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Category Archives: St. Pete

Crescent Lake Park, downtown St. Petersburg FL

Crescent Lake Park is a beautiful and historic park located in the heart of St. Petersburg, Florida. The park is known for its large lake, which is shaped like a crescent, and its many recreational facilities, including a playground, picnic areas, and a large open field for playing sports. The park is a great destination for families, friends and nature lovers.

The park is situated on a large piece of land that was originally used as a hunting and fishing camp by the Tocobaga Native Americans. The area was later settled by European settlers in the 1800s, and the park was officially established in 1911. The park has undergone several renovations and improvements over the years, but it has managed to retain its natural beauty and historic charm.

One of the main attractions of Crescent Lake Park is the lake itself, which covers an area of approximately 56 acres. The lake is home to a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish. The lake is also a popular spot for bird watching, as it is home to many species of waterfowl and wading birds. The lake is surrounded by a walking path, making it easy for visitors to enjoy the scenery and spot different kinds of birds.

The park also has a playground that is perfect for children of all ages. The playground is equipped with a variety of swings, slides, and climbing structures, and is surrounded by a large open field that is perfect for playing games and running around. The playground is also shaded by large oak trees, providing a perfect spot to take a break from the Florida sun.

For the dog lovers there are 2 fenced dog parks for small and large dogs at the South end of the park with fresh water to keep them cool on a hot day, this is a great place to meet the locals.

Anyone for Tennis or Pickleball? with 2 lighted tennis courts and 6 Pickleball courts we have you covered. Pickleball has become a popular sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played with a paddle and a plastic ball on a court that is similar to a tennis court, but smaller. The sport has been growing in popularity in recent years. In St. Petersburg Florida, pickleball is becoming increasingly popular. Many communities and rec centers have built pickleball courts and offer pickleball lessons and events, Wednesdays are the busiest day at the park for Pickleball.

Huggins-Stengel Field is a baseball field located within Crescent Lake Park in St. Petersburg. Was originally constructed in 1925 as a Spring Training practice field for the New York Yankees and later hosted the New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles. The Yankees held spring training home games until 1947. The field is currently used for various high school and collegiate baseball games. The facility was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2019 you can locate the field under the water tower which is a historic landmark that was built in 1927. The tower was designed by architect J.O. Cole and was originally used to pump and store water for the city and stands at a height of 150 feet.

There are also several picnic areas throughout the park that are perfect for enjoying a meal or a snack. The picnic areas are equipped with tables and benches, and are surrounded by trees and lush vegetation that provide shade and privacy. Visitors can also bring their own grills and have a BBQ picnic.

The park also has a large open field that is perfect for playing sports such as soccer, football, and frisbee. The field is often used for organized sports games and practices, and is also open to the public for casual play. The field is also surrounded by a track, perfect for a morning jog or a light workout.

Crescent Lake Park is also home to a number of annual events and festivals. The park plays host to the St. Petersburg Arts Festival, which is a three-day event that features artwork from local and regional artists, live music, and food vendors. The park is also home to the St. Petersburg International Folk Fair, which is a two-day event that celebrates the culture and heritage of different nations and ethnic groups. Visitors can experience different cultures and enjoy the entertainment and food.

In conclusion, Crescent Lake Park is a wonderful place to visit and spend a day with your family and friends. With its beautiful lake, playground, picnic areas, sports fields, and historic sites, the park is a great place to relax, have fun, and learn about the history of the city. The park is also a great destination for nature lovers, bird watchers and sports enthusiasts. With many events and festivals happening throughout the year, Crescent Lake Park is a must-visit spot for residents and tourists alike

Sights and Sounds of St Pete: North and South Straub Park

North and South Straub Park St Petersburg, Florida

North and South Straub Park St Petersburg, Florida

 

Sights and Sounds of St Pete: North and South Straub Park

 

North and South Straub Park are located on the waterfront in Downtown St Petersburg, Florida on the North and South sides of the Museum of Fine Arts. These are just two of many waterfront parks downtown and some of the most popular for events including Movies in the Park, markets, and more. Watch the short video below to learn more. Learn more about Downtown St Petersburg here.

