshberg chats with Ashlyn Wear about her baseball successes. When it comes to taking a swing at the bat or putting on her catching equipment, Ashlyn Wear can more than keep up with her teammates - not softball teammates - but baseball teammates. Ashlyn, who has never played softball, plays regularly on two competitive boys baseball teams and an elite national all-girls team. She is a solid hitter, steals bases, knows her stuff behind the plate and is well respected by all of her teammates. The 15 year old has played in tournaments all around the country and has set some impressive goals for down the road.  Learn more in Dan's Tampa Bay Newspaper article here. 

#playball #danhirshberg #ashlynwear #baseball #boysbaseball #catcher
stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

Pete Merrigan, T.C. Carr and Vinnie Seplesky join Bill DeYoung for this edition of Arts Alive! For more than four decades, these musicians have been in the front lines of the Mad Beach Band, at one time the hardest-working, busiest and most popular group in town.

The guys came to the podcast studio to play a little music, to talk about old times and new, and to plug the band’s June 16 show at the Palladium Theater Side Door Cabaret, a benefit for non-profit Sunshine 96.7 FM RadioStPete's summer fundraiser. TICKETS HERE

A lot of Budweiser has passed under the John’s Pass Bridge since Merrigan, Carr, Pete Shackett and Harry Dailey crafted a winning amalgam of rock, country, folk and blues, a little Jimmy Buffett here, a little Willie Nelson there. And tongue-in-cheek original tunes. In 1970s and early-to-mid ‘80s beach bars, the Mad Beach Band on the stage always meant a raucous good time.

Merrigan and Shackett were the singing frontmen. Carr, in the ‘70s, was already a virtuoso on the harmonica, and Dailey was actually the bass player in Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band. While not on the road or the studio, he was in Madeira Beach. Playing in the Mad Beach Band.

Seplesky came aboard to take the bass chair during Dailey’s frequent absences.

Things changed over time. Shackett and Dailey departed, the band broke up and got back together, Merrigan got sober, other players came and went.  
There’s still a Mad Beach Band today. It includes drummer Tom Kennedy and guitarists Lenny Austin and Dave Williamson.  And Merrigan. And Carr. And Seplesky.

#artsalive #madbeachband #billdeyoung #music #radiostpete #stpete

Lunchtime Conversation host chatted with blues legend Eden Brent about her upcoming 6/18 performance at The Palladium on the grand piano for an intimate evening of authentic, Delta Blues. Born and raised in the Mississippi Delta, Eden Brent brings genuine Blues straight from its roots. Her performances blend Boogie-Woogie, Blues, Jazz, Gospel, and Soul, creating a powerful and deeply moving live experience. As a protégé of the legendary Blues pianist Abie “Boogaloo” Ames, Eden continues the Delta piano tradition with remarkable grit, heartfelt emotion, and unmistakable energy.

Her many Awards include: Multiple Blues Music Award winner, Pinetop Perkins Piano Player Award recipient, International Blues Challenge winner

She has performed at prestigious events such as the Kennedy Center Honors, further highlighting her exceptional talent and recognition in the music world. Experience an extraordinary night of music with Eden Brent. Secure your tickets and be part of a performance that celebrates the heart and soul of blues music.

Eden Brent named Traditional Blues Female Artist 
of 2026!
Eden Takes Traditional Blues Female Artist - Koko Taylor Award trophy at the 47th Annual Blues Music Awards
Following her Pinetop Perkins Piano Player win last year, Eden won Traditional Blues Female Artist in the 2026 Blues Music Awards. 

Also known as the Koko Taylor Award, Eden accepted the award noting, “Koko Taylor used to come to Greenville and perform the Mississippi Delta Blues Festival just about every year, and I would sit in the audience thinking, ‘Wow! Isn’t she something?' It's kind of a full circle moment to be standing here holding an award with her name on it and my name on it."

