If you prefer your cosmetics crafted with kindness to animals, the environment and you in mind (think Pacifica), this place has you covered. Much of the diverse jewelry and clever housewares are handmade, many of benefiting good causes. Behind the counter are bulk herbs, spices and dietary supplements (tinctures and essential oil blends are made to order), and a back room sells earth mama-type clothing. Also: gourmet chocolate. Give yourself enough time to browse; this place is a sensory overload, from its lavender bouquets to the mulled cider they offer on cold days. 4121 16th St. N., St. Petersburg, 727/-521-4372. greatamerican.biz
Goods & Services
Blame it on the amount of work he was getting, or on the arrival of the Warehouse Lofts, but Tampa craftsman Andrew Watson had to move his workshop out of Seminole Heights and into “NoHo.” The relocation effectively closed Chris Kelly’s Workspace art gallery, the trendy BackForty retail space in the back of the building, and moved BUILT to a block that suffered extreme flooding this summer, resulting in serious damage to Watson’s equipment and hand-crafted furniture. We’re all about the positive growth of neighborhoods, but can’t we find a way to keep the artists around, too?
Runners Up: Josh Hansen, Dr. Sandy Carter
It’s 2015 in Tampa, and you don’t have to own a bicycle to see your city at a pace that lets you appreciate all its nuance. Coast Bike Share’s beautiful blue fleet features tires that never go flat and a smartphone-based rental app that is nearly idiot-proof (you’ll still have to walk Uncle Dave through it). With membership rates dropping to $15 for up to 90 minutes of riding a day, you might even consider abandoning your auto commute a few times a week.
Runners up: Antiques and Uniques, Vintage Post Marketplace
Runners Up: Reeves Import Motorcars, Suncoast Jeep & Chrysler
Runners Up: Lim's Autobody and Repair, Bob Lee