 

 

Sights and Sounds of St Pete: Historic Old Northeast

Historic Old Northeast, St Petersburg, Florida

Historic Old Northeast, St Petersburg, Florida

 

Sights and Sounds of St Pete: Historic Old Northeast

 

Historic Old Northeast is one of the oldest neighborhoods in St Petersburg, Florida, but it is also one of the most pristine. The homes here range from two bedroom classic bungalows with charming historic details and lots of outdoor space to large modern or updated estates. The area’s best shops, restaurants, activities and every amenity you could ever need are only a few blocks South in Downtown St Pete, but the oak tree lined brick streets and proximity to beautiful waterfront parks will make you feel like you’re far away from the hustle of city life. Watch the video below to see more of what Historic  Old Northeast has to offer and click here to learn more about the neighborhood’s history and see all the current listings available in the area.

What to do in St Pete This Weekend: Arbor Day, Free Coffee and More

What do to in St Pete this Weekend

What do to in St Pete this Weekend

 

What do to in St Pete this Weekend

 

The cool weather should be behind us as we coast on to the weekend. Here are three things you can do around St Pete with your family.

 

Get the kids out of the house and into some fun Saturday at Sunken Gardens Arbor Day Celebration. From 10-4pm your little ones can enjoy scavenger hunts and crafts. There will also be a speaker giving you the best tips on trees that will work well in your yard and how to properly maintain them. Bonus: while supplies last you will get a seedling to take home and plant!

 

Saturday afternoon starting at 1pm beer and bacon lovers will feel right at home at St Pete Beer and Bacon festival in Vinoy Park. Sample bacon dishes, over 60 beers and plenty of cocktails until 6pm. Tickets range from $2-$75 , children 10 and under get in free and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Pet Pal Animal Shelter.

 

Saturday morning, St Pete’s famed coffee joint Kahwa will be at Rollin’ Oats from 10am-1pm. Get your grocery list together and hope on over to 2842 MLK St N and enjoy a pick-me-up from the Kahwagon.

Kriseman Picks First St Pete Pier Restaurant

Kriseman Picks First St Pete Pier Restaurant

Kriseman Picks First St Pete Pier Restaurant

Kriseman Picks First St Pete Pier Restaurant

 

Ground has broken, the foundation is in, and now Mayor Kriseman has chosen a restaurant for their prime location: Doc Ford’s.

 

Doc Ford’s is an interesting choice as it is not a St Pete based establishment, but has deep roots in Florida. The name is from character in Florida-based novels by Randy Wayne White, a New York Times best selling author and partner of the restaurant chain. The proposal would seat about 250 people with more than half of the space outside overlooking the waterfront.

 

Between the success of the restaurant, the amount of people it would employ, and the local charitable contributions they make, it is a great compromise between keeping St Pete hyper-local and making the pier a destination location for all. “With three locations just south of Tampa Bay, Doc Ford’s has already established a reputation as a highly successful destination restaurant,” Mayor Kriseman said.

 

The proposal for Doc Ford’s still needs to be reviewed and accepted by the City Council. If approved, the restaurant will occupy the parking lot on the pier approach, leaving one other spot on the pier head that still needs to be assigned.

See previous pier updates.

St Pete is Awesome: #StPeteStrong

 

 

We are St Pete

 

This weekend was a test for most of us. Are we ready for a category five hurricane? Do we have enough supplies to last if we lose power for weeks? Are we prepared to lose everything if we evacuate? One thing is clear: St Pete’s spirit will not be destroyed. Not by Irma, not by anything. This is what we’ve noticed in the aftermath.

 

Some of us stayed home and hunkered down while some of us went and stayed with family or out of the path of Irma. Coming home on Monday there was a feeling of gratitude throughout the city. Our Facebook feed was flooded with offers of free hot meals for those without power, people offering their homes up to strangers to shower/escape the heat, and tons of businesses opening up as soon as possible to give our residents some respite.

 

When Rafael Perrier of Kahwa South opened up and was giving away free coffee to residents on Monday, The Galley’s Pete Boland was inspired. “I also wanted to do something like what Raf did, so we put our complimentary coffee (his brand, Kahwa) and a free Bloody Mary and mimosa bar.. To us, being open on Monday wasn’t about the money. It was about serving our friends, our community that we love so much.”