EDEN BRENT
Life in the birthplace of the blues: a riches to rags story about Rhythm & blues lady Eden Brent is a piano-pounding, juke-joint hollering powerhouse of American music. A legendary performer and southern songwriter, she spent the first two decades of her career under the tutelage of Abie “Boogaloo” Ames, before winning The International Blues Challenge and bouncing onto the global music scene. Since then she lands steady honors, with five Blues Music Awards and a lengthy list of lifetime accolades. Recently Brent won 2026 Traditional Blues Female Artist (Koko Taylor Award) at the 47th Annual Blues Music Awards following her 2025 Piano trophy win last year and commanding performances at both awards shows. This fall Brent releases her eighth studio album, a collection of American originals titled Things Going South. Recorded at the legendary Sam Phillips Recording in Memphis, the album showcases ten songs of love and protest and is a modern reflection of traditional blues. 
family
Eden was born into a family of riverboat captains and guitar pickers in the river port of Greenville, the largest town in the Mississippi Delta, renowned for its literary history. Eden’s own story could have been written by Eudora Welty or Tennessee Williams, or any number of Mississippi’s colorful authors. By the time she was old enough to drive, she christened the M/V Eden Brent, a working towboat built by her family’s river transportation company. The Greenville Bridge and a river museum in Vicksburg bear the name of her grandfather Capt. Jesse who was dubbed "Riverman of the Century" by the Waterways Journal. Her father Capt. Howard, famous for his Hank Williams renditions and grand story-telling, received the “River Legend Award” by the Seaman’s Church Institute who also named a riverboat training simulator in his honor. Mother Carole was a sharecropper turned fashion model, big band singer and “Miss Ace Records” who landed on the cover of Inside Detective magazine and worked at Chicago’s famed Chez Paris where she encountered Boogaloo's friend Nat King Cole and members of the Rat Pack. Both of Eden’s parents met Elvis Presley, her father in 1955 and her mother in 1956. The Brent household overflowed with music on reel-to-reel and vinyl, all played on a Hi-Fi that was formerly owned by Jerry Lee Lewis and later auctioned by the IRS where the Brents bought it. Suppertime sparked entertainment hour with regular family sing-a-longs. Author Julia Reed remembers the home as “a soulful and far funnier version of ‘The Sound of Music,’" and refers to the family as the “von Brents.” 
neighborhood
Eden’s hometown hosts The Mississippi Delta Blues & Heritage Festival, the oldest blues festival in the world, which she first attended as a youngster. Through the years the festival hosted the greats, from Albert King to Denise LaSalle and from Koko Taylor to Memphis Slim. Locals, who were noted internationally,  played the festival annually, people like Sam Chatmon of the Mississippi Sheiks, T-Model Ford, James “Son” Thomas, and Eugene “Sonny Boy Nelson” Powell. The local VFW presented acts like Bobby Blue Bland while Little Milton Campbell played Nelson Street, and of course there were the yearly homecoming visits by B. B. King. Eden was in the right place at the right time, immersed in the Blues at its Mississippi Delta birthplace during this revival. 
education & development 
Eden studied jazz and was classically trained in piano and voice at the University of North Texas, earning her degree in music theory. She started learning piano at age three and was given her first guitar at age nine. Piano lessons were part of her formal education from elementary school through music college and finally her apprenticeship with Boogaloo Ames. Eden explains: 
            “My grandmother played piano. She taught me Middle C and the musical alphabet. I had an ear for music and was pecking out simple tunes before I was old enough to go to school, so my parents put me in piano lessons. My elementary school teachers often had me lead our class in song after the morning pledge and sing the solo in school plays. I did talent shows and entertained at retirement homes. I was a natural performer and always loved performing, but I hated practicing until I started working with Boogaloo. He taught me how to really play.” 
The pair worked together for nearly twenty years until Boogaloo's death in 2002. Thereafter, Eden continued playing and along the way worked with folks like Lil’ Bill Wallace (an early contemporary of B.B.  King’s), and Eddie Cusic (a member of the Rhythm Aces and Little Milton’s guitar teacher). Eden also worked with guitar sensation Lil' Dave Thompson and harmonica legend Willie Foster and was a member of the Mississippi Delta Blues Revue, a local favorite featuring John Horton, Mississippi Slim, and Mickey Rogers. She eventually established her solo act, performing the Mississippi Delta Blues &  Heritage Festival, a festival that inspired her career! She continues to make regular appearances there.
media
Eden is featured in three documentaries: Boogaloo & Eden: Sustaining the Sound; Forty Days in the Delta; and 180 Degrees: Changing Lives in the Mississippi Delta; in publications like Living Blues, USA Today and Garden & Gun; on national radio broadcasts including Mountain Stage, NPR's Weekend Edition, and American Routes; and is among Mississippi’s living blues legends in H. C. Porter’s touring exhibit and companion book Blues@Home. Eden's music continues to delight both critics and live audiences alike.
gigs
A performer at heart, Eden plays clubs, concerts and festivals like the down-home Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale and the epic Chicago Blues Festival, the largest free festival in the world. She travels to faraway places like Boogie Woogie La Roquebrou in France and Notodden Blues Festival in Norway. She frequently hosts the Piano Bar aboard the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise and also presents workshops and educational programs like the Port Townsend, Washington, Traditional Blues Workshop. 
recordings
Eden is a Yellow Dog Records recording artist and there are six solo albums in her catalogue: Something Cool (2003); Mississippi Number One (2008); Ain't Got No Troubles (2010); Jigsaw Heart (2014); An Eden Brent Christmas with Bob Dowell (2018), and Getaway Blues (2024). She works keys and sings harmony on Grammy nominee John Primer's 2025 album, Grown in Mississippi, sings the duet “Southern Honey” with bluesman Johnny Rawls on his 2016 Tiger in a Cage album and boogies on Kern Pratt’s 2015 release Broken Chains. In 2012 she recorded Party Dress, an album of songs written by her mother, the late Carole Brent, with her sisters, Jessica and Bronwynne, both songwriters. 
awards & nominations
A renowned songwriter, performer and recording artist, Eden is the winner of five Blues Music Awards. Most recently she won 2026 Traditional Blues Female Artist (Koko Taylor Award) at the 47th Annual Blues Music Awards after winning top Piano honor and garnering an amazing eight total blues nominations in 2025, following the release of Getaway Blues. Eden previously won the Piano award in 2010, and in 2009 took Awards for Acoustic Blues Album and Acoustic Blues Artist. She is a former Mississippi Arts Commission Folk Arts Fellowship recipient and received a 1993 Folk Arts Apprenticeship with mentor Abie “Boogaloo” Ames. In 2011 she received the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters “Popular Music Composition Award” for her album Ain’t Got No Troubles. Finally, she has a total sixteen Blues Music Award nominations, repeated nominations in the Living Blues and Blues Blast Music Awards, and she won the International Blues Challenge in 2006.
Blues Music Awards: 
   Winner - 2026 Traditional Blues Female Artist (Koko Taylor Award) 
   Winner - 2025 Instrumentalist - Piano (Pinetop Perkins Piano Player)
   Winner – 2010 Pinetop Perkins Piano Player
   Winner – 2009 Acoustic Artist 
   Winner – 2009 Acoustic Album - Mississippi Number One
   Nominee - 2025 Song of the Year - “Watch the World Go By” written by Bob Dowell & Eden Brent
   Nominee - 2025 Traditional Blues Album - Getaway Blues
   Nominee - 2025 Traditional Blues Female Artist (Koko Taylor Award)
   Nominee – 2022 Pinetop Perkins Piano
   Nominee - 2015 Acoustic Blues Album 
   Nominee – 2015 Pinetop Perkins Piano  
   Nominee – 2012 Pinetop Perkins Piano  
   Nominee – 2011 Album of the Year - Ain’t Got No Troubles
   Nominee – 2011 Koko Taylor Traditional Female Artist 
   Nominee – 2011 Pinetop Perkins Piano Player
   Nominee – 2009 Pinetop Perkins Piano Player
   Nominee – 2009 Best New Artist Debut
Blues Blast Music Awards:
   Nominee - 2025 Traditional Blues Album
   Nominee - 2025 Female Blues Artist
   Nominee - 2025 Keyboard Player of the Year
   Nominee - 2024 Keyboard Player of the Year
   Nominee - 2011 Female Blues Artist 
   Nominee - 2009 Best New Artist Debut Recording - Mississippi Number One
   Nominee - 2009 Sean Costello Rising Star Award
   Nominee - 2008 Sean Costello Rising Star Award
Living Blues Awards:
   Nominee - 2025 Most Outstanding Musician - Keyboard
   Nominee - 2024 Most Outstanding Musician - Keyboard
   Nominee - 2022 Most Outstanding Musician - Keyboard
   Nominee - 2020 Most Outstanding Musician - Keyboard
   Nominee - 2019 Most Outstanding Musician - Keyboard
   Nominee - 2018 Most Outstanding Musician - Keyboard
   Nominee - 2016 Most Outstanding Musician - Keyboard
   Nominee - 2011 Most Outstanding Musician - Keyboard
   Nominee - 2010 Most Outstanding Musician - Keyboard 
   Nominee - 2009 Blues Artist of the Year
Independent Music Awards:
    Winner – 2015 Holiday Song (“Valentine” Jigsaw Heart)
    Nominee – 2015 Jazz with Vocals Song 
    Nominee – 2011 Blues Album 
    Nominee – 2011 Adult Contemporary Song 
    Nominee – 2009 Blues Album
# weekendwithwiser #edenbrent #musicscene 
#Blues #Palladium #nanettewiser #radiostpete #st pete

(E260)In this episode of Florida Spectacular, hosts Cathy Salustri and Rick Kilby talk with Florida artist Blair Petersen Updike  about why she created the Florida Gallery, Florida art, and what she thinks everyone should do in Polk County.
Wild Space Gallery at the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation
Benjamin Dimmitt An Unflinching Look: Elegy for a Landscape
Blair Petersen Updike website and Instagram
George Snow Hill — WPA muralist
Hollerbach's in Sanford
The Florida Gallery (check out their art merch, too!)
All Florida 
Blair Petersen Updike's Top Five Seven Things To Do in Polk County
Bok Tower Gardens
Tiger Creek Preserve
Lake Wales Ridge State Forest Arbuckle Trail
Circle B Bar Reserve
Red Chilly's Indian Restaurant
Kualao Lao Thai Food
Andy's Igloo

 
Support the show
Question or comment?  cathy@floridaspectacular.com.
Subscribe to The Florida Spectacular newsletter, and keep up with Cathy's travels at greatfloridaroadtrip.com. Keep up with Rick at studiohourglass.blogspot.com and get his books at rickkilby.com. Find Cathy on social media: Facebook.com/SalustriCathy and everywhere else as @CathySalustri; connect with Rick Facebook.com/floridasfountainofyouth, Bluesky (@oldfla.bsky.social), and IG (@ricklebee).

