How many times have you questioned your career path? As we mature, we often think about finding a job that is more rewarding, does more to help others, or would make a difference for our community or society. But how many of us would be willing to actually take that risk once our careers are firmly established and successful? The Rev. Dr. Dawn Conti, the new senior pastor at First Presbyterian Church on Beach Drive, was willing.

When I asked Rev. Conti what gave her the inspiration, courage, and confidence to answer a call to ministry and change careers, she responded: “Soren Kierkegaard says that life is lived forward, but understood looking back.”… Read More

Editor’s Note: This is the corrected version of the Treasure Hunt story with all of the clues to help you find the mystery tree.

There is a famous tree in the Old Northeast that most everyone knows. It usually blooms in February when nothing else does, so that makes it really stand out. It is on the main street along Coffee Pot Bayou, which also helps it gain fame. It is a really big tree – as tall as the many oaks in the area. There have been photos of it in the Northeast Journal, the Tampa Bay Times, Facebook and even YouTube!… Read More

For years, television viewers have marveled over shows that focus on the duties of Navy and FBI officers. However, it’s different when one has lived that life in reality, and so it has been for St. Petersburg’s own Robert K. Cromwell.

Bob, as he likes to be called, has spent over 30 years in federal service to the United States. It was his humble beginnings in Princeton, New Jersey, though, that helped launch him into his extensive career.

“I did not know I was growing up in a unique place,” said Bob as he reminisced about the town in which he was born and raised.… Read More

Haven’t you always wanted to step through a looking glass into a secret land, you know, wandering to wonderland? (Come on, admit it… you have!) It really exists here in St. Petersburg; it’s possible to go on a treasure hunt right here in our city and find hidden wonderlands! The Old Northeast is sort of like that, but the secret spots in this hunt take you out of the familiar.

Don’t believe me? Well, try it yourself with my mysterious hints. But, you have to promise not to use maps or the apps on your cell phone. This is an old fashioned treasure hunt using only written clues.… Read More

In mid-January, I flew from Tampa to Havana on a trip that would introduce me to a country which has been off-limits for me (and most Americans) for most of my life. I participated in a one-week service program in Cuba with Global Volunteers, a non-profit non-governmental organization based in Minneapolis.

Along with 19 other volunteers ages 30-78, I spent a week on various work projects which included painting a fence at our base (The Cuba Council of Churches), spending time with elders at a senior care center, and working with students studying English in an evening program. Another team did crocheting with a women’s group for part of the day.… Read More

In Honor of Susan Woods Alderson
December 7, 1944 to November 10, 2016
Managing Editor and Photographer of
the Northeast Journal

How does one capture the spirit and life of the original ‘Original’ – that being the title of a new series of articles about St. Petersburg natives, invented by Susan Alderson? I wrote the first in the series for the November/December 2016 issue of the Journal.

As I was doing that interview with our first individual, Helen Dewalt, asking questions and furiously scribbling my notes, photographer Susan enthusiastically circled around us – nonstop clicking, up and down, right and left – except when she giggled with excitement each time Helen’s recollections reminded her of something she loved.… Read More

Poised yet enthusiastic, the newly elected mayor steps up to the podium and addresses the crowd gathered for Seaside City’s ribbon cutting ceremony. After days of tireless exploring, brainstorming, developing, lots of fun, and a little campaigning, she promises to keep the city clean with “garbage cans and recycling bins on every block,” along with two free cookies when visiting camp.

Mayor Charlie Harrod, age 10, has just completed the City Builders summer camp. The program is jointly sponsored by the Museum of History, the Historic Old Northeast Neighborhood Association (HONNA), Pinellas County Schools, and St. Petersburg Preservation, and is now in its third year.… Read More

Do you remember your senior year in high school? You went to prom in May, you attended graduation ceremonies in June, and said goodbye to the only life you knew. Graduating from high school is exciting, although it is also bittersweet. Some graduates are unsure of their future and do not have specific plans for work or college. The graduates from the St. Petersburg High School International Baccalaureate Program have worked hard over the past four years. These exceptional students are well prepared for college and have exciting futures ahead of them.

Since 1983, St. Petersburg High School has been home to the first International Baccalaureate Diploma Program in Florida.… Read More

In a world where it seems that obtaining things is most important, it is always reassuring to hear about someone doing something selfless for others. This is especially true when the person is a 13-year-old 8th grader! Meira Kowalski is a student at Shorecrest Preparatory School in Northeast St Petersburg and what she is doing is selfless and amazing.

Meira told me that she has always been drawn to charity work. In fact, on her 10th birthday, in lieu of gifts for herself, she raised money for Give Kids the World, a resort in Kissimmee (www.gktw.org) which hosts the families of children with life-threatening illnesses from around the world.… Read More

Sara Moola and her husband, Mike Vaughn, are accomplished leaders who live exemplary lives of dedication and service. Moreover, the Snell Isle couple is committed to our nation and serving the children of their fallen peers who died protecting it.

Mike is an Air Force Special Operations veteran with 21 years of service. Sara served the Peace Corp in Africa and is an expert in international development and geographic information systems. Together they own and operate Visual Awareness Technologies and Consulting, a non-governmental provider of global strategies, training and technology for the U.S. military and its allies.

Sara and Mike are unwavering supporters of the Special Operations soldiers and families who have made the ultimate sacrifice.… Read More