Seeking Kernels of Truth: A Fracas Over Fried Rice
Fried rice — the gateway dish to Asian food — tastes good, it’s hard to mess up, it’s cheap, it’s fairly consistent from restaurant to restaurant. It’s also, um, unexciting. Can fried rice even be exciting? While it’s now a staple of most Asian restaurants, I first knew it as Chinese food. Fried rice did originate in China during the Sui Dynasty (589-618 AD), which is pretty specific as far as food history goes. We did not set out this week to find fried rice that wowed us. Why should it suddenly happen now? Instead, I wanted to pay close attention and see if I could detect subtle differences between two restaurants, neither of which turned out to be specifically Chinese: Moonlight Boba in Pinellas Park; and Pin on Grand in St. Pete’s Grand Central district. MOONLIGHT BOBA The little eatery with the romantic name is tucked away in a modernish building on US 19 just north of 62nd Avenue. We were the only customers at 6:45 on Monday. Moonlight Boba’s interior is sparsely furnished with little in the way of overtly Asian design elements. The well-lit place has a service counter in the middle, with high-tops on one side and low-tops on the other. Our smiling, quick-witted counter person, Ella, a college student, called herself a “bobarista.” We spent most of our meal chatting with her. I wanted to try three protein options — chicken, beef and pork — in my Hibachi Fried Rice. Because there was no combo price, this led to some tricky (and improvised) math — for a total of $19.98. Bonnie got Vegetable Fried Rice ($9). I also got a Mango-Strawberry Milktea with Honey Boba ($9.23). I’ll write a few words about my first boba drink at the end of the column. Appearance It never came up that we planned to dine in, so Ella brought out a stack of styrofoam to-go boxes in a bag. Bonnie grabbed a big spoon and crafted a photogenic bowl of fried rice. The above photo does not include large helpings of beef, pork and (especially) chicken that we portioned from the takeout box. The meal came with a container of creamy yum-yum sauce. Taste and Texture The rice clung together appropriately, not in clumps. The veggies — green beans, peas and carrots — were cut small. I wondered whether they’d been chopped up in-house or came from a frozen bag. (I didn’t ask.) Of the meats, I liked the pork, while Bonnie preferred the beef, which reminded her of the type in Philly cheesesteaks. The chicken was chalky, and we ate little of it. The sauce was, in fact, pretty yummy, adding a subtle sweetness. The protein-to-rice ratio was far too tilted toward the meats, and we left quite a bit in the box. In all, this was a solid portion of fried rice that I ate a good deal of. Bonnie easily finished her veggie version. PIN ON GRAND Thursday’s all-day rain had abated when we arrived at 6:30 under a dull white sky. The storefront’s only signage consisted of small, pink paper signs on the windows, and one on a tree out front, announcing “We’re Now Open.” Pin on Grand moved from a place farther east on Central to its new location in November. Inside, the place was busier than we’d expected, with many of the tables in the two rooms occupied, mostly with young folks. We sat at a four-top next to the window in the east room with a low ceiling that had an ornate chrome design that somehow wasn’t distracting. Pin on Grand’s vast pan-Asian menu ranges from sushi to ramen to Pad Thai. I ordered Thai Fried Rice with beef, chicken and pork ($23). Appearance For starters, this fried rice arrived on a plate. The meats were interspersed with the rice and large pieces of carrot, cucumber, broccoli, onion and tomato. The peas were smaller, as one would expect. In all, a more attractive presentation than most. Taste and Texture The rice was nice. It had a slightly more pronounced flavor than other versions I’ve had, although I’m at a loss how to describe it. Basil, maybe? In a reversal from Moonlight Boba, the chicken was clearly the star protein here — thinly sliced but still moist. The pork was okay, and the beef was rubbery. I added a few sprinkles of soy sauce to to punch up the flavors. And the Winner of the Fried Rice Fracas Is … Pin on Grand. This week’s fried rice lived up to its reputation, the one I outlined at the top of this column, although I wouldn’t consider our dishes cheap. That’s probably because I (ill-advisedly) ordered three proteins in each. I’ll most likely continue to get the dish from time to time, but going forward I’m ordering vegetable fried rice. About the Boba aka Bubble Tea: It came in a tall plastic sippy cup with a wide straw. Dark round globules gathered at the bottom — pieces of tapioca. When I sipped, the pearls rushed into my mouth along with the fruity, creamy liquid. It made me smile and actually blurt, “tapioca!” in momentary delight. These tapioca (there is no plural form, FYI) were bigger and chewier than the ones I’ve had in pudding, and after a bit I got a little weary of the jaw work, especialy seeing as I was consuming a beverage. At a certain point, I raised the straw above the pearls and concentrated on sucking in the sweet liquid, leaving leftovers piled on the bottom. I’ve no doubt that our bobarista Ella concocted a fine bubble tea. Will I return to boba-land? The jury’s out.
