Historic Old Northeast Quarterly Newsletter March 2014

HONNA Neighborhood Meetings are held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 126 11th Avenue NE Social: 6:45pmProgram: 7pm March
15 -- Neighborhood Wide Yard Sale (page 29) April 19 -- Easter Egg Hunt (see page 29 ) April 26 -- HONNAs Roaring 20s Gala (see page 27)
Dangerous Driving................................3 North Ward Hearing..............................4 HONNA in Action 2013...............6-7 Transit Referendum............................. 11 Free Money!........................................20 What Brought Me Here.......................28
Celebrating 100 Years of Community 1911-2011
St. Petes Jewel on Tampa Bay

Volume 43 Issue 1 / March 2014 / www.honna.org Published Quarterly
Peter Motzenbecker
Association President
reetings to all! 2014 is shaping up to be another great year for The Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood AsHomeowners Association (HOA) Versus sociation. I refer you to the list of last years events Neighborhood Association (NA) and accomplishments [see page 6-7] as well as to the calendar HO NNA Lets begin by saying what HONNA is not -- HONNA of must-see events coming up in 2014 that are too numerous is not a homeowners association. It is a neighborhood to list here [see On the Docket on page 30]. Suffice it to association. Homeowner associations are a vital part of say, HONNA has been working -- and will continue to many communities. They are a valuable tool in helping work diligently -- on your behalf to make The Historic bring residents together to preserve and enhance the Old Northeast the best neighborhood in the City. livability of a neighborhood. Many would-be homeMembership Has Its Privileges Or owners seek out neighborhoods that fall under an HOA for these and other reasons. On the other hand, many Does It? would-be homeowners stay away from these commuMake no mistake, HONNA values its members nities over concerns about restrictions that and seeks new members with a passion. could possibly be imposed on them. We do But whats in it for you? The most comnot take a stand on the advantages of such, mon questions we hear from new residents and non-members revolve around what it continued on page 2
means to become a member of the Association and what exactly it entails. Typical questions we hear from non-members include: Why do I want to join HONNA? and What benefits would I receive as a member that I do not receive as a non-member? These are fair questions, and questions that deserve good answers. And as tempting as it would be to invoke President John F. Kennedy (Ask not what HONNA can do for you), I will resist. Instead, let me see if I can provide some clarity.
St. Pete is Discovered
Who Knew? You Did.

by Rick Carson
all it the Battle of the Lists. You know -- those lists various organizations devise ranking cities and places as the best or the worst? In recent years, St. Petersburg has been called: One of the 10 Worst Cities in America for Food Lovers (Movoto Real Estate blog) 11th on the vanity scale (Mens Health magazine) Nations Saddest City (Mens Health magazine) Part of the Most Stressful US Metro Area (CNBC) Worst Dressed (along with Tampa in a national survey of online users in top 20 media markets) Those were some of the bad and ugly. Any good? One of the Seven Most Beautiful and Underrated Places in the US (EscapeHere online travel site) One of the Top 100 Communities for Young People (Americas Promise Alliance and the ING Foundation) Top Arts Destination/Mid-sized Cities (American Style magazine) One of Top 44 Urban Places for Art (ArtPlace, a coalition of national and regional Federal and private entities promoting arts and cultural institutions) HISTORIC OLD NoRTHEAST NEIGHBoRHooD NEWS continued on page 16
E-Z-DUZ-It Potluck Monday, March 17

Westminister Presbyterian Church
e celebrate St. Patricks Day with a tasty sampling of traditional Irish and other favorites, thanks to the culinary skills of Old NE resident chef extraordinaire, Rita OFabula. You can bring a dessert to share (are you envisioning a tabletop sea of green icing?). Plan to arrive about 6:45pm and well begin grazing the goodies about 7.
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some cases, this has been inevitable due to the state of neglect of principally because HONNA is not a homeowners association some of these old structures. However, in other cases we have lost (or HOA). HONNA is a neighborhood association, or NA, which beautiful homes for no other reason than a lack of foresight and apare most often formed by groups of concerned neighbors and preciation for what makes our neighborhood special -- in the words residents, working on a volunteer basis and identifying worthy of our neighborhoods name and a reason many of us moved here in projects typically funded through fundraisers and donations. the first place, Historic and Old. HONNA exists to help make sure Neighborhood associations strive to build resident interest, prowe lose historic and old properties as infrequently as possible. vide better street safety, protect the quality of the neighborhood and represent the neighborhood on certain matters before the City. Landmarking, Lighting and Landscaping Neighborhood associations like ours do not exist to tell a resident From corner landmarks to acorn street lighting, HONNA what they can or cannot do with their property. However, if there strives to maintain a sense of place for all of us. Our beautiful are nuisance property owners or concerns over the preservation tree-lined brick streets are a source of beauty and pride. HONNA of an historic building, the neighborhood association is there to is here to make sure those trees are protected and replaced when provide support and guidance. In short, HONNA is here to serve necessary. The on-going acorn lighting project has been a sigand protect, which are words taken directly from our mission nificant undertaking for the statement: The mission of Historic Old neighborhood by HONNA Northeast Neighborhood is to promote, HONNA exists to help make sure we and one that is still underway preserve, and protect the quality of life and will be for some time to lose historic and old properties as in our unique corner of the world. come. Landscaping in cominfrequently as possible. Some of the ongoing services you can mon areas is another on-going expect from HONNA include: concern, and your neighborhood association is commitDownzoning ted to keeping our neighborhood beautiful. If you are a fan of the The Historic Old Northeast is home to many fine examples of nd improvements along First Street from 22 Avenue to 5th Avenue, th early 20 century architecture, including a large number of Arts including the addition of both north and south bicycle lanes, you & Crafts-style Bungalows. Many of you know that we are losing can thank HONNA for taking up the cause due to concerns over an increasing number of these fine homes to new construction. In traffic speed and pedestrian safety.
The Newsletter of the Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association

Published quarterly March, June, September and December and mailed to all households in The Old Northeast P.O. Box 76324, St. Petersburg, FL 33734 e-mail NSNAeditor@aol.com
Editor Rick Carson Columnists and Reporters Mike Dailey Barbara Marshall Jill McGrath Sue Strott Courtney Ellis Sara Wolski Hopkins Emily Elwyn Pamela Collins Elise McNeely
Circulation Joe OConnor, Larry Smith & Steve Urgo Contributors All our Old Northeast neighbors Newsletter Layout & Design Sharon Bond: GreenDoorMAGs@gmail.com AdverTisinG InFormaTion: Sue Strott www.honna.org/Newsletters/Advertising-Questions.html
Crime Watch, Citizens on Patrol, traffic calming, lighting, speed bumps, Porch Parties, holiday parades, parties and other special events and this newsletter you are reading are just some of the many ways HONNA works to serve you. Must you be a member to take advantage of the many benefits of living in The Historic Old Northeast? Must you be a homeowner to participate in HONNAs activities? The answer is no to both questions. But perhaps the better question might be whether you are taking advantage of HONNAs offerings. Member or not, we are thrilled to call you a neighbor. The illustration at the top of this article says, WE WANT YOU! And the truth is, we need you! So please consider joining us as a member if you are not already whether youre a homeowner or renter. Many of us consider it a privilege, and a small price to pay, to be part of something so special as our Old Northeast neighborhood. All the best in 2014!
Security and More
*Preprinted inserts that you provide are delivered within the newsletter. Due to delivery restrictions, inserts are available on a limited basis. The newsletter quarterly publication dates are March, June, September, and December. The deadline for accepting new ads and ad changes is three weeks prior to the publication month. The next deadline is May 7th. Payment for new ads should be submitted at the same time that the ad layout is provided and should be addressed to HONNA Advertising. The newsletter is distributed by mail to all homes in The Old Northeast (boundaries are 5th Ave N to 30th Ave N, and 4th St N to North Shore Dr/Coffee Pot Bayou Blvd). There are approximately 2,500 active home mailing addresses. Contact Sue Strott: www.honna.org/Newsletters/Advertising-Questions.html Ad space is limited so please make arrangements early.
1 Qtr 2 Qtrs 3Qtrs 1Year Ad Size Business card 50 93 128 160 1/4 page (H 4.9 x w 3.7) 100 186 256 320 1/2 page (H 4.9 x w 7.8) 200 372 512 640 Full page 400 744 1024 1280 Back Cover 1/2 page 1400 *Inserts and Premium Placement: Rates Upon Request
Ad RaTes
F. Scott and Zelda Meet Downton Abbey

at HONNAs
Roaring 20s Gala

SATURDAY, APRIL 26
Go to page 27 for details
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HISTORIC OLD NoRTHEAST NEIGHBoRHooD NEWS
he election of Board members for the upcoming year was held at the quarterly neighborhood meeting on November 18 (those elected are profiled on page 5). At its January meeting, the Board elected Jay Weisberg to fill one of the open seats. Three Board members did not choose to run for another term. The indefatigable Jay Marshall, who had served as President for the past two years and was seemingly everywhere advocating for the interests of The Old NE, stepped down from the Board as did Secretary Donna Guillaume (thank you for the detailed and accurate minutes!) and member Kristi Alexander (who coordinated last years Yard Sale). We thank each of them for their service to the neighborhood. The November meeting included a short program, which featured Bob Lasher from the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority. He briefly described the Greenlight Pinellas transit referendum, which will appear on the November 2014 ballot (more about the pros and cons of Greenlight Pinellas may be found on page 25). In a troubling reminder about safety on our streets, one resident shared his story of being mugged before dawn on November 5 on 11th Avenue by two men as he was approaching Westminster Presbyterian Church where he was scheduled to be an election day poll worker. Though he was roughed up a bit, fortunately he did not suffer major injury. About 115 adults and kids attended HONNAs annual neighborhood holiday party on December 16 at the Old Northeast Tavern. A wide variety of tasty pizzas, salad and desserts were enjoyed by the attendees in a festive atmosphere of seasonal cheer. A huge collection of toys and books for youngsters and teens was donated by attendees, with the gifts going to children in the Guardian Ad Litem program. Thanks to all who participated and to Bob and all at the O N E Ta v e r n for their hospitality.
Association News & Activities
Traffic & Safety
Ron Magray, Chair

Do You Have a Habit?....Habit; a recurrent, often unconscious pattern of behavior that is acquired through frequent repetition. Your neighbors are increasingly angry about an insidious bad habit of drivers going too fast and ignoring stop signs. An unconscious pattern. WOW, is this you? We certainly have the recurrence (see following). Recent studies by the City Transportation Department were conducted on Beach Drive and more recently at Locust Street and 21st Avenue NE for speed and volume due to neighbor complaints. Your neighborhood speed limit is 25mph. This does not mean you can go 30, 35 or more as your safety, your neighbors safety and their kids and pets are in jeopardy. Keep pushing the limit and it becomes habitual. The push turns into a bad habit, which requires action and the police are called for enforcement. As much as I may sound repetitious with these warnings, there are more than enough neighborhood residents (and drivers from outside the hood driving through) who need to take more responsibility with their driving. On a recent foggy February morning, while standing at a crosswalk, it was appalling to witness a vehicle southbound on North Shore Drive, driving at least 4045 mph. There also have been increased incidences of accidents involving property damage to walls, gates, shrubbery, etc., due to drivers going too fast. A driver, who crashed into the retaining wall at 22 nd Avenue NE and Cherry Street, was DUI. A northbound vehicle on Coffee Pot Boulevard NE near 20th Avenue went onto property, destroying fencing, an electric gate and shrubbery while hitting a large palm tree. A southbound vehicle -- on Coffee Pot just below the intersection with Walnut Street -- hit a stone wall in front of a home (see photo top). Another vehicle went over the seawall and into the Bay at the curve on Coffee Pot at 18th Avenue NE; an earlier motorcycle crash on that same curve, where the cycle hit the curb, was never reported. The lamp post at this same location was struck late on February 8 or early February 9 (see photo above).
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These incidents are nothing new. We dont want to see this trend escalate, especially leading to injury or death. Think, be aware, slow down -- this is your neighborhood and you can develop good driving habits. 4th Street Update.The consistent detouring on 4th Street, north of 9th Avenue, is the result of ongoing drainage improvement work by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). During this process, the Citys transportation department has been working on plans to install a new lighted crosswalk on 4th Street in the vicinity of 15th Avenue N.The Crescent Lake Neighborhood Association (CLNA) initiated the prospect of having the crosswalk and requested HONNAs support. Your Board of Directors (along with the CLNA)has reviewed the prospective plans, with both associations submitting opinions on the actual location.Its a winwin --a good example of neighborhoods working together and, in this case, making it easier and safer for their residents andany pedestrians or bicycliststo cross a very busy street. Breaking News!The infamous circle/roundabout at 30th Avenue and 1st Street will begin to be disassembled on or about March 3. Better hurry and say your farewells!
place we call home. In addition to the Yard Sale, March will be action-packed with a Pot Luck on the 17th, a Porch Party on the 21st and a New Resident Meet-and Greet-on the 31st. With the HONNA Board being reduced in size this year, we need more volunteers to help with specific tasks. If you have an interest helping out -- even if its just for a single instance -- please go the HONNA home page for our specific needs or contact any Board member.
Larry Smith, Chair March has been named HONNA Membership Madness Month. In the last few weeks, you have probably received attached to your front door a HONNA Neighborhood Yard Sale Flyer on the back of which is a HONNA membership application. Many thanks to all those who have already renewed from our mailing in February; however, with over 2,500 residences and multiple apartments in our neighborhood (you do not have to own property to be a HONNA member) and just over 350 members, we should have many more. For our March 15 Old Northeast Neighborhood-wide Yard Sale, in order to be listed on the advertised locator map and on our Web page, you must be a HONNA member. Please take this opportunity to support your neighborhood and join HONNA if you havent already. We have been working hard for the last several years to promote our neighborhoods events and activities, which are open to all residents and not just HONNA members. This year we plan to do more to protect and preserve this special
Membership
Rick Carson, Chair We welcome three new volunteer contributors to the newsletter. Pam Collins is a newbie to The Old Northeast, having moved here in November.Hailing from northern New Jersey, she is delighted to have moved to the area after becoming an empty nester of three beautiful daughters.When not at home, you can find Pam out along the waterfront doing something active or working at the Vinoys wellness center promoting positive lifestyles. When Elise McNeely came to deciding whether to move to New Orleans or St. Pete, we won out. She planted roots here in August with her two dogs. After a career in theater and working in communications with non-profit media outlets, shes now joined the ranks of Realtors. Pam and Elise will be covering the broad breadth of neighborhood life. Emily Elwyn, an historic preservation consultant and current President of St. Petersburg Preservation, will focus on our local historic resource concerns through the Preserving the Character of The Old Northeast feature in the newsletter. Keep up on Facebook with the latest information at facebook. com/honnaorg Reminders: please send us pictures of events or things happening around the neighborhood and well feature them on our Facebook page; send them to Anna Costello anna.costello@honna. org Anna is working on launching a new Store page (coming very soon). This will make it easier to become a member or renew and purchase neighborhood merchandise (like banners/flags, books, etc.)
Newsletter and Communications
Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association
OFFICERS and BOARD
President........................... Peter Motzenbecker Vice President.................................Larry Smith Treasurer.....................................Ann Caviness Secretary......................................... Chad Boyd Rick Carson Mary Alice Lange Board Ron Magray Jay Weisberg
Hearing on North Ward Building