Domenico Pontoriero sits down with acclaimed singer-songwriter Julie Black to explore her creative process, musical influences, and recent recognition as a recipient of the prestigious Palladium Creative Fellowship.

Julie shares how her music is deeply rooted in pre-1960 blues, jazz, and soul while embracing a broad artistic palette that allows her songs to evolve organically. Writing music since the age of 11, she discusses her intuitive approach to songwriting, viewing herself as a conduit for songs that arrive with purpose and meaning.

The conversation delves into Julie’s collaborative work with guitarist and composer Dave Eichenberger, her extensive performance schedule across Florida, and the challenges of managing a vast catalog of original material. Julie explains how the Palladium Fellowship will help her expand her creative infrastructure and bring more of her music into the world.

Listeners also get a glimpse into Julie’s philosophy on artistic authenticity, the importance of avoiding creative limitations, and her commitment to honoring the musical traditions that inspire her work. The episode highlights several notable venues where Julie performs, including Ruth Eckerd Hall, the Florida Botanical Gardens, and various festivals and concert halls throughout the Tampa Bay region.

Julie invites music lovers to follow her journey, attend upcoming performances, and experience the powerful connection that live music creates between artists and audiences.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Julie Black’s songwriting and creative philosophy

• Blues, jazz, and soul influences

• Collaboration with Dave Eichenberger

• The Palladium Creative Fellowship

• Live performances and Florida music venues

• Artistic authenticity and musical storytelling

• Julie Black Music
• The Palladium at St. Petersburg College
• Radio St. Pete
• Ruth Eckerd Hall
• Florida Botanical Gardens

In this episode, host Stephen Riordan dives into the upcoming production of the Tony Award-winning musical Passing Strange, which closes out a powerful season at The Studio at 620 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Under the new leadership of Artistic Director Erica Sutherlin, the theater has focused heavily on inclusivity and boundary-pushing art.

Stephen welcomes two of the production's featured cast members: Olivia Neal (playing "Mother") and Shakar Smith (playing "Youth").

In this episode of Good Deeds, Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser talks with Sara Garas, Woven Anew Founder & CEO. Woven Anew is redefining what a thrift boutique can be. Located in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg on Central Avenue, Woven Anew is more than an upscale thrift boutique. It is a safe haven where young women find dignity, encouragement, and practical support as they overcome trauma, hardship, and life challenges.
👉Founded on the belief that every life has value and purpose, Woven Anew serves young women ages 12–25 through confidence-building programs, mentorship, life-skills workshops, and personalized support designed to help them move from surviving to thriving.
👉What makes Woven Anew unique is its sustainable model. Every purchase made in the boutique directly supports the organization’s mission and programs. Revenue generated through the sale of donated women clothing and accessories, helps fund workshops, confidence-building experiences, career development opportunities, and resources for young women in need.
ABOUT SARA From the corporate boardrooms of Procter & Gamble to the heart of St. Petersburg, Sara Garas has spent her career building platforms that empower women. A native of Alexandria, Egypt, Sara overcame a childhood of crisis through the power of faith and mentorship. Today, she leverages her background in global strategy and scaling to lead Woven Anew, ensuring every young woman overcoming trauma has the professional tools and personal foundation needed to thrive.
A Midnight Rescue  Woven Anew began not in a boardroom, but at a seawall in the middle of a freezing February night.  In 2019, a 16-year-old girl made a desperate choice. Fleeing from a human trafficker, she jumped off a boat and swam through the pitch-black, shark-infested, and freezing cold intracoastal waters and found her way to the home of our founder, Sara Garas. That midnight rescue was a catalyst. As Sara helped that young woman navigates her return to safety, she realized the heartbreaking reality that exploitation wasn't a distant tragedy. It was happening in her own backyard. More importantly, she realized that for survivors, being "safe" was only the first step. The true challenge was what came next.
A Personal Connection to Crisis The drive to help others rewrite their stories is deeply rooted in Sara’s own journey. Raised in Alexandria, Egypt, her life changed overnight at age 12 when the sudden loss of her father cost her family their home and their business. Relocating to Cairo, Sara navigated a childhood defined by financial hardship and social discrimination. 
During that season of crisis, Sara was anchored by two things: her Christian faith and the transformative power of mentorship. A spiritual mentor helped her process her loss, while a dedicated teacher encouraged her to see education as her ticket to a better future. These individuals acted as the bridge Sara needed to move from a state of survival to a life of purpose.
The Corporate Blueprint for Compassion Sara’s resilience led her to a successful global career at Procter & Gamble. As a strategist, she learned how to enter new markets, listen to the needs of women, and build brands from the ground up. When she encountered the survivor at her seawall, Sara applied that same strategic mindset to the local nonprofit landscape. She also discovered a critical gap. While many agencies focused on the initial rescue and crisis management, few provided the long-term professional and personal development needed for sustainable independence.
Weaving the Future: A New Chapter on Central Avenue  Sara founded Woven Anew in St. Petersburg to serve as that missing bridge. She envisioned a place where young women weren't just rescued but celebrated and given the tools and support necessary to finally close the chapter on survival and begin the journey of thriving.
#gooddeeds #saragaras #thriversnotsurvivers #domesticabuse #humantrafficking #wovenanew #nanettewiser #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

In this episode of Good Deeds, Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser catches up with Lauren Hubbard about what's happening in both St. Petersburg and abroad with her non-profit, All The World's Kids. 
👉 2nd Global Impact Expedition to the Kingdom of Cambodia June 16-July 4, on a mission to build water filters and provide clean and safe drinking water to families. Water filters last up to 15 years and are painted once built and before installing. The water filters stand to serve as public art installations for community members.  This expedition program is for ages 12-17 for local youth in St. Petersburg looking to build leadership skills and gain a greater sense of the world and local community. 
👉In preparation for next years expedition this trip will take no local youth, but serve to build stronger ties for education and community outreach for next years expedition in the host country.  Applications opened in January 2026 for the 3rd Annual Expedition.
👉 All The World’s Kids received Level Up Arts Grant in partnership with the City of St Petersburg, $5,000. Currently working on activating the Lakewood Trail Connector that bridges Districts 5 and 7 together. This trail is a corridor for residents and youth.  The revitalization of this trail will be a community mural on the wall of the trail created by local artists in partnership with youth from Maximo Marina, Connect Pinellas, Lakewood Estates Civic Association, Sunline, and the City of St. Petersburg. Conversations are in the works for making this project possible with a community unveiling event in August 2026. To partner with us please contact All The World’s Kids at info@alltheworldskidsinc.org 
👉 Art in the Park at Childs Park, 11am-1pm every 3rd Saturday, each month a new art theme! Art supplies and refreshments provided. All ages welcome. Art in the Park is a free community event.  June Art in the Park is themed “The World."  In July, they partner with Imagine Museum! All future leaders who join the July Art in the Park event (theme is “Freedom”) will have their art on exhibition, August 3-31, flier attached.
There will also be a small recognition ceremony where certificates are presented to participating future leaders  Each participating future leader will also receive free admission to Imagine Museum for themselves plus up to 5 family members while the e
👉 New Show on RHStv, Unscripted Success with host Lauren Hubbard.
Where purpose meets progress.  Take a look at the people behind the work – where challenges, purpose, and growth shape the journey.  Featuring both nonprofit and for-profit leaders, this series highlights not just what they do, but why they do it – inside their organizations and out in the community. From business milestones to meaningful impact, each conversation reveals the human side of success. The RHStv app is a free, ad-supported streaming platform created by St. Petersburg-based Red House Streaming. It focuses on Tampa Bay-area local programming, community stories, podcasts, and underrepresented live sportsWant to be on or sponsor the show? 