Weekend Top 10: So Many July 4th Celebrations! Find Some of the Best of the Best Right HERE!
This WT10 is all about America! It’s our 249th birthday and there are so many varied and interesting ways to celebrate. Here are some of the most exciting events from all around the Bay area curated just for you. #RegistrySpotlight will return next week. July 4th Celebrations Thursday Madeira Beach Independence Day Celebration Madeira Beach Recreation Center, Madeira Beach Get a jump on the partying by attending this celebration a day BEFORE the 4th. Celebrate America’s birthday with an evening of fun, food, and fireworks at the Madeira Beach Recreation Complex. There will be: Live Music, Food Trucks, Fireworks Show, and more! This free, family-friendly event features great entertainment and a fireworks finale you won’t want to miss. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs—just no pets or personal fireworks, please. Free Parking |Free Entry Thursday July 3rd @6pm – 9pm Find more information HERE. Friday City of Gulfport 4th of July Community Parade & Picnic Tomlinson Park, Gulfport As many of you know, extensive storm damage still exists along Boca Ciega Bay. Sadly, the evening fireworks are cancelled. In light of these unforeseen circumstances, the City will instead host a 4th of July Community Parade and Picnic at Tomlinson Park (1820 55th Street South) on Friday, July 4th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The Community Parade will begin promptly at 10:00 AM at Tomlinson Park. We encourage guests to arrive early to secure a viewing spot and enjoy a festive morning celebrating community spirit. Friday, July 4th @10am – 2pm Find more information HERE. The Fourth: Celebrating 5 Years of ExPIERience The St. Pete Pier, DTSP Not only is it a huge 4th party, it’s also the opening of a July-long 5th birthday celebration. Celebrate 5 years of the St. Pete Pier with a full month of weekend events this July. Think fireworks, fitness fests, a massive drone show, local artists, live music on multiple stages, and over 50 ice cream vendors. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this is one party you won’t want to miss. Join in for the 4th annual The Fourth Independence Day Celebration at St. Pete Pier. This event is filled with fun activities for all, including a Craft Beer Garden, Uncle Sam’s Market, Family Fun Zone, Food Trucks & Vendors, Live Music by the 13th US Army Band, roaming entertainers, and so much more! The Fourth of July fireworks show sponsored by the City of St. Petersburg is scheduled for 9 pm and will be visible from the entire Downtown waterfront. Friday, July 4th @4pm Find more information HERE. Safety Harbor 4th of July Parade Main Street, Safety Harbor If you’d like to start the celebration a bit earlier in the day, try the very charming and artsy city of Safety Harbor to enjoy a parade down Main Street! The American Legion Auxiliary will host a patriotic parade down Main Street on the morning of July 4th. Wear your red, white, and blue and be ready for a good time. Friday, July 4th @10am-12pm Find more information HERE. Catch the Spirit & Celebrate America Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, Tampa Back for its second year and bigger than ever, this high-energy family festival kicks off at 1:00 pm for an afternoon packed full of fantastic food, exciting activities, lively contests, an antique car show featuring more than 100 cars, and loads of live entertainment. An all-new, breathtaking, patriotic drone show takes place at sunset, lighting up the sky in a dazzling tribute to America. Then, stick around for the after party as Tampa favorite Ridge Country rocks the stage, keeping the celebration going into the night. Catch the lineup of interactive fun, from Little Miss and Mr. Firecracker competition to the pet parade, costume contest and watermelon-eating challenges. Meet the horses and officers of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Mounted posse. The kids will have a blast petting and feeding farm animals and in the Kids’ Zone while adults unwind with a refreshing beverage at one of the beer tents. Savor mouthwatering eats from a wide variety of local food trucks, explore unique crafts, and connect with community groups – there’s something for everyone.! Sounds like an incredible all-day celebration! Friday, July 4th @1pm – 11pm Find more information HERE. Clearwater Celebrates America Coachman Park, Clearwater Watch fireworks over Clearwater Harbor at this annual Independence Day celebration at Coachman