beeMAIL: Molly’s Favorite Things!
Weekend Top 10: Festival of Lights, Holiday Music w/ Dalí, Kwanzaa begins at St. Pete Youth Farm, and Football!
Chanukah celebrating is in full swing, Christmas is upon us and Kwanzaa begins. Here are some super festive ways to bring it all home for you and your family. These specially curated events have something for everyone to experience the joys of the season. Happy Holidays and peace to all. Thursday Ongoing – Tampa Bay’s Festival of Lights Hillsborough County Fairgrounds It’s the perfect way to celebrate and feel the magic of the holiday season right before Christmas. Pack everyone in the car and ride through the almost 2-mile course of over one million lights. Visit Santa’s Village for great rides like the reindeer carousel, Santa train, ferris wheel, and more. Visit with Santa, enjoy holiday movies and live entertainment. Now through December 24th Tickets, hours, event schedules, and more information here. A Chanukah Celebration Rayborn Plaza, Channelside, Tampa On the fifth night of Chanukah, Water Street Tampa invites the community to celebrate the holiday with a special Menorah lighting and an exciting lineup of activities and entertainment throughout the evening. There will be a lighting of the grand Menorah at 6pm, live entertainment, traditional lite bites, face painting, craft tables, and more. December 22 @5-8pm More information here. Free to the public Performance: Holiday with Orilla The Dali Museum, St. Pete Join in for a special holiday performance of live music performed by Orilla. For this performance, Ona Kirei and Alejandro Arenas (of La Lucha fame), will perform holiday songs from Latin America, and Catalonia, Spain, birthplace of Dali himself. While you’re there check out the beautiful Shape of Dreams exhibition during extended holiday hours. (museum admission not included in concert price) December 22nd @6-7pm Tickets, museum hours, and more information here. Friday Artists & Authors Holiday Shopping Event Gaspar’s Grotto, Ybor City Here’s a unique last minute shopping opportunity at Gaspar’s Grotto. There will be book signings with local authors like owner Captain Schilling himself and vendors selling locally inspired wares for your last minute gift needs. All this and great dining at Tampa’s world famous pirate bar and restaurant – a beloved local landmark for decades. FYI – make a donation to hear the world’s largest tip bell ring and 100% will go to Southeastern Guide Dogs. Nice. December 23rd @5-7pm More information here. 2022 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl Raymond James Stadium, Tampa It’s Bowl season for college football and that means lots of visitors coming to enjoy all that is wonderful about Tampa Bay while rooting on their home college teams. For those of us who live here, it’s an opportunity to be part of a grand sports tradition. This year’s Gasparilla Bowl at Raymond James Stadium pits the Wake Forest Demon Deacons against the Missouri Tigers. East vs. Breadbasket America. Let the battle begin! December 23rd @6:30 Tickets and more information here. Friday & Saturday Vintage Holiday Dress Sale St. Petersburg City Theatre, St. Pete How often do you get an opportunity, not only to peek inside a theater costume closet, but to actually own some of the coolest vintage frocks to be found in Tampa Bay? St. Petersburg City Theatre, producing great community theater for a century, invites you to take advantage of this unique and rare event. You get to own amazing one-of-kind clothing and accessories while you support the continued tradition of great community theater at SPCT. I love a win-win. December 23rd @6pm-8:30pm December 24th 10am-2pm More information here. Saturday – Christmas Eve Live Christmas Pageant / Candlelight Service First Presbyterian Church, St. Pete There are many wonderful places of worship throughout Tampa Bay offering services for Hannukah and Christmas. It’s simply a lovely family tradition and a little holiday boost to the soul. We’re featuring First Presbyterian Church here because not only are they having a beautiful candlelight service, but before-hand they are hosting a live family pageant. Costumes will be worn (provided or bring from home), carols will be sung, and the Christmas Story will be told (and even acted out by participants). Then, enjoy cookies and drinks afterward. “Expect this to be a bit messy, a little noisy, and a lot of fun.” December 24th @4pm Candlelight service @7pm More