 

And the love was certainly felt. Pete went on to say that when he called last call for food at 6pm there was a standing ovation from the large crowd inside the pub on Saturday evening. “No joke – one of the highlights of my career. Quite emotional.” What’s most impressive is  they did all this on a skeleton crew due to evacuations. With sous chef Dave Kohl, volunteer efforts from co-found Ian Taylor and friend Chris Talley, and book keeper Eric Wix, while Pete and his girlfriend Stephanie Smith worked magic to serve the massive swarm of people looking to ease the stress of Irma. “It was a non stop madhouse until midnight .. with the menu sold out, we put together whatever else we could cook off in baskets and passed them out for free to people who wanted hot food.

 

And this is just one of many businesses who wanted to take care of their community they best way they know how: food, a safe place, and friendly faces. We are incredibly proud to serve St Pete and the Tampa Bay area and supporting local businesses like The Galley. You can follow The Galley on Facebook and Instagram, or just show up for food at 27 4th Street N in St Pete and make sure you tell them The Price Group sent you.

Hurricane Safety Tips

 

 

Hurricane Safety Tips

 

 

While Tampa Bay hasn’t had a storm hit in 2017, we are still very vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms. These hurricane safety tips will help you stay prepared and keep your mind at ease.

 

Don't Wait

 

 

 

Prepare now, and relax.

 

We cannot stress this enough: Don’t wait until a storm is imminent to start preparing. We’ve all seen photos of empty shelves at grocery stores right before a large storm hits, and you don’t want to be that family driving all over town to find the supplies you need to secure your house. Or, even worse, be stuck without food and water for days on end.

 

 

Stock up on supplies

 

 

 

Make sure your safety kit is stocked and ready to go each year (you can add this to your Spring Cleaning list, which we’ve already prepared for you here!).

 

Things you want to include:

 

First aid kit (you can buy these at any drug store)
Any necessary

 

medication for you and your family (and pets!)
Flashlights

 

Battery powered radio
Extra batteries (for any devices that are battery powered)

 

Portable cell phone chargers

 

Non-perishable foods and water (the State of Florida website suggests 3 days worth)

 

Entertainment such as books, crosswords, board games, etc.
Cooler, ice and/or ice packs

 

Manual can opener
Personal hygiene items (deodorant, baby wipes, extra water for bathing, etc)

 

 

Know your evacuation route

 

 

Plan for a possible evacuation, especially if your home is located in a flood zone. If the state calls for an evacuation of your area, you don’t want to be scrambling to find the most efficient way to get out or not give yourself enough time to do so. Plan ahead, find your route here and have a back-up plan just in case. Keep your gas tank full and pack your hurricane kit in your trunk with any documents you may been in a water proof container.

 

Do you have a place to stay (with family or friends)? Make arrangements with hotels as soon as you can to ensure they are not already booked. If you have pets, call ahead to hotels and shelters and see if they allow pets. Click here for a map of local evacuation routes, lists of public shelters, and other resources from the City of St Pete.

 

 

 

Secure your home

 

 

 

Before you evacuate, or if an evacuation isn’t mandatory, you’ll want to make sure your home is safe and secure well before a storm approaches. Make sure windows are covered with storm shutters or secure them with wood covering. Take a note of any tree limbs that are hanging over or around your home. Trim any limbs that may cause damage to your home or surrounding homes or may cause your driveway to be obstructed.

 

Take any lawn/patio furniture, potted plants, decorations, children’s toys, etc. and being them inside to avoid the wind sending them into surrounding buildings/vehicles. Secure driveways and walk ways with sandbags if necessary.

 

 

For more information on hurricane safety, please visit the links below.

 

State of Florida Essential Guide to Hurricane Preparedness

FloridaDisaster.org

St Pete Hurricane Center

National Weather Service Hurricane Safety Tips and Resources

How Will the New Flood Insurance Bill Impact You?

Flood Insurance is at Risk

 

How Will the New Flood Insurance Bill Impact You?

 

The National Flood Insurance Program, which was created in the late 1960’s to help facilitate more private insurance options, is going to expire on September 30th, 2017. Congress has recently introduced the “21st Century Flood Reform Act” that will allow flood insurance policies to go uninterrupted through the middle of Florida’s 2017 hurricane season.

 

The catch? The bill has to be passed and signed by the president before September 30th.

 

What This Means For The Homeowner

 

According to Florida Realtors, Florida represents 40% of NFIP nationally. If you are a homeowner in a flood zone in the Tampa Bay area this could be troublesome as congress has merely only introduced the bill needed to keep flood insurance afloat and hurricane season will not end until November.