Park. Starting at 5 p.m., enjoy local vendors and food trucks, family-friendly activities, live music and buskers throughout Coachman Park. There will be a free patriotic performance by the Coachman Pops Orchestra. A fireworks display will grace the night’s sky at 9:15 p.m. A silent disco party will be held in The BayCare Sound from 6 to 11 p.m. *A reminder for those traveling around downtown Clearwater or the beach, the Memorial Causeway Bridge will close at 9 p.m. Friday, July 4th @5pm – 9:45pm Find more information HERE. 4th of July Celebration @Busch Gardens Busch Gardens, Tampa Here’s something special for the 4th. Enjoy dazzling entertainment, world-class thrill rides and some of the best fireworks in Tampa for Independence Day Weekend! Join in at the Festival Field for an unforgettable Fourth of July Celebration, complete with a dazzling fireworks show that will feature a perfectly choreographed arrangement of music and lights. This one-of-a-kind spectacle will top off the night with a patriotic grand finale and a true celebration of the red, white and blue that you will not want to miss. The celebration continues ALL weekend Long! Friday through Sunday, July 4th – 7th Find tickets, park schedules, and more information HERE. Star Spangled Sparkman Sparkman Wharf, Tampa Celebrate Independence Day Sparkman-style at Star Spangled Sparkman, a waterfront tradition bursting with energy, entertainment, and unbeatable views. Enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, face painting, and festive food and drink specials from your favorite spots at the Wharf. It all kicks off with the ceremonial Blessing of the Fleet, then a splash into the high-energy Water
Where Cars, Culture and Coastal Luxury collide: The Main Straight at SkyBeach
PADRAIG HARRINGTON WINS 2025 U.S. SENIOR OPEN AT BROADMOOR EAST COURSE IN COLORADO SPRINGS
Home Is Truly Where The Heart Is: Inside Habitat for Humanity’s Celebration at Longlake Preserve
On the morning of Friday, June 13th, Clearwater witnessed something truly remarkable. A quiet street in the Longlake Preserve neighborhood came alive with music, applause, and emotion as eleven families turned the key to a new chapter of their lives. Friends, elected officials, community leaders, and supporters gathered to witness something far greater than just the opening of doors—it was the opening of opportunity, stability, and legacy. Hosted by Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside, the block party-style dedication honored the latest milestone in a bold, five-phase vision: a 54-home community made up of 52 townhomes and two single-family homes, all reserved for Habitat Homeowner Families. Friday’s celebration welcomed the newest 11 homeowners—each of whom had completed 350 to 450 sweat equity hours and 38 homeownership education classes in preparation for this moment. Laughter echoed in the streets as families explored their new townhomes— spaces that will now hold birthdays, study sessions, dinners, and dreams.Thanks to Habitat’s 0% APR mortgage model, these dreams are built on a foundation of affordability and empowerment. “This is more than just a neighborhood—it’s a movement,” said Mike Sutton, President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside. “The families are so ready to have a secure environment that will allow them to begin this next chapter of life, filled with joy, love, and peace of mind.” It was a celebration made possible by powerful partnerships. Home sponsors such as KAM Roofing, Lokey Charities, MaintenX, MarineMax, and Power Design stood alongside families they helped support. Public leaders including State Senator Ed Hooper and State Representative Kim Berfield were recognized for securing $2 million from the 2023–24 state budget, helping fund this remarkable project. Longlake Preserve also became the first Habitat development to benefit from Penny for Pinellas. This community didn’t just happen—it was built through local collaborations and the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home. If you’ve ever wondered what hope looks like, it looks like kids picking their bedrooms and neighbors hugging beneath banners that read Welcome Home. If you want to be part of that hope, Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside is always in need of volunteers. Whether swinging a hammer or lending a hand at events like these, your time and energy can directly impact the lives in our community. Building homes is just the beginning. What Habitat for Humanity is truly building… is futures.