#laurenhubbard #alltheworldskids #imaginemuseum #murals #publicarts #gooddeeds #nanettewiser  #futureleaders #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

In this episode of Music Scene, Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser chats with author, composer, pianist and radio/tv show host Dr. Mark Evans who has spent his career preserving and promoting America's cultural and musical heritage. Learn more here.
Did you know that a composer signed the Declaration of Independence?
America has a rich musical heritage, but it is in danger of falling into an undeserved oblivion. Classical music, jazz, film scores, and the masterpieces of musical theater are an essential part of our history. "Our Musical Heritage" by Mark Evans explores America's musical past, provides a link to our musical present, and distills the essence of our nation's musical spirit from the music itself. From unsung heroes to the musical giants of the modern age, meet the composers, conductors, performers, and teachers who gave us an incredible legacy. "Our Musical Heritage" guides you on an exciting journey of discovery that can make the world of music a part of your daily life.

American concert music has pursued a unique journey. "Our Musical Heritage" introduces a musical Founding Fathers, Francis Hopkinson, the composer who signed the Declaration of Independence, Francis Scott Key who wrote the words to "The Star Spangled Banner." and John Philip Sousa, the March King. We meet Lowell Mason, the father of music education in the United States and the important composers and conductors who devoted their lives to pursuing a truly American style of music, from "Yankee Doodle" to Carnegie Hall, we must rediscover our musical history.

Jazz has been called America's classical music. From the early days of pioneering African American musicians in New Orleans through the masters of stride piano in Harlem, from the swing era of big bands through the age of bebop, jazz evolved as a unique art form. Jazz is defined by two elements, improvisation (simultaneous composition and performance) and swing. The finest jazz musicians created a legacy that has traveled around the world.

American musical theater was born of Viennese operetta, British music halls, immigrants from Ireland, Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Russia, the sounds of jazz from New Orleans to Chicago, the folk-songs of African Americans, and even the Italian operatic tradition. From this musical melting pot, a remarkable group of composers, lyricists and playwrights fashioned a musical genre and a Great American Songbook quite unique with skill, technique, imagination, and a touch of magic.

Music in the movies comes from the pens of the talented composers who have written the scores that give life, energy, and emotion to motion pictures, which have captivated audiences around the world.

#americamusicalheritage #oneplacemanyvoice #musicscene #markevans #culturalconservationist #america250 #nanettewiser stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

• 1895: A train station was formally established and designated on Hillsborough County maps as "Lealman Station" near present-day 52nd Avenue North, facilitating local agricultural trade. [1, 2]
• Early 1900s: The area functioned as a hub for egg farms and dairy routes before the Florida real estate boom shifted the focus to residential development. [1, 2]
• The Era of Annexation: As neighboring cities (such as St. Petersburg and Pinellas Park) incorporated and expanded, they steadily annexed portions of Lealman's unofficial territory. To protect their geographic identity and resources, residents and local activists pushed back and fought for established planning borders. 
• 2000: The Lealman Fire District was reorganized by legislative action and voter support into an independent taxing district, remaining one of the most vital community organizations in the area.
• 2010: The census-designated place (CDP) previously known as West and East Lealman was divided, with East Lealman officially becoming simply "Lealman". [1]
• 2015: In a major effort to fight the eroding tax base and stop further annexation, the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners established the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). This marked the first redevelopment area in unincorporated Pinellas County. 

(Airs 6/29) In this episode of One Place, Many Voices, Beth Gelman talks with Christine Renc-Carter. What was it like to grow up in a household where art was the family business? That's the question at the heart of Beth Gelman’s conversation with Christine Renc-Carter, Pinellas County artist and Executive Director of the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art. Christine's parents are artists who ran a thriving art business in Dunedin, and their influence shaped everything that followed for Christine. Join us for a rich conversation about art, family, and the cultural history of Pinellas County.

#oneplacemanyvoices #bethgelman #artspinellascountyhistory #culturepinellascountyhistory #heritagevillage #floridahumanities #nanettewiser

& we’re back. This week, Will & Anna battle it out over sun protection. A City of St. Pete employee is under arrest after running over and killing a homeless women in an alley. Later, Teen Takeovers are sprouting up all over the country. One thing is clear- we don't have to live this way. Hear that on the Substack. Sign up for free.

We will be back live on Wednesday at 6:00PM over at WillsYouTube.com

We do an extra half hour on our Substack that is uncut and uncensored, hope to see you there, it’s free to join.

Get in touch with the show and leave a voice or text message at: (813) 693-2124 or shoot me an email at thehomemadebroadcast@gmail.com

LINKS: https://linktr.ee/hmbradio

The #HMB airs Sunday’s on Sunshine FM 96.7 in downtown St. Petersburg & anywhere in the world at Radio St. Pete @ 6:10PM & Monday’s at 10:15PM or on demand via your favorite podcast app, just search “HMBradio Tampa Bay”.

