Live In St. Pete

FtDesotoBeach

We’re fortunate to have award-winning beaches here in Pinellas County. Among them is Fort DeSoto, a national park with miles of sandy white beaches, biking trails, campsites, and much more, not to mention the actual fort.
My brother and sister-in-law used to camp there every Thanksgiving weekend. I know many people who go there to fish on the pier, to ride bikes along the trails, or to have special picnics in the covered shelters.
Yesterday I attended a beach wedding there. It was nippy and windy, but still gorgeous, with blue skies and bright sunshine. Along the way to the pavilions, I saw folks in bathing suits along the way, soaking in the rays. Cold is relative, I guess!
Some folks like the crashing waves of the Atlantic coast, but I like the calm waters of our Gulf of Mexico. It’s just like the rest of our area, a little laid back and comfortable.

MountedPolice

Imagine my surprise to look out my office window and see police on horseback sauntering down Beach Drive! It turns out that today was the official unveiling of our newest law enforcement team – two mounted units, on horses named Brooklyn and Jacob who came to us after the Boston, MA, police department disbanded their 12 horse mounted division.
Check out the story that the St. Petersburg Times posted just after noon, apparently just before we saw the horses.
It’ll be interesting to what impact this new twist on police presence will have in the ‘Burg!

Old Northeast Tavern

Over the weekend I treated myself to lunch at the Old Northeast Tavern – I have a thing for their Virginia ham & swiss cheese on croissant (I think it’s the honey mustard sauce that gets me), and every once in a while I just have to have it. Saturday was one of those days, so I dropped in. The “butler” in the picture is their trademark welcome, and the historic hexagonal sidewalk blocks are a signature as well. They’ve got lots of unique beers on draft and plenty more in bottles.
I know the building well, as I lived for thirteen years in a carriage house apartment a half block away. I remember when the corner spot was a favorite greasy spoon (N&L’s, I think), and the space that’s now the bar was a (gritty) convenience store. I’ve seen the businesses in the building come and go over the years, but this one seems to have stuck and has a loyal following. The newly opened Old Northeast Pizza is getting good reviews, too! All in all, the block is one of my favorite little memory lane jaunts, and I’m glad I stop in every now and again.

Cafe Alma

Got together with a friend last evening for cocktails & tapas at Cafe Alma on 1st Avenue S in downtown St. Pete. Despite the pouring rain, the atmosphere was warm & comfortable. And the food was spectacular!!!!! It’s been too long since I visited Cafe Alma, but I doubt it’ll take me long to get back there. Definite gold stars for the pulled duck quesadilla (be careful; the sauce packs a punch!) and the baked goat cheese with crusty warm bread. All the tapas prices were reasonable, and 2-for-1 well drinks at the bar helped keep the tab under control. Check out their web site at http://www.cafealma.com.

St. Pete Grand Prix

Trackside at the St. Pete Grand Prix.

A dramatic silhouette of the downtown St. Petersburg skyline courtesy of another spectacular sunset. This photo was taken from the St. Petersburg Pier.

St. Pete Skyline Sunset

A gorgeous silhouette of the downtown skyline courtesy of another great sunset.