Weekend Wheels Spotlight: VW’s new electric ID. Buzz is one cool retro ride
Break out the tie-‘n-dyes, the groovy boho pants and pop a little Mamas and the Papas in the eight-track for some California Dreamin’. We’re going back, baby, back to the swinging sixties. Well that’s the feeling I got every time I clambered aboard Volkswagen’s brand new ID.Buzz, the spiritual successor to the hippy-dippy, Little Miss Sunshine VW Microbus. Unless you’ve been living under a rock on Tristan de Cunha, you’ll know that VW has brought back the iconic bus as an all-electric, smiley-faced, family-friendly, people-carrier. It’s taken a while. After teasing us with endless ‘concepts’, then taking a year to introduce a U.S.-friendly, three-row, long-wheelbase version of the European model, the ID. Buzz finally went on sale, albeit in teeny numbers, last fall. Now with more arriving on dealer lots, I felt it my duty to take a closer look and see what all the ‘buzz’, the hype, and somewhat lofty price tags, were all about. So behold our 2025 ID. Buzz Pro S 4Motion tester, in delicious Mahi Green and Candy White two-tone, with cool 20-inch rims, and more head-turning power than a buzz-cutted Brad Pitt at the F1 movie premiere. While Buzz pricing starts at $61,545 for the Pro S, our loaded tester stickered at a non-trivial $70,540. Yikes. Did I love it? Despite the hefty price tag, that would be a boundless, jumbo-sized, overwhelming ‘yes’. I love the shape, the design, the interior, and the fact that it’s all-electric. Most important, I loved the way it drives. This thing is as fun as a ride on Cheetah Hunt at Busch Gardens. Step on the right pedal and whoosh, you’re slingshotting from standstill to 60 mph in around 6.5 seconds. Our tester was the single-motor version, with a rear-mounted 282-hp electric motor juiced by a 91 kWh lithium-ion battery under the floor. Pay extra for the 4Motion version and you get a second motor at the front for a combined 335 horseys and 0-to-60 sprinting in 5.5 seconds. Yes, the EPA-estimated full-charge range of 234 miles won’t win any prizes. With all that space inside, you thought they could have added a few extra batteries. But find a 200 kW DC fast charger and you can go from 10 to 80 percent charge in around 30 minutes. With that battery pack close to ground level for a low center of gravity, steering is as precise as McDreamy’s scalpel, the Buzz can buzz around the curves like an oversized Mazda Miata. That said, the thing is huge and takes up a lot of real estate of the road. It’s a little like driving a full-size pick-up or extended wheelbase Cadillac Escalade. But those expanded dimensions make it a master of its intended mission to carry seven or eight people in absolute stretch-out comfort. Slide open those minivan-esque side doors, step inside, and the second-row captain’s chairs are like oversized La-Z-Boys. Back in the third row, we haven’t seen this kind of legroom since a prom Town Car. And the interior fixtures and fittings, the cool Scan Design-like materials, and the excellent fit and finish, go a long way in justifying the lofty price tag. No, VW’s ID. Buzz magic bus won’t be for anyone. The adulation from fellow motorists and pedestrians, the finger points, the waves and constant selfies can get wearing. But the too-cute retro design aside, this new Buzz is a terrific all-round family hauler and a fun-driving EV. A Magic Bus indeed. For instant gratification, Morgan Auto Group’s Volkswagen of North Tampa has a rare 2025 ID. Buzz 1st Edition 4Motion in stock. I went to take a look. Hard not to love the Cabana Blue and Candy White two-tone exterior, the off-white ‘Dune’ interior. Plus the 1st Edition features, like the surfboard-ready roof rack, silver-faced wheels and huge, full-length electrochromatic-glass sunroof. Sales specialist Michael Moceri says it’s on offer at the regular 1st Edition 4Motion MSRP of $71,895 which includes destination. And right now VW is sweetening the deal with $2,500 off the retail-price, or $7,500 off a lease. While ID. Buzzes are still in short supply, VW of North Tampa currently has three in stock, including this coveted 1st Edition, plus another four at the port ready to be shipped.
