Three Northeast St. Pete residents are helping the next generation of young people learn the skills they need to succeed in life. Kim Harvey, an interior designer; Krista Petkov, an information technology specialist at Jabil; and Bryan Stanley, a technology sales professional are volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, a nonprofit organization that matches vulnerable, at-risk youth with adult mentors.

A resident of Shore Acres, Kim moved to St. Petersburg eight years ago, and has a wide range of passions, from running her own interior design business (Kim Harvery Design) to horseback riding, and making bags out of repurposed sails.… Read More

By Cubby with a little help from Scott Brown

Last June, the City of St. Petersburg won the 2019 Better Cities for Pets™ Award for large cities. This arguably gives St. Pete barking rights as one of the pet-friendliest cities in America. The St. Pete website includes a PAWS page that has an interactive map listing St. Pete’s dog-friendly restaurants, parks, accommodations, and services. There’s also an application form for those who want to have their business officially designated as ‘dog friendly.’

But as far as neighborhoods go, my impression is that the Old Northeast and other neighborhoods in our Northeast Journal territory are pretty close to dog paradise.… Read More

My downtown neighbors, Bob O’Connor and Francis Vocking, and their adorable chocolate Labradoodle, Indy, walked across the street to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital for their regular twice-a-month visit. They were on their way to cheer up the young patients and their families. I was fortunate to be invited along to see first-hand what a difference this unique volunteer ‘team’ makes in children’s lives.

The children loved it when Indy arrived, greeting him with a heartwarming display of affection, smiles, and petting. Whether they’re sick or not, children need fun experiences. Some of them have dogs at home that they miss, and Indy’s visit can bring comfort.… Read More

As if St. Petersburg residents needed one more reason for civic pride… In case you didn’t know, we are home to the Awesome Original Second Time Arounders Marching Band and Auxiliary. This not-for-profit organization is for those who spent time in a marching band in high school, college, or military service and now miss it. They are easy to recognize. When a drumbeat starts, they start humming the tune and unconsciously begin marching in place. This is the place for those who would like to experience the thrill of it all again. Last year, the group – now 450 performers strong –  was invited to participate in the Thanksgiving Macy’s Day Parade, considered the ‘Super Bowl’ of marching bands.… Read More