Labor Day Weekend in St Petersburg, Florida

Labor Day Weekend in St Petersburg, Florida

Labor Day weekend is here and we want you to get all you can out of your three-day weekend. Here are three ideas for enjoying your time in St Petersburg, Florida.

License Free Saltwater Fishing Day, Skyway Pier State Park – Saturday all day

Celebrate Labor Day on the water during the license free fishing day in St Petersburg, Florida. The saltwater waiver applies to any recreational fishing that requires a saltwater fishing license or permit. License requirements are waived for all recreational fishing. All rules regarding season apply.

GeckoFest, Beach Blvd in Gulfport – Saturday 10am-10pm

GeckoFest is the largest festival in Gulfport, Florida and one of Tampa Bay’s best events for live music, dancing, food, and street performers. Think of it as an end of summer Mardi Gras – put on your best costume and come down to celebrate Labor Day weekend with great food, entertainment and amazing views. Visit GeckoFest’s website for more information on parking and vendors. This event is free to the public.

Staycation at the Hollander

The Hollander Hotel and it’s sister The Avalon are located in Downtown St Petersburg, Florida and are two of they best locations for your Labor Day staycation. Enjoy yoga poolside, amazing breakfast buffets, and being walking distance to the waterfront parks, museums and restaurants. Learn more here.

Fourth of July events in St Petersburg, Florida

Fourth of July Events in St Petersburg, Florida

Fourth of July is one of America’s favorite holidays. And just like any other year, there will be hot dogs, music, Old Glory, and, of course, fireworks. If you haven’t made your plans or have been looking to do something different this year we have complied a list of the major events happening in St Petersburg, Florida and surrounding areas for you. Click on the links below for more information on the event. We hope you and your family have a wonderful land safe holiday!

4th of July Fireworks – Downtown St Petersburg, Florida waterfront. Hosted by St Petersburg Parks and Recreation and the City of St Petersburg, Florida

Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Toronto FC II – Al Lang Stadium Downtown St Pete. (Fireworks after the match)

4th of July Celebration – Tampa. Hosted by Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

4th of July Sunset Sail and Fireworks – St Pete Beach. Hosted by Dolphin Landings Charter Boat Center

July 4th Fireworks Buffet at the MFA – Downtown St Pete.  Hosted by Museum of Fine Arts and Olympia Catering and Events

Independence Day Celebration Benefiting Road Warriors – St Pete Beach. Hosted by Mastry’s Brewing

4th of July Celebration – Pinellas Park. Hosted by Bottles Pub.

Fourth of July Witch Style – Downtown St Pete. Hosted by Ale and the Witch

$5 Fourth of July – Pinellas Park. Hosted by Astro Skate

IRB 4th of July Cleanup – Indian Rocks Beach.

Fourth of July Bash – Safety Harbor. Hosted by Bar Fly

4th of July Celebration – Largo. Hosted by City of Largo Recreation, Parks, and Arts

What to do in St Pete: St Petersburg Seafood and Music Festival

What to do in St Pete: St Petersburg Seafood and Music Festival

Love shrimp? What about a group sandwich? When it comes to seafood, it doesn’t get better or fresher than in St Petersburg Seafood and Music Festival. If you’re near St Pete this weekend, this is the place to be. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your weekend.

Vinoy Park Map

Co-hosted with the City of St Petersburg and the Arts Alliance, 2nd annual festival will include local restaurants and the best seafood in the area. Enjoy the food, drink, as well as live local and regional music from The Black Honkeys, Kettle of Fish, and an array of rock, soul, and island sounds.

Where: Vinoy Park – 701 Bayshore Blvd NE

When: March 3rd 11am-8pm and March 4th from 11am-7pm

Admission: General Admission is $7 at the gate and $5 advance when you order from Event Live. VIP Tickets are available.

Parking: There is limited street parking, we suggest using the Plaza Tower Garage on 1st Street N.

Note: Only service dogs will be allowed. For more information click here.

What to do in St Pete: Fine Arts Festival

What to do in St Pete: Fine Arts Festival

This weekend in St Pete art lovers will have two full days to enjoy the St Pete Fine Arts Festival. The annual art show will have original artwork from more than 120 artisans from 25 states and overseas. This is a chance to see art from all over the country as well as some of our local St Pete and Tampa Bay favorites. You’ll find something for everyone including photography, sculpture, metalwork, digital art, jewelry, glass, ceramics, woodworking, and more. Below is some helpful information to get you there.

When: Saturday 2/24 and Sunday 2/25 from 10am-5pm

Where: North Straub Park – 198 Bayshore Dr NE

Admission: Free!

