The Tampa Bay 100 - 100 word stories & 100 second videos on topics of intrigue

Bloom Wherever You Are

Keynote speaker Emily Ley, founder of The Simplified Planner, will speak to women about the chase for perfection. (Photo courtesy of Gina Zeidler)

When it comes to professional development for women, it can be hard to find a speaker or topic that is applicable to the workplace realities faced by many women.

This year’s 2017 Working Women State Conference is a refreshing reminder for women to “bloom where they are” by focusing on their individual path and personal growth.

This two-day conference features Dr. Tonjua Williams, St. Petersburg College’s first African-American female president, and Secily Wilson, a former Fox 13 News anchor and stroke survivor.

Working Women of Florida encourages women to support each other and create meaningful and diverse connections.

– Missy MacFarlane, B2 Communications

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small business

How a Medical Practice Found SBA Success

Dr. Vim Patel's experience and innovative business model helped him secure an SBA loan.

It can be tough for a startup to secure capital. However, Dr. Vim Patel had several things going for him when he applied for his SBA loan:

Recurring cash flow: His Evolve Personal Health practice’s subscription-service model, similar to a gym membership, provides recurring revenue each month, which is appealing to lenders.

Collateral: This is an important part of any loan but especially with startups. In Evolve Personal Health’s case, the real estate purchased with the loan served as collateral.

Experience: Nearly 20 years as a physician provided Dr. Patel with plenty of training to start his own practice.

– Garrett VonEye, USAmeriBank

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Pets

Find a Fur-Ever Friend

More than 3,500 animals are adopted each year through SPCA Tampa Bay.

Meet your purr-fect match Aug. 19 at the “Bringing Friends Together Forever” pet adoption event at SPCA Tampa Bay in Largo.

Adoption fees for all animals – including puppies, kittens and pocket pets – will be waived during the event, courtesy of Hill’s Pet Nutrition.

From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the adoptions team can help you make the right match. They’ll talk to you about your potential pet’s needs to make sure the pet you choose is a good fit for your lifestyle. Visit the “Adoption” section of SPCA Tampa Bay’s website to see animals available for adoption.

– Brent Bardell, SPCA Tampa Bay

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Dining

Old Southeast’s Hidden Gem

The poke bar at Old Southeast Market has several bases, proteins and toppings to choose from.

In St. Pete’s historic Old Southeast neighborhood, just south of downtown, a building that was once a run-down convenience mart has transformed into a unique local market, offering everything from breakfast sandwiches to mix and match craft beer to kombucha on tap.

Since opening in 2015, the market has made several notable additions, including a poke bar, where diners can quickly grab a freshly made tuna bowl or sushi burrito. Further proving that it’s more than just a corner store, the market frequently hosts local musicians on its patio, while patrons play cornhole or partake in a wine tasting.

— Tyler Killette, B2 Communications

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Food & Drink

5 Perfect Places to Celebrate Rum Day

Bongo's Beach Bar & Grill on St. Pete Beach makes one of our favorite piña coladas.

Frozen rum cocktails, like daiquiris or piña coladas, are a perfect way to celebrate National Rum Day on Aug. 18.

Waterfront bars like Bongo’s Beach Bar & Grille or the aptly named Rum Runners on St. Pete Beach, or Palm Pavilion on Clearwater Beach, offer a well-made drink as well as a quick escape from the sun.

No time for the beach? Stop by Marlow’s Tavern in Carrollwood and wash away your worries with the Three Hour Tour, a tiki-inspired cocktail. Or opt for one of the best mojitos in town at The Columbia Cafe on Tampa’s Riverwalk.

– Missy MacFarlane, B2 Communications

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Sustainability

Climate Change and St. Petersburg

ULI's recommendations will serve as a guide for developing St. Pete's Integrated Sustainability Action Plan.

St. Petersburg, with its 60-mile coastline, is considered highly vulnerable to severe storms and rising sea levels. With this in mind, an Urban Land Institute Tampa Bay panel released recommendations for how the city can improve its resilience, which is its ability to withstand and recover from climate change effects and significant weather events. Among the recommendations:

– Create a cabinet-level Chief of Resilience Officer.

– Mandate resilient features in major developments like the new St. Pete Pier.

