Fresh off the return of her hit Netflix series Sweet Magnolias, Tampa native JoAnna García Swisher speaks with Christine Bryant about the relaunch of her lifestyle brand and production company this fall, her upcoming holiday movie and some exciting new developments.
Style & Culture
Best of 2026
Each year, our readers nominate and vote for their favorite businesses, organizations and people throughout Pinellas County. What makes this recognition special is that it comes straight from the people who live, work and play here. These honors reflect the...
This Week’s Event Picks
Here’s a look at some of the noteworthy events, experiences and happenings taking place around the area this week.
Six Questions With Six Gun Sally
Fresh off the release of their new single, Sittin’ Pretty, the seven-piece band is opening for the legendary Double Trouble Double Vision Tour this summer, with a stop in Tampa Bay July 18th.
Destination Nashville
Known for its rich musical heritage and lively atmosphere, Beth Ann Drake explains why the Music City should be at the top of your list for a memorable getaway.
Meet The Makers: Miss Johnny Squirrel
Whimsical animal characters, everyday moments and a touch of humor come together in Yuki Osada’s artwork.
Pitch Secrets A to Z by Forbes Riley
Award-winning television personality and entrepreneur Forbes Riley has built a career on the power of communication, but there was a time when she could barely speak at all. In her newest book, the widely recognized “master of the pitch” shares lessons on the power of authentic communication and why the ability to connect with others may be one of the most important skills anyone can develop today.
The 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness: Rugged Refinement
Nitish S. Rele tests the redesigned 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness as it moves further into midsize SUV territory, blending familiar rugged capability with improved refinement and technology.
Beds of Hope
A partnership between the Rotary Club of Tierra Verde and Ashley Furniture to benefit Suncoast Voices for Children is making such a meaningful impact across Pinellas and Pasco counties. Through the effort, 600 beds generously donated by Ashley Furniture were recently delivered to help furnish safe, welcoming homes for children in foster and kinship care.
Art in Bloom
Various Locations / April 16
Florida Urology Partners Expands
After nearly two decades serving patients in downtown St. Pete, Florida Urology Partners recently celebrated a major milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new home at 2201 Central Avenue.
Scabal x Salvador Dalí
The Dali Museum / April 30
Sweet Magnolias Heads To New York
It’s summer in Tampa Bay, and that means sweet tea, afternoon rain showers and sun-soaked evenings. But when Season 5 of Sweet Magnolias arrives, the fan-favorite trio from the hit show trades the small Southern town of Serenity, South Carolina, for New York City as they pursue exciting new opportunities. The beloved series, featuring Tampa native JoAnna Garcia Swisher, debuts June 11th on Netflix.
Patrick Wilson
With a hit musical on Broadway, an eagerly anticipated new TV project premiering in June and a live performance in St. Pete this month, Patrick Wilson managed to carve out time to chat about what drives him and what keeps him grounded.
That Spa Life
As the ultimate insider in wellness, beauty and spa culture, we connected with St. Pete-based journalist Dana Wood, whose work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, W Magazine and Insider’s Guide to Spas, to explore the rituals, destinations and results-driven treatments shaping her approach to wellness around our area and beyond.
In The Frame
Executive Director and CEO Klaudio Rodriguez opens up about his vision for leading the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg into an exciting new chapter.
The Social Workout
On the sands of St. Pete Beach, 727FIT transforms a workout into a shared ritual where connection, play and community take center stage.
Meet The Makers: Hogg Batch Coffee Roastery
Enterprising twin brothers David and Duane Hogg have built a brand that feels as much about craftsmanship and community as it does about a truly distinctive coffee experience.
Meet The Makers: Noble Nectar Apiaries
An unexpected discovery sparked a calling built on stewardship, purpose and community.
Tile Time
Mahjong newbie Dana Wood has followed the game all over town and found a community along the way.
Pure Muscle
Nitish S. Rele gets revved up about this next generation “sixpack” muscle car with standard all-wheel drive.