 

Further, if you are looking to buy or sell your home, closing will be tough. Florida realtors states “Mortgage lenders require proof of property insurance before they will lend money at closing, and they require proof of flood insurance if a property is located within a FEMA-designated flood zone. If home buyers can’t secure proof of flood coverage, their closing could be cancelled or delayed.”

 

What You Can Do

 

Call or email your congress representative and ask them to push a long the bill, or pass an extension so flood insurance is not disrupted. You can easily find contact information for your representative here.

 

 

 

Staycation in St Petersburg Labor Day Weekend

St Pete in Staycation Labor Day Weekend

St Pete in Staycation Labor Day Weekend

 

 

Staycation in St Pete Labor Day Weekend

 

Labor Day weekend is coming up and it’s time to make your three day weekend plans. Getting out of town with only three days can make for a rushed, less-than-relaxing time. Our recommendation: a staycation in St Pete. A staycation is just what it sounds like. You stay in your home town (or nearby) and do all the vacation things. Below are our recommendations to make your staycation in St Pete a blast.

 

 

Where to Stay

 

The Avalon Hotel is location at 443 4th Ave N, a few blocks or a short ride with their free shuttle service to everything Downtown St Pete has to offer. This boutique hotel has an art-deco,

Stacation in St Pete Labor Day Weekend

The Avalon Hotel St Pete

trendy feel with friendly, upbeat service and cozy rooms. The building was erected in the 1930’s, but has recently gone under a full renovation, keeping all the old charm and architecture and mixing in the hip-ness that is the heart of the Sunshine City.

 

Other things to note:

-Each room has free Wifi for those who don’t want to totally disconnect

-King or queen size beds available

-Free ride and pool, free parking, and restaurant with taproom at their sister hotel The Hollander (located next door)

-Check-in is 3pm, check-out is 11am

 

 

What to See

 

Go to the Saturday Morning Market and enjoy music, food vendors, and local makers. The market has been going strong since 2002 with over 170 near Al Lang Stadium with beautiful waterfront views not too far away. Come early to beat the heat, get some breakfast (or lunch!), and enjoy music presented by Mahaffey Theater.

 

Check out The Dali Museum. On Saturday, September 2 starting at 11:45am, take the kids to DillDally with Dali and on Sunday at 10am, all your yogis will love Yoga at the Dali.

 

Stroll down St Pete’s famed Central Ave where you’ll find The Chihuly Museum at Morean Arts Center, coffee shops like Brew-D-Licious, and tons of local shopping on the 600 Block.

 

 

What to Eat

 

There are no shortages of food option when stay in Downtown St Pete. We recommend The Galley for sandwiches, great seafood and overall gastro-pub feel.  Locale Market has options for everyone including the pickiest of foodies. Locale is located within The Sundial courtyards and is surrounded by shopping options and movie theater. For the beer adventurers, you should stop into St Pete Brewing, Cycle Brewing, and Ale and the Witch to taste what the locals drink (and some special taps from out of state).

Solar Eclipse in Tampa Bay: Viewing and Safety Tips

Solar Eclipse In Tampa Bay

Solar Eclipse In Tampa Bay

 

 

Solar Eclipse In Tampa Bay

 

On August 21st, 2017 there will be a solar eclipse in Tampa Bay for the first time since 1979. The sun will only be 81% covered, and may not be the dramatic spectacle you’re expecting with the naked eye (you can see it at the St Petersburg College Planetarium, or via NASA’s live stream though). People all over the country have been making plans to travel across the line which the sun will be covered 100% by the moon. So much so, that school districts have made it possible for kids and their families to travel to see the event with Monday off, given they have a note from their parent/guardian. (Read more from the Tampa Bay Times on each district’s rules.)

 

Seeing the solar eclipse in Tampa Bay (or anywhere) is not just as easy as walking outside and looking, up. While amazing to see, the eclipse does pose threats to your eyes if not protected properly. The good news is that there are places all over Tampa Bay giving out  or selling inexpensively specialized glasses that will protect your retinas from damage while you enjoy the view. Lowe’s and Wal-Mart both have them in stock, and you can pick them up from most public libraries throughout Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

 

Where will you be for the eclipse? Tag us in your photos on Facebook, we’d love to see them!