(Rebroadcast Monday, June 6, 2026)
JUNE 11, 2026 @ 6pm  HAPPY HOUR with THE HISTORIAN is sold out. RadioStPete will rebroadcast Todd's talk on Lunchtime Conversation in June. 
Presented by Southern Roots Realty
St. Petersburg Museum of History's Rui Farias spoke with  award winning film director Todd Wiseman Jr., currently shooting "A Land Remembered," based on the beloved 1984 book by Patrick D. Smith. Best known for The School Duel (2024), Knucklehead (2015) and The Exit Room (2013). Learn about his plans for an epic series shooting around Tampa Bay now, with release for 2027, who is cast and why this movie will be iconic as well as his journey. There will be gators, cowboys and a "Lonesome Dove" feel to the episodic history of Florida, says Wiseman. the book centers around multiple generations of the MacIvey family that moves from Georgia to Florida in 1858. The book and film explore The American Spirit – representing Florida as the final frontier; the relationship between man and the land we live on and the the corruption and greed that made Florida, well, Florida. We talk to Todd about the history of "A Land Remembered," his desire to to adapt the novel into a television series and his desire to base the production in Florida as an advocate for filming here.
THIS EPISODE  Welcome to Historically St Pete, a weekly conversation where Rui Farias, executive director of the St. Petersburg Museum of History, explores the truths, and myths of the people and events that created the Sunshine City. In an exclusive interview with "A Land Remembered" Director @Todd Wiseman Jr. (School Duel)  & Christa Boarini, we learn about their plans to cast and start shooting the epic series in March, with release for 2027.  There will be gators, cowboys and a "Lonesome Dove" feel to the episodic history of Florida, says Wiseman. the book centers around multiple generations of the MacIvey family that moves from Georgia to Florida in 1858.
Says Farias: "Back when I was teaching at St. Petersburg High School and started a
Florida/St. Pete History class there was one book that was required reading
for my students. And actually, it should be required reading for everyone
moving to Florida.  Published in 1984, the quintessential Florida story written by Patrick D. Smith, A Land Remembered.  A historical novel that if you didn’t know it was a historical novel, you would think you were reading a Florida historical non-fiction story.
To many, and me, the book explores:
 The American Spirit – representing Florida as the final frontier.
 The relationship between man and the land we live on.
 The corruption and greed that made Florida, well, Florida.
EVENTS https://spmoh.com/events/
MORE Historically St. Pete Podcasts. 

#history  #ruifarias  #stpetersburgmuseumofhistory #HISTORYicallystpete #sunshinecity #floridahistory #stpetersburghistory  #tampabay #radio #stpete #radiostpete  #stpete
#alandremembered #floridafilm #toddwisemanjr #patrickdavis #floridacowboys #stpetefl #tampabay #radio #downtownstpete

In this episode of PET TIPS, host Nanette Wiser shares how you can support the Pinellas County Animal Services shelter this summer with fostering, donations and volunteering.

#pettips #nanettewiser #pinellascountyanimalservices #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

In this episode of Gardening in Florida, Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser talks about June garden tips, from planting and caring for bulbs as well as launching seedlings indoors for your vegetable garden planting starting in August. 

#gardeninginflorida #nanettewiser #bulbs #vegetables #plantingpinellas #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

🎶 Enjoy concerts at Central Park Performing Arts Center, Capitol Theater, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Baycare Sound,   The Palladium, Noisemakers,  Seven C 2/20 and The Florida Orchestra; plus Green Light Cinema's indie films and jazz Saturday next door in the Green Light Lounge + Kitchen.
👉 Tune in to the Florida Folk Show 10-noon Saturday on Facebook Live or 🌻 What's Happening on RadioStPete.com and around town!      https://bit.ly/3IU5tYx
🎶 Let’s Go Guide     https://bit.ly/3UP2oM3 curates the best upcoming Tampa Bay events, entertainment, festivals, theater, arts, good eats/drinks, music, nightlife, culture and fun!
😍 CJH Jazz Experience Jazz Jam w/Alex Malkovich Nash Keys Wednesday 6-9pm.
 WEEKEND with WISER explore galleries, museums, concerts, nightlife, festivals, theater, authors, films and more in between cool java at local coffeehouses or delicious dining at restaurants and markets. What’s happening from downtown St. Pete to the beaches…and beyond!  Tune into Weekend with Wiser every Thursday or Friday.
#nanettewiser #entertainment #arts #eat #drink #breweries #music #nightlife #museums #tampabay #downtownstpete #theater #art #farmersmarkets #festivals #stpete #stpetefl #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #nanettewiser #localevents #tampabayevents #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #dining #downtownstpete #firstfriday #wednesdaywithwiser #wiserwednesday #saturdaymarket #weekendwithwiser #localevents #tampabayevents #tampabaay #radio #radiostpetenettewiser #Floridarama #jamesmuseum  #book+bottle #floridafolkshow #dali #theater#gulfbeaches #palladium #jannus #mahaffeytheater #straz #rutheckerd  #arts #festivals #downtownstpete #gulfbeaches #dining #arts #entertainment #music #letsgoguide #freefalltheater

#stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

Dunedin resident and skateboarding enthusiast David Adams caught up with LUNCHTIME CONVERSATION host Nanette Wiser and co-host Tim Valle (also a skateboarder) about his skateboarding adventures in California and Florida, giving our listeners insight into the sport, legendary skateboarders (including Tony Hawk, but with a few Florida folks) and how it took over Tampa Bay and Pinellas County. When he retires, he hopes to help rebuild the Dunedin skatepark as well as continue his work as an environmental and water steward for Florida on the many projects he worked on with Pinellas County.

#davidadams #timvalle #nanettewiser #skateboarding #tampabayskateboardhistory #pinellascounty #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

In this episode of PLAY BALL with Dan Hirshberg, he catches up with Jim Riggleman,  a manager and coach in the major leagues for 13 seasons which was highlighted by his leadership in taking the Chicago Cubs to a Wild Card spot in a memorable 1998 season that included one of his players, Sammy Sosa, in a clash with Mark McGuire to see who would break Roger Maris' single season home run record. In all, Jim, who was a minor leaguer in the St. Louis Cardinals system, fell short of the making the majors as a player. However he did go on to make it to the majors as a coach and a manager with five different teams.  
BIO Jim Riggleman has been the manager of five major league baseball teams, winning 726 games, has been a coach on seven different MLB squads, and led the Chicago Cubs to a Wild Card playoff spot in 1998. Ask him what memories come to mind about his career, however, and he doesn't hesitate - quickly pivoting to his playing days in the minor leagues. 
Originally signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1974 as an infielder and outfielder, Riggleman two years later moved on to the St. Louis Cardinals organization which he played with through 1981, making it as high as Triple-A before he retired as a player.
"The money wasn't good, the travel was really tough and the playing conditions were sometimes not great," said Riggleman, a longtime resident of the St. Petersburg area. "We understood that this is minor league baseball. It's a grind. But I loved it."
"Maybe I can remember five or 10 at-bats out of 3000 plate appearances over parts of eight seasons, but what I really remember is my teammates, the bus rides, the laughing, pranksters, the personalities and the relationships. More than stepping up to hit it was that everybody was pulling for each other even though we all wanted to get ahead."
ABOUT YOUR HOST  Play Ball!! with Dan Hirshberg dannybaseball56@yahoo.com
https://tombolobooks.com/events/3226220250930
When it comes to Baseball, Pinellas County has plenty to brag about. In this first installment of Play Ball!! with Dan Hirshberg, Dan brings those bragging rights to life. The author of the newly published book, Baseball in Pinellas County, Dan covers a lot of ground in the book and in this podcast, highlighting people like Casey Kotchman, Bobby Wilson, Toby Hall, Patrick Boyd, Tom Zimmer, Tom Kotchman, and Boof Bonser, as well as legendary coaches Bill Brinker and Todd Vaughan, and three very special high school championship teams, 2001 Seminole High, 2017 Calvary Christian High and 1979 Clearwater Central Catholic. Dan also refers to the untimely death of Steve Giorgiadis, a promising left handed pitcher at Seminole and later at the University of Florida. Real people, real stories. It's what makes Play Ball!! with Dan Hirshberg something special. 