– Help small businesses create disaster preparedness and business continuity plans.

– Strengthen connections between low-income neighborhoods and downtown, and promote economic stability.

— Tyler Killette, B2 Communications

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the arts

‘RENT’ Celebrates 20 Seasons of Love

The rock musical "RENT" is coming to Tampa as part of its 20-year anniversary tour. (Image courtesy of the Straz Center)

Composer Jonathan Larson worked for years on the musical “RENT,” loosely based on Puccini’s opera “La Bohème” and his own experiences living in a rundown New York apartment.

The tale of seven struggling artists trying to live their dreams while dealing with loss and love previewed off-Broadway in 1996. Larson died unexpectedly the night before the first performance, never witnessing the impact it would have on audiences for years to come.

The Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning show remains as relevant and vibrant today. The 20th anniversary tour stops here at the Straz Center Sept. 19-24.

– Susana Weymouth, Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture & the Arts

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Business

Why Flexible Workplaces Matter

Making your workplace flexible, like allowing remote work, can help attract and retain top talent.

Flexibility is key in great employees, but it’s important for employers to consider, too. By creating a flexible workplace, employers can boost morale and signal to employees that the company is invested in their well-being.

Some ways to create a flexible workplace:

– Allow remote work. Cutting commute time cuts stress. Stay connected to your team with digital tools like Slack and video chats.

– Let employees set their schedules. Personalizing schedules to match workflow is a small modification that has a major impact on productivity.

– Lead by example. Leaders who prioritize flexibility and wellness encourage their employees to follow suit.

– Scott Peeples, Peerfit

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History

Florida’s First Art Center Turns 100

The Art Club of St. Petersburg opened the Florida Winter Art School on Beach Drive in 1917. (Image courtesy of the Morean Arts Center)

When the Morean Arts Center opened in 1917 as the Art Club of St. Petersburg, it was the first art gallery south of Atlanta. A group of artists seeking space to work, teach and show their art collaborated on a space initially on Beach Drive.

The Morean has carried that mission of unifying the community through art for 100 years, and has since expanded to include the Morean Center for Clay and the Chihuly Collection.

An exhibit this summer celebrated the anniversary with works from 100 artists, while upcoming exhibits will feature area artists like Casey McDonough and Kenny Jensen.

– Keeley LaForme, B2 Communications

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travel

Follow the Niagara Wine Trail

A Gust of Sun Winery, which is about 15 miles from Niagara Falls on the Niagara Wine Trail, pairs tastings with locally made chocolate.

Western New York wineries are known for their sweet reds and whites, but many of the 20-plus stops on the Niagara Wine Trail offer creative blends and pairings. Some of the standouts:

– Honeymoon Trail Winery in Cambria has a sweet, spicy white wine called Honeymoon Spice that tastes best warmed up. (Think apple cider on a cool day.)

– A Gust of Sun Winery in Ransomville offers tastings of its dry and fruity wines with chocolate pairings.

– Niagara Landing Wine Cellars in Lockport rounds out its wine list with dessert and specialty wines, like the tasty Hot Pepper Infused Wine.

– Keeley LaForme, B2 Communications

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Sports

Bucs Invest on the Field, in the Stands

The West Stadium Club’s new video board offers a larger-than-life view of the game. (Photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

The sound of construction crews can be heard over the usual grunts and yells associated with Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp.

A $20 million indoor practice facility is under construction at One Buc Place that will allow practices to continue during inclement weather and help the team better prepare for games in domed stadiums.

Next door at Raymond James Stadium, fans will experience a redesigned West Stadium Club, including two bars and high-definition TVs, and a new 10,000-square-foot team shop when the season begins.

This is part of the second phase of a $150 million renovation.

– Jacob Lynn, B2 Communications

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Events

Dive Into Tampa Culture on Fourth Friday

Le Méridien hosted a free leisurely bike ride along the Riverwalk during last month's Fourth Friday. (Photo courtesy of Masson Liang Photography)

Tampa’s Fourth Friday is a great opportunity to experience the city’s art and culture scene. More than 18 galleries in Downtown Tampa participate in the festive event.