The hearing before the Citys Planning and Preservation Commission regarding an historic landmark designation for the North Ward School building on 4th Street is scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, at 3pm at City Hall. If you have an opinion to share on this issue, you may e-mail City staff at Kimberly. Hinder@stpete.org. HONNA supports the designation and the Pinellas School Board is opposed. For additional information, you may contact Robin Reed atrlreed@tampabay.rr.com
To contact an officer or Board member via e-mail, go to honna.org/get-involved/ volunteer/ where you can click on the name of the office/person you wish to contact and send him/her a message. HONNA Board meetings are held the first Monday of each month at 6:30pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church and are open to the public. Check beforehand with the Board president in case the meeting day has been re-scheduled.
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HONNA Officers and Board Members

Peter Motzenbecker -- President (10th Avenue NE) has lived in The Old Northeast for a decade+ and in the St. Petersburg area for over 25 years.Originally from New Jersey, Peter is a Vice President in Private Wealth Management for SunTrust Bank, Celebrating 100 Years a father and grandfather.He of Community loves The ONE with its homes 1911-2011 and tree-lined brick streets -all within walking distance of downtown St. Petersburg -- making this his home for life. Larry Smith Vice President (13th Avenue N) is a native of Atlanta and a graduate of the University of Georgia. After moving to Tierra Verde from Memphis in 1998, he and his wife Betty arrived in The Old Northeast in 2002 when their youngest son left for USF. They purchased one of the Four Sisters on 13th Avenue N, and unfortunately, after 10 years of restoration and rehabilitation, Tropical Storm Debbie in 2012 exposed some major structural damage. Thus all 2013 was spent re-restoring (if thats such a word) the front and the rear sections of their home. The construction is now complete, and they have moved back in after spending the last 10 months in their garage apartments. Now, 2014 will be spent re-landscaping. While not managing construction, enjoying their new granddaughter or spending time at their log cabin in Montana, for the last 28 years Larry has been a financial advisor and recently moved his office to downtown St. Pete. As a Board member, he initially served as Secretary for one year and for the last three years has chaired Membership, coordinated Porch Parties and two years ago initiated New Resident Meet-and-Greet events. Chad Boyd - Secretary (16th Avenue NE) and wife, Jennifer, have lived in The ONE for almost four years now.They have one son, Henry, who is now one year old.This is his second year on the Board after joining to help build the Young Northeasters group aimed at engaging the younger residents in the neighborhood.Chad and Jennifer just opened The Sweet Spot on 4th Street (where the Cold Stone Creamery was located), making it more of a neighborhood sweets shop/coffee house.He is also servings his thirteenth year in the USCG Reserves, drilling out of Sector Saint Petersburg downtown as a Pollution Investigator and Facility Inspector. Ann Caviness -- Treasurer (Beach Drive NE) spent 20 years starting up, managing and instructing in philanthropic libraries before moving to The Old Northeast in 2001. Through Robin Reed, she was drawn into HONNA projects including the Candlelight Home tours, Garden Strolls and the Souvenir of St. Petersburg: Views from the Vinoy. She has served on the board of Harbour Hill condominium in positions of treasurer or president for eight years and recently retired from a fabulous five-year job as lead Concierge at the Vinoy Resort.
Officers
Rick Carson (Cherry Street NE)has been editor of the Associations newsletter since 2002 and this is his ninth year serving on the Board. He has lived in the neighborhood since 2001 and in Florida since 1989. Prior to moving to Florida he co-owned and operated a B&B in New Jersey and before that spent a couple decades in the DC area working in political campaigns, serving on Congressional staffs and working as a lobbyist. Rick volunteers as editor of the United Church of Christs Florida newsmagazine. Mary Alice Lange (15th Avenue NE) is a St. Petersburg native; she and her husband Steven have lived in their home for over 19 years.They have two married sons and four grandchildren (and one Yorkie) with all living in St. Pete.Mary Alice has been an active member of the neighborhood association for many years including serving on the Board as its President and a number of years as chair of the Planning Committee. She helped create the first City of St. Petersburg Neighborhood Plan for The Old Northeast, and the Planning Committee has worked with the City to re-design the zoning codes which are contained in the city-wide Land Development Regulations.In 2009 she was honored with: the Florida All-State Neighborhood Award, Florida Neighborhood Conference; Community Service Women of the Year Nominee, Chamber of Commerce; and Leadership Program Graduate, Council of Neighborhood Associations. Shes also been chair of the Childrens 4th of July parade since its inception and drives through the hood before Halloween to create the list posted on HONNAs website of the spookiest, scariest and most fun decorated houses. Ron Magray (17th Avenue NE) and his wife Jan moved into The Old Northeast more than seven years ago. They were drawn to the area by the multicultural society so evident in St Petersburg.They enjoy the positive growth and many arts activities that serve to entertain and educate the community. Jan has designed and published a book and DVD for integrative education in the primary grades and Ron has served on the HONNA Board forseveral years and as its Traffic/Parking Committee chair. They love where they live! Jay Weisberg (18th Avenue NE) is originally from New Jersey. He and wife, Cathy, have owned their home in The Old Northeast for over three years and have made it clear that they never want to live anywhere else. Jays professional background is in engineering and construction, having worked all over the world managing a wide variety of construction projects. Retired now and hoping to find more leisure time, his interests include motorsports, golf and spectator sports, particularly his Yankees and Giants. Cathy and Jay especially enjoy the beach lifestyle, dining out and are looking forward to traveling again. They have three children, seven grandchildren and a brand new cat named Nick. A former school board member and local activist in New Jersey, Jay has participated in a number of HONNA activities as a volunteer as well as a committee member and looks forward to getting more involved with the community and hopefully making a difference.
Board
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Meetings, Socials and Community Building
HONNA Activities and Accomplishments During 2013
quarterly neighborhood gatherings and other related functions
meetings that included topics of policing (with Police Chief Chuck Harmon, #1) and natural disaster preparedness and reports on criminal activity in the neighborhood from representatives of the Police Department
Held quarterly neighborhood
Historic Preservation
Continued distribution, promotion and sale of award-winning HONNA publication, Souvenir of St. Petersburg: Views From the Vinoy (#3) Continued an exhibit about the neighborhood at the St. Petersburg Museum of History; in addition, Souvenir is offered for sale at the Museum
Held eight Porch Parties (#2) at neighbors homes and two other joint Porch Parties -- one a summer back-toschool PP at Great Explorations Childrens Museum/Sunken Gardens and one in November at the Museum of Fine Arts to enjoy their newly refurbished galleries.
day party for neighborhood residents at The Old Northeast Tavern and collected Christmas gifts for needy children of the Guardian Ad Litem program; invited members of the 4th Street Business Association to attend
#1
Conducted two package tours of the neighborhood in partnership with Sunken Gardens and the Renaissance Vinoy Resort Sold 36 Preserve Old Northeast banners for residents to display Met with St. Pete Preservation and the City on getting North Ward School designated an historic building. Sent a representative to provide input for the study being conducted for the Downtown Waterfront Master Plan; neighbors also participated in open forums at USF/St. Petersburg and the Vinoy on the plan. Met with City Neighborhood transportation Manager Michael Frederick each quarter of the year for overall review of issues Implemented the change to 1st Street N/NE to one southbound driving lane with two bike lanes
Traffic and Parking
Hosted annual December holi-
Hosted three potluck socials (as part of quarterly meetings)

attend Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA) leadership course residents under 40 (or young at heart) held several events to promote the group: a childrens event with Great Explorations, happy hour socials at The Old NE Tavern and annual December holiday party at Signature Place tion about the City and neighborhood to 133 new residents
Sponsored one Board member to
#2
Continued the Young Northeasters group for
Delivered welcome bags with informaWelcomed 127 new members to HONNA Invited new residents to three meet-and-
#3
Responded to contact from approximately 10 neighbors on issues involving, parking, signage, speeding, accidents and crosswalks. Reviewed with Transportation and Police departments of streets in the neighborhood having increased frequency of speeding and accidents (e.g., Beach Drive, Coffee Pot Blvd [#4], 30th Avenue circle)for studies on traffic calming, enforcement of traffic laws and street changes.
Crime and Safety
greet socializers held at the Old Northeast Tavern, Melting Pot and Three Birds
Made presentation about creating a neighborhood newsletter to City residents attending Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA) leadership course Made a modest contribution to the Palladium to help underwrite travel expenses of the Calidore String Quartet who performed there and at local schools as part of the Palladiums Young Concert Artists series; special ticket prices were made available to Old NE residents
you for allowing HONNA to use its facilities for Board meetings,
#4
Provided Citizens on Patrol neighborhood watch throughout The Old NE thanks to the time and dedication ofvolunteers
Sent e-mail blasts to residents warning of suspicious activities in their areas Invited Community Police Officers to monthly Board meetings to provide more current update on crime issues in the neighborhood
Donated $1,000 to Westminster Presbyterian Church as a thank
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meeting to register bicycles with the Police Department (#5)
Provided opportunity at quarterly
purchase neighborhood merchandise (flags, books, etc.)
Receivedcrime updates at quarterly Association meetings from Community Police Officers, who took questions from residents in attendance and responded to concerns expressed Distributed Crime Watch We Notice and Report Suspicious Activity yard signs for use by residents HeldperiodicCrime Watch meetings prior to neighborhood association meetings Monitoredcrimereports.comfor number and locations of vehicle accidents within neighborhood boundaries
Communications
hood newsletter to 2,400 households, City leaders and key staff; posted color version on website
Nearly doubled the number of Facebook Likes (keep up with the latest information at facebook.com/honnaorg) and created a Young Northeasters Facebook group
#5
Helped organize annual Halloween activities featuring house decorating contest along with a listing on the HONNA website of the spookiest and scariest haunted houses in the neighborhood (#6) Organized annual Spring neighborhood-wide yard sale on March 16 involving more than 60 households
Special Events and Recognitions
Mailed four issues of the neighbor-
#6
Increased number of newsletter advertisers, whose much appreciated support helped provide solid income base for publication Provided a HONNA page in the Northeast Journal in its six issues during the year
concerning neighborhood events to over 875 subscribers ter.com/honnastpete
Helped promote the Florida Orchestra in the Park event in October, which was underwritten by resident Helen Torres; contributed $1,000 in Helens honor to the Florida Orchestra (#7) Co-sponsored annual Easter Egg Hunt in Flora Wylie Park with residents Cynthia Serra and Connie Lancaster of Smith & Associates Real Estate
Delivered 52 e-mail broadcasts
#7
Organized the annual Childrens 4th of July Parade with financial help from residents Donna Fudge of Fudge & McArthur, P.A., and Steven Lange of The Lange Corporation Architects-Planners
Began tweeting this year by launchinga twitter page -- twit-
Maintained HONNA telephone number (instituted in 2010), voice mail boxes and info messages to provide better communication links for residents to contact the association Maintained kiosk bulletin board (courtesy of the City next to the tennis courts in North Shore Park) posted with excerpts from newsletter and other HONNA-related info
2014), which will make it easier to become a member, renew,
December 8 close to selling the most tickets of any Candlelight Tour -- raising operational funds for HONNA and providing a contribution to Goodwill Book Works and St. Petersburg Free Clinic charities
Organized 16th annual Candlelight Tour of Homes on
Neighborhood Beautification
Maintained the landscaping of (and enhancing with new plantings) the entryway monuments into the neighborhood
Worked on launching a new store page (coming soon in
Facilitated the recreation of a new cornerstone monument at 9th Avenue N and 1st Street, the previous one having been destroyed by an errant car
BOARD Kristi Alexander............... Yard Sale; Neighborhood/ Historic Preservation Chad Boyd....................... Young Northeasters; Programs Rick Carson..................... Newsletter Mary Alice Lange............ Neighborhood Planning Ron Magray..................... Traffic/Parking Larry Smith...................... Membership; Porch Parties
Officers and Board Members for 2013 and Their Committee Responsibility and/or Major Activity Involvement
OFFICERS Jay Marshall..................... President Peter Motzenbecker......... Vice President; Neighborhood / Historic Preservation; Public Safety Ann Caviness................... Treasurer Donna Guillaume............. Secretary
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Volunteer with one of our committees!