Parking: Street parking will be limited, we suggest parking at the Plaza Parking Garage at 255 1st St N or The Sundial Garage at 117 2nd St N if you cannot walk or ride your bike.

For more information and artist directory, click here.

What to do in St Pete: Sunday Market

What to do in St Pete: Sunday Market

This weekend is the first Sunday Market at Caddy’s in Downtown St Pete. LocalShops1 newest market will be held every first Sunday of the month and will have a variety of vendors and makers lined up curated from some of St Pete and Tampa Bay’s best makers, artists, and vendors. Located a short walking distance from some of downtown’s best restaurants and Beach Drive, the Sunday Market is easily accessible for tourists and locals. Here is everything you need to know about St Pete’s newest market.

When and where: Noon-4pm, every first Sunday on the month, Caddy’s On Central in downtown  (217 Central Ave)

Parking: There is limited street parking on central, 3rd St, 1st Ave N and 2nd St – but if you don’t want to fight for a metered space, you can park in the Rowdies-McNulty Garage located at 175 2nd Ave S.

Admission: Free!

Kids and pets are welcome, however pets are not permitted indoors (with the exception of service dogs). Make sure to visit LocalShops1 for vendor updates and to see other markets and events featuring Tampa Bay and St Pete locals.

Historic Kenwood Bungalow Fest 2017

Historic Kenwood Bungalow Fest 2017

Each year in the Historic Kenwood neighborhood you can take a tour of the city’s finest homes. November 4th will be the 19th year The Historic Kenwood Neighborhood Association has put on the tour and it is your best chance to see the diverse archedtecture and art that help make the neighborhood special.

Each year the tour is a bit different. In 2016, 12 homes were featured as well as artists dwellings and showing off Kenwood’s crafty, artsy side. This year the tour will feature 11 homes ranging from bungalows to Tudor style homes “spotlighting our urban rebirth and the phenomenon of living large in small spaces.”

This popular tour is only $20 per person with an option to purchase the Patron Package for $100 which grants you two tickets, recognition in their brochure, and two t-shirts. with this year’s custom design. Buy your tickets online or at the event check in at Seminole Park the day of the event.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to own your historic bungalow in Kenwood! Contact us today to find your dream home. WE can’t wait to hear about your real estate vision.

Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween Safety Tips

Trick or treat! Soon little ones will be knocking on doors in costumes and adults going to less-than-kid-friendly (but still fun!) events. Halloween is a fun-for-all-ages day (and night!), but a lot can go wrong without the proper precautions. We want to make sure you are being safe this candy-eating season. Here are some Halloween safety tips to help keep you and your family safe and healthy this year.

Tips For Parties and Adult Trick-Or-Treaters

1.  Make sure that rowdy party is okay with your neighbors

If you’re planning on having a large party, especially one that goes into the wee hours of the night (or morning!), it’s a good idea and just plain nice to give your neighbors some notice. Even better, invite them to join! No one can complain about the noise if you’re all in on it!

2. Be extra aware on your commute to and from parties

If you are planning to party hard, please do it safely. Make sure you have a designated driver lined up or use services such as Uber or Lyft. If you are driving (and not drinking) watch out for kids in the street. Even the best kids can make a mistake and run out into the road. Drive slowly and watch both sides of the road, especially in residential areas like Crescent Heights or Old Northeast where trick-or-treaters will be out running around full of sugar.

3. Make sure your home is safe inside and out

Make sure there is a clear, well-lit way to and from your front door. This will help ensure no one trips while getting in and out of your party. While fake blood is to be expected, make sure no one sheds any real blood by moving glass or breakable objects out of the party area.

Tips For Parents

1. Don’t walk in the street

This seems like a no-brainer, but in neighborhoods like Kenwood or Old Northeast it can seem easier to cross the street wherever it’s convenient instead of crossing in the crosswalk. Especially with the parking of larger cars on the street, it can be very difficult for oncoming cars to see children in time. Also, avoid walking between parked cars. Bottom line: Use the crosswalks. That’s what they’re for.

2. Make sure your child is seen by cars

If you are unable to go early before the sun goes down, make sure your child is seen by passing cars by adding a reflective tape to their costume, shoes, and/or candy bag. You can also have them carry or wear glow sticks, just ensure that the life of them is longer or as long as you plan on being out and about.

3. Do not leave your child unoccupied

Again, maybe a bit of a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning. Keeping them within your line of sight can ensure they are not exposed to anything not age-appropriate, that they are staying on the sidewalks/crosswalks,  and ensure they are not eating any candy that may be dangerous.

Not sure what to do this Halloween? Listed below are some Halloween related events around St. Petersburg you might enjoy.