information here. Sunday – Christmas Day Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Arizona Cardinals NBC Sunday Night Football After we’ve enjoyed the Gasparilla Bowl on Friday night, football fans (like me), turn our attention to the NFL as our Bucs take on the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Phoenix. It’s a prime-time Sunday Night Football clash on Christmas day. That portends a massive audience, and for a pretty consequential game. The NFC South title is in the offing and the Cardinals want to play spoiler, so, GO BUCS! Watch at home or at your favorite sports bar. A win would certainly be a great Christmas gift. December 25th @8:20pm NBC More information here. Monday 9th Annual Kwanzaa At The Farm 2022 St. Pete Youth Farm, St. Pete This opening day event, hosted by Gallerie 909,is a celebration of “What Unites Us.” Kwanzaa is a cultural week-long holiday devoted to connection with the African diaspora and focused on seven core principles known as Nguzo Saba. They are: Unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Bring your drums, wear African attire and help kick off a week of festivities against the background of harvest. It is, after all a farm – one where a lot more than food grows. December 26th 5:30-8pm More information here. Opening – Jubilee Celebration Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Clearwater Clearwater Marine Aquarium is celebrating 50 years dedicated to marine life rescue and conservation with extended hours, fun family activities, live entertainment, and special moments with all the resident animals you love. Bring in the new year and welcome the next 50 years by visiting the aquarium during this special anniversary celebration. December 26th – January 7th @10am-8pm More
Beach Park Estate with Superior Craftsmanship
$10,500,000 Customized to perfection, the elegance and grandeur of this Beach Park estate combine superior craftsmanship that reflects the impeccable taste and sophisticated architectural details. The estate’s timeless appearance is in a 2009-built gated residence on almost 3/4 of an acre. An impressive entrance to the foyer has onyx floors and a bronze staircase that opens to the formal two-story living room, dining room, and mahogany-walled den. A chef’s dream kitchen boasts top-of-the-line appliances and finishes. No details were overlooked when designing this home. A breathtaking vestibule of Barrell Vault stone in a herringbone pattern leads to the downstairs master suite. Downstairs also offers the family room, another bedroom and bath, gym, laundry room, half bath, and a second staircase. The downstairs master suite is the perfect retreat from a long day. Upstairs are three bedrooms with private baths and a second laundry room. Two bedrooms have private balconies offering serene views of this magnificent property. Enjoy the upstairs bedroom balcony views. The home’s amenities include a state-of-the-art in-home theater room, four-car garage, five AC units, Weather Shield Lifeguard windows, Icynene attic installation, four tankless water heaters, and a Crestron control system for the entire home. The estate has ample room with a home theater and a four-car garage. There is also a whole house 100KW generator, landscape lighting, gas lanterns, and 16 exterior security cameras. The grounds include an outdoor fire pit, putting green, outdoor shower, pool bath, and mosquito misting system. The outdoor living space includes outdoor dining, a pool, and a hot tub. Presented by Anne Mullis Brokered by: Smith and Associates 415 S Royal Palm Way
Weekend Wheels: 2023 Ford Bronco Everglades
Full disclosure here. In my week with Ford’s new special edition Bronco Everglades 4×4, I sadly didn’t take it to the Everglades and wade through gator-infested muddy water 36.4 inches deep. Nor did I get to use the standard 10,000-pound pull capacity Warn Zeon 10 electric winch bolted to the front bumper, to extract myself from the aforementioned 36.4 inches of icky-sticky mud. But had I ventured into that 36.4 inches of muddy water and, without warning, sunk another few inches, I could have taken comfort from knowing the Bronco Everglades comes with its own snorkel. Similar to that piece of swimming apparatus, this boxy piece of plastic runs up the passenger-side windshield allowing the engine to breathe when water is up to the hood. Finally, I didn’t go play in the Everglades because I would have hated to see the Bronco’s lovely gray