Your volunteer involvement in one of our committees will help enhance your neighborhood and our association. Please contact any committee chair for information.
Like our neighborhood? Want to make it even better?
New Members
Rene & Sandra Baumstark........................ 119 13th Avenue N Nichole Fleming................................. 635 12th Avenue NE #3 Bryan Frankel & David Brody....................303 20th Avenue N Nels & Connie Frostenson.......................... 735 1st Avenue N Michelle & Jason Hackenwerth...................224 9th Avenue N Michaela Hames....................................... 100 6th Avenue NE Heloise & Art Jones.....................................1232 3rd Street N Lauren & Tony Leavine........................... 246 19th Avenue NE Christopher & Christine Lowry................ 245 17th Avenue NE Colette Marie McCaine....................... 266 7th Avenue NE #6 Elise McNeely.........................................320 6th Avenue N #1 Matthew Nardi...........................................2325 1st Street NE Adam & Nikki Nate....................................... 235 15th Ave NE William Norris & Allison Nall........................249 8th Avenue N Emily Simone Oster & Geordie Stutzman ..... 304 21st Avenue N Chris Pavlovich............................................. 634 2nd Street N Alex & Rebecca Ray................................... 638 2nd Street N Jody & Mark Spencer............................. 106 14th Avenue NE Cathy Vogel & John Rutland................. 925 Locust Street NE David Watson & Sara Young.....................220 14th Avenue N Larry West & Diana King.......................1800 Beach Drive NE Sally & Robert Willis............................... 505 18th Avenue NE Mandy Wine & Ross Jackson....................121 13th Avenue N Russ & Maria Winer .............................. 426 12th Avenue NE
Communications Anna Costello & Rick Carson Newsletter Rick Carson Special Events Jay Weisberg Neighborhood Planning & Mary Alice Lange Historic Preservation Membership Larry Smith Public Safety Vacant Traffic/Parking Ron Magray
where you can click on the name of the person you wish to contact and send him/her a message.
honna.org/get-involved/volunteer/
To contact a chair via e-mail, go to
Read the newsletter in full on our website at honna.org/newsletter
C O L OR
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Boaters Republic
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www.facebook.com/BoatersRepublic Hours: M-F 9:30-7pm Sat 9-5 Sun 10-4
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Mens Apparel
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AVID, COSTA, MOJO, YETI, PELAGIC, OLUKAI, BUFF, AND MUCH MORE!
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Candlelight Tour Shines!
by Bonnie Bailey Home Tour Chair he 16th Annual Candlelight Tour of Homes was again a very successful -- near record-breaking event on Sunday, December 8, kick-starting the holidays with 1,076 tickets sold. Eight homes were beautifully displayed by gracious homeowners: Douglas and Ceccia ODowd, Brandon and Sonya North, Mike and Carolyn Meagher, Manny and Vicky Vilaret, Jerry and Mary-Jo Robinson, Peter Motzenbecker, Jerry Penacoli and Dr. Will Goetze and Edward Robinson. Holiday music was provided at various homes by The Joyful Sounds from Christ United Methodist Church, students from Bringe Music Center, Vesper Bells from the Lutheran Church of the Cross and First Light Choir of First United Methodist Church and added immensely to the holiday spirit. Two trolleys provided convenient transportation throughout the neighborhood. This years homeowners were presented with a beautiful watercolor rendering of their homes by artist Juan Santos Garanton as a token of our appreciation. So many thanks go to all the volunteers the scores of docents and ticket-takers on Tour day -- and especially to Sharon Kanter and Jay Marshall for all the hard work and hours spent to ensure the success of this event as well as Committee members Tracey Locke, Cathy Weisberg, Douglas Haan, Larry Smith and Rick Carson. All the advertisers, ticket outlets and Westminster Palm View, which hosted the volunteer preview party and served as the ticket venue and hospitality house on the day of the Tour, provided support without which we could not have had a Tour. The Candlelight Tour of Homes fundraiser not only benefits The Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association but also two very worthy charitable causes: the St. Petersburg Free Clinic Family Residence Program, whose mission is to keep newly homeless families together and to prevent longer term family homelessness; and Goodwills BookWorks program, which helps to instill a love of books and reading in children from low-income households to prepare them to succeed in tomorrows workforce. Again, I would like to thank all those who came together and made this years Tour such a success. It will soon be time to begin planning our 2014 Tour so if you would like to be a part of this rewarding event either as a home on the Tour or by serving as a committee volunteer, please contact our website (www.honna.org) to sign up.
Young Northeasters on the Move