Beginning at 4 p.m., venues like the Tampa Museum of Art and TECO Public Art Gallery will be open for visitors to view the galleries. And restaurants and bars throughout downtown feature food and drink specials and live music.

Tickets are free, and wristbands are available at participating venues during posted event hours (see schedule). To get around, deals are available for the Downtowner, Coast Bike Share, or TECO Line Streetcar System.

– Jacob Lynn, B2 Communications

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tourism

Restore America’s Parks

The Dry Tortugas National Park needs more than $58 million of deferred maintenance to ensure it will be preserved and accessible for future generations.

The Pew Charitable Trusts’ parks campaign, Restore America’s Parks, aims to raise awareness about the National Park System’s deferred maintenance backlog and to secure permanent funding with the National Park Service Legacy Act to address park maintenance needs and ensure that the park service is equipped for success as it heads into its second century.

Deferred maintenance is estimated at $11.3 billion nationally, with approximately $253 million in Florida.

In 2016, more than 10 million visitors enjoyed national parks in Florida, adding a cumulative benefit of $949.1 million to the state economy and supporting almost 10,000 jobs.

– Alix Miller, The Tallahassee 100

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cars

Is It the Battery or the Alternator?

Look for key indicators to identify the cause of engine issues.

We’ve all had those days where you insert your key in the ignition, turn it over, and … nothing. While a simple jump-start might help, it’s often difficult to pin down the cause of the issue.

Is it the battery? Look for indicators such as a lit check engine light, slow engine crank, “ticking” sound when starting the engine, or leakage or swelling around the battery case.

Is it the alternator? The engine cutting off shortly after starting your vehicle, a growling sound, flickering headlights, dimming dash lights, and a burning rubber smell are all signs of a failing alternator.

– Anthony Blackman, Atlantic Tire & Service

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The 100 Guy

Trip to See ‘Hamilton’ Is Worth It

Kelly McBride and Kyle Parks at the PrivateBank Theatre in Chicago, an 1,800-seat facility built in 1906 that offers an intimate experience.

Thinking about going to see “Hamilton” in New York? Sounds fabulous. But you might want to consider catching it in another city, like Chicago or Los Angeles, where the acclaimed musical is also scheduled.

That’s what my girlfriend, Kelly, and I did, going with her parents to Chicago for one of our best trips ever – Rays-Cubs at Wrigley Field, “Hamilton” and an afternoon at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Kelly scored excellent balcony seats for $275 each through the PrivateBank Theatre box office by planning more than six months ahead. Needless to say, the show was worth every cent.

– Kyle Parks, B2 Communications

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Management

Accommodating New Mothers at Work

The time when a new mother returns to work after maternity leave is called the "Fifth Trimester."

Returning to work after having a child can be a challenging transition. Regardless of which state or federal workplace laws apply, employers should consider these best practices for welcoming back new mothers:

– Talk to expecting employees about how much leave they will take and whether they may need flexible work hours when they return.

– Consider increasing a new mother’s workload gradually instead of expecting her to return to work at full capacity.

– When possible, avoid scheduling meetings beyond normal work hours, especially without notice.

– Allow breaks for mothers to pump breast milk in a comfortable, private space – not a bathroom.

– Lisa McGlynn, Fisher Phillips

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Pets

How to Help Injured or Orphaned Wildlife

SPCA Tampa Bay’s wildlife rescue team assists a variety of animals, including opossum, deer, vultures, hawks and ospreys.

SPCA Tampa Bay finds homes for pets, and it also helps injured wildlife.

If you find an injured wild animal, don’t touch it. Call SPCA Tampa Bay at (727) 586-3592. Its teams are trained to handle injured or infant animals. They can pick up the animal and work with partners like Urban Wildlife Center to rehabilitate and return it to the wild.

Parents of baby animals can care for them much better than humans can. If you find a baby animal, keep an eye on it for a few days. Call if you don’t see the parents by then.

– Brent Bardell, SPCA Tampa Bay

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Design

Trending Styles for Your Home

Use neutral base colors with pops of light blues and greens for a warm, rustic farmhouse look.

Homeownership comes with the freedom to make your living space all your own. If you need some design inspiration, consider these trending styles from Lennar Homes:

Tropical: Today’s tropical look is more contemporary than tacky. Think bold banana leaf patterns, gold accents, black and white patterns and, of course, the color green.