paintwork and nicely-painted 17-inch wheels with their quite massive 35-inch tires get, well, dirty. Obviously I’m not Ford’s target buyer. But boy was it fun driving it around town and intimidating all those similarly-big-tire’d Jeep Wrangler Rubicons around. But while some buyers will no doubt go play in the goop, I’m predicting the vast majority will use their Bronco Everglades as automotive eye-candy. It’s the same way plenty of pick-up truck owners add enormous wheels and lift kits to the F-150s and Silverados. It’s the same way people spend big bucks on a 200mph supercar and never get it out of first gear. The Everglades is the latest in a line-up of seven special edition Broncos being offered up to adventure-loving fans by Ford. Priced from $54,595, its slots between the $52,820 Wildtrak and $70,095 Raptor. Only offered as a four-door with a removable hardtop roof, it comes standard with Ford’s hardcore Sasquatch offroad package. This includes monster 35-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires, electronic- locking front and rear axles, HOSS suspension – short for High Performance Off-road Stability Suspension – and Bilstein position-sensitive dampers. Stick numbers to the doors and you could enter the next Baja 1000 offroad desert race and do pretty well. Powering the beast is Ford’s highly-capable 2.3-liter turbocharged four- cylinder packing 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque and mated to a 10- speed automatic. To ensure the Bronco can haul itself through any Everglades-grade mud and clamber over the occasional Burmese python that gets in the way, it’s equipped with a GOAT twist knob on the center console. Standing for Goes Over Any Terrain, it lets you select one of seven driveline settings to match the conditions. Pick from normal, eco, sport, slippery, mud/ruts, sand and rock. For our mostly on-road escapades, sport was a blast. Despite the Bronco Everglades looking as wild and rugged as Leo DiCaprio in that The Revenant movie, the way it drives is surprisingly civilized. The turbo four-cylinder is smooth, quiet and packs no shortage of muscle. Coupled with the rapid-fire responses of that 10-speed auto, it can scoot away from the stop light and zip past slower traffic on a two-lane. It also carves curves with confidence thanks to its suprisingly precise and nicely-weighted steering, its coil-sprung independent front suspension, and those Bilstein dampers. It rides smoothly too. But weighing-in at over 5,000 pounds and having the aerodynamics of a shipping container, fuel economy is well, terrible. My mostly highway driving meant an average of 17mpg. And the Bronco’s patchwork of removable plastic roof panels – a total chore to lift off and stow – results in the kind of wind noise you normally get from a Cat 3 hurricane. Yet even if you don’t venture into the Everglades as part of your daily commute to the office, this oversized Tonka toy is just a whole lot of fun to drive. As for using it to ferry the kids to school or soccer practice, or rolling through the Starbucks drive-thru, there’s nothing cooler. But next time I’m getting it dirty.
Weekend Top 10: Cirque Musica, The Party REDUX, Holiday Sparkle, Holizaar, and Pop-up Matt McGee
As the holiday season really revs up, we have some more ways for you to make memories with family, friends and loved ones. That’s what it’s all about, after all! So, mark your calendars and paint Tampa Bay red and green (or blue and silver). However you celebrate, let us help you find your own holiday JOY. Thursday Arts Annual – The Party REDUX The Gallery at Creative Pinellas, Largo Everyone gets a do-over. When the recent tropical storm knocked out plans for Creative Pinellas’ biggest party and fund raiser of the year, Barbara St. Clair and team decided that the PARTY IS BACK ON. The Arts Annual exhibit is truly amazing and features work from your favorite Pinellas County artists, filling all the galleries. There will be great food, a cash bar and live entertainment against the backdrop of the spectacular holiday lights displays at the Florida Botanical Gardens right on the same site. It’s a perfect celebratory night out. I’ll be in attendance and hope to see you there. December 15th @6-9pm Tickets and more information here Opening – Holiday Sparkle The St. Petersburg Opera Company Opera Central (2145 1st Ave N), St. Pete A fully staged production of Gian Carlo Meotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors awaits