by John Kingston Coordinator
he Young Northeasters holiday party held at Signature Place on December 12 was a blast -- and what a view from the sixth floor of the condominium! Everyone who attended was asked to pick one HONNA committee on which theyd like to volunteer in the coming year (whether Crime Watch, Candlelight Tour, historic preservation, etc.). There are already a variety of childrens events (including the annual Easter Egg Hunt and 4th of July Childrens Parade) as well as networking young professionals-type events planned for 2014. On January 30, we held our first event of 2014, a happy hour at 400 Beach Seafood and Tap House.We had a great turnout --about 20 20-30 something Old Northeast residents attended, despite the lousy weather! In addition to seeing old friends and making new ones, we also discussed some really exciting and fun future event ideas for the year. We are very fortunate to live in a neighborhood with so many young residents so if you qualify, please join us for our next event. The Young Northeasters aim to hold at least one event per month. A great way to keep in touch is to join our Facebook group at https:// www.facebook.com/groups/youngnortheasters/. Additionally, please spread the word to any of your friends or neighbors who are not aware of our group. Our next event is a Yappy Hour tentatively planned forSunday, March 9, so please keep an eye or ear open for details on our Facebook page, HONNA.org or by checking with me at John. kingston@gmail.com. We also will be helping organize the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 19. How much fun will that be?! Come be a part of that!
A Golfer? A Duffer?
GOLF OUTINg
Later This Year
Watch for HONNAs
Page 11
The Power of
This article is another in an occasionalseries entitled The Power of One. Featured are residents of The Historic Old Northeast who are making a difference be it major or modest, creating change, defining a vision, saying We can when others say It cant be done, planting a seed in the community. Know someone we should consider profiling? Send us an e-mail at NSNAeditor@aol.com.
How 10 New Scooter Parking Spots in St. Pete Improved the Daily Commute for Thousands in Atlanta
by Jane Harwood
y husband gave me my first scooter for my 50-something birthday a few years back. I was so excited to drive downtown and save some gas and not have to worry about parking. Well, that dream bubble popped fast. First drive to Starbucks and a parking ticket. Turns out you cant park your scooter anywhere downtown where theres a little extra space like a bicycle. (I know, I know obvious but I was in the dream.) Deflated, I parked my scooter in the garage and thats where it mostly sat gathering dust. Then one day early last November, I saw then-Mayor Bill Foster was having a town hall meeting nearby, which involved City government departments including Parking and Transportation. What an opportunity to request more scooter parking! I arrived at the meeting and signed in to talk with the Mayor. After waiting only a few minutes, it was my turn to present my case a little aflutter: Id like to request scooter parking nearer the shops and restaurants on and around Beach Drive. Its a good thing for everyone it saves gas and makes a cleaner environment, it frees up more car parking because one scooter wont take up a whole parking spot and it will contribute to St. Petersburg being such a great livable city. Whew -- I couldnt believe it. He said he thought it was a good idea and directed me to discuss it with Parking Manager Evan Mory. And then the Mayor was on to the next person. I set an appointment with Mr. Mory the next week, and he thought it was a good idea, too, and could not have been more helpful. He worked with me to identify possible places and said he would look into it further and get back to me. In a few weeks, we met again and he proposed two areas that would accommodate 10 scooters or motorcycles, only lose one car parking place, and wouldnt be in front of any outdoor eating areas to be disruptive. By the end of December the parking spots were striped and metered. Amazing really. My only experience with government before this
had been, well, parking tickets and taxes. And then this. These guys really are here to make life better. What does this all have to do with traffic in Atlanta? Well, you see, we live part of the year in a condo just off one of the busiest intersections in Atlanta. Any weekday morning there would be a horrific backup at my stoplight with all the neighborhood traffic feeding into work in Buckhead. Id been caught up in this for years, saying they really should lengthen the time of that light into the large office complex which backs traffic up and keeps cars from getting to turn lanes onto the freeway and the loop road. After having this amazingly positive experience with the City of St. Petersburg, I said maybe they starts with me. So I took pictures of the traffic backup and the clear intersection on the other side with time stamps and e-mailed a request to the North Buckhead Civic Association (NBCA) -- similar to HONNA here -- and asked if they would join me in approaching the city. The traffic chair of NBCA said hed been backed up for years on that road and would be very happy to forward my e-mail and pictures to our city councilman with his endorsement. Within a short time, I received an e-mail that the green light would be lengthened and a study would be conducted about allowing turns from an additional lane. By Christmas the light was changed and thousands of people in Atlanta had an extra few minutes with their families in the morning and a lot less stress. And little do they all know it was all thanks to Evan Mory of the St. Petersburg Transportation and Parking Department.
New Downtown Scooter Parking: SP1 (Bay Shore) 6 spaces 10 hour limit Metered SP2 (3rd Avenue NE) 4 spaces 4 hour Not metered
Page 12
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Page 13
Over The Back Fence
by
is a collection of what weve heard exchanged in the aisles of the supermarkets, shared waiting in line to pick up the kids from school, read in the papers, overheard in the pew behind us in church and, yes, even passed over the back fence. If you have something youd like to share about a special recognition, award received, birth, graduation, gooddeed-done or observation around the neighborhood please pass it along to the Editor. Over the Back Fence is only going to be interesting if we hear from you!
and
Waste Pro or Con?....What kind of job is Waste Pro doing in our neighborhood, picking up recyclable trash once a week at a cost of several dollars per month for those choosing to engage the service? Some residents arent so impressed with the service. Over Christmas and New Years the pickup was spotty off-schedule (some slack granted as these were two holidays) and not very service-oriented. At least one neighbor says she chased down the truck after it wouldnt pick up some of her curbside boxes. Other complaints. Some of the trash doesnt make it from the bins into the truck? Too bad its left on the street. Once the bins are emptied, theyre tossed back on the parkway maybe onto plants and shrubs, doesnt seem to matter. Westminsters Remarkable People.Have you noticed the Westminster Palms advertisements in the Sunday and Wednesday St. Pete Times section of the Tampa Bay Times? They provide a photo and brief background of some of the remarkable residents of their campus community off Beach Drive. Dr. Richard Eliason and Connie Kone were profiled in recent ads. Going Through a Rough Patch....For a while it seemed that
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the online St. Pete PATCH which is supposed to be running local news and stories was featuring more stuff from almost everywhere else but our local area. Readers began complaining and posting uncomplimentary comments. Has the problem been corrected? Check out the Patch for yourself at stpetepatch.com. Pink Flamingos. The prominent photo on the front page of the local section of the 12/18 Tampa Bay Times was of a Sunken Gardens flamingo. The caption explained SGs efforts to reintroduce more of the pink birds into its sanctuary. The 17 Chilean variety, which came to SG in 1956, have dwindled down to two. To learn more about how you can help bring new flamingos to the habitat, check out SG on Facebook (https://www.facebook. com/SunkenGardens#sthash.h6QoF3cK.dpuf) or the City website (http://www.stpete.org/sunken/). If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the fund, which would obtain new flamingos, send a check made out to SPPI Flamingo Fund and mail it to Sunken Gardens, Flamingos Forever Fund, 1825 4th Street N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704. [Also go to the Plant Rant section in this issue to see how purchasing camellias from SG can help purchase flamingos.] One Big Happy FamilyResidents on the 300 block of 14th Avenue NE have a very special way of celebrating Thanksgiving. This year Fred Ryder got the permit to block off the street and set up a length of tables in the middle of the street. Families on the block and friends each brought a dish to share and there was a bounce house for the kids. Said Mike Meza, who raised his children on 14th and they now bring their kids, the event further punctuates us (neighbors) as a family. Its a way for us as a community to congregate, to meet, to share. [source: Tampa Bay Times, 11/29] Goings and Comings.Longtime General Manager of the Renaissance Vinoy Resort, Russ Bond, left his post at the end of the year to accept a new position at the JW Marriott resort in Tucson, AZ. His successor is Barbara Lippert Readey.The closing of the Northeast Pyramid Barber Shop on 4th Street N was noted recently in a lengthy article in the Tampa Bay Times. The coming of Trader Joes to this spot on the street has meant the relocation or closing of several businesses, including this shop owned and operated for 46 years by Carl Troup. The 69 year old barber has decided to retire his clippers Cold Stone Creamery on 4th Street N (next to Carrabbas) has melted away, to be replaced by the Sweet Spot a coffee, breakfast and sweets trifecta which also
Page 14
Just Say No.Old NE residents Steve Lange and John and caters parties and weddings. The owner, Chad Boyd (secretary Betsi Burgess were cited in a Tampa Bay Times article (1/22) for of the HONNA Board), says I hope this will be a story of a local being leaders in the No Tax for Tracks campaign against the resident providing a lot more to the community than a franchise Pinellas County referendum in November on a proposed transit was able to do. [source: Tampa Bay Times, 12/8, 1/10] tax increase [see more on the referendum on page 25]. Passings.The Old NE community remembers Guntis Barenis, Where Illegal is Legal.The word on the street is that some a Planner for the City, who residents knew as the go-to person for cyclists cant figure out how and why the City has made it legal tree permitting and related questions, who died on December 24. for cyclists on 1st Street, traveling between 9th and 22nd Avenues Wither We Goest?.... Neighbor and history professor emeritus at on a street which is one-way going south, can legally be allowed USF/St. Pete Gary Mormino authored a front page article in the to bike in both directions in other words, legally allowed to go Perspective section of the 1/5 Tampa Bay Times, What Well against vehicular traffic. be When Were No. 3. The piece looks at Floridas growth over New Goodwill Donation Site OpensGoodwill-Industries the decades to the point when well soon pass New York to be Suncoast has announced the opening of a new the third largest state. He sees us at a crossroads and asks how donation site in our neighborhood. The atwell decide to manage our growth to meet tended donation center is at 2421 4th Street the many serious challenges such a large Over The Back Fence is a N in the parking lot of P.k.g.s packing/shippopulation presents. ping. The donation center is open 8am-6pm Hats Off, Neighbors!.Tash Elwyn, Monday through Saturday and 9am-5pm on President of Raymond James & AssociSunday. The new donation site replaces the StEP oN UP ates, is set to become a member of Rayone previously located at 31st Avenue and 4th mond James Financial, Inc.s executive and Street, which was removed for construction committee. Neighbor and former Mayor Rick Baker received the Chancellors LEts HEAR of an office building. Dont You Just Love..the phone calls you Award for Civic Leadership at USF/St. fRoM YoU receive when no one responds when you pick up Petersburgs commencement ceremonies to answer?....drivers who aimlessly parallel park on December 15. The prestigious award e-mail: nsnaeditor@aol.com their cars with no regard to spacing. With onrecognizes outstanding contributions to street parking so tight in almost all parts of The the community.Doug ODowd, Chief Old NE, it takes only one inconsiderate driver to Financial Officer at Xcellence LLC, was a make it possible to lose one or more scarce parking spaces on a block. panelist at the Tampa Bay Business Journals Biotech Roundtable A driver pulls into a generous open space and leaves about a half car on January 27 where he told attendees the area has lots to offer length in front and a half length behind. And, voila, wasted space and businesses looking to relocate. Were more than just sunshine no room for another car to park. How about being more considerate and the beaches, he told them. of the next person trying to find a space to park on your block? Pull Clip, Clop, Clip, Clop.The owner of a horse-drawn carriage up a bit; back up a little...Youre driving north on I-275, passing exit business that traverses the downtown streets and brick roadways 20 (31st Street S) and approaching the long curvey roadway opposite in The Old NE was featured in the January 4 Tampa Bay Times. The Trop. And all of a sudden, its as if a big Black Hole sucks out all Leland Allenbrand told his story of coming to St. Pete in 2006 for a the cars acceleration. Cars drop below the 65mph speed limit with vehicles in the left (i.e., fast, passing) lane often dropping down to 55mph or less. What gives with that stretch of highway?
Soapbox...
one month visit to help with his brothers carriage business only to stay and become one of the Citys most exuberant promoters. St. Petersburg is on a roll, he claims. We dont need it to stop. This city has done a very good job keeping up with growth. Residents dont know what a hidden gem this city is. This ambassador for the city says his goal is to sell St. Pete by encouraging visitors to stay downtown and partake of its many offerings. His business now numbers four carriages, a trolley and five horses; an average 30 minute carriage ride costs about $80. [source: Tampa Bay Times, 1/4]
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Page 15
St. Pete Discovered
from page 1
Thats more like it. Very recently theres been a collective aha moment as St. Petersburg has been discovered and in a good way and the news shared in media reports. The headline in a January 19 Tampa Tribune article by Josh Boatwright was sure to grab a readers attention: St. Pete Gaining Global Fame as Hip Destination. The piece cites recent articles in the New York Times and Britains The Independent (St. Petersburg, Florida: Miami Has a Rival for the Finer Things, January 11) to underscore what has brought this about. Back in 2008 the owners of Kahwa Coffee (downtown locations on 2nd Street N, 2nd Avenue S and Bayfront Medical Center) are quoted as saying they saw our City as wide open as a new travel destination. Says Raphael Perrier, To see the change in the whole area, the whole downtown like that, it was really fast. I think that its going to be pretty amazing in the next 10 years. Were far from being done. There is a sense of pride, he believes, that locals have about their City. Boatwrights article states that in the next year 1,100 new apartment units will be completed in the downtown area, which is almost half the almost 3,000 which have been created since 2000. The influx of younger professionals and entrepreneurs adding to the retiree population is credited with enlivening the restaurant and street scene. A lot of credit goes to the many locally-owned small businesses and offerings including the Saturday Morning Market and the craft beer scene (four up-and-running in the City so far) that make for a distinctive experience. We are just reflective of whats happened in the country where people want to be in a livable downtown, St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce President Chris Steinocher is quoted as saying.
Evidence is cited of St. Pete catching the attention of media personalities, including a televised cooking show last winter by celebrity chef and cookbook author Emeril Lagasse spotlighting the City and travel journalist Peter Greenbergs The Travel Detective PBS show last summer filmed at The Dali. Roger Dow, President of the U.S. Travel Association, checked out other parts of coastal Florida before deciding St. Pete was where he wanted to live. Theres a vibrancy going on in St. Pete, he said. It seems like theres something going on every month, whether it be a concert, a festival, the Grand Prix, volleyball. The New York Times has just selected St. Petersburg as one of 52 places in the world the world! -- you should visit in 2014. The burg placed 49th on the go-to list as being notable for a redeveloped waterfront, a stunning Dali Museum, and sophisticated restaurants in place [where] the downtown energy is now heading up historic Central Avenue, thanks in part to the craft beer scene. St. Pete was one of only nine US cities to make the grade. Money magazine touts St. Pete as one of the ten Best Places to Retire in the country. In addition to a moderate median age and home value, modest typical home price and a relatively pleasant temperature range, St. Pete was selected because: The sunshine City holds the Guinness World record for logging the most consecutive days of sunshine a stretch lasting 768 days that began in 1967. And beaches, beaches, beaches in the area. Swim in the Gulf of Mexico in the dead of winter (well, tourists do anyway). While the city has always been a hot spot for retirees, it also draws younger people and families who keep the area vibrant and packed with things to do. There is a festival in the region almost every weekend, and restaurants, art galleries and craft breweries are exploding downtown. And the article goes on to list other magnets (and, oh yes, proximity to Tampa). The only other warm weather city Money considered was Fort Lauderdale. All this is probably not news to most of us. St. Pete has museums to appeal to a wide array of tastes and interests the Dali, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of History, Florida Holocaust Museum, Chihuly Collection, Great Explorations Childrens Museum and, coming soon, the Museum of American Arts and Crafts Movement. We (and in conjunction with the county) have an extensive, multi-purpose waterfront as part of a park, athletic and fitness trail system that is the envy of even larger metro areas. Theres Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, Weedon Island Preserve and nearby Fort DeSoto Park a onetime #1 Best Beach in the US. Horticulturalists have Sunken Gardens and a soon-to-be-expanded palm arboretum with the addition of a coveted palm and cycad collection. And what about the Renaissance Vinoy Resort as a local treasure towell, treasure?
Page 16
A Fresh Market, a newly-expanded Rollin Oats and a Trader Joes on the way. A gay pride parade and festival that is the largest in the southeast US and a Saturday Morning Market that is the largest oneday-a-week fresh market in the southeast US. Restaurants? Who can keep track of them along Beach Drive with now even more extending up Central Avenue along with its diversity of boutiques, galleries and shops into the Grand Central district. Theres a thriving arts community think music, dance, opera, theater, painting, sculpture, ceramics, crafts, glass. Monthly gallery hops and so much that is showcased at the annual Mainsail Arts Festival. Venues like the Mahaffey, Palladium, American Stage (and American Stage in the Park), Studio@620, the St. Petersburg City Theater, Jannus Live and FreeFall Theatre host every manner of live performance. We can take advantage of lectures at community assets like USF/ St. Pete, Eckerd College and St. Petersburg College as well as the museums and the Poynter Institute for Media Studies with the Tampa Bay Times annual Festival of Reading another not-to-be-missed opportunity. Add to these events and programs offered by volunteer groups, organizations, houses of worship and the like fairs and street festivals, St. Pete Shuffle, Circus McGurkis. There are sports offerings and shows at The Trop, you never know what might be going on at the Coliseum to pique your interest and music in Vinoy Park that goes from symphonic to punk (hey, why isnt Al Lang Stadium used for outdoor concerts?). Cant forget the Firestone (formerly Honda) Grand Prix through the streets of downtown plus St. Anthonys Triathlon and numerous marathons and benefit walks and runs. Less strenuous historic walking and Segway tours and horse-drawn carriage rides through the downtown and surrounding neighborhoods are available. And how about the free firework displays on First Night/New Years Eve, 4th of July, Florida Orchestra in the Park concert and if were lucky other celebratory occasions that might catch us off guard? We shouldnt overlook touring interesting, distinctive neighborhoods including well-kept-secret gems like Roser Park and Driftwood. Okay, no, were not perfekt. When it comes to The Pier, were having an identity crisis thats complicating a decision on the next step for what has been an iconic image of the City and waterfront. Tyrone Mall will never be confused with Tampas International Plaza Mall, were holding our collective breath to see how The Shops at St. Pete emerge from the debacle that BayWalk had become and 4th Street slowly progresses as a shopping destination. As a community, Midtown remains challenging. Then theres the will-they-wont-theyif-they drama involving the Rays. But all-in-all its not bad for a place that only a few short years ago was trying to live down its green bench reputation while serving as a comedians sure bet laugh line as Gods waiting room. Now that we have seemingly arrived at this new, vaunted status as the place to be, weve got a reputation to uphold and enhance. But is there a danger in becoming too in? Can we do all this and more and remain an affordable place to live for all who want to be a part of this evolving St. Pete? Stay tuned.
Rick is the editor of this newsletter. A version of this article appears in the March/ April issue of The Northeast Journal.
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Neighborhood Book Group