Farmhouse: A more sophisticated approach to shabby chic, this style uses neutral colors, lush linens and repurposed furniture for a light yet cozy feel.

Nautical: Inspired by the New England coast, the nautical look is crisp and clean with deep blue accents and plenty of fun maritime memorabilia.

— Tyler Killette, B2 Communications

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travel

Eat Your Way Through Boston’s History

Boston's historic Faneuil Hall & Marketplace boasts a variety of food vendors, including one known for its lobster rolls.

Boston, just a direct flight from Tampa, is a great weekend away for lovers of food and history.

Spend a day around Faneuil Hall, which has been a marketplace and town hall since 1742. It extends into an outdoor area with shops and restaurants that include an authentic replica of “Cheers,” down to the show’s famous bar top.

The next day, traverse the North End’s cobblestone roads to visit the Revolutionary War hero Paul Revere’s house. For brunch, enjoy what the North End is known for: Italian food. Try Vinoteca di Monica, and get the breakfast poutine or spaghetti carbonara.

– Leah Saunders, B2 Communications

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Fitness

Energize Your Corporate Wellness Program

Corporate wellness programs can improve employees’ health and increase engagement in the company’s mission and goals.

Corporate wellness programs can provide tangible benefits to employee morale and productivity. But though employers spend an average of $742 per employee on corporate wellness programs, programs often aren’t used to their full potential.

Here are three ways to engage employees in your corporate wellness program:

– Designate a wellness champion to manage the program. It can be someone in Human Resources, or an employee who is passionate about wellness.

– Tailor your program to your employees. Think about what works best for their work hours, interests and preferences.

– Offer variety and personalization, rather than a one-size-fits-all wellness program.

– Emma Maurer, Peerfit

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the arts

Craft Art at Its Finest

“Flying Jewel (Green)” by Alicia Diem will be featured at this year’s Florida CraftArt Members Show & Sale. (Photo courtesy of Florida CraftArt)

Florida CraftArt, a statewide nonprofit based in St. Petersburg, will showcase a variety of artworks in all types of mediums during its annual Members Show and Sale to support Florida artists.

The exhibition will include contemporary glass, jewelry, fiber, wood, ceramics, metals and mixed media that were judged by a jury panel. Top entries are selected based on originality, creativity, quality and complexity of workmanship, artistry and impact.

Winners are announced at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 25 at the opening reception at Florida CraftArt, 501 Central Ave. The exhibition will be on display and for sale through Oct. 21.

– Susana Weymouth, Tampa Bay Businesses for Culture & the Arts

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Sports

The Rowdies’ Two European Stars

Free from the hectic life of soccer stardom in Europe, St. Pete allows Marcel Schäfer (above) and Joe Cole to lead more normal lives while also competing at a high level. (Photo courtesy of Tampa Bay Rowdies/Matt May)

Joe Cole and Marcel Schäfer bring a combined 627 appearances in Europe’s top soccer leagues to the Tampa Bay Rowdies’ young midfield.

What brought them to St. Petersburg?

For both, it was the atmosphere surrounding the Rowdies in St. Petersburg. They could escape the celebrity status they experienced in Europe as their careers wind down, and still have the opportunity to play competitive soccer.

And, despite their mileage, the veterans aren’t slowing down. Cole, 35, has scored 15 goals over parts of two seasons with the club and Schäfer, 33, has played every minute of the 2017 season.

– Jacob Lynn, B2 Communications

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History

A Historical Look at Tampa Life

The Tampa Photo Supply Collection is full of photos of meaningful everyday events, like this one taken after the wedding of Augie Capitano and Tommy Bissell in 1950. (Photo courtesy of the City of Tampa Archives and Records Division)

The City of Tampa has released an interesting collection of photographs that capture everyday life in Tampa from 1940 to 1990.

Photographed by Rose Rutigliano Weekley and Joseph Scolaro, the Tampa Photo Supply Collection highlights common but meaningful community events, such as graduations from Plant and Hillsborough high schools and family celebrations like birthday parties.

Images are being digitized and added to Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative’s digital collection, where the public can see them. The archive also includes the Burgert Brothers Collection, a pictorial record of commercial, residential and social growth from the late 1800s to the early 1960s.