you accompanied by a 20-piece orchestra. It’s a delightful one-act in English, suitable for all ages. And that’s just the first part. The second part of the program features SPO’s world-class singers performing an array of holiday music. December 15th – 22nd Find Tickets, scheduled performances and more information here. Opening – It’s A Wonderful Life An American Stage Pop-Up Event Multiple Venues Throughout St. Pete & Gulfport I love pop-ups – pop-up restaurants, pop-up markets. They’re just so much fun. Now American Stage has adapted the concept for holiday theater with a reimagined production of It’s a Wonderful Life, starring the one and only Matt McGee. It’s a one-man, story-telling format that will “pop-up” at a number of venues over the coming week, and right up to Christmas Eve. I can’t think of a more delightful holiday evening than one spent with Matt on stage. December 15th – 24th Venues, dates, times and more information here. Last Weekend – Miracle on South Division Street by Tom Dudzick Early Bird Dinner Theatre, Clearwater Early bird dining is a thing here in Florida, we know. But it becomes a pretty cool holiday plan when you can get dinner AND a great show for only $45. It’s the last weekend to catch the hilarious Christmas play, Miracle on South Division Street. Crazy families and miracles in Buffalo are the only spoilers you’ll get here. You’ll love it. Now through December 18th @4-8pm Tickets and more information here. Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland Yeungling Center, Tampa is a must-see holiday event to usher in the magic of the season. Wonderland is an all-new musical journey that will transport audiences to a magical land far away for a fun-filled holiday-themed show experience they will never forget. Be dazzled by the acrobats, aerialists, hilarious hijinks, and holiday cheer. The show blends the spellbinding grace and daredevil athleticism of today’s greatest circus performers with a musical mix of timeless seasonal favorites. December 15 @7pm Tickets and information here. Friday 93.3 FLZ’s Jingle Ball: Backstreet Boys, Black Eyed Peas, Big Time Rush, & More Amalie Arena, Tampa 93.3 FLZ Jingle Ball 2022 is part of the national iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour Presented by Capitol One, the season’s biggest annual holiday music event that captures the music and holiday spirit of the iHeartRadio app with performances by some pretty big name artists. Making it’s way to the Tampa Bay area on Friday evening, it’s sure to be a memorably rockin’ holiday concert. December 16th @7pm Tickets and more information here. Saturday 15th Annual Holizaar – Handmade Holiday Bazaar The Studio @620, St. Pete It’s another great crafty tradition at @620, where you can snap up the holiday wares of over 30 of your favorite local makers. Jewelry, home & holiday decor, fine art, and even some delicious holiday muchies. Grab something with some flair and funk for your fun-loving Christmas listers. Free to the public. December 17th @10am-3pm More information here. Paws on Parade Station Square Park, Clearwater Even our furry friends love the holidays, and we love to show them off, so what could be better than a holiday parade of pets? Join in or watch our four-legged loves prance, dance, and shine in their fabulous (and often hilarious), holiday costumes down Cleveland Street. Family photos with Santa, costume contest, vendors and a post-parade holiday block party will make for an exciting day for EVERY member of your family. December 17th @11am Free to the public. More information and Clearwater holiday event guide here. Annual Crystal Beach Christmas Golf Cart Parade Live Oak Park, Palm Harbor Boat parades, shmoat parades. (JK, go to those too). But, lighted golf carts demand equal time. They are literally the way to go – at least here in Florida. These open motorized buggies provide transport for what seems like half the population. It’s only right that they get all decked out for the holidays and have a parade too. The lovely setting in Live Oak Park and on Crystal Beach on the water makes it truly worth checking out. There will be contests, prizes and photos with Santa available for spectators. December 17th @7pm (be there by 6:30 for best spots). Free to the public More information here. Sunday Inaugural Event – Winter in the Wood Seminole Park, Kenwood The Artist Enclave of Kenwood, a premier artist community in Tampa Bay, hosts the inaugural Winter in the Wood – a winter festival featuring exhibits and performances by enclave artists, family friendly activities, a visit from Santa (3-4:30), yummy goodies, live music, and the opportunity to buy some of