As The Pages Turn...
by Linda Dobbs
ighting in the Shade author, Sterling Watson, came in person to attend The ONE Great Book Club in January! This was a first for our club to have a well-known author actually come and join in our discussion. Even more unique and special was the insight into how a book is developed, written and published. Watson is certainly a true Southern gentlemen the first thing he did was ask each of us to tell a little about ourselves. It helps to have connections. Mr. Watson does live in St. Petersburg. So, thanks to book club member Patricia Calvert, we were most fortunate to have him participate. As one member said, Lets only read books whose author is alive and comes to our meetings! She then added, Maybe a spirit visiting us would be crazy fun, too! Mr. Watson, of course, had many things to say, but the most startling in my memory was when he noted that there were no male members of our club. Yes, its true, the book appears to center on football -- not my favorite sport -- but after the first few pages I totally forgot the football theme and became engrossed in the story and the emotions and the hero. That defines what a really skilled writer Sterling Watson is football became a metaphor for living. I guess, because of that theme, he expected a male book club or, at best, a co-ed group. Sterling Watson has been director of writing at Eckerd College for 33 years. With Old NE resident Dennis Lehane, he founded the famous Writers in Paradise program there. He also teaches a Masters program at Pine Manor College. Reader Patricia Calvert has a connection with Eckerd and knew him as an occasional acquaintance at gatherings. So amazing things can happen you just have to ask. Even though I was unable to attend the meeting, related Patricia, I was glad to have Sterling Watsons book assigned by the club, as I dont read many books that are actually set in Florida! She went on to say, That was a special treat, given that the story
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took place in this small mythical Florida town, which was so eloquently described. I really enjoyed how he related living in small-town Florida, agreed reader Elizabeth Mimi Hallock. Another thing I really enjoyed was how he captured the smell (of orange trees and an orange juice processing plant) and made it so real. Reader Susan Englar added, I enjoyed hearing the author describe which events in the novel were inspired by his own life experience small town central Florida, working in an orange juice factory, seeing a wardrobe full of Ku Klux Klan robes, refusing to participate in the hazing process to join a club or group. It was interesting how he took bits of his life and transformed them for dramatic effect. I also liked that he took things from his life and put them into this book, agreed Club Chair Kim Wolfe, who earlier described Watsons multiple roles at Eckerd. Patricia later added, I was impressed with the style of descriptive writing that was so prevalent. Sterling Watson was able to create such memorable metaphors and I was often struck with how beautifully it was written. The mechanics of writing really was an interesting discussion for the club members. Reader Kathy Estevez recalls, I enjoyed most his description of how he writes a novel, that he doesnt really know for sure what those characters are going to do, once he creates them! I found that fascinating. She added that she just heard author Isabel Allende interviewed and she said the same thing. As for Fighting in the Shade itself, I very much appreciated Watsons ability to tell the story with action, Kathy related. His main character, Billy, was a heroic character, struggling to do the right thing in almost impossible circumstances. The evening was just about perfect as we huddled around Sterling in hostess Mimis cozy living room while sharing meaningful insights with each other. The mood was enhanced by Mimis culinary efforts. I tried to follow the football tailgate motif and served corndogs, fried wings and fried okra and coconut cake for the repast, she noted, adding, Everyone passed up the sweet tea and beer for the wine. Sterling was heard to say, Do you girls always eat like this? Please invite me back! ONE Great Book Club, which meets the second Thursday evening of every other month, continues to have a waiting list. Coordinator Kim Wolfe can be reached at kimbyflies@yahoo.com. Bookies, the daytime sister club meets the last Wednesday of the month at 2pm; coordinator Colleen Grant can be reached at colleengrant06@gmail.com.
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Preserving the Character of The Old Northeast

Free Money!? Yes, Thats Right!
by Emily Elwyn
re you getting ready to do a renovation to your beloved Old Northeast house? Is it over 50 years old? If so, you may be able to use a City program to freeze your property taxes. The City of St. Petersburgs Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for Historic Properties is a 10 year property tax abatement on increases to your property taxes resulting from the renovation to your home. If you are planning on a renovation that will increase your homes value, this is an excellent program. It is a roughly 14 mil exemption on your taxes, meaning that a $100,000 renovation could save you $1,400 a year in property taxes. All houses in the program need to be a contributing property to our Old NE neighborhoods designation as a district included in the National Register of Historic Places. This means that your house is at least 50 years old and inside the boundaries of our district. Your house does not need to be an exceptional landmark -- even the most modest of bungalows qualifies for the exemption. Before you begin your work, you must first contact the Kimberly Hinder in the Citys Urban Planning and Historic Preservation office. Kim will walk you through the process and even help you
The Mission of The Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association is to promote, preserve and protect the quality of life in our unique corner of the world.
T NEW RESIDEn
Monday, March 31
fill out the forms. You will need to take photos of the existing conditions of your house and show the plans or architectural drawings for your renovation. She will work with you to be sure you are keeping the most important features of your house, such as the front porch or the fireplace mantle. Additions to your house are perfectly acceptable, but dont bother to apply if you plan on a Mediterranean Revival twostory addition to the front of your Craftsman Bungalow! The point of the tax exemption is to make it more economically feasible to do the right thing to the home you love. Robin and Joe Reed on 16th Avenue NE used the tax exemption on their Mediterranean Revival home. Robin said, We thought it was something we couldnt pass up. We were doing the work anyway. Once your project has been approved, you have two years to complete your work and the staff or the commission can grant you an additional six month extension. When your project is complete, the City Council and the County Board of Commissioners grant you an exemption for 10 years and up to 100% of the portion of the tax each body levies. Robin Reed found the program easy to use and the City staff incredibly helpful. They were so happy and pleased that we were using the program that they did everything they could to help us, she said. I, too, have applied for the tax exemption on my Greek Revival home on 16th Avenue NE and found the City staff a pleasure to work with. The real tax savings makes a difference in offsetting the unforeseen expenses that inevitably crop up when you renovate. It is absolutely worth it! For more information, call Kimberly Hinder in Citys Urban Planning and Historic Preservation Division at 727/892-5451.
Emily Elwyn is an historic preservation consultant and current President of St. Petersburg Preservation. She and her family are currently completing the renovation of a home on 16th Avenue NE.
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If youd like more information about historic preservation efforts in the City, check out St. Pete Preservation at http://stpetepreservation.org/ or contact Emily at eelwyn@mac.com You also may contact Mary Alice Lange at maryalice.lange@honna.org for more information about the Neighborhood Plan and its relationship to changes taking place with regard to residential and commercial development in The Old NE. Click here to view the copy of the Neighborhood Plan (2009): http://honna.org/wp-content/ uploads/2012/11/FINALPLANHONNA121709.pdf
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Thoughts from the Front Porch
by Courtney Ellis, MA, LMHC
Peacefaker, Peacebreaker or Peacemaker?
hile driving down the street the other day, I couldnt help but notice a sticker on the back of someones car. Weve all probably seen the Salt Life logo with two fishing rods and a skull head. Well, this emblem was a knock-off of that and said Assault Life in huge letters and had two assault rifles under the skull head. Im sure it was a joke, but I was immediately saddened by the direction our world is heading in terms of anger, violence and lack of self-control. An example of this that weve all seen recently is the movie theater shooting in Wesley Chapel which started with a simple act of texting. Conflict is that way. It often starts with something small -- a text, a look, an unkind word -- but can easily spark into something much larger. I truly believe many of our troubles in this world would be solved if we could all learn to put our pride aside and be peacemakers. Its easier said than done, but hopefully this article will provide some direction in how we can live this idea out. I recently went to a great seminar entitled, Peacefaker, Peacebreaker or Peacemaker?1 The theme was that we often have three choices when it comes to conflict: a) We can escape; b) We can attack; or c) We can seek resolution. When it comes to being a Peacefaker, our typical reaction to conflict is to avoid and deny. In this category, we are more concerned with protecting ourselves than we are with engaging in the conflict. This reaction could fall under the out of sight, out of mind idea as its much easier to emotionally disengage than it is to face the issue and seek resolution. I know this is one area in which I have struggled in the past as I had a difficult time seeing conflict as a good thing. I am now able to see conflict as an opportunity for growth and refinement in relationships. I am trying more and more to get over those fears and seek to engage with others in HISTORIC OLD NoRTHEAST NEIGHBoRHooD NEWS Page 22
an attempt to reconcile. Sometimes we may feel like were doing ourselves or others a favor by being a Peacefaker. If that is you, I encourage you to take that first step toward the other person and see if there is a possibility of resolving your differences. The second category, Peacebreaker, is more of the fighter. This type person might use force, control or intimidation to win the conflict at hand. Peacebreakers are often more concerned with coming out on top than they are with preserving the relationship. A lot of conflict between couples and families can turn ugly when two people move into this role and try to provide evidence as to why they are right and the other is wrong. I have never once seen this type conflict end in resolution, despite how often we continually attempt it. The reality is that as Peacebreakers nobody wins because while you are trying to maintain your pride and ego you lose the relationship and end up all alone on top of the mountain. If you struggle with being a Peacebreaker, I encourage you to attempt to humble yourself prior to an argument. Try to recognize your imperfections and wrongdoings before pointing them out in the other person. Try to even own them to the other person before you bring up the way they have hurt you. Its an amazing thing that happens when we realize that we are not infallible and, therefore, we cannot expect others to be what we are not. So let the relationship be more important than winning and you will see unbelievable growth and healing happen before your eyes. The ideal way that we want to move forward in relationships is being a Peacemaker. Peacemakers are the ones who desire to preserve relationships, reconcile differences and have true resolution. To be a Peacemaker is to go to the person who has hurt you or whom you have hurt and recognize that the offense is something that can be overcome if you are both willing to do the work. This does not come naturally as we have to put our rights and those things we feel we are entitled to aside. But this can become more and more of a habit as we seek to do this in all situations. The woman who was speaking at the seminar on this topic gave the example of receiving an ugly e-mail from a co-worker, which was accidentally sent to her. The e-mail was complaining about the speakers failure to provide direction for an assignment they were to do. The speakers immediate reaction was hurt, anger and defensiveness. Yet she was able to move past these emotions and try to bring resolution to this conflict. This is a woman she has to work with every day, and it would only create disunity in the office if she allowed the hurt to fester and grow. So she met with the co-worker and told her that she had received the e-mail. She told the co-worker she forgave her and that she could recognize how it would have been frustrating to be on the other side and have very little direction for a project. She was able to confess her role in the situation, even if it was a slight one. She didnt need to berate her co-worker because the womans response was the same. She was moved to a place of confession and apology, and the two were able to move past the issue feeling more bonded and more understood. What a beautiful example of how we can live this out. One thing the speaker said that stuck with me was this: If I am only 2% responsible for my part of a conflict, I am 100% responsible for my 2%.2 So however great or small our role is, we do play a part
in it and will find that we can move past the conflict much more smoothly if we are quick to identify and own that truth. So the question posed to us all is this: Am I a Peacefaker, Peacebreaker or Peacemaker? And the follow up question, then, has to be: How can I seek to be more of a Peacemaker in all of my relationships as conflicts arise? I hope we can all see the positive change as we begin to follow this model.
References: The above information is taken from Peacemaker Ministries (2009). Quote by Candy Staggs
Courtney Ellis is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who provides individual and couples counseling to the Tampa Bay area. She lives in a cozy bungalow in The Old Northeast with her husband and two dogs. She tries to spend as much time on her front porch as possible.
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The November Referendum on the County Transit System