#playball #baseball #jimrigglesman #danhirshberg #pinellascountybaseball #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

Bill DeYoung chatted with Karla Hartley for this episode of  Arts Alive! The producing artistic director of Tampa’s venerable Stageworks Theatre has a lot on her mind, including the show that debuts tonight: The musical comedy I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Our conversation leads into uncharted waters, namely the struggles facing nonprofit, professional theater companies in the bay area. The shrinking audience phenomenon, which began with the Covid-19 pandemic, continues to be an issue. And in today’s rocky economy, an evening at the theater is less important than, say, a tankful of ultra-expensive gasoline.
 
Then there’s the annual disappointment over the lack of financial support from the State of Florida, which has always been a key element in keeping theaters and other arts organizations in the black.  Stageworks received nothing from the Florida legislature for the past two years. Hartley hasn’t seen the 2026-27 numbers yet, but she’s not expecting a surprise this time around.

All of which adds up to a lot of hard choices. In order to keep the bills paid, and keep the quality up to standard, the upcoming season includes a slightly reduced number of scheduled shows.  There are, however, plans for other theatrical events and happenings inside the space at 1120 East Kennedy Blvd., Suite 151. Lots of things.
This interview is not all doom and gloom, not by a long shot. The always warm and funny Hartley remains optimistic about the future, and has plenty of good things to say about the bay area’s other theaters, her upcoming season, and about I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Tickets here.
 
#billdeyoung #artsalive #stageworkstheater #tampa #theater #

In this episode of What's Brewing Tampa Bay, Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser talks with Mastry's Brewing Co. Matt Dahm. Matt  takes us on a tour of the craft beer industry in Tampa Bay, introducing us to the OGs and the growth of local brewers, the USF Brewing program and what's trending today. Check out all their events here. 

#whatsbrewingtampabay #mattdahm #mastry'sbrewingco #tampabaybrewinghistory #nanettewiser #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

In this time capsule snapshot of buildings and history at Heritage Village as they celebrate both America 250 and their 50th anniversary, Nanette Wiser shares the history of the Plant Sumner House, bringing to life what has happened since America's bicentennial when Heritage Village began. 

#oneplacemanyvoices #heritagevillage #pinellascounty #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete #plantsumnerhouse

• Website: www.natoliewarren.com
• All Socials: @natoliewarren

• Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the StressCycle by Amelia Nagoski
• We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers

Spotlight Tampa Bay Farm to Table: How Food Shapes a Thriving Community
Presented by the Tampa Bay Times, in partnership with Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg
(Airs 6/2/2026) RadioStPete is proud to rebroadcast this community conversation from 5/28/2026 presented by the Tampa Bay Times in partnership with Foundation for Healthy St. Pete at St. Petersburg's Center for Health Equity.
THE ISSUE How does the food we love get to our table? And what roles do we all play in making healthy food accessible to everyone in our community? In this free panel discussion, local residents, growers, and nonprofit and community leaders will discuss how Tampa Bay’s food system connects to every facet of our daily lives — from which foods are available to us to how much they cost — and what we can do to make the system stronger. Hear from local leaders dedicated to fighting food insecurity, farmers striving to uphold sustainable foodways and more. Plus, don’t miss our immersive tasting experience before the event.
MODERATOR 
Michelle Stark
Food and Dining Editor, Tampa Bay Times
PANELISTS 
Rev. Howard Gunn Jr.
Co-Founder, Florida Black Farmers & Agriculturalists Association
Jennifer Yeagley
CEO, St. Pete Free Clinic
Emmanuel Roux
Founder, 15th Street Farm
Monica Petrella
Food System Program Coordinator Homegrown Hillsborough, UF IFAS Extension Hillsborough County

WATCH THE VIDEO Farm to Table: How Food Shapes a Thriving Community
Explore videos, resources and more at tampabay.com/healthycommunityseries.
Photo courtesy of Ebony Lamar

#tampabaytimes #tampabayspotlight #michellestark #rev.howardgunnjr #jenniferyeagley #emmanualroux #foundationforahealthystpete #farmtofork #healthyeating #monicapetrella #howfoodshapescommunity #thriving #nutrition #wellness #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

• readers looking for meaningful summer books
• aspiring memoir writers
• creative souls craving inspiration
• anyone quietly wondering if their own story matters

• Why memoir matters
• What readers and writers can learn from great storytelling
• The emotional power of sensory detail
• How books give us permission to tell the truth
• Why ordinary lives are never truly ordinary
• The connection between reading and writing memoir

• Strangers by Belle Burden
• Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
• The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
• The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis
• Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

The City of St. Petersburg is urging all residents to begin preparations for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30. Early preparation is critical to your safety, as well as the safety of your family and your property. By taking proactive steps now, residents can minimize risks and be ready to respond quickly when severe weather threatens our community.

Hurricane Season Preparation Tips

Review the City's Good Neighbor Guide to Hurricane Planning at www.stpete.org/GNG for practical tips and what to pack in your disaster supplies kit.

Prepare your home and yard by trimming low-hanging limbs, clearing gutters and drains, and taking photos of your property for insurance purposes.

Gather important documents, such as birth certificates, Social Security cards, and passports, and store them safely, preferably elevated off the floor.

Additional guidance is available through Pinellas County at www.pinellas.gov/hurricane-guide and the Florida Division of Emergency Management at www.floridadisaster.org/Hazards/Hurricanes.

Sandbags - Pick Up Ahead of Storms

To help residents prepare year-round, the City offers free sandbags during non-emergency times. Visit the Pavement and Traffic Operations Building at 1744 9th Ave. N, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and on the second Saturday of each month. Each household can receive up to ten pre-filled sandbags. During emergencies, distribution locations may change. Visit www.stpete.org/Sandbags for updates.

What to Know About Flooding

As a waterfront city, St. Pete faces the risk of localized flooding and storm surges throughout the year, especially during storm season. It's crucial for residents to stay informed about how flooding can affect them and the resources available to help.

You don't have to live on the water to be at risk. Flooding can happen anywhere, even inland. That's why flood insurance can be a wise investment, no matter the location of your home. Make sure to check your flood insurance coverage during blue skies, and know the required steps if flooding occurs.

Check Your Flood Risk

One of the most crucial steps in flood preparedness is understanding your flood risk. View your flood zone and floodplain information in the City's Prepare, St. Pete interactive map to learn more specifics about your residence. The Prepare, St. Pete map is a resource that brings together key information to help you better understand local flood risk, evacuation planning, and local flood zones.

Valuable tips and resources about flooding in St. Pete and the Prepare, St. Pete map can be found at www.stpete.org/Flooding.

Stay Informed:

Sign up for emergency alerts through Alert Pinellas at www.pinellas.gov/Alert.

Monitor the latest storm information from the National Hurricane Center at www.nhc.noaa.gov.

Follow @StPeteFL on social media for localized updates and more preparation tips throughout storm season.

Visit www.stpete.org/Hurricane for timely alerts, resources, and information, including the Prepare, St. Pete map showing floodplains, evacuation zones, crane risk areas, service interruptions, and more.

For comprehensive hurricane preparedness information, please visit www.stpete.org/Hurricane.