beeMALE: Information and Gifts For The Man in Your Life
Happy Holidays! On occasion, you may wonder if we actually know how to spell at all…we like mixing upper and lower case letters as well as making a play on words…welcome to this week’s (not) typo. beeMALE. That’s right, our special guest editor/favorite boss/holiday shopper, Tom duPont, has curated an amazing list of gifts to give or perhaps buy for yourself. We know you will enjoy! Cheers! Molly duPont A picture is worth a thousand words. WINNERS II An extraordinarily rare print that was selected for the AFAS Peter Helck Award at Pebble Beach in 1995. The Finish Line is captured in an imaginary but realistic “portrait” of the checkered flag dropping on a first-place race car (your car) crossing the line. This print is in excellent shape and elegantly framed for display in any office, man cave or automotive facility. Curated from a private collection. 32” X 32”. PRICE: $400. Plus shipping if needed. Located in Clearwater, FL. Email: info@registrytampabay.com or call 727- 638-2420. Painting is a visual interpretation of reality. CORVETTE SPLIT-WINDOW STINGRAY A rare original artwork by Timothy Raines. This extraordinary portrait of the iconic Corvette split window is a fabulous example of Timothy’s exploration of subjects through his iconic drops of paint that are inspired by the controlled chaos of his technique. Frequently, Raines has enjoyed specific automotive portrait commissions from renowned collectors. This is true in this instance. Raines’ ability to maintain the authenticity of a brand while abstracting it on a “particle level” is a phenomenal process. This piece of original art is curated from a private collection. 40” X 60”. Price: $5900. Plus shipping if needed. Located in Clearwater FL. Email info@registrytampabay.com or call 727-638-2420. Scare off those pesky squirrels and raccoons or quietly have a target shooting contest. RUBBER BAND MACHINE GUN This is an all-wooden, hand-assembled and fully automatic rubber band gun. It functions very much like a Gatling gun, with 17 barrels holding the bands. An electric motor rotates the barrels around a central axis with each trigger pull, letting you fire as many as 204 bands without reloading. Included in the box is everything you need: The RBMG itself, stand, bi-pod, 600 rubber bands and an instruction manual. (A grown man’s toy. Adults only. $119 on sale. For information and purchase go to: http://uncrate.com/rubber-band-machine-gun Have fun while being handy. SAKER MINI CHAINSAW The Saker mini chainsaw adapts a high-quality guide chain that has undergone a deep quenching process to ensure smooth cutting. In addition, a pure copper motor is used, which is very powerful. It can be used with one hand. It is very suitable for family and temporary work. Even seniors — or — the older set can easily control it. It comes equipped with a rechargeable lithium battery as well as a small suitcase for storage. Available on AMAZON. Search: “Saker mini chain saw” for information and purchase. Simple, clear, night and day security. 360-Degree Light Bulb Security Camera This is a very simple way to increase the protection of your property. The camera can be easily installed using a normal E 27 bulb base. Then use the mobile phone to download the app and use the app to help the camera connect to the Wi-Fi. No other operations are required. The camera can provide a clear picture even at night. You can control the viewing angle to achieve 360° without blind spots. Locations can include your home, office, or vacation spot. Even your dock and boat. The lightbulb security camera has a motion detection alarm if desired. A Wi-Fi connection and an app are required. Click here for more information and purchase. A gold-plated lighter with a gold-plated name. S.T. DUPONT LIGHTER Incredibly rare 1960s gold-plated lighter by S.T. Dupont and Hermès Paris. Made in France with serial number and DUPONT makers mark. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to add to your haute couture collection. When you visit Maxfieldla.com there are many more opportunities to add to your personal bespoke possessions. Click here for more information and pricing.
Bee Generous: Feeding The Fosters – Let’s Fill These Christmas Wishes!
