There’s hip, and then there’s Hip Expressions near Crescent Lake, a belly dance studio founded by St. Pete local, Johanna “Zenobia” Krynytzky. With bright blonde hair and a flowing wardrobe, Johanna is many things: a dancer, teacher, cancer survivor, and entrepreneur. She is also a common sight around the ‘Burg as she works to share her unique form of expression.

Johanna’s parents and grandparents moved to the United States during World War II, and she says her love for dancing comes, in part, from her heritage as a first-generation Ukrainian-American.

“Growing up, Ukrainian was my first language, and I was surrounded by Ukrainian community, music, culture, and beliefs,” she explains.… Read More

It started in 1962, when she first arrived in St. Petersburg. And soon she became a familiar sight to thousands. With her bird-pecked straw bonnet, cautious eyes, three-wheeled bike, and flocks of gulls and sparrows clamoring for sustenance in her wake, Esther Wright was known to all as “The Bird Lady.” 

 For her love of the local fauna, Wright was featured in a number of national television programs, including Charles Kuralt’s CBS News feature On the Road, and the children’s program, Kid’s World. But few knew she was also an accomplished artist.

 Wright was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin on October 15, 1898.… Read More

As Father’s Day approaches, there’s a unique market experience where you might just find that perfect gift and more: the St. Pete Sunday Market in the Warehouse Arts District.

The event is the brainchild of Kody Roussert and Soudabah Moayedi, founders of St. Pete is Super Cool, which showcases the best things around town. 

“Every local in St. Pete has noticed the growth that has happened over the past few years in our city,” explains Soudabah. “The world is finally realizing how great St. Pete is. From the amazing weather, local art, amazing beaches, and our sense of community, what isn’t to love about our city?” … Read More

Do you know this bird? A cormorant you say? Not so fast! Avoid a case of mistaken identity, and take a closer look…

Thanks to favorable year-round temperatures and plentiful resources, our area supports a wide variety of bird species. All kinds of birds – particularly those that swim, fully submerged, to feed in both salt and fresh water – are just plain fun to watch. Sometimes they appear suddenly from under the water and disappear just as fast, continuing their mad chase after the small fish they eat.

The casual observer may know these birds as cormorants, but that is only part of the answer and only some of the time.… Read More

After a 46-year hiatus, Gary deBroekert started playing the tuba again.

It all started in middle school in Eugene, Oregon, where he grew up. The music teacher recruited him as he could easily handle the weight of the tuba and had the wind that was required to blow the notes. Turns out, he says, “I loved the tuba and was able to perform well with it.” Gary continued playing through high school and at the University of Oregon, earning his BA in music and then a master’s in music, majoring on the tuba. 

To avoid being drafted, Gary then enlisted in the Army and ended up in Washington, DC as a tuba instructor at the Army/Navy School of Music.… Read More

E. Wilson “Bud” Purdy assumed his position as St. Petersburg’s chief of police in October 1958 and served until January 1963. During those years he reformed and expanded the department, modernized its administration, and provided leadership through the beginnings of the Civil Rights era in the city. When Purdy assumed control there were 123 officers; when he left, the department had expanded to around 500.

Purdy came well prepared for his job. He was a graduate of Michigan State University where he enrolled in the Reserve Officer Training Program and earned a Bachelor of Science in Police Administration in 1942. The day he graduated he received his commission as a Second Lieutenant and married his college sweetheart, Jane Dykman.… Read More

For over 10 years those in the know have been grooving to beat of homegrown singers and songwriters, enjoying programs, podcasts, and more on RadioStPete.com Sunshine 96.7 FM (on the radio) and on your computer, phone, tablet, Siri, and Alexa. 

This March, Radio St. Pete moved its studio to the bustling co-working and art space that is Thrive DTSP, at 136 4th Street N., across from Williams Park. The sleek co-workspace has an urban vibe, an espresso machine, and the glass studio. It’s a big step for the station, expanding their local sports, news, and entertainment/arts coverage.

“Our new studio in the heart of downtown St.… Read More