Halloween Block Party in Crescent Heights

Hauntoberfest 2017 @ Arkane Aleworks

Halloween Spooktacular 2017 @ Largo Central Park

5k Pumpkin Fun Run & Walk @ Freedom Lake Park

Haunted Heritage Hikes 2017

Really Live Literature Series: Frankenstein

Friends of Strays Haunted Hounds Costume Contest

Howl-O-Ween @Mastry’s Brewing Co

Trunk or Treat @ St Pete Beach Community Center

Euclid St Paul’s 14th Annual Haunted Hike

Dali and Beyond Film Series: Dracula

Local Shops 1 DTSP Night Market

Local Shops 1 DTSP Night Market

There’s a new market in town thanks to Local Shops 1. The best part? You don’t have to brave the heat to see some of St Pete’s best local makers, musicians, and more. DTSP Night Market is here. And it’s awesome.

Local Shops 1 was founded in 2008 by Ester Venouziou with one clear mission: “to provide advocacy, support and education to locally owned, independent businesses in the Tampa Bay region.” Members receive all kind of perks, too, which help in taking the pressure of advertising and getting their name out to potential clients. In a nutshell, LS1 gives their members more time to focus on what matters: engaging clients and creating really cool stuff.

Though their original storefront is located in Gulfport, their presence in St Pete has been felt from day one. In 2010 the first Shopapalooza, a locally focused festival meant to help holiday shoppers spend their money where it counts: with independent small businesses. The two weekend festival will be held at South Straub Park November 18th and 25th and boasts as being the biggest shopping event of the year in Tampa Bay. There will be entertainment, giveaways, food, and (of course) plenty of makers to pick the perfect gifts (yes, even for that persnickety loved one).

The new DTSP Night Market will be your opportunity to experience all that Shopapalooza has to offer in the coolness of the Plaza Courtyard, “The new DTSP Night Market was an extension of things we have already been doing. In a recent member survey, adding vendor opportunities came up pretty high on list of what people wanted. So we added DTSP Night Market!” Every first Thursday of the month from 6-10pm (next is October 5th!) at 111 2nd Ave NE shoppers will find hand crafted jewelry, art, bath and body products, screen printed t-shirts, and local music provided by the neighboring Ale and the Witch. Ester says it best, “This is the perfect place to shop, sip and eat!”

We asked Ester what she thought made St Pete awesome, and the answer was spot-on. “The vibe in St Pete is electric, and our city has so many amazing neighborhoods, each with its own unique flavor. But what makes St Pete so awesome? It comes down to the people. I’ve never lived anywhere else where it’s so clear that the residents love their city. It’s inspiring!”

We agree. Follow Local Shops 1 on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter. We’ll see you at the market!

Pet Pal Animal Shelter

Pet Pal Animal Shelter

Since the early 80’s Pet Pal Animal Shelter has been saving the lives of animals. In 2002 the two founders moved the operation to 405 22nd St S in St Petersburg, Florida. The non-profit group has expanded to include a veterinary clinic and low-cost spay and neuter clinic. Their mission is simple: Save lives of animals and educate the public on responsible pet ownership. Their efforts are part of what makes St Pete awesome.

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This Friday Coldwell Banker and Pet Pal Animal Shelter are hosting Homes for Dogs Project dog adoption event at our office and we are so excited to hang out with puppies all day. On Friday, September 22 you can join us and give a beautiful fur-baby their forever home from 11am-1pm.

Can’t adopt? Here’s how you can help.

Donate your time and/or money. The shelter is nonprofit, which means any surplus in funds go directly towards achieving their mission. Any time or money given to them will help animals to be cared for (including vaccinations, food, housing) and help with operating costs. If you’re volunteer opportunity seeker, there are plenty of opportunities for all ages (and you get to play with adorable animals so it’s a win/win). You can also donate monetarily. There are options for one-time or monthly donations. You can also view their current wishlist and drop off needed items directly.

Shop at the thrift store. Located at 1500 34th Street N in St Pete, the thrift store is open to the public Wednesday-Sunday 10am-5pm. You’ll find books, housewares, lightly used clothing and shoes, DVDs, small kitchen appliances and more. All the money from purchased items goes to subsidize costs of the shelter and all donations are tax deductible. (Another win/win!)

Have fun at their events. Pet Pal hosts many events around the city from yoga with cats, to Yappy Hour at Pinellas Ale Works. If yoga or beer isn’t your thing you can participate in their 7th Annual Golf Tournament.

You can follow Pet Pal Animal Shelter on Facebook and Instagram for information on future events and adorable animal photos.