Daily Bread: Four Artisan Loaves (Ranked)
Bread and butter. Remember when it used to be our bread and butter? Then at some point, dips and spreads — fancier and fancier — became the norm, with butter melting to the wayside. When I have bread in a restaurant — complimentary; I’m a conscientious objector when it comes to paying for “bread service” — I’ll try the dip but usually ask the server for butter. It’s not a problem at home, where butter is the norm. But we rarely buy artisan bread. Too much hassle, too much travel. That’s why this week’s edition was so fun. Not too many places around here sell bread that’s fresh-baked on-site (I’m not counting Publix), but we found two bakery/eateries not too far apart: The Crumb Factory Bakery & Cafe in west St. Pete; and La Casa del Pane on St. Pete Beach. We made a morning run and picked up two loaves at each place, then brought them back to the FFF Lab + Photo Studio™. I’ll rank the four loaves at the end. LA CASA DEL PANE Translated from Italian, La Case del Pane = House of Bread. My food-obsessed, home-chef friend Dominic used to make weekly runs here from his home in Northeast St. Pete just to buy loaves, which made this cafe/bakery an obvious choice. The bread wall was at the back. Little signs said “No Sourdough” — not that they were out; La Casa doesn’t do sourdough. Our gracious and helpful counter person, Anna, explained that the day’s loaves were made from white flour, while on select other days the bakery uses semolina. Our eyes were drawn to a loaf shaped like a mega-donut that looked as if it was just pilfered from a an Italian farmhouse. We also chose a multi-grain baguette. THE CRUMB FACTORY BAKERY & CAFE The parking lot was full at 11:30, so Bonnie had to park across Central Avenue while I snapped pics. The bread case was just inside the front door. A line had formed to order the Crumb Factory’s coffee, sandwiches and other goodies. The counter staff was busy so we were on our own. All of Crumb Factory’s bread is sourdough. One loaf smiled at us — a big one with a wheat stalk branded into in it. We bit, then added a baguette. FFF LAB™ METHODOLOGY We waited until dinner. Cut chunks from each loaf. Warmed them in the stove. Sliced. Buttered (Land O Lakes with Olive Oil and Sea Salt, room temperature). Ate. THE BREADS La Casa del Pane Both of these breads had rustic, chewy crusts — my jaws got a good workout — and had airy insides. An appealing contrast. True to its appearance, the mondo-donut bread tasted straight from the farmhouse table. The multi-grain baguette had an easier crust, a somewhat more complex flavor and a few seeds for good measure. Crumb Factory The bread had a distinct, but not overpowering, sourdough flavor. The whole-wheat, smiley loaf yielded by far the largest, and darkest, slices. The crust was relatively soft, the interior denser than the slices from La Casa. The baguette slices were small and tear-able, ideal for dipping in red sauce. (No such luck for us; we were eating fish.) THE BREADS RANKED 4 — White-flour donut loaf from La Casa del Pane 3 — Sourdough baguette from Crumb Factory 2 — Multi-grain baguette from La Casa del Pane 1 — Whole-wheat sourdough smiley loaf from Crumb Factory This ranking is essentially superfluous, the differences were miniscule. But alas, the FFF bylaws require it. We enjoyed every bite of every bread we ate. This episode provided a exciting change of pace from our usual bread consumption. Please — do try this at home.
Weekend Top 10: Squid Game in St. Pete?? Plus, Ultimate Pride Weekend Events & the Registry Spotlight – All Right Here!