Charting The Century
In 2027, St. Pete will host one of the world’s most demanding offshore races, a milestone for a city defined by wind, water and a deep-rooted maritime culture. Anchored by the St. Petersburg Yacht Club and supported by a broader community of sailors, scientists and enthusiasts, the event marks the latest chapter in a story that has long unfolded on Tampa Bay.
SPL Issue Party
DōMA Home Furnishings / March 19
Fashion in Bloom
Mahaffey Theater / April 10
Dreammaker Luncheon
Armature Works / April 1
John Legend: The Music Man
Fresh off his return to The Voice, multi-award-winning singer-songwriter John Legend heads back to Tampa Bay for an intimate concert blending soulful vocals with personal stories about his life and journey to stardom.
Home Base: Vanessa Williams
If you think the globetrotting former general manager of The Vinoy left St. Pete behind when she stepped away to pursue new challenges in another city, think again.
Michael Saunders: A New Age of Luxury
Michael Saunders is not just a name that residents along the Gulf Coast recognize for its connection to high-end real estate. The pioneering force behind the brand has helped shape the region’s identity for the past 50 years. Now the focus shifts to St. Pete and beyond.
Global Warming
Nanette Wiser discovers international heat at the St. Petersburg Jazz Festival.
Full Bloom
Lyrical lady and botanical artist June Bunch is a wellspring of inspiration and inventiveness. Nanette Wiser explores her garden of creativity.
Cruise Control
First sold in the United States in 1958, the Land Cruiser has long been a cornerstone of Toyota’s off-road legacy. Nitish S. Rele explores the evolution of the brand’s most storied model.
Leading Women Issue Party
House of Vegano / January 15
Academy Prep Evening of Dreams
The James Museum / February 7
John Legend Returns To The Voice And Tampa Bay
The multi-award-winning singer-songwriter is back on The Voice and heading back to Tampa Bay for an intimate concert event.
Spirited Storytelling
The former house of renowned novelist and poet Jack Kerouac, a founder of the Beat Generation who pioneered “spontaneous prose,” now serves as the setting for a monthly gathering that sparks spirited connections.
Lara Dallman-Weiss: Sailing A Small World
A two-time Olympian and Eckerd graduate
Lara Dallman-Weiss proves how community weaves through the sailing world.
Casting Their Spell
Are you a wannabe rocker? Let the five witchy women who make up Hex Appeal inspire you to channel your inner Cyndi Lauper, give your fantasy wings and let it fly in 2026.
Women You Need To Know
From one of the most in-demand actresses working today, who is a proud native
of our area, to civic leaders, authors and creatives, we regularly hear about
the many amazing ladies who deserve a shoutout from various folks in our community. And while it would be a herculean task to cover them all, we’ve chosen a sampling of smart, creative and inspiring women whose names kept coming up. So, with those simple criteria in mind and in no particular order, we’d like to share these highlights with you.
A Rising Tide
Local legend Allison Jolly leans on personal experience to coach the University of South Florida’s women’s varsity sailing team.
Jazz Jams
Nanette Wiser takes us inside two beloved Monday night shows led by some of the area’s most iconic local legends.
SAVOR St. Pete
Vinoy Park / November 1st & 2nd
Be the Voice Gala
Power Design Campus / October 25
A Legacy In Motion
The St. Petersburg Yacht Club has long been a fixture on the city’s waterfront. Now, with a full calendar of racing, youth programs and milestone anniversaries ahead, the Club is entering one of its most dynamic seasons yet.
Speed & Strength
The 22nd annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, set for February 27th through March 1st, will transform the spectacular downtown waterfront into a three-day celebration of racing, festivities and entertainment.
Smooth Sailing
The largest boat show in Florida is heading to St. Pete’s downtown waterfront for an epic four-day exhibition.