Mansion Monday: Magnificent Estate in Culbreath Isles
$8,795,000 4923 New Providence Avenue is a truly magnificent estate that only comes once in a blue moon. The quality, design, and attention to detail are unparalleled and unlike anything else on the market. The home sits on an oversized lot in Culbreath Isles at 21,312 SQFT, with imported Italian turf stretching the length of the property. You immediately get the sense of the grandeur of this home as soon as you enter through the 10-foot tall double steel doors and are greeted by soaring ceilings of 20 1/2 feet -the large spiral staircase inspired by the St. Regis in Atlanta is a show stopper. A breathtaking grand staircase greets you and all of your guests. The living room, visible from the entrance, is also 20 1/2 feet high, centered by a solid stone fireplace, carved and shipped from Turkey. A one-of-a-kind fireplace is the center stone of the formal sitting room. This home has many one-of-a-kind features, such as soundproofing to all exterior walls, a glass elevator with Carrera marble-lined shaft that looks up to a Chihuly-inspired blow-glass fissure, and a theater room with SONOS sound system. The large home theater doubles as a game room. The kitchen is an oversized gourmet chef’s dream with two full ovens and six burners, all WOLF appliances that sit adjacent to a climate-controlled wine cellar and butler’s pantry. The kitchen and butler’s pantry are made for a chef and entertaining guests. The house is full of redundancies to ensure you never are short on space, such as having three full-size subzero refrigerators, five freezers, and two refrigerator drawers in the kitchen and pantry alone. The fully custom kitchen has a massive 10-foot island for seating, a restaurant-grade solid 5×5 foot wood butcher’s block, and banquet restaurant-style seating by windows that gazes out over the backyard water oasis. The outside oasis can be viewed from all rooms. This home has a full three-car air-conditioned garage with height for car lifts and extra parking spaces for at least 12+ guests in the driveway. The elaborate entertainment space highlights a cascading infinity-edge saltwater pool surrounded by a crushed coral deck that withstands the heat. Finally, leading to the bay are two cement docks that can easily house a 50-foot boat on the 30,000-pound-rated boat lifts alongside a jet ski lift for two skis. From the home’s concrete dock, one can see the open bay. The boat and jet ski dock are easy to access to the bay. Presented by: Toni Everett
Weekend Wheels: 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE 350 4Matic
Electric cars still take my breath away, like a game-winning Tom Brady throw. And we’re talking football throwing here, not an iPad tablet. Their slingshot acceleration, their serene smoothness, their eerie lack of noise, and the overwhelming feeling that you’re driving a true car of the future. All great. And plugging-in, rather than filling up, is also a major attraction. After a joyous week piloting Mercedes’ all-electric 2023 EQE 350 4Matic, my love of ohms, volts, kilowatts and torques was only heightened. As the EQE badge suggests, this is an electric E-Class sedan, though it shares not a nut, bolt or washer with its gas-fueled sibling. Compared to a regular E, the EQE is 2.3 inches longer, 2.5 inches wider, 1.7 inches taller and a whopping 7.1 inches longer between the axles for more cavernous interior space. Yes, some of my fellow reviewers have criticized this new EQE, describing its rounded styling as “dumpling-like”, un-Mercedes, or as stylistic as a bar of Dove soap. I disagree. See it in profile and its body looks as if it was carved by the wind. Which essentially it was. It has a drag coefficient of 0.20 which is slipperier than a Tesla Model S or new Lucid Air. This thing is roughly as streamlined as Michael Phelps in a Speedo LZR rubber swim suit. The bow-shaped roofline is just gorgeous, with that swept-back windshield and coupe-like rear. Love too those muscular shoulders over the rear wheels. And there’s no mistaking that quirky, star-filled, black-paneled grille with the oversized Mercedes three-pointed star, just in case you forgot what you were driving. Terrific 20-inch wheels too, with their five slender spokes and wind-cheating, see-through star-pattern inserts. To get all techie for a moment, the EQE 350 4Matic I’m driving has electric motors front and rear packing a combined 