n November 4 youll be asked to approve a funding change for the countys transit system PSTA from its current .7305 mil property tax to a 1% sales tax (not applied to groceries, medical items and limited to the first $5,000 of any purchase). That change would allow for transformational improvements to our transit service, our community and our economy. Details on those improvements, known as the Greenlight Pinellas Plan, can be found, along with Q&A, study data and much more at www. greenlightpinellas.com. So, how would this affect you? Well start with the basics, but remember the figures vary from household to household. According to the US Census, the median home value in Pinellas is $161,600. With a Homestead Exemption, that owner would pay $81.52 in annual property tax to PSTA. The median household income is $46,061. Using the IRS Sales Tax Deduction calculator, a 1% increase would cost that household approximately $104.03. Thats an increase of less than $2/month for a vastly improved transit system including: A 65% increase in bus service Buses running more frequently and for longer hours of the day especially on weekends Service to Tampa at night and on weekends including TIA and Westshore Buses running every 15 minutes on core routes and every 30 minutes on the supporting network Park n Rides, limited stop express lines and circulators connecting neighborhoods to the primary corridors These improvements phased in over several years will build a foundation of connections for a passenger rail line from St. Petersburg to the Gateway/Carillon area and to Clearwater. Gateway is the countys employment center and has the biggest demand for transit options. Its also integral to future connections across the Howard Frankland Bridge to Tampa. Once implemented, the Greenlight Plan will offer residents viable and efficient transit service that supports the economy and provides attractive options to the automobile. Consumer Reports now lists the average annual cost of car ownership at more than $9,000. Last year, NBC News reported that the average American family can no longer afford a new car. The data for that story also ranked our region last in new car affordability at only $14,500/household. The average new car, however, now costs $30,000. Its easy to see why a greatly enhanced transit system would offer tremendous savings to our community. So, while naysayers claim that the Greenlight tax would hurt the poor, its the poor and low income that that have the most to gain from the plan, which is why those segments of the community are among its staunchest supporters. Although the recession has reduced PSTAs revenue by more than $40 million dollars since 2008, service cuts and streamlining have led to a 23% increase in ridership over the same period. The agency, however, is now using reserve funds to prevent further cuts in order to accommodate all-time record ridership. If the Greenlight measure doesnt pass, those reserves will run out and the agency will be forced to cut service by 28% by 2017.
Voters in Pinellas County will have the opportunity on November 4 to vote on a measure to change the funding for the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority. Following are position statements in favor (Greenlight Pinellas) and opposed (No Tax for Tracks!) to the plan.
Greenlight Pinellas
o Tax for Tracks! is a caring group of all volunteer Pinellas County residents who support providing dependable, clean, safe public transportation for the 1.6% of our neighborswho depend onPSTA busagency for theirneeds. We are happy tofund that service to them with our tax dollars. Go to www.Notaxfortracks.com In the 90s a prominent Executive Director of a Senior Services government program here in Pinellas County was suddenly fired from his high paying job. His offense was that he returned $300,000 in unspent grant money to the federal government because there were no more applicants for the program that year. Was he commended for saving the taxpayers money? No, he was fired for ruining the unbroken chain of increasing annual need for the social program and the local Board fired him. Once again ravenous government, this time in the form of public transportation, seeks more, much more of our tax money in Pinellas County. Without need or demand from the public, those in charge of Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) have crafted a new layer of government for us to feed and care for in the name of progress. Greenlight Pinellas is a complex 2,000 page public transportation overhaul drawn up by linetowing bureaucrats that, if passed by voters this coming November, will transform PSTA from a Public Bus Agency to a Multi-Modal Rail/Bus/ Trolley System that will never be quenched in its need for more tax money. Light rail is the latest trend in growing the size of local governments around the country. It starts with the planners decrying congestion, a normal by-product of rush hours around the world. Once public traction is gained, many communities have been convinced by clever campaigns to raise their sales tax and build light rail lines, usually from one low density location to another, like Clearwater to St. Petersburg. Congestion is not relieved as seen on this chart (http://railtaxfacts.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ AM_Congestion-Tables_RF_LowDen_Jan2014_2.pdf). Our Pinellas rail advocates pointed to Charlotte, NC, early in the planning stages three years ago. But last year the project went financially sour in Charlotte, less than seven years after opening their nine mile line. Charlotte Rail became Charloot, needing an additional 5 billion dollars more than projected to survive until 2023. Pinellas rail planners no longer hold Charlotte up for us to envy. Indeed, Charlotte taxpayers may wish they again had the chance we have yet before us to reject this unmanageable megaproject. Who among the rail advocates is capable of managing the inevitable cost overruns and missed projections of 10 years of construction? PSTA is balancing their budget now with reserves. According to the 2010 U.S. Census results for Pinellas County, just 1.6% of citizens responded that they rely on public transportation. The average commute time by car was just 23 minutes. We do not have a transportation crisis in Pinellas County. But if Greenlight Pinellas is passed by the voters in November, that could change in the future.
No Tax for Tracks Takes the Long View
Page 25
In Case You Missed It: Updates and Follow Ups Keeping You Current on Some Neighborhood Stories That Have Been in the News
Olympic phenom Michael Phelps and other notable medalist swimmers were seen doing laps at the North Shore Aquatic Complex on January 9 as part of a training program for upcoming competition. Bob Bowman, the renowned coach at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club, brought the swimmers to enjoy our warm(er) weather, joining teams from several out-of-state colleges also using the facilities. [source: Tampa Bay Times, 1/10] Appears that work will soon begin on the construction of the Trader Joes on the 2700 block of 4th Street N. Most permits are in order and demolition is expected within weeks. In addition to the 12,000sqft store there also will be a 3,000sqft Vitamin Shoppe on the south end of the property. No opening date has been announced but a fall rollout seems likely. [source: Tampa Bay Times, 2/13] The Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum in North Shore Park and to a lesser extent Sunken Gardens are the planned recipients of a 300+ palm and cycad collection being purchased from a South Tampa family. Their private garden, valued at over $380,000, is slated to be purchased by the City for $125,000 (with extra costs for transplanting, hardscaping and maintenance bringing the total cost to $300,000, which is being paid for from the Citys Weeki Wachee Fund dedicated to parks and beautification). The sellers are pleased that the collection, including rare specimens, will be intact and enjoyed by the public. [source: Tampa Bay Times, 1/19]
The Fire Station #4 in The Old NE was profiled in a recent St. Petersburg Downtown Newsletter (January 2014). The article touched on the stations territory: its responsible for the area between 5th and 42nd Avenues N from 16th Street to the Bay, the home to about 37,000 residents. Station #4 was built in 1947 and remodeled in 1999. There are always eight firefighters on duty 24/7. The station has four vehicles: fire engine (with paramedic), ladder truck, rescue van and heavy-duty rescue van (with paramedics). Of the approximately 4,500 emergency calls to which Station #4 responds annually, about 85% are medical in nature and the remainder are fire and rescue. The average number of calls received per 24 hour shift is about 15. When not on call they perform maintenance, participate in training and testing and public education. A new recycling plant along I-275 just north of downtown St. Pete was featured on the front page of the St. Pete Times neighborhood section of the 1/19 Tampa Bay Times. The facility, owned by Progressive Waste Solutions, is being touted for handling single stream (i.e., mixed kinds of refuse in the same batch) recycling for Hillsborough County and more and more cities in Pinellas. The operation currently handles about 400 tons of recyclable waste per day. At present, Progressive handles waste for several Pinellas cities; competing companies in the county include Republic Services, Waste Management and Waste Pro. St. Petes new mayor, Rick Kriesman, has indicated his wish to establish universal curbside recycling in the City. The 1/19 issue of the Times included a recycling directory produced by Pinellas County titled Recycle Today, which contains info about recycling programs in all county municipalities and unincorporated areas along with FAQs, including what is and is not recyclable. In the court case involving submerged land in Coffee Pot Bayou -- which has been in private hands since 1883 and which the state wishes to claim -- a judge has okayed allowing the City of St. Petersburg to be part of the suit. The City wants to be involved because of fears that if the state were to win the case (against Old NE residents Richard and Kelly Ware), upwards of some 100 other property owners with docks along the Bayou, including the City which also holds title to submerged lands in its marinas, would have their ownership jeopardized. [source: WTSP, 2/13] The case has received considerable media attention, including in newspapers and on TV.
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What Brought Me Here

Another in our occasional series of reflections of how our neighbors came to choose St. Petersburg and live in The Historic Old Northeast.
From Twelve Month Court to Twelve Months of Sunshine

by Elise McNeely
t was a warm August day when I arrived in St. Petersburg the first time. The balmy breeze awakened my drowsy eyes as my two dogs, Sukie and Pip, and I crossed Old Tampa Bay via I-275. Though I was moving from Virginia, Id spent the day driving from Alabama where my last month was spent settling my mother in at a continuing care home. My mother and I lived together the previous three years an arrangement facilitated by my fathers illness -- glioblastoma multiform brain cancer, which unexpectedly took his life four months following his August 2010 diagnosis. As you might imagine, nursing my father in his final stage of life was the greatest blessing I could ever receive. The same was true as I adopted his responsibilities of caring for my mother. As typically happens in these scenarios, however, the time came for both of us to literally -- move forward in our lives. My mothers Deep South reunion with her father and siblings motivated my move South, for it was important that I be within a days drive proximity to her. To be honest, I never envisioned myself living in the South. My father, a Baptist Minister, and mother, a youth counselor, grew up in Oxford, Mississippi, but had outgrown the small town Southern lifestyle and elected to move north. So I was raised in a modest townhouse on Twelve Month Court in Columbia, Maryland. We spent Christmases and summers with our extended family in Mississippi and Alabama, which I adored as a small child. The more I matured, however, the more I began to feel out of place. You see, the neighborhood I called home on Twelve Month Court was populated with a diverse collection of families and couples. Among my friends and neighbors were white, black, brown, mixed, Asian, Indian, Jewish, Muslim and Christian people. Every race, nationality and creed was on a level playing field as far as I knew. Unfortunately, many parts of the South had a contrasting mindset in the 80s. Our family vacations brought me face-to-face with racial stereotypes and stark conservative values to which I was ignorantly unfamiliar. Since
we werent supposed to discuss controversial topics as polite guests, the cultural differences were especially difficult for me to understand. I vividly remember the first time we drove past fields where black men were tending to the crops in the miserable August heat and the plump black housemaid my grandparents hired -- who responded with Yes, maam and Yes, sir -- was quiet unless spoken to. Though these people were not slaves, the roles they lived were acutely mimicked and could have been plucked straight out of a history book. Most clearly, I recall The Lion King instance. When the movie was released in theatres, my brother and I invited my cousins to see it with us. But unbeknownst to us, the circle of life theme was considered sacrilegious and they were not permitted to go. This instance also taught me not to express my opinion in the company of my extended family. Ultimately, I became a silent mannequin when I visited, for that was appropriate. I am aware that my recollections poorly portray what fully encompasses Southern culture; especially now, almost 30 years later. However, as William Faulkner wrote in As I Lay Dying, memory believes before knowing remembers. Everything imprinted on me from my experiences growing up guided me away from traditional Southern areas and directed me to more diverse parts of the South, such as St. Petersburg, when I was considering where to relocate. I love the melting pot of people from North America, Canada and countries across the globe that reside here. Two of my favorite parts of life also abound in our City the arts and the ocean. Theatre has been my passion for as long as I can remember, and the wealth of college, community and professional theatre in our City is unique to many other cities of our size. That combined with the museums, galleries, festivals and pocket shops mark St. Pete as one of the top art districts in Florida. Never have I seen so many colorful interpretations of sea life in the art scene; it is indicative of how big a part the Gulf and Bay are to our lifestyle. My dad and I used to be among the people who vacationed at the oceanwho only wished they could live amid the sun, palm trees and water all year long. I have finally realized that dream. Whether it be a walk, jog or swim, I love taking refuge in the calm waters that surround our City. In my short six months as a resident here, I have become healthier, happier and more energized than I can ever remember being. Sukie and Pip love all the outside time! I hope to make this our new forever home -- to continue meeting wonderful people and to contribute in any way that allows our vibrant City to continue flourishing.
Elise McNeely moved to St. Pete in August with her two dogs, Sukie and Pip. After a career in theater and working in communications with non-profit media outlets, shes now joined the ranks of Realtors.
Page 28
P O R C H PA R T I E S
Youre Invited!
Celebrate aSt. Pete Grand Prix Pre-RacePorch Party hosted by Ross Johnson and the 6th Avenue Villas Condo Association NW corner of 6th Avenue N and 2nd Street Celebrate Tax Day is Past hosted by David Bronder and Michael Goodin 425 18th Avenue NE
Friday March 21
Porch Parties are held the third Friday of the month from 7:30-10pm (except December). Porch Parties are strictly social and provide and informal and fun way to mix and mingle with your neighbors. Bring your own beverage. Cups, ice and light snacks are provided. Ask a neighbor to ride or walk over with you. For more info, contact Larry.Smith@honna.org
Friday April 18
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo hosted by Betty and Larry Smith 125 13th Avenue N
Friday May 2
Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood
Yard Sale Saturday, MARCH 15, 2014