& we’re back. This week, Ron Desantis signed the Teddy Bridgewater act that let's HS coaches use their own money to benefit their players. Later, NASCAR has a woman problem. Hear that on the Substack. Sign up for free.

We will be back live on Wednesday at 6:00PM over at WillsYouTube.com

We do an extra half hour on our Substack that is uncut and uncensored, hope to see you there, it’s free to join.

Get in touch with the show and leave a voice or text message at: (813) 693-2124 or shoot me an email at thehomemadebroadcast@gmail.com

LINKS: https://linktr.ee/hmbradio

The #HMB airs Sunday’s on Sunshine FM 96.7 in downtown St. Petersburg & anywhere in the world at Radio St. Pete @ 6:10PM & Monday’s at 10:15PM or on demand via your favorite podcast app, just search “HMBradio Tampa Bay”.

Welcome to Historically St Pete. with executive director Rui Farias, executive director of the St. Petersburg Museum of Art. In this podcast airing every Monday, Rui explores the truths, and myths of the people and events that created the Sunshine City.The Museum of History has been sharing the stories of the Sunshine City for 104 years on our spot on The Pier, and now on Radio St. Pete! During his tenure at the Museum, and even before when he worked on City projects like First Night, the Festival of States and the Centennial celebration of the Tony Jannus flight, he  was fortunate to work with some amazing people who cared deeply about St Petersburg. Today’s guest easily falls into that category: St. Petersburg's City Councilmember Corey Givens, Jr. .  They discuss his journey and current role, and an exciting project they are collaborating on.  Says Rui:  "So the Councilmember and I got together some time ago and started discussing how so much of the City’s African American history is disappearing right before our eyes.  One conversation led to another that led to another, and we started to formulate a plan.  We want to capture this history, not just African American history, but stories of the people of St. Pete and archive it forever – all while using it to create exhibits to educate and entertain the public on the real histories of St. Pete! The two stories we are starting this project with are the forgotten churches of the Gas Plant area, and When Schools Were Segregated."

#ruifarias #stpetersburgmuseumofhistory #coreygivens, jr. #stpetersburgcitycouncil #forgottenGasplantchurches #whenstpeteschoolsweresegregated #africanamericanhistory 

Lunchtime Conversations host Nanette Wiser welcomes film commentator Mike Hazlett back to studio to talk about upcoming movies, events and book/movie clubs at Green Light Cinema Lounge & Kitchen!

#mikehazlett #greenlightcinema #greenlightlounge + kitchen #documentary #moviebookclub #vhsclub #rockyhorrorpictureshow #nanettewiser #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

She’s a freelance graphic artist and a rock ‘n’ roll bass player. And Cat Lim happens to be a very funny person, a force of comedic nature whose skill set includes standup, improv and sketch comedy.  It’s because of that off-the-wall sense of humor that Catherine Anne Lim is today’s guest on Arts Alive!  The St. Petersburg resident is also known for her fiercely funny one-woman shows. Cat Lim: An American Darling brought down house after house at the Tampa and Orlando Fringe Festivals, and she’s got a new one bowing Saturday at the Green Light Cinema Lounge. The Pinky DeBartlo Show features the return of one of Lim’s favorite recurring characters, the sarcastic and somewhat jaded Hollywood agent Pinky DeBartlo. Saturday’s performance will take the form of a talk show; St. Pete-based actress Eugenie Bondurant is one of the scheduled “guests.” In today’s interview, Lim touches on her Filipino-American heritage, her Catholic upbringing, her discovery of improv, which seemed tailor-made for her outgoing personality, and the other symbiotic side roads that led her to comedy.

#billdeyoung #artsalive #catlim #pinkdebartloshow #greenlightcinemalounge #comedy #eugeniebondurant #hexappeal #stpetecatalyst  #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser welcomes Dominic Howarth back to studio to talk about his summer reading recommendations including local authors (LL Kirchner's Critic debuts June 18), fiction, non-fiction and more. Congrats to Book + Bottle on their 6th anniversary!  

#book+bottle #dominichowarth #bookstore #indiebooks #read #staylit #nanettewiser
#stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

RadioStPete broadcast from the Expo and spoke with Mayor Welch and other participants in this important event.

Hurricane preparedness is a part of life in St. Pete and the City of St. Petersburg urges citizens to take necessary precautions to protect themselves, their home and property, and their communities before, during, and after the storm. Much of St. Pete lies in evacuation zones; make sure you have a plan before a storm approaches.  Visit the Hurricane Center for information and resources. 
#stpete #stpetefl #pinellas #hurricaneprep #tampabay #radio #radiostpete 

Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser welcomed Eckerd College retired professor and artist Kirk Ke Wang to studio to talk about his journey and upcoming project celebrating America 250, as well as a documentary about his life and work.
Wang is the Professor Emeritus of Visual Arts, Eckerd College and Board Director, Ringling Museum of Art with dozens of exhibitions and installations that have wowed the art world. In the exhibit currently at Heritage Village Museum and Park "The Citrus Wizard's Journey" Lue Gim Gong and the Immigrant Spirits is curated by Quinton Spiaggi and runs through June 27. This summer, Wang is installing an art installation of the Oldsmar resident who re-defined how citrus was grown here in Pinellas County and Florida accompanied by his two pet roosters and favorite white horse. Learn more here. https://www.heritagevillagefl.org/
👉You can be part of this exhibition and help decorate lanterns that will line the entrance to the sculpture on June 13 at 11am-2pm at President Bararck Obama Main Library. Email wangkk@eckerd.edu to register and receive your lantern kits (limited to 25 volunteers).
Writes Wang on his website: Born in Shanghai and living in Tampa Bay and NYC, for almost 40 years, I focus my art on issues that conflict my experiences with today's mainstream typecasts, from the standpoint of a diaspora. In my art practice, contents overrule forms and methods. I experiment with a wide range of media, such as painting, sculpture, photography, video, conceptual, performance and installation art, etc. Although oscillating between them, I intend to weave a tapestry of my vision of the world, led by a consistent thread: the fear of inexorable cataclysm. For example in my recent exhibitions:

• I used a sculpture/video installation to discuss the dilemma of contemporary life being pulled by forces of mental and physical attractions, in the exhibition “Weightlessness” (Nanjing Museum of China);
• I used paintings and electronic sculpture to question human identity/fidelity via EKG heart prints of the wounded soldiers in Iraq,  in the exhibition “Language of Heart” (Elliott Gallery of Eckerd College);
• I used 200 sculptures made of toy blankets and performance/videos to stage a “suicide” of animals to protest the consumption of nature by humans, in the exhibition “Last Meal” (Saltcreek Art Space)

On this episode of STORYTIME with Janet Keeler, recent Eckerd College graduate Nicole Vogler joins the podcast to talk about her memories about being read to as a child. As the two talk, it becomes clear that it’s not always the books that are remembered but rather the coziness and closeness of snuggling up with Mom for a bedtime read. Nicole reads a favorite book, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” and explains how the message of the beloved book has become a mantra in her family. She’s not the only one who loves this 1985 children’s story—it’s sold 15 million copies worldwide. Nicole graduated this spring with degrees in Film Studies and Creative Writing. She was also a four-year staff member of Triton Publications and the past academic year, was editor-in-chief of
the student news publications. In the fall, she is headed to graduate school at University College London where she will study film studies.
ABOUT THE SHOW Storytime with Janet Keeler is for grandparents, parents and kids of all ages about why reading out loud matters. Guests read aloud from favorite children's books, new and old and talk about the stories behind them.
Listen to all Janet Keeler's Storytimes here.