288 horseys and 564 lb-ft of torque. And juiced by a 90.6 kWh battery under the floor, this hefty, 5,488-pound, four-door-with-a-trunk, can rush from standstill to 60mph in just 6.2 seconds and hit a top speed of 130mph. Want more scoot? Check the box for the more potent, dual motor EQE 500 and you’ll have 402 horsepower and 633 torques to play with. On the horizon, there’s even an AMG EQE with up to 677-hp and 738 lb-ft. And while our 350 4Matic’s estimated 305-mile range won’t win it any prizes at electric car finishing school, it’s more than sufficient for the commuting needs of most drivers. Climb aboard and even George Jetson would be wowed by the EQE’s futuristic interior. It’s hard not to be “gob-smacked”, as we say in merrie olde England, by the massive glass screens that make up the dashboard. I love the 12.3-inch driver’s instrument cluster which seems to float in front of the dash. That, and the 17.7-inch touchscreen with its pin-sharp graphics that flows up from the center console like a wave. Me, I wouldn’t pick the slightly dark and oppressive black and gray color scheme of our test car; Kentucky coal mines have more atmosphere. Some of the light-grays with lighter, open-pore woods, look a lot more luxurious and inviting. But there’s space a-plenty here, especially in the back. And back seat traveling is enhanced by the EQE’s quite-amazing panoramic glass roof that runs almost to the rear window to flood the cabin with light. On the road, I found this “starter” EQE to be an absolute delight to drive. No, it’s not pin-you-back-in-the-seat fast, but it’s spookily quiet, rides like it’s floating on air, and handles itself with precision and agility. Prices start at $74,900 for the single-motor EQE 350+, with our EQE 350 4Matic kicking off at $77,900. Opt for the fancy-pants Pinnacle spec, add a few options, and you’ll be looking at over $90,000. Prefer an SUV? Wait until early next year and there’ll be an EQE SUV. Which might just be the EQE
Weekend Top 10: Holiday Boat Parades, Family Fests & Runs, Jazz Holiday, and A Year of Extraordinary Travel
This time of year, it gets especially difficult to curate just ten events happening in Tampa Bay for the Weekend Top 10. There is just so much great stuff to do! Hopefully, in the tradition of Indiana Jones, I have chosen wisely. Thursday Nate Najar’s Jazz Holiday The Palladium, St. Pete It’s always a great time when Nate Najar is on stage playing your very favorite jazzy holiday music. He and his band have been doing it for 15 years and counting! Special guests, vocalist Daniela Soledade, Adrian Cunningham, and Dmitry Baevsky will bring a memorable musical experience to your holidays. A don’t miss in my book. December 8th @7:30pm Tickets and more information here. Opening Night- The Year of Extraordinary Travel by Becca McCoy Studio Grand Central, St. Pete In her new self- created solo show, Becca McCoy shares quips, reflections, and stunning photographic imagery from her very special year of world travel. It’s great to have Becca back to perform here after three long years – she always brings it, delighting her audiences. Another local fave, the talented Vickie Daignault, occupies the director’s chair. To celebrate the opening, there will be a reception and champagne toast at 7:15pm before the show begins at 8pm. December 8th – December 18th @8pm with Sunday matinees @3pm Tickets, dates, and more information here. Friday 40th Annual Boley Centers’ Jingle Bell Run The Pier Approach, St. Pete This is one event that you literally attend “with bells on,” (and Santa hats). It’s the 40th year for this waterfront 5k run that so many have made an un-skippable part of their holiday traditions. Sign up to run or simply cheer on you friends and neighbors. There will be musicians and food trucks lining the route, along with a glow zone and snow. Leashed pets are welcome. December 9th @7:30pm Sign up and other information here. Holiday Lighted Boat Parade Barbara Gilberg Park, South Pasadena In the Tampa Bay area, there is no shortage of lighted boat parades, many happening this weekend. If you love this bright and beautiful holiday tradition, check the chamber of commerce website in your waterfront community to plan to attend one or all of them. It really is a beautiful sight. Spotlighting beautiful Boca Ciega Bay, South Pasadena co-hosts with Marine Max to bring you a lighted boat parade featuring many enthusiasts putting