I was a longtime local jaded by my town when I found myself forced to take some classes at USF in St. Petersburg. The campus was right on the water and surrounded by a small but thriving downtown area full of laid-back, friendly folks. I fell in love, irresistibly charmed by the city’s community feel, its pleasant ambiance and good vibrations, its abundance of food and cultural offerings. I moved here, bought a house, then reported on my ‘hood for the UrbEx issue and fell in love all over again. Most of us who’ve made our home here are staunch advocates of the place because despite the problems, we’ve found what we’re looking for: a vibrant, diverse melting pot of personalities committed to making the community a better place. St. Pete’s Marina Williams of artPool and Bluelucy artists Phillip Clark and Chad Mize show appreciation with the third annual I Love St. Pete Art Show. The indoor/outdoor celebration of the area’s unique art scene includes an exhibit of new works by Clark, Mize and Williams as well as Johnny Vitale, Bask, Ken Williams, Chris Parks, Amy Santee and others, fashion, live music by Jazz Ole, Sons of Hippies, Jim Morey Band and Giddy Up, Helicopter, food, drinks and prizes throughout the night. Sat., Jan. 10, 6 p.m.-midnight, artPool, 919 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg, $10, 727-324-3878, artpoolrules.com.
This article appears in Dec 31, 2008 – Jan 6, 2009.