Summer is underway and there is so much variety to enjoy this weekend – new art, theater, a huge boat show, great concerts, a cool Squid Game event, and the peak of Pride. Find it all right here with Registry Tampa Bay. Thursday Splash: A Cool Summer Art Show Syd Entel Galleries, Safety Harbor “Splash” invites art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a refreshing world of water inspired creations, celebrating the beauty and serenity of aquatic life. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Florida summer, the exhibition features and array of talented artists. Come discover artworks evoking the playful splashes of ocean waves, the calmness of flowing rivers, and sparkling light dancing on water surfaces. “Splash,” features a stunning collection of works from talented 2-D artists including Star, Alexys Henry, Margaret Juul, Lisa Schuster and Brett Varney, as well as exceptional glass artists such as Satava and Taylor Backes, among others. Now through August 30th Find more information HERE. Friday Tampa Bay Boat Show Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa AHOY MATES! Chart your course the Florida State Fairgrounds this weekend and check out the largest boat show in Tampa Bay. The Tampa Bay Boat Show is a grand event showcasing area boat dealers/manufacturers, the latest in boating and fishing supplies. This show offers a great way to see and compare all available makes and models in one location. Pontoons, Cruisers, Center Consoles, Jet Skis, exhibits and more. Plus, you don’t want to miss the Florida Fishing School Seminars Series each day. Take part in a series of presentations by the area’s top fishing guides and local experts…great tips, secrets, and fun! Learn how to catch the big one! There is something for Boaters of all ages waiting for you. After you have found your dreamboat explore the many exhibits of the clothing, sunglasses, boating and docking accessories and so much more. The event is open to the public, and admission is free so bring the family and make a day of it. You could be on the water before the weekend is over. Friday through Sunday, June 27th – 20th Find tickets and more information HERE. For a Good Cause: Our Wicked Truth: An Oz Adaptation – Presented by ProjectFREE Catherine Hickman Theater, Gulfport RisingStarz Theater is proud to present this year’s production: Our Wicked Truth: An Oz Inspired Adaptation. It will be telling a story of the land of Oz in a time before the wizard, with a Gulfport twist! RisingStarz is thrilled to be welcoming in their new theater director Myles Thoroughgood! Music will be done by our creative director Audrey Short. RisingStarz Theater is a branch of ProjectFREE that features a full cast of actors with diverse abilities and in it it’s 9th season with this original retelling. Friday through Sunday, June 27th – 29th Find tickets, performance times, and more information HERE. Saturday The Art Brunch Foodie Labs, St. Pete Join in this Saturday at Apululu and Bagel Babe inside Foodie Labs, for a unique brunch experience where food, art, and storytelling come together to nourish the soul. This first gathering features the official presentation of the book “Taimi Carrero: The Miracle Girl”—written by Taimi’s husband and a collective of authors inspired by the true story of Chef Taimi—a woman whose journey through adversity led her to discover purpose, healing, and joy through her passion in the kitchen. This is a FREE event and space is limited! Saturday, June 28th @8:30am – 12:30pm Find RSVP and more information HERE. The Glass Trials: A Family Friendly Squid Game Experience Imagine Museum, St. Pete Based on the viral Netflix series, The Glass Trials brings fun and competition to Imagine Museum. Binge the series on June 27 – then test your skills at The Glass Trials. Upon arrival, guests draw a marble to determine ticket price. Each player receives a numbered bib and punch card. Survive all six challenges with no eliminations to enter the Grand Prize Drawing. Didn’t make it? You’re still eligible for the Participation Award Drawing. Random “player eliminations” will be announced throughout the day for added fun. There will also be themed treats and lots more to enjoy. Reserve your spot for free—your actual admission price ($0–$5) will be revealed when you draw your marble at the door. Saturday & Sunday, June 28th & 29th Find tickets and more information HERE. **Registry Spotlight Event(s)** Here’s a shout out to all the great Pride events happening this weekend! Shining in the #RegistrySpotlight are our highlights for celebrating one of the largest Pride celebrations in the Southeast! Enjoy the grand finale of Pride month with one or all of these fun events! **PRIDE Weekend Events** Dirty John’s Dirty Disco The Studio @620, St. Pete St. Pete’s most unapologetically unfiltered comedy troupe is back at The Studio@620 with a brand-new show: Dirty John’s Dirty Disco! This sketch and musical performance extravaganza is bringing the glitter, the groove, and a whole lot of in-your-face irreverence. Join their disco fairies as they carry you through your journey! Expect outrageous characters, daring punchlines, and disco balls with jokes just as loud as the outfits. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-time troublemaker, one thing’s for sure—Dirty John’s isn’t here to play nice, they’re here to play funky. Thursday through Saturday, June 28th – 28th Find tickets and more information HERE. St. Pete Pride Friday Night Concert Featuring Durand Bernarr Jannus LIVE!, DTSP Friday, June 27th @6pm Find tickets and more information HERE. St. Pete Pride Parade Day 2025 DTSP, Straub Park, DTSP It’s time, once again, for St Pete Pride’s signature event – one that will bring hundreds of thousands of marchers, attendees, and supporters to the beautiful downtown waterfront to celebrate diversity, equality and fairness while having a helluva time. As one of the largest Pride Festival in the Southeast, this iconic event unites members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies
Yes, it’s hot. But we’re still fabulous.