Five Questions With Fortune Feimster
Fresh off voicing a lesbian beaver in Zootopia 2, co-hosting the podcast Handsome with fellow funny people Tig Notaro and Mae Martin and filming season 2 of FUBAR with Arnold Schwarzenegger, comedian Fortune Feimster brings her Taking Care of Biscuits Comedy Tour to St. Pete.
St. Pete Native Robert Enriquez Debuts New Film Stone Creek Killer
Two decades after screenwriter Clint Elliott initially imagined it, Robert Enriquez is finally sharing Stone Creek Killer with a wide audience. The film recently premiered on multiple streaming services.
A Legend Comes Calling
Tampa Bay gets its share of world-class talent, but there was something particularly thrilling about Morgan Freeman’s recent visit to town. It could have been the electrifying group of jazz performers he brought along for a collaboration with The Florida Orchestra or the seismic magnitude of his presence. One thing is for sure—his words, gathered from a handful of conversations, provide a portrait of a man still very much on the move.
Sharing In The Shimmer
At Top Buttons, Sara Garas is creating more than a boutique—she’s building a community where young women learn to stand tall, feel confident and shine.
Savor The Season
Strategies to help you create celebrations that shine without the stress.
Lens as Legacy
Marcia Biggs explores a new exhibit at The James Museum showcasing rare photographs from a 30-year project documenting Native American people and tribes.
Take Note
Family-friendly tips for Florida Orchestra concerts
The Big Give
Two community giving groups join forces for a night of collective impact.
Joyful Gifting
’Tis the season for thoughtful surprises
and inspired shopping.
Butterfly Ball
The Vinoy / September 25
Fabulous Females
Waldorf Astoria Residences / September 22
Issue Party – Style & Design
Gibson’s on Central / September 18
An Icon Reloaded
Nitish S. Rele takes a nostalgic trip in the all-electric 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz.
Jazz Holiday
Clearwater’s beloved Suncoast Jazz Festival
hits a high note for its 35th year.
Boots on the Bay
Dust off your boots for the Burg’s first-ever country music festival.
Rays On The Runway
Power Design / August 23
Shining On
SHINE Mural Festival, St. Pete’s annual art bash that transforms the city into a living outdoor museum, is set to return with a focus on local artists.
Influence Her
What do you get when you combine a media-trained on-air personality, a social media influencer, a marketing strategist, an events producer and a content creator? A rapidly rising force to be reckoned with.
Good Gronk
Four-time Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski is living his “best life” by focusing on wellness, philanthropy and enterprising business pursuits.
Local Legend: Angela Bassett
Award-winning actress Angela Bassett has made a career of portraying real-life heroes—pioneering women like Rosa Parks, Betty Shabazz, Coretta Scott King and Tina Turner.
Morgan Freeman’s Symphony of the Blues
Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman brings the heart and soul of the Mississippi Delta—where the blues was born—to St. Pete’s Mahaffey Theater this Thursday, September 25. Members of his Ground Zero Blues Club will perform alongside The Florida Orchestra, while Freeman appears live on stage and through cinematic narration in what he calls a “mixed media” experience.
Style In Motion
Nitish S. Rele salutes one of the most iconic sports cars on the road as it celebrates its 36th birthday.
Fast Forward
Barbara Green shares the inside scoop on South St. Petersburg’s newest 5K run, a vibrant celebration of health and community.
Retro Roost
Nanette Wiser channels her inner vintage vixen at a Grand Central lounge and music venue steeped in speakeasy charm.
A Culinary Celebration
SAVOR St. Pete returns, bigger, bolder and more delicious than ever.
Billboards of Creativity
Jenée Priebe, the former director of the SHINE Mural Festival and founder of No Good Deeds Art, speaks with Avery Anderson, the founder of Tampa BayArts Passport, about the evolution of St. Petersburg’s mural scene.
A Club Reimagined
For over 115 years, the St. Petersburg Yacht Club (SPYC) has been one of the most enduring and beloved recreational and social institutions in the St. Pete community, serving generations of residents and their families.