– Jacob Lynn, B2 Communications

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legal counsel

Tips for Following Sunshine Law

Nikki Nate, an attorney at Bryant Miller Olive, conducts seminars around Florida to help municipal officials navigate the Sunshine Law.

Inviting elected officials and board members to your organization’s events is a great way to build relationships and ensure that they understand what matters to your group.

Under Florida’s Sunshine Law, however, well-intended invitations may unintentionally create difficult situations.

Here are three important tips for avoiding Sunshine Law problems:

1. Public board members shouldn’t be asked to give presentations about a matter that may come before them for a vote.

2. Give board members the option to sit at separate tables.

3. Still facing Sunshine Law concerns? Consider meeting the requirements of the law after consulting with legal counsel.

– Nikki Nate, Bryant Miller Olive

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Craft Beer

Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe Stands Out

Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe in St. Pete's Grand Central District is much more than a craft beer bar.

St. Pete is overflowing with beer, and new craft beer joints must stand out to succeed, whether it’s with an innovative concept, super cool atmosphere or unparalleled inventory.

Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe, which opened earlier this year on Central Avenue and 29th Street, offers all three. The sleek space has eight rotating drafts and over 300 beers from craft breweries around the world. Enjoy your pick at the bar with one of their unique deli sandwiches, or take a few bottles home to share.

If you’re more bubbles than barley, mimosas with seasonal juices pair well with Hawthorne’s weekend brunch offerings.

— Tyler Killette, B2 Communications

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Events

St. Pete ArtWalk Won’t Disappoint

"Split Personality" by Bob Ribits on display at Soft Water Studios. (Photo courtesy of Tracy Kennard, St. Petersburg Arts Alliance)

The St. Petersburg Arts Alliance organizes the monthly Second Saturday ArtWalk street festival to showcase new works of art around the ‘Burg.

This festive tradition began nearly 20 years ago with the Downtown Arts Association. Today, the ArtWalk includes more than 40 galleries and studios. Free ArtWalk trolleys were added in 2012 to shuttle visitors to all of St. Pete’s five art districts: Waterfront Arts District, Central Arts District, Edge District, Grand Central District and Warehouse Arts District.

This month’s ArtWalk is from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 12, rain or shine. The trolley comes about every 30 minutes.

– Olivia Kresic, B2 Communications

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Business

Should You Take a Stand On Social Issues?

A recent survey finds that there’s a benefit to taking action on important societal issues.

Corporate social responsibility remains a priority for many businesses, and research has shown that employees want the corporate entities they work for to take a stand on societal issues.

Recent research from Povaddo suggests that 57% of surveyed employees feel corporate America needs to play a more active role in social issues. A majority (62%) would also be more likely to recommend the company as a place to work if its CEO makes a real effort to make a difference.

The other 43% feel that Corporate America needs to strictly confine its activities to being financially prosperous and providing employment.

– Chuck Norman, APR, The North Carolina 100

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Business

Don’t Let Your Website Get Stale

Continue to update your website to attract more business.

If you haven’t updated your website in years, you may be losing valuable leads for your business.

Web design trends change annually, and investing in a new site can be costly but worthwhile. There are cost-effective changes that you can make to be more current and influence your potential customers. High-quality original photography can speak volumes about your relevance and build trust. The popularity of video is still on the rise, and studies have shown video increases engagement.

Your budget may not allow a redesign annually, but you can keep your site competitive with strong copy and visuals.

– Chuck Norman, APR, The North Carolina 100

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Food

How to Eat Healthy at a Barbecue

Barbecues can be enjoyed while eating a little healthier; you simply have to choose the right foods and control your portions.

During the summer months, barbecues are happening all the time. Everyone wants to be outside enjoying the weather with friends and family. Below are some tips I have for making nutritious choices at BBQs without missing out on the fun:

1. Skip the buns: use a knife and fork and eat your burger or hot dog bun-less.

2. Use mustard: Ketchup is full of additional ingredients disguised as sugar.

3. Fill up on leafy salad rather than potato salad. If you need potato salad, volunteer to bring it and substitute olive oil and celery instead of mayo and bacon.

— Amanda Santucci, The Skinny Spice

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