Keegan Bradley Wins Travelers Championship
Mediterranean Waterfront Masterpiece on Davis Islands
514 Riviera Drive Tampa FL 33606 5 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 4,130 sqft $6,399,500 A Rare Find in One of Tampa’s Most Beloved Neighborhoods Tucked away on one of the most prestigious streets on Davis Islands, this Mediterranean estate is a true work of art—melding timeless architectural style with modern luxuries in a way that few homes manage to accomplish. Crafted by the expert team at Soleil Builders, this residence stands as both a nod to the island’s original 1920s charm and a forward-looking vision of luxury living. Located just moments from downtown Tampa, Davis Islands is one of the most exclusive and highly sought-after neighborhoods in the region. With its own airport, yacht club, and waterfront parks—not to mention a unique walkable village feel—it’s a community unlike any other in the Bay Area. And this home is your front-row ticket to it all. Striking Curb Appeal, Sophisticated Design From the moment you arrive, the home makes a statement. The limestone-framed front entry, lush landscaping, and warm stucco exterior immediately capture your attention. The Mediterranean influence is unmistakable, but what sets this home apart is its attention to balance—classic in form, yet modern in comfort. Inside, you’re welcomed by travertine tile floors that flow throughout the main living areas, creating a refined and cohesive atmosphere. The formal dining room is tailor-made for dinner parties and special occasions, while the living room with fireplace offers a cozy yet elegant retreat. Comfort and Style for Everyday Living The family room is a standout, with high ceilings, custom built-ins, and expansive windows that frame serene water views. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a quiet evening, this space perfectly blends warmth and sophistication. The open layout encourages connection while still offering distinct areas for relaxation and gathering. A Kitchen That Delivers on Every Level The chef’s kitchen is the heart of the home—designed to impress and perform. With quartzite countertops, custom cabinetry, a large center island, and high-end stainless steel appliances, it’s ideal for both daily living and elevated entertaining. A dry bar with a wine fridge and views of the pool make this space feel like a five-star resort in your own home. Outdoor Living That Embraces the Florida Lifestyle Step outside and you’re greeted by a private outdoor oasis. The sparkling pool is surrounded by multiple lounging and dining vignettes, offering endless possibilities for entertaining or relaxing. A generous side yard adds room for pets, gardening, or play, while the new dock with two boat lifts offers immediate access to open water. Whether you’re setting out for a sunset cruise or simply enjoying waterfront tranquility, this backyard delivers the best of Tampa Bay living. A First-Floor Retreat, Plus Room for Everyone Upstairs The first-floor primary suite offers everything you’d expect from a luxury property: French doors to the pool, a walk-in closet, and a spa-like ensuite bath with a double vanity, walk-in shower, and private water closet. It’s a peaceful retreat in a home full of thoughtful design. Upstairs, a split bedroom plan ensures privacy for family or guests, connected by a quiet loft ideal for reading or working from home. Each light-filled bedroom includes ample closet space and well-appointed bathrooms, with tub/shower combos and tasteful finishes. The Davis Islands Difference Life on Davis Islands is like nowhere else in Tampa Bay. Residents enjoy access to the Davis Islands Yacht Club, Peter O. Knight Airport, Seaplane Basin Park, Davis Islands Beach Dog Park, and some of the best recreational spaces in the city. The walkable village includes charming cafés, local boutiques, a pharmacy, tennis courts, and even a hospital. You can bike to downtown Tampa in minutes, yet feel a world away in this tight-knit, picturesque neighborhood steeped in history. Whether you’re an avid boater, a busy professional looking for a peaceful retreat, or a growing family eager to put down roots in a top-tier school zone, this home offers it all: elegance, location, and unmatched lifestyle. More Than a Home—A Legacy Homes like this don’t come along often. With its refined style, solid construction, and unbeatable address, this property offers a rare opportunity to own an architectural gem in one of Tampa’s most iconic communities. 📍 To schedule your private showing or learn more, contact Ali Thorn Garrity today. Ali Thorn Garrity, Luxury Realtor https://www.514rivieradrive.com/ 813-810-1118 | ali@marthathorn.com