Compact Comfort
While not everyone has a sprawling backyard, we all crave a place to connect with nature, experience a moment of calm and extend our homes with a personal outdoor refuge.
z•aa Anniversary Party
z•aa dress up studio / August 9
Woodson Warriors Ceremony
St. Petersburg College Allstate Center on May 17th
SPL Best of 2025 Bash
The Floridian Social / JULY 24
Women of Song
Nanette Wiser invites you to check out three dynamic artists she has worked alongside at RadioStPete (RSP): Fiona Frensche, June Bunch and Sandy Atkinson, whose styles range from a quirky blend of jazz, blues, pop and bossa nova called “JazzyPopaNova” to folk and the blues, and who are empowering and inspiring other female singers and songwriters with their ferocity—hear them roar!
Two Events. One Mission.
This fall, the Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation invites the community to unite for two unforgettable experiences benefiting ovarian cancer awareness.
Beyond the Bite
Auguste Escoffier, the legendary French chef, restaurateur and culinary writer once remarked “Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness.” At our Best of 2025 VIP event, some of our winners and sponsors spread that happiness one bite at a time.
Making Her Mark
March is Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on the frequently overlooked contributions of women in our society, so we wanted to share some ways you can learn about the fascinating local women who made history.
Rey of Light
Angie Rey’s remarkable journey from Seminole to Hollywood has been nothing short of inspiring, culminating in a star-making turn on NBC’s The Voice. With every powerful performance, she not only showcased her immense talent but also shared her personal story in a way that has touched audiences around the world.
Self Made
To say that Phil Yost—the successful business leader and charismatic man about town—needs no introduction might be something of an exaggeration, but—
in many circles—as the saying goes, if you know… you know.
Greetings from St. Pete
At the heart of the city, Mo Houston discovers a place that offers a welcoming embrace to our community.
Penning Best Sellers
Susan Smiley-Height catches up with Sarah Penner, a St. Pete-based New York Times best-selling author and world-traveling speaker and coach.
Wine in the Burg
As summer heats up, everyone’s searching for something cool and refreshing to sip, so we asked Kelly Rodriguez-Laureano of Lolita’s Wine Market to give us her top picks of the season.
Small But Mighty
Nitish S. Rele takes the purpose-built 2025 Lexus UX Hybrid for a spin and breaks it down by the numbers.
Inviting Tension
Keaton Fox talks about the origin of her new immersive art installation, the Quiet at Heart, which will run from July 5th through August 30th at FloridaRAMA.
Game Changer
Author and podcaster John R. Miles talks with Nanette Wiser about his next chapter and living his best life.
SPL Best Life Issue Party
The Melting Pot / May 22
Live Out Loud
Spring brings a fresh mix of music, community and local storytelling.
Improving Care
Physician and thought-leader Dr. Uche Blackstock spends an evening with doctors and clinicians in St. Pete.
The X Factor
With impressive upgrades inside and out, this refreshed take on a popular compact SUV is more dynamic than ever.
I Got Fired
Unemployed at 37, one local woman faces the daunting prospect of starting adulthood anew, without all the things she once valued most.
Be The Change
Adam Peters first made the news for something simple but powerful—bringing neighbors together in St. Pete and spreading a sense of goodwill. Now, he’s taking that mission further, helping others build more fulfilling lives.
Disco in the Desert
James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art / March 15
SPL Spring Soirée
Rob Bowen Design / April 16
Savoring the Scene
Meet Helen Freund, the popular Tampa Bay Times’ food and dining critic, who’s spent years cultivating a connoisseur’s palate.
Fair Winds
Lauren Hubbard has set sail on a transformative journey to chart new territory beyond geographical boundaries.
Uncommon Good
Meet a local woman whose inspiring commitment to service has made her a standout—and an ongoing force for good.







































































