Saturday March 15
THE HISTORIC OLD NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION INVITESHONNA YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR - WIDE invites you to NEIGHBORHOOD participate in our YARD SALE SATURDAY MARCH 15, 2013 - 8AM UNTIL 1PM neighborhood-wide yard sale from . 8am-1pm. This event will be broadly publicized
To be included in our map that will be distributed at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 126 For details andplease how tothe sign upbelow: go to potential buyers Saturday, follow instructions 11th Ave. NE to
The event will be broadly publicized
honna.org/events/yard-sale/ HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Donate to the Goodwill truck located off North 2 To be included in our yard sale map, we need (a) your address including N or NE, (b) a brief listing of items for sale,in (c) ifthe your sale will be on the sidewalk or in alley. tennis You can email to Shore Drive parking lot of the courts. yardsale@honna.org or register online http://honna.org/events/yard-sale/. If you do not have internet access, please contact Kristi Alexander (727) 417-2076. Donation timeatwill be from 11am-3pm
You must be a member of HONNA and live in the OLD NORTHEAST to be listed on RSVP byof Sunday March our map. If youre not a member HONNA join NOW! Mail 9 the application attached to this memo and a check to HONNA, or you can register and pay on line at Dont let items pile up in the garage! www.honna.org.
3 We are encouraging a donation (tax deductible) of $10 or 10% of your earnings. Donations will be utilized for neighborhood projects selected by the HONNA Board. Once you have registered we will send a self-addressed envelope in which you may return your donation. You can also donate online by visiting www.honna.org/store
10am, Saturday, April 19 Flora Wylie Park (North Shore Park) 15th Avenue NE at North Shore Drive Thousands of Easter eggs, prizes, games, a bounce house, food and the Easter Bunny?! Page 29
Annual Easter Egg Hunt
RSVP BY SUNDAY, MARCH 9 , 2014
th
Dont let items pile up in your garage! DonateH to the Goodwill truck ISTORIC OLD NoRTHEAST NEIGHBoRHooD NEWS located off Northshore Drive in the parking lot of the tennis courts. Donation time will be from 11:00 a.m. 3 p.m.
ON THE DOCKET:
Home Depot at 22nd Avenue N
Some Upcoming Events In and Nearby Our Neighborhood
We encourage you to go directly to the City website www.stpete.org and look for Upcoming Events where you can click on View All Events. This will enable you to check updates and all the scheduled events day-by-day for the coming weeks and months.
MARCH 1 Southeast Guide Dogs Walkathon, Vinoy Park Mobile Collection Cleanup of Electronics and Chemicals,
MARCH 2 VSI Feet on Fire 5K (to support youth soccer), Puryear Park MARCH 4-19 Tall Ship Lynx Port Visit, Harborage Marina MARCH 7-9 Tampa Bay Boat Show, The Trop Sunshine City Antiques Show, Coliseum MARCH 8 Downtown Waterfront Parks Foundation Bocce Tournament, Alva Rouse Park (North Shore Park) MARCH 9 YOUNG NORTHEASTER YAPPY HOUR (see page 11) MARCH 9-16 St. Pete International Baseball Games, Al Lang Stadium; 5513000 MARCH 11 HEARING ON NORTH WARD HISTORIC DESIGNATION (see page 4) MARCH 14-16 Florida Antiquarian Book Fair, Coliseum MARCH 15 NEIGHBORHOOD-WIDE YARD SALE (see PAge 29) MARCH 15 Special Olympics Area 6 Summer Games, Lakewood High School; 669-1220 x2008 MARCH 17 NEIGHBORHOOD ST. PATRICKS DAY PotlUCk (see PAge 1) MARCH 19-24 Greater Pinellas County Fair MARCH 21 GRAND PRIX PORCH PARTY (see PAge 29) RECURRING EVENTS MARCH 27 (see calendar at www.stpete.org for more opportunities and details and any changes in these schedules) Harveys 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk/Run, Beach Drive at North MondAy, WednesdAy, THURsdAy & SUndAy Straub Park Yoga Sunken Gardens, 551-3102 Illuminated Night Parade, Downtown MondAy MARCH 28-30 Art Bites (2nd) Museum of Fine Arts, 896-2667 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Downtown Jazz Jam (1st), Hangar Restaurant MARCH 29 Roll Over and Read (3rd), Mirror Lake Library; 893-7268 Glowbash 5K Scavenger Hunt, Fergs Sports Bar MondAy, WednesdAy & FRidAy (TO BEGINNING OF APRIL) APRil 6 St. Pete Half Century Softball Club, North Shore Park field; 420Festivals of Speed Motorsports Collection & Luxury Life8102 style Display, Vinoy Park HISTORIC OLD NoRTHEAST NEIGHBoRHooD NEWS Page 30
APRil 11-13 Tampa Bay Blues Fest, Vinoy Park; 502-5000 APRil 12 Great Strides Walk (for cystic fibrosis), Demens Landing APRIL 18 TAX DAY IS PAST! PORCH PARTY (see PAge 29) APRIL 19 EASTER EGG HUNT (see PAge 29) APRil 19-20 Mainsail Art Fest, Vinoy Park APRil 25 Regata del Sol al Sol, View from Vinoy basin St. Anthonys Triathlon Sports & Fitness Expo, Straub Park; 953-9005 APRIL 26 HONNAS ROARING 20s GALA (see PAge 27) APRil 26 St. Anthonys Meek & Mighty Triathlon, North Shore Pool; 953-9005 APRil 26-27 Green Thumb Festival, Walter Fuller Park; 893-7441 APRil 27 St. Anthonys Triathlon, North Shore and Vinoy Parks; 953-9005 APRil 27 Painting in the Park, Museum of Fine Arts; 896-2667 MAy 1-4 Sunscreen Film Festival, Muvico/Shops at St. Pete MAY 2 CINCO DE MAYO PORCH PARTY (see PAge 29) MAy 4 Ride to Keep Kids Safe (benefit for Directions for Living), Spa Beach Park MAy 17 Run Wild 5K St. Pete Adventure Race, Boyd Hill Nature Park
TUesdAy New Parents Gallery Gathering (2nd), Museum of Fine Arts; 896-2667 Hoop Dancing and Kids Hoop Dancing, Sunken Gardens, 551-3102 Ballroom Dancing Sunshine Center, 893-7101 WednesdAy Coffee Talk (2nd), Museum of Fine Arts; 896-2667 Coffee with a Curator, Dali Museum; 823-3767 Hoop Dancing, Sunken Garden; 551-3102 Kundalini Yoga, Sunken Gardens; 551-3102 Library LEGO Mania (1st), Mirror Lake Library; 893-7268 Paddleboard Social, North Shore Park; 510-1921 Tea Dances (1st & 3rd to May), Coliseum; 892-5202 WednesdAy & THURsdAy Story Time for Families, Dali Museum; 823-3767 WednesdAy & FRidAy Terrific Tots, Great Explorations; 821-8992 WednesdAy & SUndAy Docent Tours, Holocaust Museum THURsdAy Specials at Museums (extended hours and reduced admission), Dali Museum and Museum of Fine Arts Opera @ The Dali (1st), Dali Museum; 823-3767 Hot Hula, Sunken Gardens; 551-3102 Kids Yoga, Sunken Garden; 551-3102 Open Level Vinyasa Flow Vandana, Sunken Gardens; 551-3102 UNCHartED Random Culture, Museum of Fine Arts Porch Party (3rd), Museum of Fine Arts Archaeology Lecture Series, Weedon Island Preserve; 463-6500 Wee-time at Weedon (2nd & 4th), Weedon Island Preserve; 463-6500 FRidAy Garden Tour, Sunken Gardens; 551-3102 St. Pete Shuffle, Shuffleboard Courts; 822-2083 Founders Corner Fresh Market, 431 Southwest Blvd N; 490-9161 Get Downtown Music Series (1st), Central Avenue b/w 2nd-3rd Downtown Lunchtime Walking Tour (1st), Central Avenue at 2nd Great Weedon Bird Quest (2nd), Weedon Island Preserve; 463-6500 SAtURdAy Grand Central Flea, Antique & Collectibles Market (1st, Jan-May) 2500 block Central Breakfast with Dali and Families (1st), Dali Museum; 823-3767 Dilly Dally with Dali, Dali Museum; 823-3767 Horticulture Workshop, Sunken Gardens; 551-3102 Kidding Around Yoga (1st & 3rd), Museum of Fine Arts; 896-2667 Yoga & Family (1st), Museum of Fine Arts; 896-2667 Dali & Beyond Film Series, Dali Museum; 823-3767 Take 5 with the Director (2nd), Museum of Fine Arts; 823-2667 2nd Saturday Art Walks/Gallery Walk (2nd), various downtown locations; 323-ARTS St. Pete Indie Market (1st), 600 Central Avenue Saturday Morning Market, Al Lang Stadium parking lot St. Pete Preservation Walking Original Tour (1st), 200 block Central Avenue St. Pete Preservation Walking Waterfront Tour (2nd to April), 1st Street & 2nd Avenue S St. Pete Preservation Walking North by Old NE Tour (3rd), 200 block Central Avenue St. Pete Preservation Walking Westward Ho! To Historic Kenwood Tour (4th), 2955 Central Avenue Weedon Guided Hikes, Weedon Island Preserve; 463-6500 Storytime at the Market (2nd), Al Lang Stadium parking lot SUndAy Yoga + Dali, Dali Museum; 823-3767
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Page 31
The Mermaids Dome