#janetkeeler #storytimewithjanetkeeler #childrensbooks #reading   #stpete #stpetefl #tampabay #radio #radiostpete  #nicolevogler #eckerdcollege #triton

In this episode of Beauty & The Burg, host Cindy Stovall takes us on a tour of the new Realm  group exhibition at FloridaRAMA, curated by artist Chad Mize and his new "Randomize" permanent immersive room.  In this podcast, Cindy interviews Liz Dimmitt, CEO of FloridaRAMA and artists Brigitte Coover and Chad Mize.
FloridaRAMA, 2606 Fairfield Ave. S., opens Friday, 7 to 10 p.m.
Photo by Cindy Stovall. Left to Right: Brigitte Coover and Chad Mize at the "Randomize" Exhibition

#cindystovall #beautyandtheburg #floriddrama #lizdimmit #chadmize #brigittecoover #stpeteart #stpeteartists stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

RadioStPete is proud to rebroadcast St. Pete Catalyst's Bill DeYoung ARTS ALIVE on Fridays, and share his amazing arts and culture coverage, entertainment interviews and more. Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser welcomed Bill back to studio to talk about his 4th book in his beloved series, Vintage St. Pete and Pinellas. The books look back at the people, places and events that made St. Petersburg and Pinellas County great! Volume 4 features 23 new stories, each lavishly illustrated.  He shared his research, behind-the-scene stories and more historical stories that showcase how unique are people, events and neighborhoods were and how much has changed in Pinellas County as we celebrate America 250!
Join DeYoung in an interview with Tampa Bay Times reporter Gabrielle Calise at Tombolo Books June 29, 7pm for an evening with Bill DeYoung. RSVP Let us know we will see you there.
Bill DeYoung is a native of St. Petersburg, Florida. Nationally recognized for his music journalism, he was a writer and editor at various Florida newspapers for three decades. Bill is Senior Writer and Editor at the St. Pete Catalyst.
Gabrielle Calise is proud to report on offbeat Florida, nostalgia and music for her hometown paper. Her favorite stories explore our state's history and provide context for local oddities. She also love profiling fascinating people in our community and both photographing and reviewing concerts.

#billdeyoung #vintagestpete #vintagestpeteandpinellas #gabriellecalisi #stpetecatalyst #tampabaytimes #america250 #oneplacemanyvoices #nanettewiser #author #tombolo #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

& we’re back. This week, we dip our toes into summer on the heels of Memorial Day. Later, Gen-Z is taking micro-retirements due to mental health and burnout. Hear that on the Substack. Sign up for free.

We will be back live on Wednesday at 6:00PM over at WillsYouTube.com

We do an extra half hour on our Substack that is uncut and uncensored, hope to see you there, it’s free to join.

Get in touch with the show and leave a voice or text message at: (813) 693-2124 or shoot me an email at thehomemadebroadcast@gmail.com

LINKS: https://linktr.ee/hmbradio

The #HMB airs Sunday’s on Sunshine FM 96.7 in downtown St. Petersburg & anywhere in the world at Radio St. Pete @ 6:10PM & Monday’s at 10:15PM or on demand via your favorite podcast app, just search “HMBradio Tampa Bay”.

Luke Borchelt is a country singer-songwriter and proud Maryland native whose music blends classic country storytelling with the rhythmic influences of the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) hip-hop scene lukeborchelt.com+1. Born and raised in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, he grew up in a musical family — his father sang in the church choir, and his grandfather sang in the church choir as well CBS News. He began singing in church at a young age and later taught himself guitar at 23, starting to write songs to share with friends and family lukeborchelt.com+1.
Borchelt’s sound is shaped by hometown grit, coastal culture, and a diverse musical upbringing, creating a raw, authentic style that reflects his roots countrymusicmagazine.com. He started playing in local Annapolis bars, honing his craft through late-night songwriting sessions and fireside jam sessions All Country News.
His breakthrough came with his debut album Every Rain (2024), which features the title track — over 1.8 million Spotify streams and more than 578,000 YouTube views countrymusicmagazine.com. The album’s minimal, acoustic-driven tracks, such as “Frostbit Hands,” showcase his storytelling ability and Maryland influences All Country News. He has also released singles like “Itchin’” and “Ocean City,” the latter amassing 100,000+ streams in just three weeks countrymusicmagazine.com+1.
Borchelt has toured extensively, supporting major acts like Shaboozey and Medium Build across North America and Europe countrymusicmagazine.com+1. He has performed in venues ranging from 500–1,000 capacity to large arenas, bringing his energetic, emotionally grounded live shows to audiences nationwide countrymusicmagazine.com.
In 2024, he signed with Droptine Recordings and Sony Music Publishing, marking a significant step in his career CBS News. He remains committed to authenticity, often describing his music as a “journal” for processing life’s events, with themes rooted in relationships and personal experiences Stage Right Secrets.
Luke Borchelt continues to build a following that spans beyond Maryland, proving that country music can be both tradition-rich and refreshingly modern countrymusicmagazine.com.
#lukeborchelt #vinoypark #stpete #stpetefl #tampabay #radio #radiostpete 

(Episode 2 of the Pittsburg Road Trip) The Baseball Trip crew joins PLAY BALL host Dan Hirshberg once again in Pittsburgh for a round table discussion and talking about growing up with board games such as Strat-o-Matic, All-Star Baseball and Challenge the Yankees.  Dan, Jerry Karp, Dallas Sacher and Jody Price all have fond memories about those days making out the line up and shaking the dice to see if it's a hit or an out. They also get into their favorite baseball books. Let's see if their memories are the same as yours! Let Dan know. Visit his Facebook page, Danny Baseball 56. 

*The photo was taken at the Roberto Clemente Museum, which was referenced at the start of this podcast.

#playball #danhirshberg  #stpete #stpetefl  #tampabay #radio #radiostpete #cityofstpete  #dtsp #downtownstpete

In this episode of STORYTIME with Janet Keeler, our host welcomes Brian Shea, St. Petersburg arnes & Noble author events coordinator who reads to kids in the children's book section every Saturday at 11am. And he has done this for TWENTY years! Brian is also an actor who has performed at Ruth Eckerd Hall and American Stage. 

ABOUT THE SHOW Storytime with Janet Keeler is for grandparents, parents and kids of all ages about why reading out loud matters, recommended books for kids and excerpts read aloud from Keeler's favorite children's books, new and old...and the stories behind them. Janet is a former journalist and now a journalism professor at Eckerd College. 

#janetkeeler #storytimewithjanetkeeler #childrensbooks #reading   #stpete #stpetefl #tampabay #radio #radiostpete  #brianshea #barnesandnoble