their best holiday foot forward to win some $5000 in cash awards in two categories.December 9th @6:30pm More information here. The Florida Orchestra – Holiday Pops (Fri – Sun)3 Venues – Straz, Mahaffey, Ruth Eckerd Hall Our very own Florida Orchestra, a premier organization by any standard throughout the US, brings us their annual holiday music extravaganza over three days, and at three different venues across Tampa Bay. They’re performing all of Santa’s favorites, sure to delight the entire family. It’s TFO’s most popular concert of the year and a very merry musical tradition. December 9th – 11th Find complete program information, tickets, maps, and times here. Saturday Merry Beach Market & Holiday FestivalMadeira Beach It isn’t everywhere you can celebrate the holidays on the beach, you know. So come on down to the beach to holiday shop on the Gulf from over 130 vendors, enjoy live entertainment, and lots of goodies to choose from. You’ll also have a prime vantage point to see the MB Lighted Boat Parade, and the lighting of the Madeira Beach Christmas tree. There will be photo opps with Santa for the kids and some real snow to frolic in.December 10th @2-8pm Tickets and more information here. Old Fashioned Christmas & Holiday Parade Downtown, Dunedin Dunedin is such a charming community, that a parade and festival along Main St. will surely satisfy all your dreams of a perfect old fashioned Christmas. Activities include carriage rides, train rides, snow slide, kids crafts, storytelling, face painting, and live street performances. The whole family will love it. December 10th @4pm Free to the public. More information here. 49th Annual Christmas Parade Park Blvd, Pinellas Park Since 1972, the Pinellas Park Christmas Parade has been a part of the lives of this and surrounding communities. Now new generations bring their children to this festive symbol of Christmas. It starts on 58th St. and moves eastbound on Park Blvd.December 10th @6-8:30pm (seating available at 4:30pm) More information here. Sunday 8th Annual Chase the Dreidel – Congregation B’nai Israel 58th St N & The Pinellas Trail, West St. Pete Giving Hannukah some equal time, the question is, can you keep up with a giant, life-sized dreidel spinning down the 5k (chip-timed) route? Find out on Sunday if you join in on the run. Or just watch, cheer on the runners (and the dreidel), and go to the after party too. The Festival of Lights (Hannukah) officially begins on December 18th, 2022.December 11th @4pm (After party and latke dinner follows) Find more details or sign up here. Old Northeast Candlelight Tour of Homes Old Northeast, St. Pete The Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association hosts this much anticipated holiday walking tour of some of the areas most lovely homes – all decked out for your viewing pleasure. This year boasts a vintage theme circa 1920s when most of these homes were built. Homeowners and tour guides will wear period attire, play music popular a century ago in the roaring 20s. Food trucks will be found on the tour route too. Buy your tickets before Sunday to save $5. December 11th @ 3-8pm Get Tickets and more information here. Have a wonderful weekend and stay safe out there.Cindy Share your events: cstovall5@gmail.com
BEE Generous: Lift Holiday Market
Mansion Monday: A Seaside Sanctuary in Tierra Verde
$13,000,000 Have you dreamed of owning a seaside sanctuary? This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in Tierra Verde could be yours! This spectacular waterfront mansion sits on a 1/2 acre lot, perfect for watching sunsets. This ideal island retreat outdoor space highlights the gorgeous pool area with sweeping, expansive open views of the Gulf of Mexico. A true entertainer’s delight! Are you an auto enthusiast? This home has a separate eight-car garage with a workshop and storage. The primary master retreat opens to the pool lanai and offers a spa-like bath with floor-to-ceiling marble, a soaking tub, and a luxurious walk-in rain shower. This seaside sanctuary also features a gourmet kitchen, a gym, a fireplace, en-suite bedrooms, and a pool bath. The construction will hold up against all Florida weather with impact windows and doors, a covered grill area, boat dock and lift, solid block construction with poured concrete between floors, and much more. Presented by: Donna Miller Brokered by: Coldwell Banker Realty (727) 381-2345 774 Nina Dr, Tierra Verde, FL 33715