by Pamela Collins
he mystery was gone but the amazement was just starting.(Andy Warhol) And that may be a great way to describe the work that MJ and Jerry Robinson recently had done to their Old Northeast home. The mystery was what would become of the dome room that was originally a side porch and which prior to them purchasing the house in 1995 had been closed into a sunroom and used as a TV room. By 1997 they had already become very tired of the leaking roof throughout their home and hired an engineer to find out why the roof was leaking when it was a new roof when they purchased the house. Despite hiring two roofers, the leaks were so bad a bedroom ceiling fell in. An engineer recommended a polyurethane roof system and a commercial roofer willing to do the job. Although there was a dome on the outside above the sunroom, the ceiling inside was only nine feet high. Since they were going forward with a new roof on the main part of the second floor of the house, they thought they should at least check what was above the ceiling in the dome room. That is when they discovered the ceiling was concrete. So Jerry cut a hole large enough to fit a digital camera and took pictures. When they looked at the pictures on their computer screen they were shocked -- the images looked like the bow of a boat that had been leaking water for years. The engineer took one look at the pictures and suggested the room be demolished. Great -- now the entire roof of the sunroom had to go. Remember the film The Money Pit? HISTORIC OLD NoRTHEAST NEIGHBoRHooD NEWS Page 32
Their families reminded them many of times of that movie. By this time they had no ceiling, no roof and just a tarp over their sunroom. Of course timing on these things always seems to hit when its hurricane season in Florida. When they met with the roofer, re-creating the dome was not a problem because polyurethane is what is used to create the caricatures you see at Disney. So they recreated the dome on the outside of the house exactly to match the original one. Since polyurethane is sprayed on, it then had to be sanded to create the round dome form. The opportunity to create a dome ceiling on the inside was easy at that point. Fast forward to 2008 -- this is where the story gets interesting.For years MJ and Jerry thought about what they would paint on the domes ceiling, casually throwing ideas out but nothing seemed to resonate with them both.This was solved with collaboration by MJ, Jerry and Neverne Covington -- a 20-year business acquaintance, friend, Old NE resident and accomplished St. Petersburg artist.And it resulted in a truly amazing work of art. Growing up in Florida, I knew I wanted to keep it historical and in line with the theme of Old Florida, says MJ. Jerry, although born in Hawaii, grew up in Miami and he also loved the idea of something to do with Florida.So Neverne proposed several ideas that were tossed around. Then last year she approached MJ with an idea that would end up being the final creation. Inspired by a collection of plates at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort, Neverne recommended the Robinsons go see the collection as it was in line with their desire for a neighborhood community connection.The fantasy of the mermaid with the old Florida tropical theme immediately appealed to MJ and Jerry soNeverne drafted 20 sketches, simplifying the theme, and the final depiction was chosen. Now it was time to get down to business.I knew the colors needed to be kept subtle, due to the size of the room.I also have a fear of heights so I was not quite sure how I was going to get on a ladder to paint the mermaid, says Neverne.Workers came in to plaster the ceiling smooth so the painting could begin. With the excitement of the dome painting in mind -- and after years of debating -- MJ volunteered their house to be on the annual December Old NE Candlelight Tour of Homes, which gave a natural deadline (and more than a little pressure) to get the work done.With the ceiling smooth and the draft finalized, Neverne began the preliminary foundation work with the help of 15year old local art student Emily Cox.Working with Emily reminded me of myself as an artist at 15, and it was quite charming, Neverne commented.
The project took three weeks to complete, and despite her fear of heights Neverne put the finishing touches on the dome by adding the mermaid.The entire collaboration was such a fun project to work on together, says MJ.I have no regrets, and doing it with a friend made the experience so worthwhile.I learned a lot about the painting process.Its one-of-a kind!Neverne was, of course, a perfect choice when it comes to artists, with an impressive resume of accomplishments that includesdrawings, prints, paintings and sculpture that explore childhood, language, landscape, memory and the Gothic South. So, the mystery of the dome is solved -- and MJ got her mermaid! Neverne Covington has been exhibited at the Tampa Museum of Art, Brevard Museum of Art, Florida State Capitol, Florida Museum for Women Artists (in DeLand) and various venues throughout Florida. Among other local accomplishments, she was commissioned to create a 20-foot mural for the new All Childrens Hospital. She is the recipient of three Artist Enhancement Grants from the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs and an Artist Resource Grant from the Pinellas County Arts Council development program. Neverne has maintained her art studio here in St. Petersburg for 25 years.
Pam Collins only recently moved to The Old Northeast, having arrived here from northern New Jersey in November after becoming an emptynester.When shes not at home or working at the Vinoy Resorts wellness center, shes enjoying many of the activities along the waterfront. A version of this article appears in the March-April issue of The Northeast Journal
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Property Transfers
The St. Pete Times section of the Wednesday edition of the Tampa Bay Times provides a partial listing of real estate transactions compiled from public records. These entries come from those listings. If any of these folks live near you, make sure you welcome them to the neighborhood. 555 5th Avenue NE #1243...... Paul Tash & Karyn Krayer-Tash 245 6th Avenue NE.................................................Lars Hafner 115 8th Avenue N................................Scott & Melinda Snyder 249 8th Avenue N............................................... William Norris 206 8th Avenue NE.............................................. Maria Blanco 215 10th Avenue NE.......... Dianne Sheppard & Zoe Wilkinson 655 10th Avenue NE #6................................Beverly Abentroth 150 15th Avenue NE................... Gregory and Samantha Gray 225 15th Avenue NE........................................... Ann Goldman 455 18th Avenue NE..............Michael Meidel & Janice Behling 180 19th Avenue N...................................... Wendy Menendez 536 21st Avenue NE.......Jose Guillermo Hernandez Betancourt & Ada Hernandez 116 22nd Avenue NE... William & Raleigh Elizabeth Duttweiler 111 23rd Avenue N................................... Andrew Jude Becker 301 23rd Avenue NE................................................Ryan Ross 320 27th Avenue N............................................Jason Quallich 132 29th Avenue N....................................... Alexander Plotkin 234 29th Avenue N................................................. John Healy 548 1st Street N..............................Bennett & Megan Andrews 1100 1st Street N............................................ William Hawkins 801 2nd Street N...........................................Shannon Walaker 925 Locust Street NE.....John Jay Rutland, Jr. & Cathy Vogel 825 16th Avenue NE................................ to 22 Diversified LLC 212 13th Avenue N..........................to Matheson Designs LLC 300 17th Avenue NE...........Home & Haven Development, Inc. 700 Beach Drive NE #408............................ Donna Liszewski
727 400-1910
Source: Compiled from public records and printed in the Tampa Bay Times. Page 33
Plant Rant
by Flora Adorer lora goes bananas this time of year! Spring means sunshine, warm weather and endless hours playing in the yard. Sure enough, on one of the first warm days, she was giddy with excitement at the local garden center, where she filled her cart with new plants, Jungle Growth soil (her favorite) and a new pair of flowery cotton gloves. With visions of gooey banana splits, Flora bought a three-gallon Dwarf Cavendish banana plant, one of the best varieties for our area. Granted, it takes a new banana plant about 15 months to produce fruit, but once its mature and thriving it can bear up to 300 bananas at a time! Heres the lowdown on bananas from the experts at the University of Florida/Gainesville: plant yours in a sunny area and provide moist, not wet, soil. Fertilize monthly with a potassium-rich fertilizer (6-212). To encourage health, growth and more fruit, regularly prune your plant so it has three major stalks (one thats flowering, one thats half grown and one small shoot). Always remove and dispose of brown, spotted leaves to prevent disease. The best varieties for Tampa Bay are Dwarf Cavendish, Ladys Finger, Mona Lisa, FHIA-3, 17 and 21. They are disease-resistant and cold-hardy, although its still a good idea to provide protection on very cold nights (32 degrees F and below). The botanical names for edible banana are Musa acuminate and Musa balbisiana. Dont be silly by planting the Musa ornate because this variety does not produce fruit. While were on the subject, Flora thinks a quick lesson about botanical nomenclature is in order otherwise how will you know what you are really planting? A good example is the bird of paradise, which happens to belong in the same plant family (Musaceae) as the banana. Plant tags should list the common name (bird of paradise) as well as the botanical name, which includes the genus name, species name and variety. For instance, there are two types of white bird of paradise. Strelitzia nicolai produces white flowers and grows up to 30 feet. Strelitzia alba also produces white flowers but grows only 15 feet. So now you know why your white bird was the wrong size for your space! (FYI, theres also
Going Bananas
the six-foot orange bird of paradise, Strelitzia reginae). Springtime also means pruning, but there are some important rules to follow. Prune an evergreen all year but not flowering trees and shrubs. For plants that form annual flower buds on the previous seasons growth (azalea, camellia, Indian hawthorn, magnolia), prune after blooming but before new buds have formed. For plants that set buds on current growth (allamanda, hibiscus, oleander, rose, plumbago, bougainvillea, frangipani, bottlebrush, cassia, jacaranda, crape myrtle), prune whenever plants arent in bloom or have new buds present. Dont prune a young citrus tree for the first few years except for sprouts on the trunk. When its mature, prune before new growth in the spring to increase the size of next seasons fruits. If you havent fed your palms yet, get to it! Use a complete, slow-release granular fertilizer that is specially formulated for palms and contains equal parts nitrogen (N) and potassium (K), along with additional magnesium (Mg) and a mixture of micronutrients. New fronds that turn yellow and look frizzled, older fronds with yellowing at the edges and yellow or orange spots on foliage are common signs of nutritional deficiencies. Floras spring wouldnt be complete without a trip to the annual Green Thumb Festival in St. Petersburg (April 26-27). The event features thousands of plants for sale, free mulch, soil and water diagnostic testing, tool sharpening, educational programs for adults and kids, a juried flower show and more. (Hours: 9am-4pm both days; free, Walter Fuller Park, 7891 26th Avenue N). Bring a shade hat and water bottle, and by all means dont forget your shopping wagon or cart. Some vendors only accept cash, so come prepared. Flora hopes shell see you there!
Flora Adorer is the nom de bloom of an Old NE resident with extensive knowledge about plants and vegetation. Also look for her/him in the quarterly newsletter of The Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association.
How Camellias Can Equal Flamingos
f you have not been to Sunken Gardens recently, plan to visit while all the new camellias and azaleas are in bloom. Historically, Sunken Gardens had many camellias, but most did not survive the excessive shade caused by the dense canopy. Now that the canopy has been selectively thinned, many locations are once again ideal for camellias. In addition to displaying camellias in the Gardens, it is now offering for sale several hundred camellias of various colors and sizes! Proceeds from the camellia sales go to the Flamingos Forever Fund, a private entity raising funds to purchase more flamingos for Sunken Gardens. If you are considering adding a camellia or two to your landscape, there are several things to consider; but first a little general info about garden camellias. The genus Camellia contains more than 300 species, but most of our garden camellias belong to Camellia japonica, Camellia sasanqua or Camellia reticulata and hybrids thereof. By far, the most commonly grown are hybrids of Camellia japonica. Camellias primarily range from Japan through southern and central China. They enjoy well-drained, slightly acidic soil containing organic matter. Most grow best in mild, humid environments in partial shade and many make handsome potted plants.
Page 34
T H E M A LO WA N Y G R O U P
T A M PA B AY L U X U R Y R E A L E S TAT E S E R V I C E S
WWW
DOWNTOWN ST. PETE
. T A M PA - B AY R E A LT Y . CO M
OLD NORTHEAST SNELL ISLE GULF BEACHES
O v e r 4 0 Ye a r s o f C o m b i n e d R e a l E s t a t e E x p e r i e n c e W o r k i n g f o r Yo u !
SOLD! COMING SOON! PENDING SALE!
SNELL ISLE
23 2 Sn ell Isle B lv d NE Offe re d at $350,000
SNELL ISLE
11 00 Cor dov a Bl v d NE Of fe re d at $ 1 ,7 0 0 ,0 00
D O W NT OW N / NO RT HE A ST Vino y Pl ace Con do min iu m, #7 14 Of fe re d at $ 1 ,2 5 0 ,0 00
SOLD!
SAMPL ING OF OU R SAL ES 2 0 24 Coffee Pot Blvd NE 1272 Cordova Blvd NE 505 5th Ave NE 1400 Beach Drive NE Old Northeast Snell Isle Downtown NE Old Northeast Snell Isle Downtown NE Snell Isle Snell Isle Snell Isle Downtown NE Old Northeast Snell Isle Old Northeast Old Northeast $1,775,000 $1,500,000 $1,495,000 $1,235,000 $1,000,000 $825,000 $799,000 $675,000 $675,000 $649,000 $368,000 $350,000 $350,000 $275,000
G R A NA D A TE R RA CE - OL D NO R T HEA S T 23 11 An da lusi a W ay NE
Offered at $ 5 50 , 00 0
1331 Brightwaters Blvd NE 400 Beach Drive Condo 417 Lido Way NE 365 Belleair Drive NE 200 Paloma Street NE 400 Beach Drive Condo 310 26th Ave N 262 Snell Isle Blvd NE 234 13th Ave N
SOLD!
O L D NO RT HEA ST
1 2 1 4 3 R D S T RE E T N Offered at $ 3 50 , 00 0
136 13th Ave NE

Prices shown are the last list price.
THE MALOWANY GROUP

WWW.
R E BEC CA LE MMON
B R OKER - A SSOCI ATE
330 Beach Drive NE St . Pet ersburg , FL 3 37 01
T AMPA- B AYR EALTY. COM
D I REC T:
(727) 593-4699
F RAN K M ALO WAN Y

B R OKER - A SSOCI ATE
Page 35
All Neighborhood St. Patricks Day Potluck Monday, March 17, at 6:45pm (see p.1)
All residents welcome
Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association P.O. Box 76324 St. Petersburg, FL 33734
www.honna.org PrsrT STd U.S. PosTaGe Paid ST. PeTersburG FL PermiT #1020
In This issue St Pete is Discovered Scooter Parking and Atlanta ?! Pink Flamingos Peacefakers Gizella Due for Makeover The Mermaids Dome Going Bananas
... and more!
Were Makin Big Waves in 2014

sold 71 homes and over $34 million in 2013.
Julie Jones Kathryn Krayer Zimring
If youre ready to buy or sell real estate in St. Pete Its Good to Know JJ and the Z
727-344-9191 Homes@JJandtheZ.com www.JJandtheZ.com
JJ and the Z
201 2nd Ave. North St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Page 36

Historic Old Northeast Quarterly Newsletter March 2014

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Historic Old Northeast Quarterly Newsletter March 2014

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HONNA Neighborhood Meetings are held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 126 11th Avenue NE Social: 6:45pmProgram: 7pm March

Celebrating 100 Years of Community 1911-2011

St. Petes Jewel on Tampa Bay

St. Pete is Discovered

Who Knew? You Did.

E-Z-DUZ-It Potluck Monday, March 17

The Newsletter of the Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association

Security and More

F. Scott and Zelda Meet Downton Abbey

Roaring 20s Gala

HISTORIC OLD NoRTHEAST NEIGHBoRHooD NEWS

Association News & Activities

Traffic & Safety

Ron Magray, Chair

HISTORIC OLD NoRTHEAST NEIGHBoRHooD NEWS

Newsletter and Communications

Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association

OFFICERS and BOARD

Hearing on North Ward Building

HISTORIC OLD NoRTHEAST NEIGHBoRHooD NEWS

HONNA Officers and Board Members

HISTORIC OLD NoRTHEAST NEIGHBoRHooD NEWS

Meetings, Socials and Community Building

HONNA Activities and Accomplishments During 2013

quarterly neighborhood gatherings and other related functions

Held quarterly neighborhood

Hosted annual December holi-

Hosted three potluck socials (as part of quarterly meetings)

Sponsored one Board member to

Continued the Young Northeasters group for

Donated $1,000 to Westminster Presbyterian Church as a thank

HISTORIC OLD NoRTHEAST NEIGHBoRHooD NEWS

meeting to register bicycles with the Police Department (#5)

Provided opportunity at quarterly

purchase neighborhood merchandise (flags, books, etc.)

Special Events and Recognitions

Mailed four issues of the neighbor-

Delivered 52 e-mail broadcasts

Began tweeting this year by launchinga twitter page -- twit-

Organized 16th annual Candlelight Tour of Homes on

Worked on launching a new store page (coming soon in

HISTORIC OLD NoRTHEAST NEIGHBoRHooD NEWS

HISTORIC OLD NoRTHEAST NEIGHBoRHooD NEWS

Volunteer with one of our committees!

Like our neighborhood? Want to make it even better?

To contact a chair via e-mail, go to

Read the newsletter in full on our website at honna.org/newsletter

HISTORIC OLD NoRTHEAST NEIGHBoRHooD NEWS

Womens Apparel - Oh so Ship Chic!

HISTORIC OLD NoRTHEAST NEIGHBoRHooD NEWS

Candlelight Tour Shines!

Young Northeasters on the Move

Watch for HONNAs

HISTORIC OLD NoRTHEAST NEIGHBoRHooD NEWS

A Business Run By Your Neighbors!

Were Experienced Move Managers

Bonded & Insured

Call us today at 727-896-0000

400 12th Avenue North St. Petersburg, 33701

HISTORIC OLD NoRTHEAST NEIGHBoRHooD NEWS

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FAST ACTING PAINLESS NON-INVASIVE FDA APPROVED

LUMINA HEALING CENTER

HISTORIC OLD NoRTHEAST NEIGHBoRHooD NEWS