Weekend Wheels Spotlight: Range Rover Sport delivers dynamic luxury
Within a nano-second of climbing in and driving off in Land Rover’s newest Range Rover Sport Autobiography, you know you’re behind the wheel of something a bit special. It’s like slipping-on a made-to-measure Savile Row suit. Or a pair of bespoke John Lobb loafers. Or a pair of Duluth Trading Buck Naked boxers. It all fits perfectly. Of course, there’s no shortage of luxury sporty-utes on the market – BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes-AMG GLE53, and Audi SQ8. All worthy rivals. But somehow the Range Rover stands out, like a suited-and-booted George Clooney in a sea of Woody Allens. A lot of it is down to cool, classy design. There’s a broody elegance here, from the towering waistline, to the slope of that coal-black roof, to the chiseled, cat’s-eye LED headlights, to those 23-inch gloss-black rims. And see that thrusting, bluff, mile-wide front end in your rear-view, with that unmistakable Range Rover script writ large, and chances are you’re moving over. It’s not just looks that thrill. Under that massive clamshell hood lurks a nuclear reactor of a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 delivering a mighty 523 horsepower and stump-pulling 553 lb-ft of torque. Coupled to one of the creamiest-shifting eight-speed automatics in the business, this BMW-sourced V8 can thrust the Sport from standstill to 60 mph in a zippy 4.5 seconds. Pretty impressive for a full-fat off-roader that weighs roughly the same as a Brinks armored truck. And the Rover isn’t just about straight-line performance. Show it a twisty back road and it starts to justify that Sport badge on the tailgate. With dynamic air suspension, front and rear active anti-roll bars, full-time all-wheel drive and four-wheel steering, the thing can carve curves like a tall-riding Corvette. For those times you prefer not to drive it like you stole it, the Sport is happy to lose its Sport badge and morph into a Lincoln Town Car with a ride that’s as smooth and supple as Ali Baba’s magic carpet. Even with those massive 23-inch gumballs at each corner, there’s surprisingly little road or tire noise. At 75 mph on I-75, the cabin is more hushed than a basket of snoozing kittens. For me, the only serious rival to this Firenze Red Sport Autobiography – base sticker $125,025, or $130,110 as tested – is the truly-impressive plug-in hybrid version. Here a 355-hp 3.0-liter in-line six gas engine is hooked-up to a 141-hp electric motor fed from a 39 kWh battery. The result is a combined and non-trivial 543-hp, 0-to-60 acceleration in 4.7 seconds, and a combined 53 MPGe economy. But the icing on the cake is its terrific, electric-only range of 53 miles that makes it perfect for daily commutes on silent, zero-emission battery power. It’s also slightly less pricey at $120,325. Inside, our V8 Autobiography is, as you’d expect from the sticker, a temple of luxury, though also an exercise in minimalism. All the typical switches and knobs you’d expect are now a tap or swipe away on the 13.1-inch curved touchscreen. Take your pick of cloth or lovely semi-aniline leather, though our test car’s acres of black leather, piano black trim and all-black dashboard made it look like the inside of Gene Simmons’ closet. Range Rover Sports start in price at $81,325 and soar to over $180,700 for the potent 626-hp Sport SV. But this Autobiography V8 might just be the best all-round SUV money can buy. For instant gratification, I saw that Land Rover Tampa up on East Fowler, is currently offering a loaded 2023 Range Rover Sport P530 First Edition with just 12,551 miles on the clock for just $96,250. That’s an impressive $30,700 saving on the original $126,955 MSRP. LIke our test Autobiography, it’s painted a stunning shade of Firenze Red with shiny black 23-inch rims and Ebony-black leather interior. And the First Edition package means more toys than an FAO Schwarz store during the holidays. Comes with that lovely 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 too. Take a look at www.landrovertampa.com